Abu Bakr's repentance for angering Fatima

Thank you for your questions! The sermon of Fadak is similarly narrated in Zaydi sources such as Al-'Ilaam. Sorry, I am not familiar with the 12er version. So I really can't compare it to the Zaydi version.

As for Sayyida Faatima's (as) demand for inheritance, remember that her demand from Abu Bakr was for more than Fadak. She was also demanding her share of Khaybar which was a part of her inheritance. Her claim of inheritance was not related to Fadak.

I am unfamiliar with this piece of paper that you mentioned. However, we do say that she brought Ali and Umm Ayman forward as witnesses. [Ref. Al-Masaabeeh, Majmu Kutub wa Rasaa`il Imam al-Qaasim ar-Rassi, and others]

As for the reason why Imam Ali (as) did not return Fadak to the descendants of Faatima (as), it could be a variety of reasons. But before that, it must be understood that Ali (as) believed Fadak to be the property of Faatima and her descendants. This is evidenced by the references we mentioned in our last post and other proofs. So, if it is acknowledged that Ali (as) knew that Fadak was the property of Faatima's descendants, there must be extenuating circumstances and reasons that led to him not returning it to them. It must not be assumed that the reason he didn't return it is because he didn't believe it to belong to Faatima's descendants. For that reason, we say that the main reason that Fadak was not returned to Imams al-Hasan (as) and al-Hussein (as) was that they allowed it to remain in the hands of the Muslims and in the use of the imam of their time. This can be evidenced by an incident that was recorded by Shareef al-Alawi in his Jaami' al-Uluum Al Muhammad. He narrated from Imam Muhammad al-Baaqir (as) that Imam Ali (as) asked al-Hasan, al-Hussein, Abdullah b. Abbas and Abdullah b. Ja'far about their right to the khums. He said to them that it belongs to them and it is their choice as to whether they will donate it to him to help against his war against Mu'awiya or keep it. They decided to let him use it. That withstanding, since Imam Ali (as) had three wars during his entire tenure as imam, it is more likely that he offered al-Hasan and al-Hussein their share of Fadak but they allowed him to keep it to generate revenue for his war efforts. Given all of the above, this is the most probable reason.

As for Imam Mansur Billah Abdullah bin Hamza's (as) interpretation, I'm not sure how it was derived. There was no reference to any earlier imams or sources for this opinion in his treatise. He simply brought the opinion forward.

And Allah knows best!

IRS

Thank you for your question!
As for a reply to the Sunnis regarding the interpretation of the verses, our imams and scholars have responded to their claims. As for the verse {And Suleiman inherited from Dawud}, this cannot be said to be an inheritance of knowledge or Prophethood because such things are not inherited; rather Allah bestows Prophethood and knowledge on whom He wills. Knowledge and Prophethood are not passed down from father to son nor can a father determine which of his sons inherit Prophethood and knowledge. Actually, Suleiman (as) could not have inherited Prophethood because he was a Prophet and had knowledge during the lifetime of his father (as). Allah says in the Qur'an: {And remember David and Solomon, when they gave judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We did witness their judgment. To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did (all these things)} (Q. 21:78-79 Yusuf Ali). These verses make it clear that Suleiman already had knowledge and Prophethood before the death of his father. It is therefore nonsensical to say that Suleiman (as) was to inherit anything other than his father's kingdom and wealth.

As for the connection between the verse in which "the Book" is said to be inherited, one cannot use that as a proof to justify the idea of inheriting knowledge or Prophethood because the word 'inheritance' linguistically implies a a passing down of wealth to an heir. The verse that mentions 'inheriting' the Book is specific and cannot be used in a general sense unless there is definitive proof to the contrary.

As for the other verse regarding Yahya (as) inheriting from Zakariyya (as), this verse is even more clear that Prophets leave inheritance. Prophet Zakariyya (as) said: {Lo! I fear my kinsfolk after me, since my wife is barren. Oh, give me from Thy presence a successor. •Who shall inherit of me and inherit (also) of the house of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, acceptable ( unto Thee)." (Q. 19:5-6 Pickthall). The pertinent question is: "If the heir of Zakariyya was to inherit prophethood and knowledge, why would Prophet Zakariyya (as) fear that for his kinsfolk? If Prophethood and knowledge were to be left to his heirs, he should desire that for his relatives. However, Zakariyya (as) did not want to leave his wealth behind to his kinsfolk.

It is for this reason that we say that the verses used by Sayyida Faatima (as) proved her case and disproved the claim of Abu Bakr.

And Allah knows best!

IRS

Thank you for your question! There are definitive reports that indicate that Sayyida Faatima (as) died angry with the first two. This is the first time I heard the excuse that az-Zuhri said she died angry with them. It's a pretty pathetic reply if I must say. Even if az-Zuhri was the only one that said it, it does not negate the reality of the matter. We know from history that Sayyida Faatima did not speak to them nor did she allow them to her burial. If this does not indicate anger, I don't know what does!

Anyway, there is a report in Sahiih al-Bukhaari in which the incident is mentioned without the phrase "He said" before mentioning her anger.
Similarly, a narration in Sahiih al-Bukhaari mentions the incident and says that she refused to speak to them and attend her burial without the phrase "He said".
And Allah knows best!

IRS