What is the Mushaf of Fatima according to the Imami Shiites? Is it a different Quran than the one we have today?
We often hear about the Mushaf of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (may God be pleased with her) on the internet. Is there really another Quran other than the one we have?
Introduction:
The Mushaf of Fatima is a book mentioned in some Shiite narrations and attributed to Lady Fatima al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). However, it is not another Quran, as the name might imply. Rather, it is a non-Quranic book that Fatima (may God be pleased with her) is said to have written or had its contents dictated to her after the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), according to narrations. It contains special knowledge or information.
---
Definition of the Mushaf of Fatima:
Linguistic Meaning:
"Mushaf" in the language does not necessarily mean "the Quran," but rather it refers to the entirety of a book compiled into it.
Thus, "Mushaf of Fatima" means "the Book of Fatima" or "a written collection belonging to Fatima."
---
Narrations Related to the Mushaf of Fatima:
In some narrations, Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to Fatima after her father's death, comforting her and telling her what would happen to her descendants and the Ummah.
Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote down what was dictated to Fatima, and it became known as "the Mushaf of Fatima."
The famous narration from Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq
> On the authority of Abu Ubaydah, on the authority of Abu Abdullah:
"Fatima lived for seventy-five days after the death of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and she was deeply saddened by the loss of her father... Gabriel (peace be upon him) would come to her and offer her sincere consolation, telling her about her father and his status, and informing her of what would happen to her descendants. Ali (peace be upon him) would write this down, and this is the Mushaf of Fatima."
Source (Al-Kafi, Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol. 1, p. 241, Chapter on the Hadith of Fatima (peace be upon her), Hadith 5.)
---
What is not in the Mushaf of Fatima:
1. It does not contain anything from the Qur'an. Ja'far al-Sadiq said: "It does not contain anything from the Qur'an, but rather it is something that was given to her."
2. It is not another Qur'an, nor a substitute for the Qur'an we have. > From Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him): "The Mushaf of Fatima is not the Qur'an, but rather words dictated to her, and it contains information about what has happened and what will happen until the Day of Resurrection."
📚 (Basair al-Darajat, p. 157)
3. It does not contain detailed legal rulings or new legislation. Rather, narrations state that it contains:
News of the Unseen (what will happen in the future).
The names of kings and rulers.
What will happen to her descendants and the members of the Household.
This is mentioned in the book Basair al-Darajat, p. 157, Hadith 14. "It does not contain anything permissible or forbidden, but it does contain knowledge of what will happen."
---
What does the Mushaf of Fatima contain? (According to the narrations)
The narrations state that its contents included: Special divine knowledge given to Fatima; future information, such as the names and stories of kings and rulers on the Day of Judgment; and what will happen to her descendants and the Household; consolations from Gabriel to Fatima. However, it does not contain anything permissible or forbidden.
---
Where is it now?
According to Twelver Shia narrations:
It is with Imam Mahdi, preserved among the legacies of the Imams. It is said to be among the things that Imam Mahdi will reveal when he appears. Ja'far al-Sadiq said: "It is with us; no one claims it except a liar."
---
✍️ Has it reached us?
No, the full text or any part of it has not reached us, and the narrations state that it has been preserved and has not been presented to the people.
---
Summary:
Point of Clarification
Name: Mushaf Fatima
Meaning: A special book given to Fatima, may God be pleased with her
Content: News of the Unseen, consolation from Gabriel, not the Quran
The book was dictated by Gabriel to Fatima and written by Imam Ali
Memory: Preserved by Imam Mahdi
Purpose: To console Fatima after the death of the Prophet and impart special knowledge to her
