Safiyya (r.a.) - wife of Rasulullah (saw)

After Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)’s Nikah to Hadhrat Umme Habiba (radhiAllaahu anha), he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) married Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha), who was from the family of Hadhrat Haroon (alaihi salaam). Her father’s name was Huyay bin Akhtab and her mother’s name was Barrah binti Samwaal. Prior to her Nikah with Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) she was married to two other persons, one after the other. Her first husband was Salaam bin Mushkim and the second was Kanana bin Abil Haqeeq.

HER COMING INTO THE SANCTUARY OF NABUWWAT

Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) saw many dreams, whose interpretations meant that she was to become the wife of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Once she saw in a dream that the moon came onto her lap. When she related this dream to her mother, she gave her a hard slap and told her: “Do you wish that you come into the Nikah of the Shah of Arabia (Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)?” The narrator of this says that the effects of this slap upon the face of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha), by her mother remained thereupon until her Nikah to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). When Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) saw this he asked her regarding it, and she narrated the entire incident.

Once she saw in a dream, that the sun fell upon her chest. When she related this dream to her, then husband, he also told her what her mother had told her, that: “Do you wish to come into the Nikah of the Shah of Arabia, who has come and taken up residence near us?” This incident occurred at that time when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), went for battle and reached their area (Khyber).

In the 7^th year A.H. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), went to Khyber, which was a place where jews resided. They lived in such a way that there were many forts, a community of people lived in each fort. In the 4^th A.H., when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) expelled the Banu Nadhir (jews) from Madinah Tayyibah, some of them went to Syria and others settled in Khyber. The father of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha), who was the chief of the Banu Nadhir, settled in Khyber. As Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) neared Khyber, some of the people were out of their forts and when they saw the Muslim army coming they ran back saying: “Muhammed and his army are coming!” Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) surrounded their forts and conquered them one by one. The last fort to be conquered was surrounded for ten days. A person by the name of Murhab, who was the chief of this fort was killed and the husband of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was also killed in this battle.

When the battle was completed, all the prisoners were gathered and Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was amongst them. Hadhrat Dahya (radhiAllaahu anhu) came to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and said that he would like to have a slave-girl. Hadhrat Dahya (radhiAllaahu anhu) chose Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha). Another person came to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and said: “Oh Rasulullaah, the slave that Dahya has chosen is the (daughter of the) leader of the tribe of Banu Nadhir and Quraidha. It is only fitting and appropriate that you take her for yourself.”

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked for Hadhrat Dahya (radhiAllaahu anhu) to be brought to him. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) told him to choose another slave (in place of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha)) from the prisoners and he happily consented. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) took Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) for himself, freed her and made Nikah with her.

It is said that her name was Zainub. She received the name Safiyya owing to the fact that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) chose her for himself. The meaning of the word Safiyya is ‘the chosen one.’

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) married her on the journey, and the Walimah also took place on the journey, at a place called ‘Sahbaa’. Hadhrat Umme Salim and Umme Sinaan (radhiAllaahu anhuma) prepared Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) for Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and sent her to his tent. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) did not sleep that night, but he stayed awake and spoke to her the entire night. At that time she had not yet reached the age of 17 years.

WALIMAH

Hadhrat Anas (radhiAllaahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) stayed for three days between Khyber and Macca. He (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) spent these three nights with Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha), and the Walimah also took place during this time. There was no meat or roti for the Walimah (in fact there were lots of other things). Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) gave the order for a leather dastarkhaan (tablecloth) to be laid down. Cheese, butter and dates were laid there upon. Hadhrat Anas (radhiAllaahu anhu) was asked to bring people to the Walimah. People were called and they ate. Many of those in the army were unsure as to whether Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had made Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) a wife or a slave. They decided to take note and see whether Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) keeps her under Purdah or not. If she is kept under Purdah then it will be ascertained that she is from amongst the Ummahaatul Mu`mineen. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) requested for a coach, and Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was placed at the back of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)’s conveyance. A purdah was put up and the people understood that she was now one of the Ummahaatul Mu`mineen. This narration appears in Bukhari Shareef under the chapter of Nikah. In another place Imaam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alaihi) placed this narration under the chapter of ‘Maghaazi’ (battles). Here it is mentioned that Hadhrat Abu Huraira (radhiAllaahu anhu) was given the order to place the tablecloth. This narration also appears in the chapter of Salaat, where it is mentioned that when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) intended to have the Walimah, an announcement was made that whoever has anything they must bring it. People brought dates, butter, cheese etc. All this was placed together and eaten at the Walimah.

REACHING MADINAH MUNAWWARAH

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was extremely affectionate to his wives. During the journey back from Khyber, there were many occasions of mounting the camels. At each occasion, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would sit down next to the camel and allow Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) to climb upon his knees and mount the camel. Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) reports that she never saw a more gentle and kind person than Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).

When they reached Madinah Munawwarah, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) put up Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) in the house of Hadhrat Haaritha bin Nu`maan (radhiAllaahu anhu). The news of her beauty spread through Madinah Tayyibah, and the women came to see her. Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) also came to see her. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked her what she thought of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha). She replied: “Yes, I came from seeing the Jewess. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) told her not to say like that as Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was not a Jewess. She had accepted Islaam, and was an excellent Muslim.

GENEROSITY

Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was intelligent, virtuous and forbearing. A slave of hers once complained to Hadhrat Umar (radhiAllaahu anhu) that Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) used to venerate the day of Saturday like the jews and she used to spend freely upon the jews. Hadhrat Umar (radhiAllaahu anhu) sent someone to investigate and Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) said: “The story of (my venerating) Saturdays is incorrect, since I have been blessed with Islaam and been bestowed with the day of Friday, I do not value the day of Saturday any more. I spend upon the jews as they are my family (even though one’s family may be non-Muslims, good relations must still be kept with them, and this is worthy of reward, as long as this does not interfere with one’s faith).

Later Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) asked her slave as to who had enticed her to resort to carrying tales. The slave replied that it was shaitaan. She was set free.

EXTREME LOVE FOR NABI (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) had extreme love and affection for Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). When Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was afflicted with severe illness, during his final stages, Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) said: “Oh Nabi of Allaah Ta`ala, I take an oath that my heart desires that the pain you are experiencing be given to me (instead of you).” When she said this the other wives of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) were also present. Some of them were mimicking her actions and they even moved their tongues in imitating her. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) sensed this and said to them that they should rinse their mouths. They asked the reason for him (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) saying this. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Because you had indicated towards her (and mimicked her speech and actions, thereby making gheebat - backbiting). I take an oath in Allaah Ta`ala she is true in her words.”

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) kept the pleasure of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) in mind. If any of the other wives troubled her, he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) took her part.

Once, when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came to her, she was crying. When he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked her the reason for her crying, she replied that she had heard that Hadhrat Aisha and Hafsa (radhiAllaahu anhuma) were speaking evil about her, they said that they were better than her, because they were from the family of Rasulullaah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), in that they and Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) were from the Quraish. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to her: “Why did you not tell them that you are the descendant of Haroon (alaihi salaam) and your uncle (in lineage) is Moosa (alaihi salaam), and that you are the wife of Muhammed (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), how then can their lineage be better than yours?”

On one occasion on a certain journey, Hadhrat Safiyya and Zainub binti Jahsh (radhiAllaahu anhuma) were accompanying Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). The camel of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was injured. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) told Hadhrat Zainub (radhiAllaahu anha) to give one of her camels to Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha), since she (Hadhrat Zainub (radhiAllaahu anha)) had extra camels. Hadhrat Zainub (radhiAllaahu anha) said: “Should I give to the Jewess?”

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was very angry at her retort and he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) did not go to her (Hadhrat Zainub (radhiAllaahu anha)) for 2 to 3 months. Thereafter, he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used to go to her.

Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was short in stature. Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) reports that since Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) was short, she (Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha)) once referred to her (in front of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as : “Safiyya is this much.” Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to her that she had said such a terrible thing that if it was to be placed in the sea (i.e. her words), then the sea would spoil.

SERVICE OF HADHRAT UTHMAAN (RADHIALLAAHU ANHU)

During the fitnah in which Hadhrat Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu anhu) was martyred, there was a time when his house was surrounded and he was cut off from all basic essentials, Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) used to send food for him. On one occasion she mounted her mule and took her slave by the name of Kanana, to Hadhrat Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu anhu) in order to give him provisions. On the way they came up upon a person by the name of Ashtar (most probably an enemy of Hadhrat Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu anhu)). He began hitting the mule of Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha). She immediately told her slave to take her back as she did not intend to be humiliated. Thereafter, she used to send food to Hadhrat Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu anhu) with Hadhrat Hassan (radhiAllaahu anhu).

ABSTINENCE AND IBAADAT

It is reported in ‘Bidaya’ that Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) is counted as amongst the leaders in Ibaadat, Zuhd (abstinence), piety, goodness and charity.

DEMISE

Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha) passed away in the year 50 A.H. in the month of Ramadaan. She passed away during the Khilaafat of Hadhrat Mu`aawiya (radhiAllaahu anhu). She was buried in Jannatul Baqi. It is also reported that she passed away in the year 53 A.H. May Allaah Ta`ala be pleased with her.

Maimoona (r.a.) - wife of Rasulullah (saw)

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) married Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) after his (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)’s Nikah to Hadhrat Safiyya (radhiAllaahu anha). Her name was also Barrah. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) changed it to Maimoona. She was the sister of Hadhrat Ummul Fadhl (radhiAllaahu anha), who was the wife of Hadhrat Abbaas bin Abi Talib (radhiAllaahu anhu). Her father’s name was Haarith and her mother’s name was Khaulah binti Auf. Regarding her first husband, there is a great difference of opinion. Some have stated him to be Abu Raham bin Abde Uzza, others have stated him to be Sanjara bin Abi Raham, others have stated that it is Huwaitab bin Abde Uzza, and some have stated him to be Farwa bin Abdul Uzza.

HER COMING INTO THE SANCTUARY OF NABUWWAT

When Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha)’s first husband died, her brother in law, Hadhrat Abbaas bin Abdul Mutallib (radhiAllaahu anhu) asked Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) if he would not like to marry Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha). Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) accepted and he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was married to her. It has also been narrated that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) sent a proposal of marriage to Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) via Hadhrat Ja`far bin Abi Talib (radhiAllaahu anhu). She appointed Hadhrat Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) as her Wakeel and he married her to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). This Nikah was enacted in the 7^thyear A.H. on a journey.

When Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was returning from the Umrah-e-Qadha, from Macca Muazzama, he first met Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) in his tent in a place called ‘Sarf’.

An interesting ‘coincidence’ in the life of Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha), is that in the exact place where Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) met her for the first time, after their Nikah, she passed away and was buried in exactly the same spot.

This nikah is reported in the Hadith Kitaabs in two ways.

Yazeed ibn Asam reports that when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) made Nikah to Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha), he was not yet in Ihraam. Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) made nikah to Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) in the state of Ihraam.

This difference in narrations has led to the difference in opinion between the Imaams of Fiqh, regarding whether Nikah in the state of Ihraam is valid or not?

Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahmatullahi alaih) and many other senior Ulama mention that Nikah in the state of Ihraam is valid and permissible. According to Imaams Maalik and Shaafi (rahmatullahi alaihima), and others, Nikah in the state of Ihraam is not valid. The proofs for each side are enumerated in the kitaabs of Fiqh. This difference of opinion is only regarding the Nikah itself. With regard to the actions after the Nikah, there is no difference of opinion, that this is not permissible in the state of Ihraam. Hadhrat Sheikh Muhyu Sunnat (rahmatullahi alaih) reconciles the two ‘conflicting’ narrations as follows: The Nikah was performed before Ihraam was put on and this(Nikah) became well-known, after the Ihraam was put on.

COMPANIONSHIP WITH NABI (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) was married to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in the 7^th year A.H. , and Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) passed away on the 10^th year A.H. Hence, Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) was in the company of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) for 3 years. She stayed with Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and benefited from his (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)’s knowledge, just like the other co-wives. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu), who was her nephew, was also one of her special students.

Once it became known that Ibn Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) used to separate his bed from his wife’s during her menstruation period. (As a precautionary measure) He did not even lie down next to her when she was in this state. Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) sent her salve to him to tell him that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used to lie down next to his wives when they were in their menstruation, so why does he act contrary to the Sunnat.

HADHRAT AISHA (RADHIALLAHU ANHA)’S PRAISES

Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) said the following in praise of Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha):

“Know, that she was the most pious amongst us and the one who maintained family ties the most.”

AN INCIDENT

Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) was with Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) during the Hajj. On the 9^th of Zill Hijjah the people were doubting as to whether Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had Roza (fast) or not. Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) sent a container of milk to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), and he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) drank it up. In this way everyone came to know that he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was not fasting. According to some narrations it appears as if Hadhrat Ummul Fadhl (radhiAllaahu anha), the sister of Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) had sent the milk. It is possible that the sisters had made Mashwera and sent the milk. However, the narrators of this Hadith have mentioned their names separately. [Although the fast of the 9^th of Zill Hijjah is extremely virtuous, it is better for the Haaji not to keep it ,as it would be an imposition of difficulty upon himself, since he will be busy with the rituals of the day of Arafaat.]

EXCESSIVE SALAAT

Hadhrat Yazeed bin Asam (radhiAllaahu anhu) reports that Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) was always busy in Salaat, or with house duties. If she found time out from these two duties, then she would busy herself with the Miswaak.

DEMISE

Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) passed away in the year 51 A.H. Although there are other views regarding the date of her demise, this one is the most preferred. It is reported in ‘Isti`aab’ that Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) performed her Janaaza Salaat. He, together with Yazeed bin Asam and Ubaidullah bin Shadaad (radhiAllaahu anhum), lowered her into the grave. They were all her sisters’ children. Her demise and grave are at the place called ‘Sarf’, as previously mentioned.

It is reported in ‘Majma`us Zawaa`id’ that Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha) was resident in Macca Muazzama. There her health deteriorated. She said that she must be taken out of Macca Muazzama, as her death will not occur there. This , she said was foretold to her by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). She was taken to Sarf and there she passed away.

As she was lowered into the grave Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) said that she must be respected and the body must not be shaken too much.

After, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) made Nikah to Hadhrat Maimoona (radhiAllaahu anha), he did not marry anyone else after that.

May Allaah Ta`ala be pleased with her.

Hazrath Luqman

Luqman(A.S.) was born in the Continent of Africa. He grew up in the jungle and walked barefoot. Only the lower part of his body was covered in a loin cloth. His daily encounter with wild animals and life in the jungle made him strong and fearless. It was his habit to think deeply over nature around him, from which he learnt new and fascinating things daily.

One day while sitting in the shade of a tree, he fell into a deep sleep, He clearly saw an Angel before him who gave him the good news that Allah had chosen to favour him. He was given a choice. He could either become a Prophet or ask for wisdom. Luqman(A.S.) chose wisdom. When he awoke, he became aware that his senses and understanding had sharpened. He felt in complete harmony with nature and could understand the inner meaning of things, beyond their physical reality. Immediately he bowed down and thanked and praised Allah for this wonderful gift.

TAKEN INTO SLAVERY

Luqman(A.S.) was captured by slave traders who invaded Africa. They sold him as a slave. He found that he was robbed of his freedom. He could neither move nor speak freely. This was the first trial he had to bear.

He suffered his bondage patiently, for his heart was lit with Faith and hope, and he was waiting for Allah's action.

The man who bought him was a good as well as an intelligent man. He treated Luqman with kindness. He was able to detect that Luqman was not an ordinary man and tried to test his intelligence.

He ordered Luqman(A.S.) to slaughter a sheep and to bring its worst part to him. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered the sheep and took its heart and tongue to his master. On receiving them his master smiled, fascinated by Luqman(A.S.) 's choice of the'worst'. He understood that Luqman(A.S.) was trying to convey some deep meaning, though he could not make out exactly what. From this moment his owner began to take more interest in Luqman(A.S.) and showed more kindness to him.

A few days later, Luqman(A.S.) was again instructed to slaughter a sheep, but this time he was asked to take thebest parts of the animal to the owner. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered a sheep, and to his master's amazement, again brought the same organs (the heart and the tongue). His master asked Luqman(A.S.) how the heart and the tongue could be both the worst and the best parts. The wise Luqman(A.S.) answered: The tongue and the heart are the sweetest parts if its owner is pure; and if he is wicked, they too are as wicked ! Thereafter, Luqman(A.S.) 's owner held him in great respect. Luqman(A.S.) was consulted by many people for advice, and the fame of his wisdom spread all over the country.

FREEDOM

The kind owner had instructed his family to free Luqman(A.S.) after the owner's death. When his owner died, Luqman(A.S.) was granted freedom. Luqman(A.S.) travelled on and eventually settled among the Bani lsraeel. He was appointed as judge during the rule of Prophet Dawood(A.S.) , and was respected by all for his wise and fair judgements. He married and raised a family.

Luqman(A.S.) gave his son the following advice which is recorded in the Qur'an:

"To Believe in Allah, and to be sincere in devotion to Him. Never associate partners with Allah, for associating anyone with Him is the greatest sin; not only is it a sin against Allah but also against oneself. Love and show obedience to parents even if they are unbelievers. If, however, a parent's way of life were to lead one to become an unbeliever then the path of goodness which leads to Allah should be followed , for one is answerable to Allah alone. Rizq (provisions), ability and au- thority come from Allah.

These things are in His hands and not in the hands of parents or anyone else.

Show gratitude to Allah by obeying him. Live your life on the principle of: Encouraging what is right and forbidding what is wrong. Tackle wrong deeds in society with patience. Be humble in dealing with others, both in speech and behaviour, and do not turn your face away when talking to others, for Allah does not love the boastful and arrogant." (Ouran, 31:13-19)

THE LESSON

Luqman(A.S.) chose wisdom above Prophothood, which could mean that wisdom also is hold in high respect by Allah.

Our heart and tongue can make us good or bad. It is up to us how we use them.

A wise employer should respect the wisdom of his lowliest worker.

Allah has mentioned Luqman(A.S.) 's advice to his son as an example for us to follow.

This advice should be followed by us as a guiding principle of life.