Umm Salamah bint Abu Umayyah
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Allah
has commanded me to marry only with the women of Paradise. "Umm Salamah
participated in the Ridwan pledge; therefore, she deserved the Paradise.
Her real name was Hind bint Abu Umayyah who became famous by
the name Umm Salamah. She was noble by birth, intelligent, learned, wise and
skillful. She was first married to 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul Asad Makhzumi known as
Abu Salamah. He was the son of the Prophet's paternal aunt Barrah bint Abdul
Muttalib. He too belonged to the select band of people who were the first to
accept Islam. He was known for his integrity, valour, generosity, tolerance and
patience. He was the eleventh person to come into the fold of Islam. He was
also the foster brother of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
through the ties of breast-feeding.
Umm Salamah was also one of the earliest converts to Islam.
Her mother was 'Atikah bint 'Amer bin Rabi'ah bin Malik bin Khazimah. Her
father Abu Umayyah bin 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Makhzum was a very wealthy man
and famous throughout the Arab world for his public service and charity. Umm
Salamah seemed to have inherited this trait from her father. She was always
amiable and kind to her neighbors. When she married the handsome and brave son
of the equally wealthy family of Makhzum, she carried a friendly demeanor of
pleasant serenity into her new household. There was an atmosphere of gaiety and
love in the home of the newly married couple.
But things changed radically when the couple embraced Islam.
The whole family turned against them; mischievous and wicked elements like
Walid bin Mughirah Makhzumi started creating problems for them. Finally, when
matters had nearly reached their worst, the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) advised his staunch followers to migrate to Abyssinia where the
Christian King was more tolerant of the new religion. Sixteen people set out on
that historic first migration of the followers of Islam - twelve men and four
women, Abu and Umm Salamah were part of these sixteen.
Umm Salamah narrated that life was very peaceful in
Abyssinia, free of all religious persecution. She first gave birth to a
daughter, whom they named Zaynab. Then she had a son Salamah, hence her name
and her husband's name.
The next child was also a son, 'Umar. Finally they had
another daughter who they named Durrah. So life was very smooth and time passed
uneventfully, in peace and happiness. The ruler of Abyssinia, Najashi, was very
kind to the migrants. When the leaders of the disbelievers heard this news they
were enraged and thought that the Muslims were becoming a real source of danger
for them. They decided to take strong measures to stem the rising tide of
Islam.
After a great deal of thought they evolved a plan of action.
The disbelievers sent the leading politician of the Arab world, Amr bin 'Aas
and 'Abdullah bin Abi Rabi'ah with expensive gifts for Najashi, in order to
persuade him to hand over the Muslim migrants to their custody. Najashi was a
fair minded, far-sighted and frank man. So he called for the leader of the
refugees to present their case. Najashi, after hearing the plea of the Muslims
he then told the emissaries of the Quraysh that these migrants were people of
good character and could continue to live in Abyssinia as long as they wished.
Further, he would continue to give every kind of protection necessary, and the
delegation from Makkah could leave carrying back their gifts. If someone gave
him even a mountain of gold in exchange for these righteous people he would not
surrender them. Umm Salamah has written about this memorable first migration of
the Muslims, and described the greatness of Najashi in such a moving manner
that it has become an integral and important part of Islamic history.
Umm Salamah narrates that their life in Abyssinian was very
peaceful and Najashi was very kind, but all the same they were homesick for
Makkah. They continued longing for the time when peace would finally prevail so
they could return to their beloved country. One day news reached that 'Umar bin
Khattab accepted Islam and that the conditions in Makkah had changed
completely. It was said that because of the authority and influence of 'Umar
the persecution of Muslims came to an end. They were all so excited at this
good news, writes Umm Salamah that they decided to set out for their homes.
'Uthman bin 'Affan also set out with them with his family. On reaching Makkah
they realized it had been just a rumor and things were much worse than before.
Muslims were the targets of worse crimes and persecution. But it was too late.
An accepted tradition states what had actually happened. The
disbelievers heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reciting Ayat
from the Noble Quran, and prostrated involuntarily at one Ayah with him. Like
all rumors this too ballooned into news that the Quraysh had converted to
Islam. In reality this was not so.
Weary of the constant problems they faced, they decided to
leave for Abyssinia again. It was at this time that the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) ordered staunch Muslims to migrate to Al-Madinah. The
delegation from there had brought the news that those who swore allegiance to
Allah and His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) at 'Aqabah had invited
Muslims to settle there, and he accepted. The Ansar of Al-Madinah, (as they
came to be called), had said they would look after their migrant brethren.
Abu Salamah with his family left on camels for Al-Madinah.
When members of her family saw this they caught the bridle of the camel and
told him that he could go where he wanted but he would have to leave behind
their daughter. They said it seemed like a joke - he was always off somewhere
or the other, Abyssinia, then Al-Madinah! He never seemed to give her a
peaceful settled life.
When Abu Salamah's family heard this they were enraged. They
came and took her sons away, saying she could not take them with her; they were
their flesh and blood and they would bring them up. So, in a moment the whole
family was split up in three different places. Abu Salamah left for Al-Madinah,
his wife was left with her parents and the sons were with the paternal
grandparents. It was such a shock being torn apart from husband and sons, that
she just could not stop weeping. Every day she used to visit the spot from
where the husband and children had been torn away from her and weep for her
loved ones. One day one of the members of her tribe passed that way and saw her
grieving and asked her what happened. She told him about her plight. He then
went and gave a piece of his mind to the elders of both families, rebuking them
for their cruel behavior towards a noble and helpless lady. His emotional and
blunt outburst made them realize how unjust they were and they relented. They
gave back her sons to her, and her family too gave her permission to proceed to
Al-Madinah.
But how could she travel alone? No one was willing to
accompany her. Finally, gaining courage and solace from the fact that she now
had her sons with her, she set out for Al-Madinah. When she reached Tan'im she
met 'Uthman bin Talhah 'Abdari, who had not up to that time converted to Islam.
He asked her where she was traveling all alone. She replied that she was going
to join her husband. He was surprised that not a single member of the family
accompanied her. She said no one agreed to go with her and she was totally
dependent on Allah Almighty who was her Defender and Protector; only He would
protect her. 'Uthman bin Talhah 'Abdari took the bridle of the camel and said
he would help her in reaching destination.
Umm Salamah said that such a decent, pure-hearted man, with
not a trace of evil in him would be difficult to find. Whenever they reached a
camping site he would tie the camel to a tree and move far away to lie down and
rest. So she also had some privacy and could rest at ease, relaxed with her
children. When it was time to resume the journey he would bring the camel and
make it sit down. Once she got on the camel's back with her children, he would
take the bridle in his hand and start walking. After several days they reached
Quba which is in the environs of Al-Madinah. Banu 'Amr bin 'Auf were settled
there; he said that since Abu Salamah was also there he could leave her and
return. Umm Salamah says in her book that his gentlemanly behavior and his
goodness affected her deeply. When she finally saw her family after so long her
joy knew no bounds. So this divided family once again was at peace and the
children had the benefit of a good upbringing that only united and happy
parents can provide.
Abu Salamah took part in the Battle of Badr and once again
had the honor of fighting for Islam in the Battle of Uhud. But in this last
mentioned battle Abu Usamah Jashmi wounded him seriously in the side with his
spear. He underwent treatment for a month but to no avail. The wound apparently
healed, but that was only on the surface, and it continued to fester inside.
Barely two months after the battle of Uhud the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) received news that Banu Asad was planning to attack the Muslims. He
ordered his men to prepare for battle, and made Abu Salamah the Commander of
the Islamic forces. The battle was won, and Banu Asad was crushed. The Muslims
got the rich spoils of a war well fought. Abu Salamah was lying in a very serious
condition when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to visit him.
He realized that he was approaching death, and patting his hand consoled him.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed for him and Abu Salamah,
also prayed and asked Allah to give his family a protector and provider like
him. And he also asked Him to give Umm Salamah a husband who would give her
neither sorrow nor hardship.
After this prayer he passed away. The Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) closed his eyes with his hands. Umm Salamah often
thought of her husband's last prayer for her and wondered who could possibly be
better than Abu Salamah. She asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him) what she should ask Allah for herself. He taught her to pray for
forgiveness both for herself and for Abu Salamah and ask Allah to give her a
better future.
Umm Salamah says that she prayed thus and Allah granted her
prayer. When she finished the prescribed period of waiting, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq
sent a proposal of marriage to her, but she refused. Then 'Umar bin Khattab
proposed and she refused him as well. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) proposed. She told him that she had three reservations regarding his
proposal. She was hot-headed and had a temper; she felt she might be rude to
the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and thus lose the
reward for all her good deeds. Secondly, she was an elderly lady; thirdly, she
had, many children. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) answered that
he would pray to Allah, and Allah willing, her temper would subside. As far as
age was concerned, he was also an elderly man. Thirdly, as far as her children
were concerned - that was the precise reason for proposing to her - he wished to
be their guardian and share the responsibility. She writes that this answer
gave her great happiness and thus she attained the honor of becoming part of
the Prophet's household. Thus Allah granted both hers and Abu Salamah's prayer,
and she married the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the month of
Shawwal, in the 4th, year after Hijrah.
'Ayshah narrated that it was the habit of the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) to visit each of his wives in turn after the 'Asr
prayers. He would inquire about their welfare and if they needed anything. He
would start from the apartment of Umm Salamah because she was the eldest among
them, and finish his rounds at the apartment of 'Ayshah.
Umm Salamah, because of her beauty, knowledge and wisdom held
an eminent position. After the truce of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) ordered his Companions to sacrifice the animals they
brought along for the purpose, and shave their heads. But they all seemed
reluctant and did not rise to obey his command. When Umm Salamah saw the
situation she suggested that he should not speak about the subject to anyone,
but just go out from the tent and offer the sacrifice and shave his head. Then
he could see the effect of his action. And what she expected happened - all the
Companions followed suit.
Umm Salamah was a very astute and wise lady. She was educated
and was very devoted to the welfare of the destitute and needy.
Several of the Ayat of the Noble Quran were revealed to the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he was in her apartment. For
instance, Ayat in Surat AI-Ahzab,
"And Allah only wishes to remove evil deeds from
you, O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a through
purification." [Noble Quran 33:33]
Also some of the Ayat of Surat At-Tawbah were revealed while
he was with her.
"And (there are) others who have acknowledged their
sins, they have mixed a deed that was righteous with another that was evil.
Perhaps Allah will turn unto them in forgiveness. Surely, Allah is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Noble Quran 9:102]
He also said:
"And (He forgave) the three who did not join till
for them the earth, vast as it is, was straitened and their own selves were
straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah and
no refuge but with Him. Then He forgave them that they might beg for His
pardon. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most
Merciful." [Noble Quran 9:118]
This Ayah refers to the turning towards Allah of Ka'b bin
Malik, Hilal bin Umayyah and Mararah bin Ar-Rabi' in sincere repentance. These
three Companions, without any valid reason, avoided joining the Muslim army in
the Battle of Tabuk. They were therefore ostracized by the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) and the rest of the Companions. They were so stricken by
guilt that they kept praying for Divine Forgiveness, until finally Allah
granted it to them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was sleeping
in the apartment of Umm Salamah when this last Ayah was revealed to him. He
woke up in the late hours of the night and told her that the supplications for
forgiveness of these three Companions had been accepted. She asked him if this
good news should be conveyed to them immediately. He said they should not be
disturbed so late at night; after the Fajr prayers he sent for them and
congratulated them. They were overjoyed and so were all the other Companions.
Umm Salamah also had the distinction of taking part in many
battles of significance in the history of Islam. She was with the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) during the Battles Bani Mustalaq, Ta'if,
Khaybar, Hunayn and the conquest of Makkah. She was present at the signing of
the historic treaty of Hudaybiyah or Ridwan the oath of allegiance taken place.
Salman Al-Farsi narrates that someone mentioned to him that
the Angel Jibril had come down from the Heavens and was in conversation with
the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When he went there he saw that
the person with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was Dahiah
Al-Kalbi, and that Umm Salamah was also present. When conversation ended, the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked if they knew who that gentleman
was. She said he was one of his most faithful followers, Dahiah Al-Kalbi.
Thereupon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told her, smiling, that
it was actually the Angel Jibril in human guise.
Umm Salamah was very learned in religious matters. She knew
three hundred and eighty-seven Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) by heart. She knew very well the finer points of Islamic law about
foster-relations through suckling and divorce. 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas used to
consult with her for many points of Shari'ah, (Islamic law). Leading the list
of names of Companions whose judgments on points of law were regarded as valid
is the name of Umm Salamah.
Umm Salamah had hardly any equal in mastery over language.
When she spoke her words and phrases were well chosen and exactly appropriate
for the expression of ideas. Her written language was suited for literary
expression. Many companions and followers have noted down traditions attributed
to her.
She lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four and died in the
year 62nd after Hijrah. She lived to see the rule Khulafa' Ar-Rashidin. Zaynab
bint Jahash was the first among the Mothers of the Believers to pass away and
Umm Salamah the last. This was during the rule of Yazid bin Mu'awiyah and she
was laid to rest beside the other wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) in Jannatul Baqi'.
"O the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction! Come
back to your Lord - well pleased and well pleasing. Enter you then among My
(honored) servants, and enter you My Paradise."[Noble Quran 89:27-30]
Source: "Great Women of
Islam" - by Dar-us-Salam Publications