by The Tale of Princess Fatima, Warrior Woman- The Arabic Epic of Dhat al-Himma (retail) (epub)
The messenger dismounted in front of Fatima’s pavilion. He entered and bowed before her, and then delivered her uncle’s message. He also presented her with twenty horses wearing decorative green silk saddle blankets embroidered with pearls and jewels, and saddles inlaid with silver and rose gold. She was disgusted by this manipulation, but her mother advised her to go rather than cause her uncle to travel on her account. She also reminded her, “All of this is from your grandfather Sahsah’s money that your uncle took from your father.”
“All right, then let’s go together.” Salam rode in a howdah carriage, and Fatima rode her horse. The servant rode ahead to notify his master of their coming.
When Fatima and Salam approached Zalim’s land, all the people came out to greet them, with Walid at their head. Fatima and Salam dismounted and were ushered inside. Walid’s mother, ʿIsam, embraced Fatima as soon as she saw her. When she lifted her niece’s veil to kiss her, she thought, My son is right to be enchanted by this beautiful girl. After Fatima and Salam were settled in ʿIsam’s tent, a group of ten servants came to request Fatima’s presence in the men’s tent. She went with them to see her father, uncle, and cousin.
Zalim and Walid welcomed Fatima warmly and invited her to join them. She ate with them and remained for the discussion following the meal. Walid’s eyes hardly left Fatima’s face, he was so entranced. She noticed him staring and met his eyes. He gazed at her so intensely that she recoiled: What a creepy guy!
She remained until the sky turned orange from the sunset, and then she rose with so much rage in her heart that even mountains would crumble from its force. She entered her aunt’s home and went over to Salam.
“Mother, do you want to stay longer? I’ve done my duty to my uncle and father—I came, I ate. You can stay if you want, but I’m going home.”
Her aunt intervened. “Honey, why are you in such a hurry?”
Fatima replied, “Please excuse me. I can’t stay any longer.” She went outside and mounted her horse, and her mother joined her for the ride home.
Walid was so disturbed by his longing for Fatima that the very next day he went crying to his mother. She went to Zalim to convey her son’s feelings, and Zalim agreed that no one was more deserving of Fatima than his own son.
Zalim met with Mazlum, saying, “Brother, each of Fatima’s charms is also present in my son Walid: good looks, good horsemanship, and so forth. I would like them to be married.”
Mazlum’s gaze dropped down for a moment before he raised his head again. “Well, if the decision was in my hands, I wouldn’t hesitate. However, you know that this is for her to decide. I’ll put the idea to her and let you know what she says.” Zalim agreed, and Mazlum returned to his camp.
First he told Salam about his conversation with Zalim.
“And what did you say, Cousin?” asked Salam.
“I didn’t give an answer because I thought she might object. Also, God knows I don’t like the idea of her being with a man who would rein her in.”
“Well, you must inform her in any case.” Mazlum rose and went to find his daughter.
When Mazlum told her of her uncle’s suggestion, Fatima laughed outright. Then her eyes flashed and she spoke softly. “I swear, even if the most powerful king in the world made this proposal, my sword would be closer to his head than his own speech. I don’t need a husband! I was made for fighting, not bedding. No one lies at my side but my sword. My attention is reserved for my horse. If you ever bring up this subject again, then I will go live in the desert.”
Mazlum raised his hands toward his daughter entreatingly. “I dislike whatever you dislike, and I only approve that which you approve. Forgive me, my dear. I only want for you what you want for yourself.”
A servant approached and murmured, “A gift has arrived from your brother.” Mazlum rose and went out from the pavilion. There he saw ten prize racehorses with saddles inlaid with gold, ten coats of mail, ten swords, ten spears, and ten mules carrying jewels.
A young man ran forward, saying to Mazlum, “These are a gift from your brother Zalim and his son. They send their greetings and best wishes.”
* * *
—
The gifts had been agreed upon by a council of elders who met at Zalim’s request following Mazlum’s departure. He had asked them: “Cousins, how can I attain Fatima for my son?”
One of the elders had replied, “Send your brother a spectacular gift. Gifts can bring hearts together, and they can distance one’s faults.”
Mazlum hurried in to Fatima and told her of the gift.
“Father, I swear, even if he came with all the riches on the face of the Earth—all the armor, livestock, horses, swords, spears, gold, and silver—I still would not want a husband. I cannot find it in myself. Send back the gift, and let’s be done with it.”
Mazlum nodded. However, he did not return the gift, saying to himself, This is from my father’s money that Zalim held back from me. I deserve it.
* * *
—
Walid sat, hopefully awaiting a reply. When none was forthcoming, the flames of his rage leapt within him. He said to his father, “I don’t see that our message had any effect on my uncle.”
“It must not have arrived yet.”
Walid felt a great weight on his chest and grew so upset that he became gravely ill.
* * *
—
When Zalim saw Walid growing weaker daily, he set out to speak with his brother. Mazlum did not notice Zalim’s approach until he saw his brother entering his pavilion. Seeing his haggard looks, he embraced Zalim and welcomed him. When they had sat down, Zalim asked, “What about your promise, Mazlum? You gave me your word.”
“Brother, I have spoken with her.” He recounted her position. Zalim could see that Fatima had no inkling of Walid’s condition, and there was no use in remaining with Mazlum.
He returned to his son, whose health was worsening. Zalim sat at his son’s head and said, “You poor thing! After all your victories against warriors, and hunting lions, you chose someone who does not want you. She doesn’t even deserve you.” He sighed.
His wife, who was present, said fearfully, “Oh, Zalim, what are we going to do? What if you take all the elders, go to Mazlum, and explain to him just how serious this is for Walid?” Zalim did as she suggested.
When he arrived at Mazlum’s pavilion, he found that Mazlum had another visitor. The visitor informed them of a great change: the rulership of the caliphate had passed to Marwan of Bani Umayya, after his father passed away.2 The Islamic empire was in an uproar, with the new ruler trying to assert control over several warring factions.3
From behind a curtain, Fatima was stunned to hear the messenger’s news. She asked the girls who were with her to see if Walid was present in her father’s conference. One of the girls slipped away, and then returned, saying, “There’s no sign of him.”
At that, Fatima rose and covered her head. She entered her father’s conference and addressed the speaker: “Is it true, the news you’ve just relayed?”
“Yes, you have my word.”
“If that is the case, then we are no longer subject to the caliph. He has proven himself incapable. Clearly the rule of Bani Umayya is coming to an end, and the Abbasids are on the rise.”
Those gathered began to speak among themselves, many in support of the Abbasids. Zalim forgot his purpose altogether, and the conference broke up. On returning home, Zalim went to his son to inform him of the changing political situation.
* * *
—
After years of political strife and change, Mansur of the Abbasids became ruler. He was more successful than the earlier rulers in unifying the disparate peoples of his land. One day, he rode out with his ministers and some nobles. As he rode, he enjoyed the natural beauty surrounding them. When he arrived at Dajla and the area that would become
Baghdad, he came across a monastery. He went up to it and asked one of the monks his name.
“Bagh, and this area is called Dad. I have read many books of wisdom, and I have heard many tales, and it seems to me that you are meant to found a city here that will become legendary.”
“How could anyone build a city here when the land is so full of water?”
“I can show you where to dam the water.”
The monk went to a particular spot and stopped up the water source. Mansur then ordered a city to be built. He called for builders to be brought from every region, and he designated a different neighborhood for each group from within his diverse army. He paid a fortune to Black Africans, who acquired for him beams, marble, and various woods. The city filled out, with tall, graceful buildings, until it rivaled the palaces of the Prophet Solomon. It had many canals and waterways. Its orchards and trees included apple, quince, and other fruits, and they were bordered by poppies, violets, and jasmine. There were droves of birds, and throughout the city there were markets and squares, mosques and minarets, palaces and public baths. The buildings sparkled like jewels of every color, and the moving water reflected on the walls like magic. Mansur’s own palace was carefully designed, and when it was finally completed, he moved in after rewarding all those who worked on it. He named the city Baghdad, after the monk and the land.
* * *
—
Walid continued to complain to his father, and so Zalim once again took his wife’s advice and went to visit Mazlum. He entered Mazlum’s council space, and there he asked after Fatima and requested her presence. After making sure that Walid had not accompanied his father, Fatima joined her father and uncle. After they were settled, Zalim turned to Fatima and said, “My son is crazy about you. Do you return his feelings?”
“No, Uncle, I do not. Nor do I have such feelings for anyone else. I don’t want to marry. All I need is my favorite sword, my trusty horse, and a sharp spear. The only veil I need is a helmet. I have nothing else to say about this.”
“For shame! What is it about my son that you so dislike? What could you possibly have that he does not? If you want wealth, he has plenty! If you want good looks, he’s better looking than you are! If you want strength, he could lick you any day.”
“You insult me with all this talk of good looks and wealth. Have your son prove himself on the battlefield. If he triumphs over me, you may consider my dowry paid.”
“Now you’re talking! Swear it so we all know you mean what you say.” Fatima gave him her hand and repeated her terms. Zalim shook her hand in agreement. He felt certain that his son would be victorious: Walid was a proven warrior.
* * *
—
Walid was waiting when Zalim returned home. On hearing Fatima’s conditions, he was so thrilled that he recovered his health in a matter of days. Then Zalim sent word to Fatima that he and Walid would be coming to have lunch with her. The next day, Zalim and Walid set out to have lunch at Mazlum’s pavilion. Throughout the feast and the night that followed, Fatima and Walid were tense.
The next morning, everyone assembled in the designated field. There Fatima addressed the crowd with a voice so loud that it was audible to near and far alike. “I call upon you proud people to judge fairly between us. Be honest and testify to what takes place between me and my cousin. I have challenged him to a duel, and if he wins, he fulfills the sole condition that I set in order for us to marry.”
Then Walid walked out onto the field, covered in iron armor. He rode a horse that moved like lightning. Fatima called to him, “Walid, do you agree to the condition as stated here?”
“Yes, I do, Cousin.” Then he let out a battle cry like an angry lion challenging its prey. They met, exchanging blows until Fatima sensed that her cousin was out of ideas. His strength and interest were flagging. She chose that moment to attack, screaming with such force that she took him by surprise and threw him off-balance. She had turned her spear around so that the tip was in the back, and she thrust the butt of the spear into Walid’s shoulder. He fell to the ground, hit his head, and passed out. Even when he regained consciousness, he was unsure who he was. Fired by anger, Walid’s men turned on Mazlum’s men, but the elders intervened.
Zalim took his son home, with Walid mounted on a horse between two warriors to keep him upright. It was not until after he arrived at his father’s pavilion that he realized what had happened. He felt embarrassed, but he still did not want to give up pursuit of his prey.
* * *
—
On hearing of Bani Kilab’s wealth and bravery, Mansur summoned them to Baghdad. His informant, ʿAbdullah, had warned him that they might be too proud or unruly to travel, and Mansur responded that in that case he would send well-trained soldiers to teach them a lesson. Mansur wrote a message to Mazlum, ordering him to come to the palace. He sealed the letter and entrusted it to a messenger, who rode all the way from Baghdad to the lands of Bani Kilab in the region of Yemen. The messenger arrived at Zalim’s pavilion, and there he delivered the letter. Zalim examined it and inquired about its origin.
“The letter was written by Mansur, the Caliph, Commander of the Faithful.”
Zalim unfolded the parchment, read the letter, and wondered at this summons. He turned to the messenger and said, “Sir, we are under no obligation to Mansur. Our father supported the Bani Umayya, but they are all gone now. Return to your master and report: You do not have the allegiance of the Arabs of the wild country. If you send soldiers, we will defend ourselves.”
The messenger set off in disbelief.
Having been in his brother’s pavilion during this exchange, Mazlum returned to his home, where he met with his daughter.
“Uncle messed that up!” Fatima declared. “That was foolish. I’ll go warn him of his error. We should be supporting the Abbasids.”
Fatima rode to her uncle’s camp, where he greeted her and welcomed her inside. Once they were settled, she spoke. “Uncle, I hear that you received a letter from the Commander of the Faithful, Mansur. We are obliged to support the Abbasids in order to preserve unity among the Arabs. You should take all your people and go to him and request his pardon. The honorable thing to do is to offer him your assistance.”
“Well, it is too late to send someone after the messenger. Perhaps he will send a second one.”
When the messenger arrived at the palace and delivered Zalim’s reply, Mansur seethed with rage. However, ʿAbdullah, who originally had brought the Bani Kilab to Mansur’s attention, offered to ride out to Bani Kilab to rally their support for the caliph. Mansur opened his coffers to him, and ʿAbdullah put together a gift for the Bani Kilab.
While ʿAbdullah was riding to the lands of Bani Kilab, Zalim had come to agree with Fatima’s reasoning. He sent for his ally clans, and they all gathered in response to his summons and prepared to undertake a journey to Iraq. On the way to Baghdad, they learned of the caliph’s approaching agent from a scout, and so some of them went ahead to meet him.
From a distance, ʿAbdullah glimpsed several horsemen on horses bred from noble and ancient lines. He recognized them as representatives of Bani Kilab, and one of them stood out as the leader. The warrior was at the front of the group, sitting upright and yet at ease. As their horses neared each other, the warrior tucked his spear away and greeted ʿAbdullah, saying, “I am Fatima, daughter of Mazlum.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Fatima accepted his hand, moving it to her lips in a customary kiss of respect. ʿAbdullah kissed the top of her bent head.
Together they rode back to join the Bani Kilab caravan, and they all made camp. Once the pavilions and tents were erected, they sat to speak with one another.
ʿAbdullah was pleased at their journeying. He assured them that the remaining distance to Baghdad was not very long. His gifts were distributed among the people. When he learned that it was Fatima who had encouraged her uncle to
arrange the journey, he thanked her especially. There was music and celebration, and Zalim and Mazlum welcomed the agent to journey with the Bani Kilab caravan as they made their way to Baghdad. ʿAbdullah thanked them. He wrote to Mansur to inform them of their coming, thanks to Fatima’s intervention. Then he folded the letter and sent it ahead with a messenger.
In the palace, Mansur unfolded the letter and read it. He exhaled with relief, and when he read of Fatima, who had advocated on his behalf, he smiled at her bravery and determination. He awaited their arrival with great anticipation.
* * *
—
ʿAbdullah rode with Zalim to his right and Mazlum and Fatima to his left. Together they headed the procession. The clans of Bani Kilab and Bani ʿAmir were arranged in ranks, proudly wearing their finest clothing. They numbered twenty thousand warriors. Behind them rode the Bani Sulaym, who numbered seventy thousand.
When they arrived at Kufa, Fatima was stunned by the sight of buildings. She had never seen even a wall, let alone houses and palaces. Entering the main mosque of the city, she was amazed by the curtains and colorful lamps. She returned to her tent with a new perspective. After three days of hospitality in Kufa, the caravan resumed the journey to Baghdad. Mansur, informed of their progress, arranged for some officials to ride out and meet them. They welcomed the Bani Kilab and the other clans, and arranged their accommodations. On arrival in Baghdad, the newcomers set up their tents and pavilions, flying their banners and flags prominently.
ʿAbdullah entered the palace for a private conference with Mansur, informing him of all his interactions with the Bani Kilab. Mansur looked out at the new camp and was overcome with gratitude when he saw how much land it covered. He slept soundly that night.