Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) is the third son of Ali (a.s.) and Fatimah (s.a.) after Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.). He is also referred to as Mushabbar which is also the name of Prophet Haroon Ibn Imran’s (a.s.) third son. He was no more than six months fetus at the time of the attack. (Al-Hidaayat al-Kubra, p. 407, Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 53 p. 19)
Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) was the least involved in the business of politics and machinations which the attack on Fatimah’s (a.s.) was all about. He was not concerned with anything that transpired on that day and no one who had any grouse with Ali (a.s.) and Fatimah (s.a.) had an argument against Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.). Even those who debate about the infallibility of Ali (a.s.) and Fatimah (s.a.) fall silent when the infallibility of an unborn child is raised because they have no answer.
Therefore, although the entire attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house was illegitimate, the attack on Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) in many ways was the most illegitimate part of the attack.
Just like this vicious attack laid the foundation of another murderous attack 50 years later in Karbala, it is perhaps Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom to safeguard the infallibility of his parents (a.s.) that inspired his nephew Ali Ibn Husain (al-Asghar) to wage a battle against the enemies in Karbala to safeguard the infallibility of his father Imam Husain Ibn Ali (a.s.). Imam Husain (a.s.), of course, is unique among the oppressed ones as he is the only one present on the scenes of both the attacks – one on his parents and brother and the second on his children, nephews and another brother.
It is perhaps the powerful influence of Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom that has led some Muslims to deny his death in the attack, attributing it to other causes. This is clearly a campaign based on misinformation or lack of information that is similar to the campaign to deny the attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house altogether. The attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house has no justification whatsoever and therefore the only way out is to deny it altogether.
Of course, the biggest blow to the deniers is the martyrdom of Fatimah (s.a.) and Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) in the aftermath of the attack. It is widely documented that both (a.s.) were martyred as a result of the attack; Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) instantly and Fatimah (s.a.) a few days later.
Documentary evidence of Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom
There are several well-documented narrations to establish Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom from the attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house. Those interested in seeking the truth of the matter should not be surprised to find scores of scholars and historians from across eras and predispositions (Shia and Sunni) record the martyrdom of Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) in a manner that puts the issue beyond doubt.
A) Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom in the Holy Quran
Since the first place to look for evidence of a belief or concept is in the Noble Quran, we must turn to this divine book for evidence of Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom. And evidence of this event appears in the 8th and 9th verses of Surah Takweer (81):
‘And when the female infant buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed.’
Mufazzal Ibn Umar, the respected companion and special deputy of Imam Sadiq asked Imam (as) – What is your opinion about these verses?
Imam (a.s.) informed: “O Mufazzal, by Allah, ‘Maudato’ (i.e. infant) in this verse means Mohsin and surely he is from us and not others. Those who claim otherwise are lying.
Then Imam (a.s.) elaborated (on the events on the Day of Resurrection) – Fatimah, the daughter of the Allah’s Messenger will supplicate – O Allah fulfill Your Promise and Your Pledge with me with regards to those who oppressed me, usurped my rights, struck me and distressed me with regards to all my children.
On hearing this, all the angels inhabiting the seven heavens, the carriers of the Throne and all those residing in space and the inhabitants of the earth and under the layers of the earth will lament and wail in front of Allah. Then, none will remain from those who oppressed us and killed us and those who were pleased at our oppression except that he will be killed.”
(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 53 pp. 23-24)
B) Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom in Supplications
Apart from the Holy Quran, supplications of the infallible guides (a.s.) are reliable sources of beliefs and concepts. The martyrdom of Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) finds mention even in supplications. In the renowned Supplication of Sanamay-e-Quraish, we implore Allah to curse the oppressors (of Ahle Bait a.s.) for every fetus that they have destroyed.
(Misbaah al-Mutahajjiid by Shaykh Taqi Al-Deen Ibraheem al-Kaf’ami (r.a.) p. 731)
Over here, the reference to the oppressors who attacked Fatimah’s (s.a.) house resulting in Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom is obvious.
C) Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom from Sunnah and History
1. Allamah Muhammad Baqer Majlisi (r.a.) records in Behaar al-Anwaar vol. 43 p. 171 on the authority of Abu Baseer who relates from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.), ‘Fatimah’s (s.a.) death resulted from being pierced by the sword which claimed (the unborn) Mohsin’s life. The perpetrator of this crime was Qunfuz, who was acting on his master Umar’s explicit command…’
2. Ibn Shahr Aashob al-Sarvi al-Mazandarani in vol. 3 p. 132 records from Al-Maarif of Ibne Qutaybah al-Dainoori (reputed Sunni historian) – “The following were Fatimah’s children – Hasan, Husain, Zainab, Umme Kulsum and Mohsin Ibn Ali who was killed by Qunfuz Adawi (i.e. from Bani Adi, the same tribe as Umar Ibn Khattaab).”
3. Masoodi records in Isbaat al-Wilaayah p. 142 – “They attacked Fatimah’s (s.a.) house. They crushed the Chief of All Women behind the door so violently that it resulted in the miscarriage of Mohsin.”
4. Muhammad al-Shahrastaani reports in Al-Milal wa al-Nehal vol. 1 p. 57 (Beirut Edition) – “Umar struck Fatimah violently in the abdomen (on the Day of Allegiance) so much so that she fell on her abdomen (resulting in the infant’s death).”
5. Abu Abdillah Shams al-Deen al-Zahabi records in Mizaan al-Etedaal vol. 1 p. 139 – “Undoubtedly Umar kicked Fatimah so much so that it led to Mohsin’s miscarriage.”
6. Allamah Khalil Ibn Aybak al-Safadi in Al-Waafi be al-Wafiyyaat vol. 6 p. 17 records – “The Motazelah sect is of the view that on the Day of Allegiance Umar undoubtedly struck Fatimah so much so that Mohsin was killed.”
7. Abdul Qadir al-Tamimi al-Baghdadi in Al-Farq bain al-Faraaq p. 107 records on the same lines as above.
8. Sadr al-Deen Ibraheem Ibn Sa’d al-Deen Muhmmad al-Hammuee in Al-Faraaed al-Simtain vol. 2 p. 35 records on the authority of Ibne Abbas who heard the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prophesize – ‘…it is as if I see grief and anxiety entering my daughter’s house, her respect being violated, her rights being usurped, her inheritance being denied to her, her unborn being miscarried and (in this moment of distress) she will call out – O Muhammad, but no one replies to her pleas.’
Bibliography of References Documenting Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom
Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) martyrdom has been recorded by the following scholars/historians:
I) Sunni Sources
1. Al-Milal wa al-Nehal vol. 1 p. 57 (Beirut Edition) by Muhammad al-Shahrastaani exp. 548 AH
2. Mizaan al-E’tedaal vol. 1 p. 139 by Abu Abdillah Shams al-Deen al-Zahabi exp. 748 AH
3. Al-Waafi be al-Wafiyyaat vol. 6 p. 17 by Allamah Khalil Ibn Aybak al-Safadi exp. 746 AH
4. Al-Farq bain al-Feraq p. 107 by Abdul Qadir al-Tamimi al-Baghdadi exp. 429 AH
5. Al-Faraaed al-Simtain vol. 2 p. 35 Sadr al-Deen Ibraheem Ibn Sa’d al-Deen Muhmmad al-Hammuee exp. 732 AH
6. Sharhe Nahjul Balagha vol. 4 p. 192 (Beirut Edition) by Ibne Abil Hadeed Motazali exp. 656 AH
7. Kitaabo Dalaael al-Imamah by Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibn Jurair al-Tabari exp. 310 AH
II) Shia Sources
1. Al-Manaaqeb by Ibn Shahr Aashob al-Sarvi al-Mazandarani (exp. 583 AH) vol. 3 p. 132 from Al-Maarif of Ibne Qutaybah al-Dainoori (Ahle Sunnah)
2. Isbaat al-Wilaayah by Masoodi (exp. 346 AH) p. 142
3. Al-Amaali by Shaykh al-Saduq (exp. 381 AH) p. 99
4. Bashaarah al-Mustafa le Shiah al-Murtaza p. 197 by Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibn Abu al-Qaasim al-Tabari (sixth century scholar)
5. Iqbaal al-A’maal p. 625 by Sayyed Ibn Taawoos (exp. 664 AH)
6. Irshaad al-Quloob p. 295 by Abu Muhammad al-Hasan Ibn Abi al-Hasan Muhammad Dailami
7. Jalaa al-Uyoon vol. 1 p. 184 by Allamah Muhammad Baqer Majlisi (exp. 1111 AH)
8. Misbaah al-Kaf’ami p. 522 by Shaykh Taqi Al-Deen Ibraheem al-Kaf’ami (exp. 905 AH)
9. Al-Muhtazar p. 109 by Husain Ibn Sulayman al-Hilli, a student of al-Shaheed al-Awwal
10. Al-Kaamil p. 309 by Shaykh Bahaai (exp. 1031 AH)
11. Hadiqah al-Shia p. 265 by Ahmed Ibn Muhammad famous as Muqaddas-e-Ardebili (exp. 993 AH)
12. Ma’ani al-Akhbaar p. 205 by Shaykh al-Saduq (exp. 381 AH)
13. Ilme Yaqeen p. 686
14. Rawzah al-Muttaqeen vol. 5 p. 342
15. Behaar al-Anwaar vol. 43 p. 171 by Allamah Muhammad Baqer Majlisi (exp. 1111 AH)
16. Isbaat al-Hudaat vol. 2 p. 337 by Shaikh al-Hurr al-Aameli (exp. 1104 AH)
Conclusion
An unbiased view of the various references from the Majestic Quran, the Prophet’s Sunnah and history recorded by scholars and historians across eras and sects (viz. Sunni and Shia) should make it obvious to those seeking the truth that Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) was martyred by the mob that attacked Fatimah’s (a.s.) house only a few days after the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) demise.
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Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) was the least involved in the business of politics and machinations which the attack on Fatimah’s (a.s.) was all about. He was not concerned with anything that transpired on that day and no one who had any grouse with Ali (a.s.) and Fatimah (s.a.) had an argument against Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.). Even those who debate about the infallibility of Ali (a.s.) and Fatimah (s.a.) fall silent when the infallibility of an unborn child is raised because they have no answer.
Therefore, although the entire attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house was illegitimate, the attack on Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) in many ways was the most illegitimate part of the attack.
Just like this vicious attack laid the foundation of another murderous attack 50 years later in Karbala, it is perhaps Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom to safeguard the infallibility of his parents (a.s.) that inspired his nephew Ali Ibn Husain (al-Asghar) to wage a battle against the enemies in Karbala to safeguard the infallibility of his father Imam Husain Ibn Ali (a.s.). Imam Husain (a.s.), of course, is unique among the oppressed ones as he is the only one present on the scenes of both the attacks – one on his parents and brother and the second on his children, nephews and another brother.
It is perhaps the powerful influence of Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom that has led some Muslims to deny his death in the attack, attributing it to other causes. This is clearly a campaign based on misinformation or lack of information that is similar to the campaign to deny the attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house altogether. The attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house has no justification whatsoever and therefore the only way out is to deny it altogether.
Of course, the biggest blow to the deniers is the martyrdom of Fatimah (s.a.) and Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) in the aftermath of the attack. It is widely documented that both (a.s.) were martyred as a result of the attack; Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) instantly and Fatimah (s.a.) a few days later.
Documentary evidence of Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom
There are several well-documented narrations to establish Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom from the attack on Fatimah’s (s.a.) house. Those interested in seeking the truth of the matter should not be surprised to find scores of scholars and historians from across eras and predispositions (Shia and Sunni) record the martyrdom of Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) in a manner that puts the issue beyond doubt.
A) Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom in the Holy Quran
Since the first place to look for evidence of a belief or concept is in the Noble Quran, we must turn to this divine book for evidence of Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom. And evidence of this event appears in the 8th and 9th verses of Surah Takweer (81):
‘And when the female infant buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed.’
Mufazzal Ibn Umar, the respected companion and special deputy of Imam Sadiq asked Imam (as) – What is your opinion about these verses?
Imam (a.s.) informed: “O Mufazzal, by Allah, ‘Maudato’ (i.e. infant) in this verse means Mohsin and surely he is from us and not others. Those who claim otherwise are lying.
Then Imam (a.s.) elaborated (on the events on the Day of Resurrection) – Fatimah, the daughter of the Allah’s Messenger will supplicate – O Allah fulfill Your Promise and Your Pledge with me with regards to those who oppressed me, usurped my rights, struck me and distressed me with regards to all my children.
On hearing this, all the angels inhabiting the seven heavens, the carriers of the Throne and all those residing in space and the inhabitants of the earth and under the layers of the earth will lament and wail in front of Allah. Then, none will remain from those who oppressed us and killed us and those who were pleased at our oppression except that he will be killed.”
(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 53 pp. 23-24)
B) Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom in Supplications
Apart from the Holy Quran, supplications of the infallible guides (a.s.) are reliable sources of beliefs and concepts. The martyrdom of Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) finds mention even in supplications. In the renowned Supplication of Sanamay-e-Quraish, we implore Allah to curse the oppressors (of Ahle Bait a.s.) for every fetus that they have destroyed.
(Misbaah al-Mutahajjiid by Shaykh Taqi Al-Deen Ibraheem al-Kaf’ami (r.a.) p. 731)
Over here, the reference to the oppressors who attacked Fatimah’s (s.a.) house resulting in Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) martyrdom is obvious.
C) Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom from Sunnah and History
1. Allamah Muhammad Baqer Majlisi (r.a.) records in Behaar al-Anwaar vol. 43 p. 171 on the authority of Abu Baseer who relates from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.), ‘Fatimah’s (s.a.) death resulted from being pierced by the sword which claimed (the unborn) Mohsin’s life. The perpetrator of this crime was Qunfuz, who was acting on his master Umar’s explicit command…’
2. Ibn Shahr Aashob al-Sarvi al-Mazandarani in vol. 3 p. 132 records from Al-Maarif of Ibne Qutaybah al-Dainoori (reputed Sunni historian) – “The following were Fatimah’s children – Hasan, Husain, Zainab, Umme Kulsum and Mohsin Ibn Ali who was killed by Qunfuz Adawi (i.e. from Bani Adi, the same tribe as Umar Ibn Khattaab).”
3. Masoodi records in Isbaat al-Wilaayah p. 142 – “They attacked Fatimah’s (s.a.) house. They crushed the Chief of All Women behind the door so violently that it resulted in the miscarriage of Mohsin.”
4. Muhammad al-Shahrastaani reports in Al-Milal wa al-Nehal vol. 1 p. 57 (Beirut Edition) – “Umar struck Fatimah violently in the abdomen (on the Day of Allegiance) so much so that she fell on her abdomen (resulting in the infant’s death).”
5. Abu Abdillah Shams al-Deen al-Zahabi records in Mizaan al-Etedaal vol. 1 p. 139 – “Undoubtedly Umar kicked Fatimah so much so that it led to Mohsin’s miscarriage.”
6. Allamah Khalil Ibn Aybak al-Safadi in Al-Waafi be al-Wafiyyaat vol. 6 p. 17 records – “The Motazelah sect is of the view that on the Day of Allegiance Umar undoubtedly struck Fatimah so much so that Mohsin was killed.”
7. Abdul Qadir al-Tamimi al-Baghdadi in Al-Farq bain al-Faraaq p. 107 records on the same lines as above.
8. Sadr al-Deen Ibraheem Ibn Sa’d al-Deen Muhmmad al-Hammuee in Al-Faraaed al-Simtain vol. 2 p. 35 records on the authority of Ibne Abbas who heard the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prophesize – ‘…it is as if I see grief and anxiety entering my daughter’s house, her respect being violated, her rights being usurped, her inheritance being denied to her, her unborn being miscarried and (in this moment of distress) she will call out – O Muhammad, but no one replies to her pleas.’
Bibliography of References Documenting Mohsin Ibn Ali’s (a.s.) Martyrdom
Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) martyrdom has been recorded by the following scholars/historians:
I) Sunni Sources
1. Al-Milal wa al-Nehal vol. 1 p. 57 (Beirut Edition) by Muhammad al-Shahrastaani exp. 548 AH
2. Mizaan al-E’tedaal vol. 1 p. 139 by Abu Abdillah Shams al-Deen al-Zahabi exp. 748 AH
3. Al-Waafi be al-Wafiyyaat vol. 6 p. 17 by Allamah Khalil Ibn Aybak al-Safadi exp. 746 AH
4. Al-Farq bain al-Feraq p. 107 by Abdul Qadir al-Tamimi al-Baghdadi exp. 429 AH
5. Al-Faraaed al-Simtain vol. 2 p. 35 Sadr al-Deen Ibraheem Ibn Sa’d al-Deen Muhmmad al-Hammuee exp. 732 AH
6. Sharhe Nahjul Balagha vol. 4 p. 192 (Beirut Edition) by Ibne Abil Hadeed Motazali exp. 656 AH
7. Kitaabo Dalaael al-Imamah by Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibn Jurair al-Tabari exp. 310 AH
II) Shia Sources
1. Al-Manaaqeb by Ibn Shahr Aashob al-Sarvi al-Mazandarani (exp. 583 AH) vol. 3 p. 132 from Al-Maarif of Ibne Qutaybah al-Dainoori (Ahle Sunnah)
2. Isbaat al-Wilaayah by Masoodi (exp. 346 AH) p. 142
3. Al-Amaali by Shaykh al-Saduq (exp. 381 AH) p. 99
4. Bashaarah al-Mustafa le Shiah al-Murtaza p. 197 by Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibn Abu al-Qaasim al-Tabari (sixth century scholar)
5. Iqbaal al-A’maal p. 625 by Sayyed Ibn Taawoos (exp. 664 AH)
6. Irshaad al-Quloob p. 295 by Abu Muhammad al-Hasan Ibn Abi al-Hasan Muhammad Dailami
7. Jalaa al-Uyoon vol. 1 p. 184 by Allamah Muhammad Baqer Majlisi (exp. 1111 AH)
8. Misbaah al-Kaf’ami p. 522 by Shaykh Taqi Al-Deen Ibraheem al-Kaf’ami (exp. 905 AH)
9. Al-Muhtazar p. 109 by Husain Ibn Sulayman al-Hilli, a student of al-Shaheed al-Awwal
10. Al-Kaamil p. 309 by Shaykh Bahaai (exp. 1031 AH)
11. Hadiqah al-Shia p. 265 by Ahmed Ibn Muhammad famous as Muqaddas-e-Ardebili (exp. 993 AH)
12. Ma’ani al-Akhbaar p. 205 by Shaykh al-Saduq (exp. 381 AH)
13. Ilme Yaqeen p. 686
14. Rawzah al-Muttaqeen vol. 5 p. 342
15. Behaar al-Anwaar vol. 43 p. 171 by Allamah Muhammad Baqer Majlisi (exp. 1111 AH)
16. Isbaat al-Hudaat vol. 2 p. 337 by Shaikh al-Hurr al-Aameli (exp. 1104 AH)
Conclusion
An unbiased view of the various references from the Majestic Quran, the Prophet’s Sunnah and history recorded by scholars and historians across eras and sects (viz. Sunni and Shia) should make it obvious to those seeking the truth that Mohsin Ibn Ali (a.s.) was martyred by the mob that attacked Fatimah’s (a.s.) house only a few days after the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) demise.
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