This week, the Crescent Moon Bookstore throws light upon the Sahabiyat or female companions of our Prophet Muhammad PBUH. These exceptional women are known for their remarkable qualities of bravery, and piousness as well as their entrepreneurial endeavors in the society.
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As Ramadan inches closer, we wait with eagerness for the blessed month. Families around the world prepare in different ways, some make it a point to memorize the Holy Quran, while others read Ramadan-themed books, and yet others sit down with children to learn more about the obligations of the Holy Month.
An insightful way to get ready for Ramadan is to read and learn more about the Prophet’s PBUH life and those who were close to him. There are several interesting and attention-capturing ways to do this with your little ones. For example, this set of informative flashcards is a fantastic activity that can not only educate kids about the sahaba, but also make it fun!
Women played a major role in establishing and propagating Islam in the Prophet's PBUH time. Some of the exceptional Sahabiyat included women from our Prophet’s PBUH family i.e. his daughters, wives, and his maternal figures who were courageous, noble, and knowledgeable. Just as the male companions taught us so much from the way they led their lives, the female companions presented the best examples of how Muslim women ought to be participating in society and their homes.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best people are from my generation, then those after them, then those after them.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Who are the Sahabiyat?
The Sahabiyat are the female companions of the Prophet PBUH who satisfy the following conditions:
- They met, observed, spoke to, or spent time in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
- They came across the Prophet after he received Prophethood.
- They were Muslims and died as Muslims
Read on as we highlight some inspiring Sahabiyat and their contributions to Islam.
Umm Hakim bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها
Umm Hakim bint Al Harith (R.A) was a part of the group that beat drums against the Quraysh in the battle of Uhud. She embraced Islam on the day of the conquest of Makkah despite being in opposition during the war. After seeking permission and convincing Prophet Muhammad PBUH, she took after her husband Ikrama, who had fled to Yemen. She was successful in bringing him to Islam who later fought for Allah's sake and was martyred in the battle of Ajnadyan.
Umm Hakim bint Al Harith (R.A) remained dedicated to Islam even after her father, brother, and husband were martyred in the battle of Yarmouk and Ajnadyan.
Shortly after, she was sent a marriage proposal by Khalid ibn Sa’id, the commander of Umayyad Muslims. Umm Hakim (R.A) received 400 dinars (gold coins) as Meher on their marriage.
On the day of her walimah, Roman soldiers surrounded her tent. Everyone in the camp defended the troops and eventually, her husband was martyred. Umm Hakim bint Al Harith (R.A), dressed in bridal garments, pulled out a pole of her tent and single-handedly killed seven armed soldiers. She is known for her faith, bravery, and courage, and for inspiring Muslim women to defend themselves in tough situations.
The Sahabiyat Quiz Cards set is perfect for teaching your kids trivia about the female companions. Click here to buy it now.
Nusaybah bint Ka’ab – Umm Ammarah رضي الله عنها
Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (R.A) was later known as Umm Ammarah. She fought bravely alongside our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH in numerous battles. Nusaybah (R.A) is known for her fearless defense of Muslims in the battles of Al-Yamamah, Uhud, Hunayn, and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. She was a phenomenal warrior known for her presence of mind and war skills during the Battle of Uhud.
When the archers abandoned Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Nusaybah (R.A) defended and protected him so much so that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whenever I turned left or right on the day of the battle of Uhud, I always saw her (Umm ‘Ammarah) fighting to defend me.”
Nusaybah (R.A) participated in treating the injured during battles and encouraged her sons, Habeeb and Abdullah to participate in jihad. When her son Habeeb was murdered by Musaylamah, she vowed to avenge his death or die trying.
Nusaybah was also a strong voice for Muslim women. She inquired from the Prophet PBUH about the reason why the Holy Quran did not refer to women. Shortly after, Allah SWT revealed the ayah from Surah Al-Ahzab to the Prophet PBUH, which reads:
“Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing men and the believing women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women and the humble men and the humble women, and the almsgiving men and the almsgiving women, and the fasting men and the fasting women, and the men who guard their private parts and the women who guard, and the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember—Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward.” [Qur’an 33:35]
Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها
Known for her beauty and wisdom, Umm Salamah (R.A) was a modest and fashionable Sahabiyat and later wife of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. She practiced self-care by combing her hair with henna and perfume. She taught us to use aloe vera juice for skin care. She prioritized gaining knowledge and educating herself as a form of self-care.
Umm Salamah (R.A) was among the firsts to convert to Islam and migrated to Abyssinia and eventually to Medina when oppression and ill-treatment of Muslims became overwhelming in Makkah.
She declined Abu Bakr (R.A) marriage proposal after her husband Abu Salamah was martyred in the battle of Uhud. Umar ibn Khatab (R.A) also sought her hand for marriage which she also declined. Later, Prophet Muhammad PBUH himself asked Umm Salamah’s (R.A) hand for marriage to which she let him know that she was short-tempered and had many children to which Prophet PBUH replied he would seek Allah’s SWT help regarding her temper and the number of children did not concern him.
Umm Salamah (R.A) was a highly educated and knowledgeable woman who played a vital role in spreading the word of Islam and the role of women in our religion. Her passion for self-care paved the way for discussion of cleanliness and ghusl with the Prophet PBUH which cleared many doubts for Muslim women.
Learn more about the blessed wives of the Prophet PBUH- Aishah Bint Abu Bakr and Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid in the Age of the Bliss Series, here.
Al-Khansa (Tamadur bint Amr ibn Shareed) رضي الله عنها
Al-Khansa (R.A) was well known for her emotive poetry. She was renowned for her eloquence and wisdom. She recited poetry from a very young age and gradually it turned into an expression of grief after the deaths of her beloved brothers, Sakhr and Muawiyah. Prophet PBUH enjoyed listening to her, and whenever Al-Khansa (R.A) stopped, he would motion that she continue. He PBUH regarded Al-Khansa (R.A) as having superior poetic skills to the famous poet, Imru’ al-Qais.
Al-Khansa (R.A) encouraged her sons to take part in the battle Qadisiyyāh – which was fought between the Muslims and the Persians.
Not only should our little ones understand the significance of the Sahabiyat, but also learn their ways of life and why our Prophet PBUH was so fond of them. The Sahabah Quran Quiz is a great resource for this endeavor.
The stories of the Sahabiyat are important treasures that can truly strike a chord with young kids and deepen their love for the Creator and his Prophet PBUH. So choose an interesting book, cozy up with your children, and discover the endless wonders of Islam with us.