Umm Sulaym (ra) was a truthful woman, steadfast in her religion, recognising the right of her Lord and His creation, obedient to the Prophet (sa), strong against the unbelievers and hypocrites, and an example for the generous.
The Prophet (sa) prayed for Umm Sulaym (ra) and her family. Umm Sulaym (ra) then requested the Prophet (sa) to pray for her dear son Anas (ra). The Prophet (sa) said, “O Allah! Give him wealth and children and bless him.” This du’a was accepted by Allah (swt). Anas (ra) grew up to be wealthy and there were many children from his lineage.
Blessed with intellect and wisdom, it struck Umm Sulaym (ra) to request the Prophet (sa) to accept Anas (ra) in his service. The mother desired the best for her son. What could be better than learning directly from the Prophet (sa) while also serving him? The Prophet (sa) accepted this young man who grew up with the Qur’an and Sunnah.
When Allah (swt) sees goodness in someone’s heart He guides them to the truth and opens up pathways of much subsequent goodness. Same happened with Abu Talhah (ra) and Umm Sulaym (ra).
Umm Sulaym (ra) was blessed with beauty, intellect, good character, fortitude and independent thinking. Her distinguishing trait, however, was her love for Islam and its defence.
Umm Maabad (ra) asserts that she was able to give such an illustrious description of the Prophet (sa) because being a woman she was more observant than men. She saw the Prophet (sa) only once and observed all his distinguishing features. Why is it that when we meet people our focus is on their flaws and not their excellences?
Her real name was Atiqah and she was married to a man called Abu Maabad. Umm Maabad (ra) lived with her husband on the outskirts of Makkah in an inhabited place. Her husband was a shepherd; their livestock was their only source of livelihood. Living in a deserted area, Umm Maabad (ra) and her husband served the many caravans travelling on this route. Little did they know that one day Allah (swt) will reward this unknown couple in a way that many would wish that it was them.
A life that began with Shahadah (testimony of faith) ended upon faith. What about our lives? How will our end be? Do we make half-hearted intentions or are we really committed to what we seek?
Umm Haram bint Milhan (ra) was the sister of Umm Sulaym (ra), and was married to one of the Prophet’s close companions Ubadah ibn Saamit (ra). Both the husband and wife were one of the early embracers of Islam.
Umm Fadl (ra) was the leader of the women of her tribe. She enjoyed great status and honour. When she heard the message of Islam she readily accepted it. By this virtue, she became the second woman after Khadija (ra) who embraced Islam.
