It is difficult to define the extent of the Prophet's love for Fatima (s.a.) for she occupied a special place in his heart like no other person did.
The love and respect of the Holy Prophet and Khadija for Fatima (s.a.) nullified all the wrong ideas of that day’s Arab World, who considered ‘having daughter’ as a shame for themselves.
Fatima Zahra (s.a.) grew up in an atmosphere of human virtues, on the lap of a pure mother, and under the training of the Holy Prophet. She obtained all merits and spiritual qualities in its perfect shape.
The Prophet's love for Fatima (s.a.) was mixed with respect and exaltation; and in addition to being motivated by the father-daughter relationship, this love was granted to her for the special talents and noble traits Fatima (s.a.) enjoyed. Perhaps we can go to the extent of saying that the Prophet was commanded to love and respect Fatima (s.a.), a matter that led him to speak openly about her greatness and talents and her nearness to Allah-and His Messenger-on every possible occasion.
Thus, it can again be concluded that his love and respect for Fatima (s.a.) was motivated by some reason other than fatherhood. In addition to Fatima's noble traits and special talents, the Prophet (s.a.) knew what was going to happen to her after his death and the great miseries and sorrows, which she would be inflicted with by some so-called Muslims, after his departure to the Heavens. So the Prophet intended to make clear to his Ummah the greatness and excellence of Fatima (s.a.) so as to clarify the falsity of those who would oppose Fatima (s.a.) in the future.
The behavior of Holy Prophet toward his daughter Fatima (s.a.) was wonderful. In that day’s world when the most violent behaviors were shown against women and girls, at a time when ‘burying little newborn daughters alive’ was accounted as a routine act, the Holy Prophet (s.a) showed much respect to his dear daughter. Whenever Fatima (s.a.) came to see the Holy Prophet (s.a.), he welcomed her, stood up to show respect to her, and even kissed her hand and made her sit at his own place.
On every occasion that the Holy Prophet (s.a.) decided to go on a journey, Fatima (s.a.) was the last one to whom he bade farewell, and as soon as he came back from his trip, Fatima (s.a.) was the first one whom the Holy Prophet visited.
Imam Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Sadiq (a.s.) have related that the Holy Prophet (s.a.) never slept unless he kissed the face of Fatima (s.a.) and placed his face on hers.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.) loved Fatima (s.a.) so much. Sometimes he said: “May her father be sacrificed for her”. Thus he expressed his deep love for her dignified daughter. Sometimes he called her as Umme Abiha, which means the Mother of Her Father. Also in some cases the Holy Prophet (s.a.) repeated: “Fatima (s.a.) is a part of my body.”