The Cry and Smile of Sayyidah Faatimah (Radhiyallahu Anha)
Hazrat Aishah (Radhiyallahu anha) narrates: “Once, all the wives of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) were with him when Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha) arrived. Her demeanour was exactly like that of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). When Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) saw her, he said, ‘Come, my daughter, welcome!’ and seated her at his side.
After that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) whispered something to her which made her cry profusely. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) saw her so upset he whispered to her a second time and she began smiling.
When Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) went away, I asked her what Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had said. She replied: ‘Why should I disclose the secret of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)? (If it was something to tell everyone then he would not have whispered it to me.)’
After Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) passed away, I told her, ‘By the Right which I have over you, I ask you to tell me what Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had whispered to you.’ She replied, ‘Yes, now I can tell you. The first time Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to me softly; ‘Every year Jibreel (Alaihis salaam) completes one recitation of the Qur’aan Shareef with me. This year he has completed two recitations. From this I realise that my departure from this world is close. Therefore, I exhort you to fear Allah and to persevere, for I am leaving before you.’ Hearing this I started to cry.
When Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) saw my sadness, he whispered to me a second time in which he said, ‘Are you not happy that you will be the leader of the women in Jannah?’ or he said, ‘Are you not happy that you will be the leader of all believing women?’”
In another narration it is mentioned: “The first time Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, ‘I will pass away during this illness.’ So I started crying. Then he whispered again that I will be the first to meet him from his family.’ This made me happy, and I smiled.”
(Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Kee Saahbzaadiya)