The desert wind carried whispers of destiny as Barakah bint Tha’alabah, later known as Umm Ayman, began her remarkable journey.
She was a young girl of African descent, brought into the household of Abdullah and Amina, the parents of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). What began as a life of servitude would transform into a legacy of unparalleled faith and devotion. She would become a role model for Islamic women.
Umm Ayman’s story intertwined with the Prophet’s from the very beginning. When Abdullah passed away, and Amina gave birth to Muhammad, it was Umm Ayman who stood as a constant. She held the newborn in her arms, her heart brimming with affection for the child whose destiny would one day change the world.
Her bond with Amina deepened, but their time together was short. On a fateful journey to Medina, Amina fell gravely ill. Umm Ayman tended to her with all the care of a devoted companion, but Allah had decreed otherwise.
Amina passed away, leaving Umm Ayman to return to Mecca with the young Muhammad. As she cradled the orphaned child on the journey back, she whispered words of comfort, unaware that she was nurturing the one who would become the final Messenger of Allah.
Years later, Muhammad (peace be upon him) would reflect on her love and sacrifice, saying, “She is my mother after my mother.”
Umm Ayman’s life was not one of ease, but her strength was unyielding. When Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared his prophethood, she was among the first to believe him. Her heart, so deeply attuned to his, recognized the truth in his words.
She faced the trials of the early Muslims with quiet resilience, enduring the scorn of the Quraysh and the hardships of persecution.
She married Ubayd ibn Zayd and bore him a son, Ayman. But happiness in Barakah’s life was often fleeting. Ubayd passed away, leaving her a widow once more. She raised her son with the same steadfastness that defined her character, even as grief threatened to weigh her down.
When the Prophet encouraged his adopted son, Zaid ibn Harithah, to marry Umm Ayman, it was a union built on faith and mutual respect. From this marriage came Usama ibn Zaid, a child so beloved by the Prophet that he was often called “the beloved son of the beloved.”
Umm Ayman’s life was a tapestry of sacrifices, each one greater than the last. She endured the martyrdom of her son Ayman, yet her heart remained firm. When the time came for the Muslims to migrate to Medina, she walked across the desert, enduring the blistering heat and relentless hunger. Her steps were heavy, but her resolve was unshaken.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) saw in her a spirit so pure and devoted that he said, “Whoever wants to marry a woman of Paradise should marry Umm Ayman.” These words were more than praise; they were a testament to her unwavering faith and the place Allah had prepared for her in the Hereafter.
Her faith transcended the material. Once, when she was fasting and the Prophet encouraged her to break it, she replied, “I am fasting for Allah, not for food or drink.” Such was the depth of her spirituality, a heart so connected to Allah that worldly needs became secondary.
Umm Ayman’s story was not only one of hardship but also of profound love and recognition. The Prophet (peace be upon him) often visited her, honouring her as a mother and companion. Her life was a mirror of perseverance, a reflection of what it means to trust Allah’s plan in every circumstance.
In her later years, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) neared the end of his life, Barakah’s grief was palpable. She had been there at the beginning, holding him as a baby, and now she watched as he prepared to meet his Lord.
Yet even in this sorrow, her faith did not waver. She lived with the certainty of Paradise, the promise that her sacrifices had earned her a place among the righteous.
It was narrated that Anas said: “After the Prophet (peace be upon him) had died, Abu Bakr said to ‘Umar: ‘Let us go and visit Umm Ayman as the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit her.’ He said: ‘When we reached her she wept.’
Lessons from Umm Ayman: Tips for the Modern Woman
Barakah bint Tha’alabah, Umm Ayman, was more than a caretaker or a companion. She was a woman whose faith illuminated the darkest of times, whose strength carried her through trials that would break most, and whose devotion to Allah made her a woman of Paradise.
She is one of the influential female figures in Islam. Her journey inspires all who hear it, a reminder that true strength lies in trusting Allah’s plan, no matter how difficult the path. Here are practical tips to emulate her remarkable qualities:
- Pray regularly and trust Allah in all situations.
- Serve your family and community with sincerity.
- Face challenges with patience and hope in Allah’s reward.
- Manage your responsibilities with balance and grace.
- Sacrifice your time and energy for good causes.
- Give sadaqah regularly to help those in need.
- Be thankful for Allah’s blessings and stay content.
- Surround yourself with people who strengthen your faith.
- Focus on good deeds that leave a lasting impact.