Humanity Behind the Prophet Muhammad’s Marriage with Saudah binti Zam’ah

Humanity Behind the Prophet Muhammad's Marriage with Saudah binti Zam'ah ~ Hi readers! In the previous articles, we discussed the humanist side of the polygamy practiced by the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam. In this article, I will explain the humanist value behind his marriage to Saudah binti Zam'ah.

The wife of the Prophet Muhammad was named Saudah bint Zam'ah bin Qais bin Abdussyams bin Abdu Wad bin Nadhar bin Malik bin Hasl bin Amir bin Luay al-Qurasyiyyah al-Amiriyyah. Before marrying the Prophet, Saudah bint Zam'ah was married to Sakran bin Amr bin Abdu Shams bin Abdu Wad al-Qatasyi al-Amiri. Her husband was none other than the son of her own uncle, who migrated with her to Habsyah.

Sakran bin Amr was one of eight individuals from Bani Amir who were willing to leave their property and hometown to defend Islam. The eight included Malik bin Zam'ah ibn Qais bin Abdu Shams al-Amiri (the brother of Saudah), Sakran bin Amr ibn Abdu Shams, and Abdullah bin Suhail bin Amr (the brother of Sakran bin Amr bin Abdu Shams). Also included were the wives of these three men: Saudah bint Zam'ah bin Qais bin Abdu Shams, Umm Kulthum bint Suhail bin Amr bin Abdu Shams, and Imrah bint Waqidan bin Abdu Shams.

There is a story narrated by Ibn Abbas, who recounts that one day, Saudah bint Zam'ah dreamed of meeting the Prophet Muhammad. In the dream, he approached her and suddenly held her neck. She then told her husband about the dream. Her husband replied, "If your dream is true, then soon I will die, and the Prophet will marry you."

On another night, Saudah bint Zam'ah dreamed of seeing the moon come toward her while she was relaxing, sleeping on her back. She told her husband about the dream. He then said, "If your dream is true, I will soon die. After my death, you will remarry." After Saudah's dream, her husband Sakran pondered over this for a few days before he ultimately breathed his last.

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At that time, the Prophet Muhammad was still grieving the death of Khadijah. Khadijah was a perfect wife who always brought him happiness in their domestic life. She believed in him when many others doubted him, and Allah Ta'ala blessed them with sons and daughters through her.

During this time, the companions always accompanied the Prophet Muhammad. They advised him to remarry, thinking it might help alleviate his sadness. However, none of them dared to bring it up until one day, Khaulah bint Hakim visited him and encouraged him to consider marriage again.

In short, during the conversation between the Prophet Muhammad and Khaulah bint Hakim, she encouraged him to choose whether he wanted to marry a girl or a widow. Khaulah offered him the name of a girl: Aisyah bint Abu Bakr. The widow she suggested was Saudah binti Zam'ah. Khaulah recommended Saudah because she had believed in him and sincerely followed the teachings he conveyed. The Prophet then agreed and asked Khaulah to convey this intention to Saudah.

Khaulah communicated the proposal to Saudah, who also agreed to marry the Prophet Muhammad.

Saudah was the first widow married to the Prophet Muhammad after Khadijah's death.

The Prophet Muhammad did not have a single wife when he married Saudah. You can be sure that he took care of his own needs. When the marriage took place, Saudah was almost seventy years old, while his age was around fifty-five years. At that time, Saudah faced many difficult challenges. He truly understood her struggles, and it was impossible for him to leave her like that, as it would only please his enemies.

The marriage of Prophet Muhammad to Saudah automatically alleviated some of the hardships she was experiencing. In addition, this marriage elevated her status and brought honor to both her and her people. What he did was ultimately for the greater good.

Saudah was a tall woman who walked slowly. She was known for her cheerful disposition, often making him laugh. Moreover, she was well-liked among her friends.

Saudah accompanied the Prophet Muhammad until he passed away. She herself died during the reign of Umar bin Khattab in 54 Hijri. May Allah's mercy and forgiveness be bestowed upon Saudah bint Zam'ah, the Mother of Believers. Amen!