As we commemorate the wafat (death anniversary) of Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa), we pause to reflect on her extraordinary life, her spiritual status, and her lasting influence on Islamic scholarship.
Known as “Lady Masuma Qom”, she holds a special place in the hearts of believers.
We’ll explore key facts about her journey, her virtues, and the legacy she left behind.
Sayyida Masuma (sa) was the daughter of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as), the seventh Shia Imam, and Lady Najmah Khatun (also called Lady Taktam). Her brother was Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as), the eighth Shia Imam.
Read more about Imam Al-Ridha (as) here.
She was born in Medina. While there is a difference of opinion about her exact date of birth, many sources mention the 1st of Dhul Qa’dah, 173 AH (Lady Fatima Masuma (as) of Qum). Others suggest slightly different dates.
Raised in a household dedicated to worship, knowledge, and devotion, she grew up under the direct guidance of her father and, later, her brother.
From a young age, she was known for her piety, wisdom, and deep understanding of faith.
In 200 AH, Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as) was summoned by the Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun to Khorasan (Lady Fatima Masuma (as) of Qum).
Longing to see her brother, Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa) left Medina in 201 AH with a caravan of relatives. Some reports also mention that a letter was sent to the Imam (as), inviting the family to him.
Near Saveh, the group was ambushed by enemies of the Ahlulbayt (as).
Many were killed, and Lady Masuma (sa) became severely ill. She asked to be taken to Qom, and her request was granted.
Though her health declined, her presence left a lasting spiritual legacy.
Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa) passed away in Qom in 201 AH.
While the year of her death is unanimously agreed upon, the exact date varies across sources. Some traditions mention the 10th or 12th of Rabi AlThani (Lady Fatima Masuma (as) of Qum), and some commemorate her passing on the 4th of Rabi AlAwwal (Shia Devotions).
She reached Qom after becoming ill during her tragic journey. There, she spent her final days in worship, ultimately passing away.
She was buried in a garden owned by Musa ibn Khazraj, who was a companion of the 8th Imam (as) (Lady Fatima Masuma (as) of Qum).
After her passing, Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa) was buried in Qom. Over time, her resting place became one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims.
Countless visitors continue to perform her ziyarah, seeking her intercession and drawing spiritual strength from her presence.
Imam Al-Jawad (as) is reported to have said, “Those who go to the Ziyarah of my aunt in Qom will be rewarded with Paradise.” (Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch.106, h.2)
Today, Qom is also a global centre of Islamic scholarship. Her shrine stands at the heart of the city, surrounded by religious seminaries that attract scholars and students from around the world.
As one of the noble servants and friends of Allah (swt), her life reflects the Quranic promise verse where Allah (swt) says, “(As for) the friends of Allah (swt), there will be no fear for them nor shall they grieve (both in this world and in the hereafter).” (10:62)
Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa) lived a life rooted in knowledge, devotion, and love for the Ahlulbayt (as).
Though her time in this world was brief, her impact endures through the shrine visited by millions, the seminary city that blossomed around her, and the hearts she continues to inspire.
Let remembrance become action.
Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa) was the daughter of the seventh Imam, Musa Al-Kadhim (as), and the sister of the eighth Imam, Ali Al-Ridha (as). She is revered for her piety, knowledge, and devotion, and her shrine in Qom is a major center of spiritual and scholarly significance for Shia Muslims.
She set out from Medina to reunite with her brother, Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as), after he was summoned to Khorasan by the Abbasid Caliph. Along the way, her caravan was attacked, leading to her illness and eventual arrival in Qom.
Her shrine is not only a place of pilgrimage (ziyarah), but it also became a spiritual and academic hub. Qom is now home to one of the most prominent Islamic seminaries, attracting scholars and students from around the world.
According to a hadith from Imam al-Jawad (as), “Those who go to the Ziyarah of my aunt in Qom will be rewarded with Paradise.” (Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch.106, h.2)
