Shi`a Pajoohi

Shi`a Pajoohi

The Location of the Commander of the Faithful's House in Baqīʿ and Its Connection to Early Islamic Events

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Shi‘a Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
The residence of Amīr al-Mu'minīn (the Commander of the Faithful) and Hazrat Ṣiddiqa Ṭāhira (Lady Fāṭima al-Zahrā') (AS) is commonly referred to as "Bayt Fāṭima (AS)". However, several historical sources mention a place in Baqīʿ called "Dār ʿAlī (AS)" (the House of ʿAlī), attributed to Amīr al-Mu'minīn (AS). Although historical sources extensively discuss the conditions of Medina and Baqīʿ, they either make no mention of " Dār ʿAlī (AS)" or only pass over it without specifying its exact location. Some researchers, citing the small size and proximity of "Bayt Fāṭima (AS)" to the Prophet’s Mosque and the Prophet’s residence, have deemed this house unsuitable for hosting certain pivotal events of early Islam, including those following the Prophet’s passing. Consequently, they either deny the occurrence of these events or regard them with skepticism. This article is a descriptive-analytical study, with data collected through library research and analyzed using qualitative content analysis based on hadith sources from both Islamic traditions, Islamic history, the history of Medina, biographical works (tarājim, ṭabaqāt, and ansāb), travelogues, and other related sources. The study reconstructs the location and boundaries of "Dār ʿAlī (AS)" in Baqīʿ. The findings indicate that Amir al-Mu'āminin (AS), from the time of his marriage — both before and after residing in "Bayt Fāṭima (AS)" — possessed a spacious house at the edge of what is now Baqīʿ. This house served as the residence for both him and Ṣiddiqa Ṭāhira (AS), and many decisive events of early Islam, particularly those following the Prophet’s demise, took place there.
Keywords
Subjects

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