stories of muslim women

Story of Ruqaya

Name and Genealogy
According to a famous tradition, she was the second daughter of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). She was born in the 33rd Hijra before Apostlehood.
Marriage
She was first married to Abu Lahab's son ('Utba) which was held before Apostlehood. The Holy Prophet's third daughter, Umm-Kalthum was married to 'Aitaba Abu Lahab's second son.
Embracement of Islam
When The Almighty chose Muhammad (S.A.W.) as His Prophet and he proclaimed Islam, Abu Lahab called his sons and said to them: Should you not forsake Muhammad's daughters, I would never come near you. Both the sons obeyed their father and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) married Hadrat Rukaya (R.A.) to Hadrat 'Uthman (R.A.A.).
General Events
Hadrat 'Uthman (R.A.A.) migrated to Syria in the 5th year of Apostlehood. When she returned, the people of Mecca were thirsty for their blood more than ever. So she had to migrate for the second time. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) could not know their whereabouts for long. In the meantime, a woman informed him that she had seen both of them. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) prayed for them and said: After Ibrahim (Abraham) and Lot, Hadrat 'Uthman is the first to migrate with his wife.
This time she stayed in Abyssinia for a long time. When she knew that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was going to migrate to Medina, a few men including Hadrat 'Uthman and Hadrat Rukaya came to Mecca and migrated to Medina with the permission from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). They stayed in Hadrat Hasan's brother, Aus bin Thabit's house.
Death
In the 2nd Hijra, the year in which the battle of Badr was fought, painful boils covered her body. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) set out for fighting, he left Hadrat 'Uthman to look after her. On conveyed the glad tidings of victory, Hadrat Rukaya died. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), being busy in fighting, could not participate in her Janaza (burial). Hadrat 'Umar stood up for flogging, but the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) held his hand and said: 'There is no harm in weeping, but raising much hue and cry and wailing loudly is strictly prohibited, being the doings of Satan.' The chief of the women, Hadrat Fatima was also present and continued weeping beside the grave. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) wiped her tears with the border of a cloth.
Children
During her stay in Abyssinia, a son was born to her whose name was 'Abdullah. Hadrat 'Uthman's Kunhya, Abu Abdullah was after his name. He lived for six years. Once a cock pecked at his face due to which he died. This event occurred in Jamadi Al-Awwal, the 4th Hijra. There was no issue to her, after the birth of 'Abdullah.

story of Asmaa bint Abu Bakr

Asma-bint Abu Bakr (raa) was the daughter of Abu Bakr (raa), mother of Abdullah bin Zubair (raa) and the step-sister of Aisha (raa). She is one of the most famous women of her time. She was the eighteenth person to embrace Islam. She was twenty-seven years old at the time of Hijrat.
After the migration from Mecca, when the Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr (raa) reached Madinah safely, they sent Zaid (raa) and some other Sahabahs to bring their families from Mecca. Asma (raa) came to Madinah with Abu Bakr's family. When she reached Quba, she gave birth to Abdullah bin Zubair (raa), the first Muslim baby born since Hijrat. Asma (raa) says:
"When I was married to Zubair, he had neither money nor property of any kind. He had only one camel for carrying water and one horse. I would bring fodder for the animals and date-stones to feed them in lieu of grass, bring water from the well, mend bucket myself when needed and attend to other domestic duties.Attending to the horse was the most difficult of all jobs. I was not good at baking and therefore, after kneading the flour, I would take it to the Ansar women in my neighborhood, who would bake the bread for me. When we arrived in Madinah, the Prophet (pbuh) allotted a piece of land to Zubair (raa) about two miles away from the town. I would bring date stones from there on my head. One day when I was coming in this fashion, I met the Prophet (pbuh) with a group of Ansar in the way. The Prophet (pbuh) stopped his camel. I quite well understood that he intended to give me a lift. I felt shy of accompanying him, and I also remembered that Zubair (raa) was also very sensitive in such matters. The Prophet (pbuh) understood my hesitation and left me alone. When I reached home, I narrated the story to Zubair (raa) and told him that, due to my own shyness and his sensitiveness, I did not avail of the offer of the Prophet (pbuh). At this Zubair (raa) said, 'By Almighty, I am more sensitive about your carrying the load over such a long distance but I cannot help it." (In fact, Sahabah remained occupied striving in the Almighty's Path and all other such jobs had to be done by their womenfolk.) Sometime later, Abu Bakr (raa) transferred to us a servant that the Prophet (pbuh) had given him. I was thus relieved of attending to the horse, which had been really hard for me."
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Rumaysa bint Milhan

Even before Islam was introduced to Yathrib, Rumaysa was known for her excellent character, the power of her intellect and her independent attitude of mind. She was known by various names including Rumaysa and Ghumaysa, but these were possibly nicknames. One historian says that her real name was Sahlah but later she was popularly known as Umm Sulaym.

Umm Sulaym was first married to Malik ibn an-Nadr and her son by this marriage was the famous Anas ibn Malik, one of the great companions of the Prophet.
Umm Sulaym was one of the first women of Yathrib to accept Islam. She was influenced by the refined, dedicated, and persuasive Musab ibn Umayr who was sent out as the first missionary or ambassador of Islam by the noble Prophet. This was after the first pledge of Aqabah. Twelve men of Yathrib had gone to Aqabah on the outskirts of Makkah to pledge loyalty to the Prophet. This was the first major break through for the mission of the Prophet for many years.

Umm Sulaym's decision to accept Islam was made without the knowledge or consent of her husband, Malik ibn an-Nadr. He was absent from Yathrib at the time and when he returned he felt some change had come over his household and asked his wife: "Have you been rejuvenated?" "No," she said, "but I (now) believe in this man (meaning the Prophet Muhammad [SAW])."

Malik was not pleased especially when his wife went on to announce her acceptance of Islam in public and instruct her son Anas in the teachings and practice of the new faith. She taught him to say la ilaha ilia Allah and Ash hadu anna Muhammada-r Rasulullah. The young Anas repeated this simple but profound declaration of faith clearly and emphatically.
Umm Sulaym's husband was now furious. He shouted at her: "Don't corrupt my son." "I am not corrupting him," she replied firmly. Her husband then left the house and it is reported that he was set upon by an enemy of his and was killed. The news shocked but apparently did not upset Umm Sulaym greatly. She remained devoted to her son Anas and was concerned about his proper upbringing. She is even reported to have said that she would not marry again unless Anas approved.

When it was known that Umm Sulaym had become a widow, one man, Zayd ibn Sahl, known as Abu Talhah, resolved to become engaged to her before anyone else did. He was rather confident that Umm Sulaym would not pass him over for another. He was after all a strong and virile person who was quite rich and who possessed an imposing house that was much admired. He was an accomplished horseman and a skillful archer and, moreover, he belonged to the same clan as Umm Sulaym, the Banu Najjar. Abu Talhah proceeded to Umm Sulaym's house. On the way he recalled that she had been influenced by the preaching of Musab ibn Umayr and had become a Muslim. "So what?" He said to himself. "Was not her husband who died a firm adherent of the old religion and was he not opposed to Muhammad and his mission?"

When Abu Talhah reached Umm Sulaym's house he asked and was given permission to enter. Her son Anas was present. Abu Talhah explained why he had come and asked for her hand in marriage.

"A man like you, Abu Talhah," she said, "is not (easily) turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are a kafir, an unbeliever." Abu Talhah thought she was trying to put him off and that perhaps she had already preferred someone wealthier and more influential. He said to her: "What is it that really prevents you from accepting me, Umm Sulaym? Is it the yellow and the white metals (gold and silver)?" "Gold and silver?" She asked somewhat taken aback and in a slightly censuring tone. "Yes," he said. She replied, "I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to God and His Messenger that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my mahr."

Abu Talhah understood well the implications of her words. His mind turned to the idol he had made from wood and on which he lavished great attention in the same way that important men of his tribe venerated and cared for their personal idols.
The opportunity was right for Umm Sulaym to stress the futility of such idol worship and she went on: "Don't you know Abu Talhah, that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the earth?" "That's true," he said. "Don't you feel stupid while worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to bake bread or warm yourself? (If you should give up these foolish beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any sadaqah apart from your acceptance of Islam."

"Who shall instruct me in Islam?" asked Abu Talhah. "I shall," Umm Sulaym replied. "How?" "Utter the declaration of truth and testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your idol and throw it away." Abu Talhah left and reflected deeply on what Umm Sulaym had said.
He came back to her beaming with happiness. "I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Umm Sulaym and Abu Talhah were married. Anas, her son, was pleased and the Muslims would say: "We have never yet heard of a mahr that was more valuable and precious than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her mahr."
Umm Sulaym was pleased and delighted with her new husband who placed his unique energies and talents in the service of Islam. He was one of the seventy three men who swore allegiance to the Prophet at the second Pledge of Aqabah. With him, according to one report, was his wife Umm Sulaym. Two other women, the celebrated Nusaybah bint Kab and Asma bint Amr witnessed Aqabah and took the oath of allegiance to the Prophet.
Abu Talhah was devoted to the Prophet and took enormous delight in simply looking at him and listening to the sweetness of his speech. He participated in all the major military campaigns. He lived a very ascetic life and was known to fast for long periods at a time. It is said that he had a fantastic orchard in Madinah with date palms and grapes and running water. One day while he was performing Salat in the shade of the trees, a beautiful bird with brightly colored plumage flew in front of him. He became engrossed in the scene and forgot how many rakats he had prayed. Two? Three? When he completed the Prayer he went to the Prophet and described how he had been distracted. In the end, he said: "Bear witness, Messenger of Allah, that I hand over this orchard as a charity for the sake of Allah, the Exalted."

Abu Talhah and Umm Sulaym had an exemplary Muslim family life, devoted to the Prophet and the service of Muslims and Islam. The Prophet used to visit their home. Sometimes when the time of Prayer came, he would pray on a mat provided by Umm Sulaym. Sometimes also he would have a siesta in their house and, as he slept, she would wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Once when the Prophet awoke from his siesta, he asked: "Umm Sulaym, what are you doing?" "I am taking these (drops of perspiration) as a barakah (blessing) which comes from you," she replied.
At another time, the Prophet went to their house and Umm Sulaym offered him dates and butterfat but he did not have any of it because he was fasting. Occasionally, she would send her son Anas with bags of dates to his house.
It was noticed that the Prophet, peace be on him, had a special compassion for Umm Sulaym and her family and when asked about it, he replied: "Her brother was killed beside me."

Umm Sulaym also had a well-known sister, Umm Haram, the wife of the imposing Ubadah ibn as-Samit. She died at sea during a naval expedition and was buried in Cyprus. Umm Sulaym's husband, Abu Talhah, also died while he was on a naval expedition during the time of the third Caliph, Uthman, and was buried at sea.
Umm Sulaym herself was noted for her great courage and bravery. During the Battle of Uhud, she carried a dagger in the folds of her dress. She gave water to and tended the wounded and she made attempts to defend the Prophet when the tide of battle was turning against him. At the Battle of Khandaq, the Prophet saw her carrying a dagger and he asked her what she was doing with it. She said: "It is to fight those who desert."
"May God grant you satisfaction in that," replied the Prophet. In the face of adversity, Umm Sulaym displayed a unique calmness and strength. One of her young sons (Umayr) fell sick and died while her husband was away looking after his orchards. She bathed the child and wrapped him in shrouds. She told others at her home that they should not inform Abu Talhah because she herself wanted to tell him.

Umm Sulaym had another son whose name was Abdullah. A few days after she gave birth, she sent Anas with the baby and a bag of dates to the Prophet. The Prophet placed the baby on his lap. He crushed the dates in his mouth and put some in the baby's mouth. The baby sucked the dates with relish and the Prophet said: "The Ansar are only fond of dates."

Abdullah eventually grew up and had seven children all of whom memorized the Quran.
Umm Sulaym was a model Muslim, a model wife and mother. Her belief in God was strong and uncompromising. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her children for wealth and luxury, however abundant and tempting. She was devoted to the Prophet and dedicated her son Anas to his service. She took the responsibility of educating her children and she played an active part in public life, sharing with the other Muslims the hardships and the joys of building a community and living for the pleasure of God. Her courage and devotion is a wonderful example for us all.

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The Story of Umme Hakim (R.A.)

Umme Hakim (R.A.) was the wife of Akrimah-bin-Abi-Jahl. She participated in the battle of Uhud on the enemy side. She embraced Islam on the fall of Mecca. She loved her husband very much, who would not embrace Islam, on account that his father despised Islam. After the fall of Mecca, her husband fled to Yemen. Umme Hakim (R.A.) secured a pardon for him from the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and joined her husband in Yemen and induced him to return back home. She told him, "You can be safe from the sword of Mohammad (pbuh) only when you put yourself in his lap." She returned with him to Madinah, where Akrimah embraced Islam and the couple began to live together happily.

They both participated in the Syrian war during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr (RAA). During another battle, Akrimah was killed. Umme Hakim (R.A.) was remarried to another Mujahid, Khalid-bin-Said (RAA). It was at a place called Marja-us-Safr that her husband wanted to meet her. She said: "We have enemy concentrating on all fronts. We shall meet after they are done away with." Khalid-bin-Said (RAA) said: "I am not sure if I will survive this battle." They then shared the bed for the first time in a tent at that place. Next day, Khalid-bin-Said (RAA) was arranging for the Walimah when the enemy attacked with full force and he was killed in the battle.

Umme Hakim (RAA) packed up her tent and other luggage, and with a tent-peg in her hand, jumped in the battle and fought ferociously with the enemy till she had killed seven of them. In times of war, not to speak of woman, but even no man would like to get married under such circumstances. Speaking of courage and valor, instead of mourning the loss of her husband on the day of his death, she rushed into the battlefield and killed seven of the enemy soldiers single handed. What could be a better proof of the strength of Imaan (faith) in the women of those times?


Islamic Bulletin