A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIVES OF THE WIVES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (s)

Prophet Muhammad's Wives

UMMAHAATUL MU'MINEEN (MOTHERS OF THE FAITHFUL)

AND

CHILDREN OF RASULULLAH (s)

A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIVES OF THE WIVES OF SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (S).

Sayyida KHADIJAH (r)

This noble lady belonged to the Quraish tribe. She is also known as "Khatijatul Kubra" or "Khadijah the Great." Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her when he was 25 years old and she was 40 years old. She was a very devoted wife, companion and counselor, ever ready to stand by Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) in all trials and tribulations. She proved to be an immense support and help to the Cause of Islam. She passed away at the age of 65 years on the 11th of Ramadaan - 10 years after the first revelation. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) has said about her: "The noblest women of the world are Sayyida Mariam (alaiha as-salaam) and Sayyida Khadijah (r)." (Bukhari Shareef)

 

Sayyida SA'UDA (r)

Sayyida Sa'uda (r) was a widow and the daughter of Sayyida Zama (r). She married Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) after Sayyida Khadijah (r) had passed away. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was then 55 years old. She was generous, affectionate and kind. The reason for his marriage was that he needed someone to care for his children so that he could concentrate on the heavy responsibilities of Prophethood. Sayyida Aisha Siddiqa (r) has said about her: "It is only Sa'uda, on seeing whom, I wish my soul lived in her body." Sayyida Sa'uda (r) passed away in 55 A.H. 

Sayyida AISHA SIDDIQA (r)

She was the daughter of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (r) and was unmarried. In the 10th year of the mission, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her. Since she was very young at the time of her marriage, she only began to live with him in Madinatul Munawwarah in 2 A.H. He married Sayyida Aisha Siddiqa (r) in order to strengthen the ties of friendship with Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (r), his closest friend and also so that she could teach other women. Sayyida Aisha (r) led a very simple life without comfort and luxury. She dressed very simple. She served Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) with utmost devotion and he loved her very much. She led a very pious life.

When Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) passed away, she was 25 years old. Thereafter, she lived for another 48 years and saw the rule of all the four Khulafaa. She is remembered for her intelligence, intuition, her knowledge of Hadith and principles of religion, secrets of Islamic knowledge, Arabic literature, piety and Islamic Fiqh. She became a great Madani (person of Madinatul Munawwarah) scholar and knew several thousand Ahadith by heart. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) himself used to teach her and answer her questions. She used to also teach other women. A great Scholar, Imam Zahri (r), has said about her: "Sayyida Aisha's (r) knowledge will surpass the knowledge of all the males and Mothers of the Faithful put together."

Sayyida HAFSA (r)

She was the daughter of Sayyiduna Umar (r) and was a widow. In 2 or 3 A.H. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her. He also gave his own daughter, Sayyida Umm Kulthum (r), in marriage to Sayyiduna 'Uthman (r). She was a very learned person and spent most of her time in reading and writing. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) had personally taught her with the result that she was an authority on Islamic knowledge. She was also given the original hand-written copy of the Holy Quran to keep. She was very pious and saintly. She passed away in the month of Shabaan 45 A.H. 

Sayyida ZAYNAB (r)

She was the daughter of Khuzaimah. She was a widow and was poverty stricken. Moved by her piety and self-sacrifice, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her in 3 A.H. Sayyida Zaynab (r) was a very kind-hearted lady and ever ready to help the poor and destitute. She would spend all her income on charity and was called "Ummul Masaakin" or "Mother of the Poor." She passed away within three months of her marriage and was buried in Jannatul Baqi. 

Sayyida UMME SALMAH (r)

She was the daughter of Abu Ummayyah Sohail. When her husband passed away she was left with four children and had no means of maintenance. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s), now 57 years old, married her in the month of Shawwal in 4 A.H. She was very beautiful and used to live a very pious life. She did all kinds of good works. She was very learned and had a good knowledge of Hadith. She was able to teach others on Islamic matters. She read the Holy Quran in the same style as Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s). She was almost as learned as Sayyida Aisha (r). She outlived all the Ummahaatul Mu'mineen and passed away at the age of 84 years in 63 A.H. 

Sayyida ZAINAB (r)

She was the daughter of Jahsh bin Rabah and married Sayyiduna Zaid bin Harith (r), the adopted son of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s). After her divorce, she married Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) in 5 A.H., when he was 58 years old. Her marriage to Sayyiduna Zaid (r) [Bahasu Indonesia] was a lesson to all not to distinguish between a free person and a slave in social matters. She was very generous to the poor people of Madinatul Munawwarah. She passed away at the age of 53 years in 20 A.H. and lies buried in Jannatul Baqi. When she passed away, Sayyida Aisha (r) said about her: "Alas, the pious respected lady is no more and has left the orphans and widows broken-hearted." 

Sayyida JUWAIRIYAH (r)

She was the daughter of Harith and was a widow. She was a captive of war and set free by Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) who married her in 5 A.H. As a result of her marriage, the prisoners which belonged to her tribe were set free. This made many accept Islam. Sayyida Juwairiyah (r) was a highly self-respecting person. She was very religious-minded and spent most of her time in Salaah. She was also very learned. She passed away at the age of 65 years in 56 A.H. and lies buried in Jannatul Baqi. 

Sayyida UMME HABIBAH (r)

She was the daughter of Sayyiduna Abu Sufyaan (r) and a widow. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her when she was 36-37 years old in 6-7 A.H. This marriage also resulted in Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (r) accepting Islam. She was a dedicated wife and feared Almighty Allah much. She had much regard for the poor, down-trodden and destitute and prayed a lot for the Muslims. She passed away at the age of 73 in 44 A.H. 

Sayyida SAFIYAH (r)

She was a Jewess and taken captive during the Battle of Khaibar. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her in 7 A.H. This made a great impact on the Jews, with the result that many accepted Islam. She was very dignified in her behaviour, patient and polite. She was very much attached to Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) and he had great regards for her. She was also very generous and kind-hearted. She was also very learned. She passed away at the age of 50 and is buried in Jannatul Baqi. 

Sayyida MAYMUNA (r)

She was a widow. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) married her in the month of Shawwal when she was 51 years old. Her marriage also drew many towards Islam. She was very pious and humble and fond of advising Muslim women and freeing slaves. She was also very learned. She passed away in 51 A.H. 

Sayyida MARIA QIBTIYA (r)

She was given to Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) as a gift by the Christian King of Egypt. She accepted Islam and was very pious. Her marriage also improved the relationship with the Egyptians. She passed away 5 years after her son passed away and is buried in Jannatul Baqi.

CHILDREN OF RASULULLAH (s)

Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) had children from only two of his wives. They were Sayyida Khadijah (r) and Sayyida Maria Qibtiya (r).

Sayyida KHADIJAH (r)

Sayyida Khadijah (r) had 6 children. They were:

• Sayyiduna Qasim (r): He was the eldest son and passed away in infancy.

• Sayyiduna Abdullah (r): He was born during the period of Prophethood and was called "Tayyab" and "Taahir." He also passed away in infancy.

• Sayyida Zaynab (r): She was the eldest daughter. She married Sayyiduna Abul Aas (r) who only accepted Islam just a year after she passed away in 8 A.H. She passed away from a wound she received while on the Hijrah to Madinatul Munawwarah. She had two children - Sayyiduna Ali (r) and Sayyiduna Umama (r).

• Sayyida Ruqayyah (r): She was first married to Utba, son of Abu Lahab. She did not live with him and he divorced her. She then married Sayyiduna 'Uthman (r) and migrated with him to Abyssinia and finally settled in Madinatul Munawwarah. They had one son, Sayyiduna Abdullah (r) who passed away at the age of 6. She passed away in 2 A.H. after an illness.

• Sayyida Umme Kulthum (r): She was first married to Utaibah, another son of Abu Lahab. She did not want to live with him and he divorced her. In 3 A.H. she married Sayyiduna 'Uthman (r). His first wife, Sayyida Ruqayyah (r), passed away. She passed away in Shabaan of 9 A.H.

• Sayyida Fathima (r): She was the youngest daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s). She married Sayyiduna Ali (r). They had 3 sons and 2 daughters. Sayyiduna Imam Hassan, Sayyiduna Imam Hussain, Sayyiduna Mohsin, Sayyida Umme Kulthum and Sayyida Zainab (r). She passed away a few months after Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) left this world. She is considered to be "Sayyidatun Nisaa min Ahlil Jannah" or "Leader of the Women of Paradise."

Sayyida MARIA QIBTIYA (r):

Sayyiduna Ibrahim (r): Sayyida Maria (r) bore Sayyiduna Rasulullah (s) a son, Sayyiduna Ibrahim (r), who passed away in infancy.

Compiled by the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy South Africa

Source: http://onislam.net

Brief Sketch of Mothers of Believers by www.quransearchonline.com/HomeBiography.asp

A Woman of Submission to God - Lady Maimunah - Prophet Muhammad's Wives

Prophet Muhammad's Wives

Lady Maimunah bint Al-Harith

The Prophet's Wife: A Woman of Submission to God

The Story of Maimunah Bint Al-Harith

For Maimunah, submitting to the will of God 

was always the highest priority.

Maimunah bint Al-Harith became one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) seven years after Muslims' emigration from Makkah to Madinah (known to Muslims as the Hijrah).

She had already been divorced once, after which she re-married and was later widowed. Many women would have given up on love by then, but Maimunah's story was slightly different.

When she became Prophet Muhammad's wife, she was a vibrant and intelligent woman in her mid-20s and brought much wisdom to her third marriage.

It was through Maimunah that plenty of Islamic teachings were relayed to Muslims; one of them especially was the blessing of trust and faith in Islam.

Besides being known for her total submission to Allah and her steadfast support for her husband, Maimunah bint Al-Harith is another Mother of the Believers (an honorary title given to all the wives of Prophet Muhammad) who has narrated many Hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) — 76 to be precise. Many of these narrations have to do with the nature of the relationship between her and her husband so that Muslims can learn and emulate through their own relationships and reap the happiness that is promised between husband and wife.

When Prophet Muhammad initiated the marriage proposal  to Maimunah, it was a  huge  family  affair,  and  Prophet Muhammad spoke to her brother-in-law and  her  sister  Umm  Al-Fadl.  The proposal  was  received  with  much  joy and  trust  in  Allah,  and  Maimunah accepted it willingly.

There is a verse from the Quran that says what means:

{O Prophet, We have made lawful for you… any believing woman who has offered herself to the Prophet and whom the Prophet wishes to wed- this is only for you [Prophet] and not the rest of the believers.} (33:50)

Many believe that this verse best suits Maimunah as her soul was firmly dedicated to her new husband.

According to Martin Lings, a prominent Muslim scholar, it was Umm Al-Fadl and her husband Abbas who approached the Prophet to marry Maimunah and not the other way around. Umm Al-Fadl believed such a union would bring great benefit to the Muslim community, which was being built slowly on sturdy grounds. Prophet Muhammad accepted her suggestion and continued to pursue a marriage proposal with Maimunah herself, whom he already knew personally (281).

Prophet Muhammad was already very closely acquainted with Maimunah and Umm Al-Fadl's family, as they too were amongst the first Muslims during the initial revelation in Makkah. In fact, it was even narrated that Prophet Muhammad described Maimunah and her sisters as "the believing sisters", which was an amazing recognition for the entire family.

Her Marriage to the Prophet

his marriage with Maimunah led to opportunities 
to spread the teachings of Islam to the tribe of Banu Hilal

Indeed, Umm Al-Fadl had been right in initiating the relationship. Prophet Muhammad, through his marriage with Maimunah, was led to opportunities to spread the teachings of Islam to the tribe of Banu Hilal (Maimunah's tribe), and consequentially, another important Muslim community began to grow and integrate with the first one. Upon joining the Prophet's household, Maimunah became instrumental in strictly endorsing the Prophet's orders, by decree of Allah. Her passion towards her husband and her love for Islam were an emotional ride, but were always based on reason and logic.

It is reported that one day she was visited by a relative who seemed somewhat

intoxicated. Upon seeing the condition of this relative, Maimunah became enraged. She warned him, "Purify yourself, or I will never let you come here again." Her relative was quick to obey her, realizing that Maimunah's piety weighed heavier than family relations, especially when her family's behavior contradicted Islamic principles.

Her passion for her family was driven by Islam, and she felt the constant need to protect others from the temptations of this world. Even until her death, she took care of her relatives and protected them. Aishah bint Abi Bakr, a wife of Prophet Muhammad, said: "Maimunah was the best amongst us, as she feared Allah most and maintained a close and continuous relationship with her kin." (Al-Hakim 8:181)

Maimunah Amongst the Women

She provided all the ingredients of a thriving marriage

Aishah's recognition of Maimunah did not end there. Aishah always praised Maimunah's morals and dedication to Allah's directions.

Of course, the Mothers of the Believers were the women that no other could contend with, as they were all recognized as virtuous and strong Muslims who were hand-picked by Allah to teach and nurture the nascent Muslim community that was still learning about the faith.

There were several occasions on which Maimunah stepped up as the Prophet's consultant, advisor, and aid to help dispel ambiguity in rulings and to allow Muslims to witness first-hand how Islam should be practiced. She walked the talk of the Quran by virtue of Prophet Muhammad, rushed to his aid when he needed her, and maintained her love for Islam above all.

She provided all the ingredients of a thriving marriage. Through her sayings, she spoke of intimacy between husband and wife, like washing up from the same container of water and keeping a close watch on the emotions of one's spouse. All this indicates that Maimunah was picked as a wife for anything more than her zeal in nurturing a strong marriage, and it was only through her piety and submission to God that she achieved that.

It so happened that the night before Prophet Muhammad's departure from the world, he spent his day at Maimunah's home, as per his routine schedule. Maimunah, who was deeply dedicated and sensitive towards her husband's needs, sensed that he was at unease. He began asking her to suggest whose house he should spend his next night, as this was his tradition in parting from each wife's home.

Maimunah knew that it was not Aishah's turn yet, but as she saw her husband falling ill and weak, she knew best that he would want to spend the night with his most beloved wife. She asked him to leave her for Aishah's house, before rounding up the other wives, as if she felt it was time for him to leave the world.

Maimunah Amongst the Muslims

Maimunah was known to the Muslims as a woman of charity

Her complete submission to Allah and Prophet Muhammad encouraged her to denounce worldly pleasures and to worship and love for the sake of Islam only. Maimunah was known to the Muslims as a woman of charity. She freed slaves and cared for the poor. And it was through her actions that other Muslims followed suit.

Yet her participation in Muslim society was even more apparent during war. During the battles that took place in the Prophet's life time, it was Maimunah who mobilized the first female group who would accompany the men at war and provide medical aid and emotional support for the wounded.

For a woman who was later known to rarely leave her house after her husband's passing, Maimunah was actively involved in travelling with the Muslim army when they needed the help the most. With her husband leading the battles, she mostly felt that it was his right to have her by his side.

In many ways she served Islam throughout her entire life, relaying important aspects of Muslim life so that the torch of Islam would never die down. She took care of her kin and encouraged good relations amongst all Muslims. Moreover, she was always in the middle of action, leading by example and translating emotions into sense and logic, in hopes that her and her husband's behavior would be understood and adopted by the Muslim followers.

But over and above her zeal for charity and serving the Muslim community, Maimunah was still a romantic at heart. Her passion and emotional attachment to Prophet Muhammad, whom she outlived, lived on within her.

In the year 51 AH (after Hijrah), Maimunah fell ill in Makkah. Upon so, she said, "Get me out of Makkah. I will not die in Makkah," (Ibn Kathir 4:261).

She then asked to be transported to Sarf — the town in which she had spent her wedding night with her beloved husband, Prophet Muhammad — where she eventually passed away.

Did the Prophet Marry Maymunah During Ihram?

Islam pays due care to marriage and its rulings. Therefore, Muslims are ordained to follow these rulings in all matters of marriage.

Responding to your question, Dr.`Abdul Fattah Edris, Professor of Usul Al-Fiqh, Al-Azhar University, stated,

It is known that a Muslim in the state of ihram (special clothing of Hajj) cannot get married, engage, or marry a woman to another man. This is due to the hadith narrated by `Uthman ibn `Affan in which he says, “I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “A Muhrim (the person wearing the clothing of Hajj) must neither get married, nor marry a woman to another man, nor should he engage (make the proposal of marriage.)” (Muslim)

As for your question, it is true that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married Maymunah during the journey of Hajj, but this took place on his way back from Hajj, not on his way to Hajj.

Regarding the hadith narrated by Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), he may have been confused, as he was still young. He may have thought that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married Maymunah while being in the state of ihram, but that was only an introduction to the marriage, while the actual marriage only took place on the way back from Hajj, after taking off the clothing of ihram.

Another point is: how could the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbid his followers from doing something and do it himself? This could not happen as he is the role model of the Ummah.

In addition, there are may hadiths narrated by many companions such as Ibn

`Umar, Yazid Ibn Al-Asamm, and Abu-Rafi` that contradict Ibn `Abbas's narration. Commenting on that hadith,  Ibn Numayr said that, “I told Az-Zuhry (a prominent scholar of hadith) about it and he said, “Yazid Ibn Al-Asam told me that he (the Prophet) married her while he was halal (not muhrim)” (Muslim).

In one of these hadiths, Abu-Rafi` said, “He married her while he was halal (not muhrim), and I was the messenger between them” (At-Tabarani)

Given the above, it is clear that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married Maymunah on the way back from Hajj while he was not muhrim; after taking off the clothing of ihram.

Allah knows best.

Source: http://onislam.net