Hiba | Islamic Books & Accessories
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.
When the news of the Prophet’s migration to Madina reached the city, the entire Madina came out of their homes to catch one glance of the beloved Messenger (sa). This was a sight never witnessed before. Every heart desired that they host the Messenger (sa) at their house. But Allah (swt) had decided something else.
She was the daughter of Qais ibn Saad and the wife of Abu Ayyub Ansari (ra). Both the husband and the wife are among those blessed people about whom Allah (swt) said, “And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success,” (9: 100).
How many wives are praised by their husbands? If not many, then why not? Abdullah (ra) not only praised Umm Atikah’s beauty, but also her fine character, wisdom and temperament.
Umm Atikah (ra) was beautiful both inside and out. She was gorgeous on the outside and a person of magnificent conduct. She was one of the early embracers of Islam. When the instruction for migration came she also moved to Madina to remain close to the Prophet (sa) and learn the matters of the religion. The great exegete Ibn Katheer describes her as a religious person.
Umm Ammarah’s (ra) defence of Islam did not end with the Prophet’s (sa) passing away, when the Fitnah (trial) of apostasy emerged she pledged her support to Abu Bakr (ra). He acknowledged that she was indeed a strong and daring woman, hence, allowed her to join the Muslim forces fighting the apostate Musalymah Kathab.
We are told the women’s participation in the battles was limited to nursing the wounded and bringing water to the soldiers. Here is a woman who participated in the Battles of Uhud, Khyber, Hunayn, Yamamah and others. She entered the battlefield with no other intention than defending the Prophet (sa).
The daughter of Amr ibn Harith and the wife of Rawaha ibn Abdul Aziz Sulma, Tumadir (ra) was named so because of her extremely white complexion. She is also known as “Khansa” because of her flat and short nose. It was a title given to her by Rasoolullah (sa).
At a time, when the Muslim girls have confusions about career choices, Rufaida Ansaria’s story can be an inspiration. She is the first Muslim nurse, who practiced nursing long before Florence Nightingale stepped up.
Jibreel (as) once came to the Prophet (sa) and said: “O Allah’s Messenger! This is Khadijah (rta), coming to you with a dish having meat soup (or some food or drink). When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord, and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a palace made of Qasab in Paradise, wherein there will be neither any noise nor any toil.” (Bukhari)