The Marriage of Prophet Muhammad and Umm Habibah: A Story of Faith and Family
The Marriage of Prophet Muhammad and Umm Habibah ~ Hi all readers! In this article, I will explain the humanity behind the marriage of Prophet Muhammad and Umm Habibah. Let's get straight to it! The real name of this wife of Prophet Muhammad was Ramlah bint Abu Sufyan ibn Harb bin Umaiyah ibn Abdu Shams al-Umawi. She was nicknamed Umm Habibah. Her mother was Shafiyah, the aunt of Uthman bin 'Affan. Her father's real name was Shakhr bin Harb, and he was 10 years younger than Prophet Muhammad.
Umm Habibah was born 17 years before Prophet Muhammad was appointed as a Prophet and Messenger. Initially, she was the wife of Ubaidullah bin Jahsh. Both of them converted to Islam and migrated to Habasyah (Abyssinia). However, her husband later returned to Christianity, while she remained a Muslim.
Umm Habibah once said, "I dreamed of seeing my husband, Ubaidullah bin Jahsh, in a very bad state. I was shocked. By Allah, his condition had changed. The next morning, he said, 'O Umm Habibah, I have come to a new belief. I do not see any religion better than Christianity. Indeed, I first entered the religion of Muhammad, but now I have returned to Christianity.' I replied, 'By Allah, there is no good in what you have done.'"
Read Also: Famous Prophet Muhammad Quotes Regarding Marriage Divorce in Anger
'Ubaidullah bin Jahsh had been among the prominent early defenders of Islam, but his morals deteriorated. He was influenced by the people and women of Habasyah and eventually abandoned Islam. He died shortly after.
Following Ubaidullah bin Jahsh's apostasy, Umm Habibah was deeply saddened. She secluded herself in her home, feeling embarrassed by her ex-husband's decision. She did not want to meet others during her time in exile and refrained from returning to her homeland, as her father had declared war on Prophet Muhammad, whom she supported. Nor did she wish to return to her ex-husband's community.
At that time, Prophet Muhammad sent two letters to King Najashi, the ruler of Habasyah. The first letter invited the king to accept Islam. The second letter requested that the king arrange a marriage between the Prophet and Umm Habibah. The king warmly received both letters and honored the Prophet's envoy.
King Najashi conveyed this message to the Prophet's messengers and offered to convert to Islam and marry Prophet Muhammad to Umm Habibah. He also provided a dowry of 400 Dinars, which he entrusted to Khalid bin Sa'id bin ‘Ash.
Thus, Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Umm Habibah was to honor her. She was a prominent woman of her tribe, and her father was the leader of his people. She willingly left her former life of prestige to join the Prophet Muhammad. Her hardships intensified when her ex-husband abandoned Islam. Before her marriage to the Prophet, she lived only with her daughter, Habibah.
Another reason for the marriage was to strengthen family ties between Prophet Muhammad and Abu Sufyan, Umm Habibah's father. The Prophet also hoped that her father would eventually embrace Islam.
In summary, Umm Habibah, the mother of the believers, passed away in the year 44 Hijria during the reign of Mu'awiyah bin Abi Sufyan. Throughout her life, she was very devoted to practicing Islam.
May Allah's mercy and forgiveness be upon Umm Habibah. Ameen!
I believe that's enough for this article. I hope it is beneficial! Ameen!
See you in the next article!
6 comments for "The Marriage of Prophet Muhammad and Umm Habibah: A Story of Faith and Family"
The inclusion of historical details, such as King Najashi's role in facilitating the marriage and providing the dowry, made the narrative even more engaging. It was also enlightening to learn about the personal sacrifices Umm Habibah made for the sake of Islam and her unwavering support for the Prophet despite her difficult circumstances.
What stands out to me is how this article conveys the profound lessons of resilience, faith, and the importance of strong familial and community ties. I believe that understanding such historical figures helps modern Muslims appreciate the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and compassion in their own lives.
I truly thank the author for providing such a well-researched and balanced perspective. This article not only enhances my knowledge of Islamic history but also encourages me to reflect on the remarkable lives of the Prophet's wives, who were pillars of faith and strength. May Allah reward the author for sharing this valuable knowledge, and I look forward to reading more articles like this in the future.
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.
I was particularly moved by how Prophet Muhammad, through his marriage to Umm Habibah, honored her dignity and her noble lineage, while also striving to maintain and strengthen ties with her family. This marriage wasn't just about personal relationships, but also about bridging the gap between families and strengthening the Ummah. The sacrifice Umm Habibah made to leave her former life of comfort and status to stand by the Prophet is truly inspiring. Her devotion to Islam and her support for Prophet Muhammad despite the trials she faced is something every Muslim woman can look up to.
Thank you to the writer for sharing this beautiful narrative, shedding light on the humanity behind this marriage. It has deepened my appreciation for the sacrifices and strength of the women in the Prophet's life, especially Umm Habibah. May Allah bless you for your effort in sharing such enlightening content. Jazakum Allahu Khairan!
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.
The way the article delves into Umm Habibah's life journey—from her early struggles, the heartbreak she endured, to her eventual marriage to the Prophet Muhammad—is truly moving. It paints a vivid picture of her resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication to Islam, even during the most challenging times of her life. This story of courage and steadfastness is both inspiring and educational.
The detailed explanation of the Prophet's letter to King Najashi and the latter's support for this blessed marriage highlights an important aspect of diplomacy and respect in early Islamic history. Furthermore, the article beautifully underscores the Prophet's intention to honor Umm Habibah and strengthen ties with her family, a gesture that reflects his unparalleled wisdom and compassion.
I also appreciate how the article reminds us of the life lessons that can be drawn from Umm Habibah's story, such as patience, loyalty to one's faith, and the ability to rise above personal challenges for the greater good. The clarity in the writing makes it easy for readers of all backgrounds to follow and understand these timeless values.
Thank you to the author for sharing this remarkable piece. It is not just an article but a meaningful reflection on an important chapter in Islamic history. It has deepened my appreciation of Umm Habibah's sacrifices and the Prophet Muhammad's visionary leadership. May Allah bless the author for their efforts, and may this article continue to educate and inspire many more readers. Ameen!
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.