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!
6 comments for " Humanity Behind the Prophet Muhammad’s Marriage with Saudah binti Zam’ah"
The story of Saudah's resilience and her dreams reflecting divine wisdom left a profound impact on me. The explanation of the Prophet's care for her, despite societal pressures, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to justice and empathy. It was heartwarming to read how their marriage not only alleviated Saudah's difficulties but also elevated her status in the community.
This article beautifully emphasizes how the Prophet Muhammad's life and choices were centered around benefiting others and upholding dignity. It also serves as a reminder that marriage in Islam is about mutual respect, compassion, and support.
To the author, I extend my heartfelt thanks for shedding light on this lesser-known aspect of the Prophet's life. Your effort to present this story in such a meaningful and easy-to-understand way is commendable. This article has deepened my appreciation for the Prophet's exemplary character and given me a new perspective on how faith can inspire humanity.
May Allah reward you for your efforts in educating and inspiring readers like me. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and enriching piece of knowledge!
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.
The narrative of Saudah's life—her dreams, her sacrifices, and her eventual marriage to the Prophet—reflects the importance of kindness and support in marriage, something that resonates deeply with me as a believer in the core values of Islam. The Prophet's care for Saudah, despite their age difference, shows his commitment to fulfilling the needs of his companions in both their spiritual and personal lives.
Moreover, the article does an excellent job of explaining the context behind this marriage, and how it was not merely a personal choice for the Prophet, but a compassionate decision that also benefitted Saudah and her community. As a Muslim woman, I feel proud and honored to learn about the deep humanity behind the Prophet's actions, which go beyond surface-level judgments and reflect a deeper wisdom rooted in faith and empathy.
Thank you to the author for providing such an insightful and heartwarming perspective on this important aspect of the Prophet's life. This article reinforces the idea that marriage in Islam is not just about love but about providing support, dignity, and care to one another in the spirit of compassion and service to Allah.
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.
Through well-documented historical accounts, this article helps us appreciate how the Prophet's decisions were deeply rooted in kindness, justice, and care for others. The detailed narration of Saudah's life before and after her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad offers a profound understanding of her virtues and the struggles she endured. It is inspiring to learn about her faith, resilience, and cheerful disposition, which brought joy to those around her.
I particularly value how the author emphasized the humanistic values in this marriage. This union was not only a source of comfort for the Prophet during his period of grief but also a way to elevate Saudah's status and provide her with security and honor. The article wonderfully illustrates how the Prophet Muhammad always prioritized the well-being of those around him, even in his personal relationships.
Additionally, the inclusion of Ibn Abbas's narration and the historical context enriches the reader's understanding of the story. The Prophet's care for Saudah during her old age and his unwavering support for her exemplify the principles of mercy and responsibility in Islam. These lessons are timeless and serve as a reminder for Muslims today to embody similar values in their lives.
In conclusion, this article is a treasure trove of knowledge and reflection. It effectively brings forward the profound humanistic values of the Prophet Muhammad and his marriage to Saudah bint Zam'ah. Thank you to the author for this well-researched and heartwarming piece. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true essence of the Prophet's character and his dedication to uplifting others. May Allah bless the efforts of the writer and increase their knowledge. Ameen.
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.