Question # 499: Aslmkm brother; Was sent via whatsup pertaining to prophet Muhammad SAW, stating he died in the arms of his daughter Fathima Radiyallahu anhu. Is this correct or was it his wife Aisha Radiyallahu anhu. Jazzakumu Allahu khaira

bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: The long narration (mentioned in the question above) of the last moments of the life of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) which is going viral on various social media platform indicates that ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) was not present during this time and only Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) and Ali (رضي الله عنه) were around the Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم). This narration is not backed by any authentic narration from the books of ahadith. However, authentic ahadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim state that Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) passed away in the home of ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) with his head between her neck and chest.

One should be cautious and abstain from forwarding social media messages (like the one in the question) when their sources are untraceable in any original and authentic books of ahadith. It seems the source of this narration is of Shi’ite origin.

Long Answer: The long narration (mentioned in the question above) of the last moments of the life of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) which is going viral on various social media platform indicates that ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) was not present during this time and only Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) and Ali (رضي الله عنه) were around the Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Firstly, this narration is not backed by any authentic narration from the books of ahadith. Secondly, the following excerpt titled ‘The Prophet Breathes His Last’ from the book ‘The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) – Biography of the Noble Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم)’ by Safiur-Rahman Mubarak Puri based on authentic narrations from Sahih Bukhari clearly implies that the narration in question is devoid of any truthfulness:

When the pangs of death began, ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) leaned him against herself. She used to say: One of Allah’s favors to me was that Allah’s Messenger died in my house, while I was still alive. He died between my chest and neck while he was leaning against me. Allah has mixed his saliva with mine at his death. ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) had come in with a Siwak in his hand, while I was leaning Allah’s Messenger against me. I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak, so I asked him, as I knew that he wanted it, “Would you like me to take it for you?” He nodded in agreement. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked, “Shall I soften it for you?” He nodded in agreement. So, I softened it with my saliva and he passed it (on his teeth). In another version it is said: “So he brushed his teeth as well as he could.” There was a water pot available close to his hand with some water in it. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said: “There is no God but Allah. Death is full of agonies.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

As soon as he finished brushing his teeth, he raised his hand or his finger up, looked upwards to the ceiling, and moved his lips. So, ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) listened to him. She heard him say: “With those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, with the Prophets and the Truthful ones, the martyrs and the good-doers. O Allah, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me to the most exalted Companionship on high.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Then he repeated the last words three times: “The most exalted Companionship on high.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

And at the same time, his hand came down and he joined the most exalted Companionship on high.

Among the narrations of Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) which have been reported in the Saheeh ahadith are the following:

  • It was reported by Al-Bukhari and narrated by Anas (رضي الله عنه) who said: “When the ailment of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) intensified, he frequently became unconscious, whereupon Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) said, “Oh, how distressed my father is!” He said, “Your father will have no more distress after today.” When he died, she said, “O Father who has responded to the call of his Lord! O Father whose dwelling place is the Garden of Firdaws (the best and highest part of Paradise)! O Father, we announce this news (of your death) to Jibreel (Gabriel).” When he was buried, Fatimah said, “O Anas! How did you manage to scatter dust on the Messenger of Allah?”
  • Imam Muslim reported in his Sahih that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said to her, “I perceived that my death has drawn near and that you (Fatimah) will be the first amongst the members of my family to follow me. I shall be a good forerunner for you.” Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) said, “I wept when I heard this. Then he whispered to me (saying), ‘Would it not please you to be the best of the believing women or the best of the women of this Ummah (community)?’” Fatimah (رضي الله عنها) said, “I smiled when I heard this.”

Last but not the least, one should be cautious and abstain from forwarding social media messages (like the one in the question) when their sources are untraceable in any original and authentic books of ahadith. It seems the source of this narration is of Shi’ite origin.

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam