Our beloved Prophet ﷺ was surrounded by sahabas who exemplified exceptional traits, possessed noble personalities, and strove on the path of Islam. Among the companions were women who were revered by the Prophet ﷺ. They worked diligently to gain in-depth knowledge about the religion, to abide by its teachings, and to fight for the cause of Islam. These women were entrepreneurial, courageous, astute, and wise.  

They went above and beyond to represent the Muslim community, and they are upheld as role models. The sahabiyat are the bedrock of our history. They are a huge source of inspiration for any Muslim woman who aspires to reach her full potential, forge new paths, and find fulfillment.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best people are those of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then, there will come people after them whose testimony precedes their oaths and their oaths precede their testimony.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Who are the best examples besides the Prophet’s ﷺ companions, whom he described as the best of generations? The following are glimpses into the lives of five of the Prophet’s female companions, notable for their courage, fortitude, eloquence, and intelligence.

Asma bint Yazid (ra)

Asma bint Yazid belonged to the Ansar and was one of the most knowledgeable of the sahabiyat – the key compilers of hadith, including Ibn Majah and Abu Dawood, related about 81 hadiths from her reporting (2). She was also renowned for her riveting speeches, eloquence, and ability to elucidate complex topics. Her distinguishable position among the Ansar women gave her the nickname ‘the Speaker of the Women.’ (3)

As a confident and eloquent woman, Asma bint Yazid was also entrusted as the women’s delegate. To relay a concern on behalf of the women, Asma bint Yazid approached the Prophet ﷺ about sharing in the rewards enjoyed by men and said, “…I am a messenger for those women who are behind me from among the Muslims. I speak their words and we share the same opinion: Allah has sent you to both men and women alike. We believe in you and follow you. We womenfolk are kept in the house and secluded as the pillars of the home. We satisfy the desire of men and bear their children. The men are preferred for Jumu’ah and congregational prayers, participating in funerals and striving in Jihad. When they match out for Jihad we take care of their wealth for them and we train their children. Shouldn’t we also share with them in the reward, O Messenger of Allah?”

After listening to her speech, the Prophet ﷺ turned to the companions present and remarked, “Have you ever listened to a woman’s speech more beautiful in questioning regarding her religion than this one?”

They responded, “Never, O Messenger of Allah. We never thought that a woman could attain something as this.”(4)

The Prophet ﷺ then said, “Listen, and then inform the women: If women serve their husbands and keep them happy, and always seek their pleasure, and always obey them, then the women will also receive rewards equivalent to the actions of the men.” (5)

Asma was also brave and willing to fight for the cause of Islam. She killed nine Romans with the post of her shelter during the Battle of Yarmouk.

What Can We Learn from Asma bint Yazid?

Asma bint Yazid’s story serves as an inspiration to all women to demonstrate their skills and talent without fear.

Umm Hakim bint Al-Harith (ra)

Umm Hakim stood in opposition to the Muslims at the Battle of Uhud. She was a member of the team that beat drums to lead Quraysh army troops in battle against Muslims (6). She, however, embraced Islam on the day of Makkah’s conquest (7). 

After becoming a Muslim, Umm Hakim’s husband, Ikrama, fled to Yemen for fear of retaliation from Muslims, so Umm Hakim persuaded the Prophet ﷺ to grant him pardon. The Prophet granted her request as a result of her devotion, and she traveled to Yemen to return Ikrama to Madinah. Ikrama would become a Muslim and fight for Allah’s sake. He would also be martyred in the Battle of Ajnadayn (8).

Umm Hakim remained steadfast in her commitment to upholding the virtues of Islam. She also remained patient after losing her father, brother, and husband in the battle of Yarmouk and Ajnadayn.

Not long after, Khalid ibn Sa’id, a general, sent Umm Hakim a marriage proposal. Umm Hakim accepted the proposal, and the wedding was held in Marj-al-Saffar. However, Khalid ibn Sa’id was martyred the next day. 

Thereafter, Byzantine soldiers surrounded Umm Hakim’s tent. Still dressed in bridal attire, she grabbed the camp’s poles and single-handedly killed the soldiers who tried to gain entry into the camp (9). 

Umm Hakim would marry Umar ibn Khattab and bear him a child named Fatima. 

What Can We Learn from Umm Hakim bint Al-Harith?

Umm Hakim’s story demonstrates that it is never too late to repent to Allah and return to the right path, even after years of being on the wrong side. It also teaches us to be patient in the face of adversity and courageous in times of despair.

Asma bint Umais (ra)

Asma bint Umais was married to Jafar ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of the Prophet ﷺ and older brother of Ali ibn Abi Talib. She had three sisters, and the Prophet ﷺ referred to the four sisters as the ‘Believing Sisters’ because they were one of the earliest converts to Islam and played a key role in spreading its message. They were also regarded as role models and examples to be emulated. The other sisters include Salma bint Umais, Maymoona bint Al-Harith, and Lubaabah bint Al-Harith. 

Asma bint Umais was also one of the first sets of Muslims who migrated to Abyssinia. She was a knowledgeable woman who spent fifteen years in Abyssinia, imparting her knowledge to members of the community. Ja’far also consulted her on issues affecting the Muslims in the community. 

Asma was close to Fatima, the Prophet’s ﷺ daughter.  While engaging in one of their discussions, Asma related the practice of Abyssinian women when shrouding the dead. According to her, their corpses are placed in a box made of wood or leaves. Fatima (ra), upon learning about their practice, requested that Asma wash her corpse and place it in a similar coffin. Asma was the first to design the coffin that Muslims still use to bury the dead (10).

Asma bint Umais is widely known for getting married to three close companions of the Prophet ﷺ, including Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, and Ali ibn Abi Talib.

What Can We Learn from Asma bint Umais?

The story of Asma bint Umais reminds us of the importance of acquiring knowledge and sharing it with others. It also dispels the myth surrounding multiple marriages.

Umm Sulaym bint Milhan (ra)

Ar-Rumaysa bint Milhan, popularly known as Umm Sulaym, was the mother of Anas ibn Malik (RA), the devoted servant of the Prophet ﷺ and narrator of hadith. She was one of the first of the Ansar to accept Islam, and the first in her family, after learning about the religion. When her husband, Malik bin Nadhar, learnt about her decision, he tried to convince her to return to polytheism. He was also opposed to Umm Sulaym teaching her new religion to their son, Anas. Her unwavering decision to become a Muslim eventually led to their divorce (11). 

Umm Sulaym took 10-year-old Anas to serve the Prophet ﷺ after their divorce. She also asked the Prophet ﷺ to invoke Allah’s blessings on him (Anas). Anas ibn Malik would serve the Prophet ﷺ for ten years and become one of the great narrators of the ahadith.

Consequently, when Abu Talhah, who was attractive, wealthy, and powerful, found out about Umm Sulaym’s divorce, he made her a marriage proposal. To Abu Talhah’s amazement, Umm Sulaym rejected him despite his wonderful qualities since he wasn’t a Muslim. Abu Talhah would embrace Islam, and Umm Sulaym would accept his testimony of faith as her mahr, and she would become the first Muslim woman to establish a respectable trend (12).

What Can We Learn from Umm Sulaym bint Milhan?

Her story is an inspiration to any Muslim woman who desires to break free from an unhappy marriage or is worried that saying no to a suitor will hinder her chances of getting married. It also encourages mothers to take steps to guarantee the success of their children.

Umm Salamah (ra)

Hind bint Abu Umayyah, commonly known as Umm Salamah, was one of the Prophet’s ﷺ wives. Umm Salamah and her husband, Abu Salamah, were one of the first converts to Islam and the first courageous Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia when oppression and mistreatment of Muslims became the norm in Makkah (13). Migrating for Umm Salamah meant leaving her home and foregoing her heritage in hopes of seeking Allah’s reward.

Afterwards, Abu Samalah was severely wounded by Abu Usamah Jashmi during the Battle of Uhud. Regrettably, he died as a result of the battle injury. Abu Bakr proposed marriage to Umm Salamah after she completed her Iddah period, but she declined. Umar ibn Khattab sought her hand in marriage as well, but was met with the same fate.

Following that, the Prophet ﷺ proposed. Umm Salamah revealed her reservations, which included being a hot-headed elderly woman with many children. The Prophet ﷺ replied that he would seek Allah’s help regarding her temper and that her age or the number of children did not concern him. They married in the month of Shawwal after she accepted the Prophet’s ﷺ proposal (14).

Umm Salamah was also a wise and educated woman who was committed to catering to the needs of the poor. She was highly renowned for her wisdom, brilliance, and elegance. Following the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet ﷺ ordered his companions to shave their heads and sacrifice the animals they had brought with them. However, they all appeared hesitant and unwilling to comply with his order. Umm Salamah witnessed this and proposed that the Prophet ﷺ lead by shaving his head and offering his animal for sacrifice. As Umm Salamah had predicted, the companions joined the Prophet ﷺ to complete the same act (15).

Umm Salamah also utilised her time for self-care. She was known to take special care of her hair by combing it with henna or perfume. She also took great care to look beautiful by glistening her face with aloe vera juice (16).

What Can We Learn from Umm Salamah?

Umm Salamah’s story reinforces the importance of women in influencing key family decisions and offering wise counsel. It also shows that a Muslim woman can be both modest and fashionable.

The sahabiyat’s remarkable lives and the great feats they accomplished during their lifetimes form the foundation of our histories. Their stories should inspire any Muslim woman seeking to break ground and attain fulfillment.

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References

1. Elias, A. A. (2011, May 14). Hadith on Salaf: Best generations are the companions, successors. Daily Hadith Online. https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2011/05/14/sahabah-tabieen-salaf-salih/
2. Salahi, A. (2003, February 10). Scholar of renown: Asmaa bint Yazeed. Arab News. https://www.arabnews.com/node/228215
3. Yusuf Abu ’Aziz, S. (2009). Men & Women around the Messenger ﷺ (S. Fulani, Trans.). DARUSSALAM.
4. Ibid
5. Bilal Sa’eed Attari Madani, M. (n.d.). Pious Women of Islam – Sayyidatuna Asma Bint Yazeed رضی اللہ عنھا. Www.dawateislami.net. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.dawateislami.net/magazine/en/islam-and-woman/sayyidatuna-asma-bint-yazeed
6. Islamic History of Khalifa Umar bin al-Khattab | Inter-Personal Relations and Interactions – Umm Hakim. (n.d.). Www.alim.org. https://www.alim.org/history/khaleefa/umar/17/19/
7. Allama Shibli Nu’man. (2000). SIRAT UN NABI (2 Vols. Set). Adam Publishers & Distributors.
8. Ghadanfar, M. A. (2001). Great Women of Islam. In Google Books. Darussalam.
9. Islamic History of Khalifa Umar bin al-Khattab | Inter-Personal Relations and Interactions – Umm Hakim. (n.d.). Www.alim.org. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://www.alim.org/history/khaleefa/umar/17/19/
10. Shams, Zahrat Ash. “The Woman of Two Migrations – Asma Bint Umais.” Zahrat Ash Shams, 30 May 2018, sarahmuzaffar.wordpress.com/2018/05/30/the-woman-of-two-migrations-asma-bint-umais/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2023.
11. Awan, Uzma. “Umm Sulaym Bint Malhan (Ra) (Part 1) – Hiba – Family Resource Centre.” Hiba – Family Resource Centre, 9 Jan. 2018, www.hibamagazine.com/umm-sulaym-bint-malhan-ra-part-1/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2023.
12. Islams Women – Umm Sulaim bint Milhan Al-Ansariyyah. (n.d.). Www.islamswomen.com. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.islamswomen.com/articles/umm_sulaim.php
13. Umm Salamah | WISE Muslim Women Umm Salamah. (2009, August 17). WISE Muslim Women. https://www.wisemuslimwomen.org/muslim-woman/umm-salamah-3/
14. Islams Women – Umm Salamah bint Abu Umayyah. (n.d.). Www.islamswomen.com. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.islamswomen.com/articles/umm_salamah.php
15. Ibid 

Samina. (2019, July 30). Short Stories of Sahabiyat + List of Resources to Know More About Female Companions of the Prophet ﷺ. AYEINA. https://ayeina.com/stories-of-sahabiyat/