Fatima

What does Fatima mean?

Fatima is an Arabic name closely associated with the Prophet Muhammad's daughter. Wiktionary places it under the root of a verb meaning ‘to wean’, ‘to cut’ or ‘to cease a habit’. This supports the interpretation ‘one who weans or abstains’, but the cited name entry does not supply a completed formal etymology. The root-based meaning should retain that qualification. The historical and devotional association with Fatima bint Muhammad is more firmly documented.

Source: Wiktionary, فاطمة. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

فاطمة is approximately faa-ti-ma in Arabic; फ़ातिमा is a Hindi rendering. Fatimah and Fathima are alternative Roman spellings. The Arabic t is emphatic, with a fuller sound than ordinary English t. The ending may be written with h even when that letter is not pronounced in a standalone reading.

Also spelled Fatimah, Fathima.

Fatima in tradition and story

Fatima bint Muhammad was the wife of Ali and mother of Hasan and Husayn. She is honored across Islamic traditions, with particular significance in Shia devotion. The Fatimid dynasty of North Africa and Egypt took its name from her.