According to reports by al-Tabari, Abu Bakr did not attend Fatima's funeral because it was her specific dying wish that he should not attend.
The Reason Explained
As chronicled by the historian al-Tabari (d. 923), Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, made a final request before her passing. This crucial detail explains the notable absence of Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, from her funeral proceedings.
Key Points from the Reference:
- Fatima's Dying Wish: Al-Tabari reported that Fatima's last request was explicitly that Abu Bakr should not be present at her funeral.
- Fulfillment by Ali: This wish was honored and carried out by her husband, Ali ibn Abi Talib.
- Unusual Nature: The reference notes that this request is considered at odds with the typical Islamic practice, where Muslims are generally encouraged to participate in funerals.
Based on this historical account from al-Tabari, the primary and direct reason cited for Abu Bakr's non-attendance was Fatima's own instruction given shortly before her death. This wish was respected and implemented by those who handled her burial arrangements.
While attendance at Muslim funerals is a encouraged communal act, in this specific historical instance, the personal wish of the deceased, as reported, superseded this general practice regarding Abu Bakr's presence.
