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Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa): The Light of Qom
As we commemorate the wafat (death anniversary) of Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa), we take this time to reflect on her inspiring life, her spiritual significance, and her continuing impact on Islamic learning.
Known as “Lady Masuma Qom”, she remains deeply loved by believers across the world.
We’ll look at some key facts about her journey, her character, and her legacy.
Early Life and Family
Sayyida Masuma (sa) was the daughter of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as), the seventh Shia Imam, and Lady Najmah Khatun (also known as 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. There is a difference of opinion about her exact date of birth, but many sources mention the 1st of Dhul Qaʿdah, 173 AH (Lady Fatima Masuma (as) of Qum). Others suggest slightly different dates.
Raised in a home filled with faith and learning, Sayyida Masuma (sa) was nurtured by both her father and brother.
Even as a young girl, she stood out for her piety, knowledge, and spiritual insight.
The Journey to Reunite with Her Brother
In 200 AH, Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as) was summoned by the Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun to Khorasan (Lady Fatima Masuma (as) of Qum).
Wishing to reunite with 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 his family to join him.
Near Saveh, the group was ambushed by enemies of the Ahlulbayt (as).
Many were killed, and Sayyida Masuma (sa) became gravely ill. She asked to be taken to Qom, and her request was granted.
Though her health continued to worsen, her presence left a powerful and lasting spiritual legacy.
Her Final Days and Burial
Lady Masuma (sa) passed away in Qom in 201 AH.
While the year of her death is unanimously agreed upon, the exact date of her death varies in different sources. Traditional accounts 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 fell critically ill after the tragic journey, arriving in Qom. She was buried there, and her resting place became a revered shrine and a magnet for pilgrims.
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).
Her Shrine and Lasting Legacy
Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma (sa) was buried in Qom, where her shrine became one of the most visited Shia pilgrimage sites in the world.
Every year, thousands of believers come to perform her ziyarah, seeking peace, healing, and connection to the Ahlulbayt (as).
Imam Al-Jawad (as) is reported to have said, “Those who go to the Ziyārah of my aunt in Qom will be rewarded with Paradise.” (Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch.106, h.2)
Her resting place helped shape Qom into a leading center of Islamic learning, with seminaries and scholars continuing her legacy of devotion and knowledge.
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)
Conclusion
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.
FAQ
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)
