This, then, shows that anyone other than her is, a fortiori, beyond his ability to benefit or protect.

The report also exposes the error of those who invoke the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him—at his grave. You will see them in the Prophet’s Mosque: when making supplication they turn toward the tomb, standing before it as solemnly as, or even more so than, they stand before Allah in prayer.

The ḥadith further indicates that a small measure of lamenting the deceased is permissible, provided it does not reflect resentment toward Allah’s decree. Fāṭimah, may Allah be pleased with her, did lament the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—but it was brief and contained no objection to the divine will.

It is also evidence that Fāṭimah bint Muḥammad—may Allah be pleased with her—outlived the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—yet she inherited nothing from him, nor did his wives, his uncle al-ʿAbbās, or any of his agnatic relatives. Prophets leave no estate to be inherited, as the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “We, the company of Prophets, are not inherited; whatever we leave behind is charity.”

Such is the wisdom of Allah: had they been entitled to inherit, people might have alleged that the Messengers sought a kingdom to be passed on after them. Allah, exalted is He, barred that possibility. Accordingly, the property left by Prophets becomes charity, to be distributed to those who are entitled to it. Allah alone grants success.