Umm Ayman
| Umm Ayman | |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | |
| Full Name | Barakat bt. Tha'laba b. 'Amr |
| Well-Known Relatives | Zayd b. Haritha, Usama b. Zayd |
| Muhajir/Ansar | Muhajir |
| Place(s) of Residence | Mecca, Medina |
| Death/Martyrdom | Different opinions: 5 months after the demise of the Prophet (s) or the beginning of the caliphate of 'Uthman in (23/643-4) |
| Religious Information | |
| Presence at Ghazwas | Battle of Uhud and Battle of Khaybar |
| Migration to | Medina, Abyssinia |
| Other Activities | Bearing witness that the Prophet (s) has given Fadak to Fatima (a) |
Umm Ayman (Arabic: امّ ایمن) is the kunya of Barakat bt. Tha'laba b. 'Amr, was one of the companions of the Prophet (s). She was freed by the Prophet (s) and was the mother of Usama b. Zayd.
After the demise of the Prophet (s) and confiscation of Fadak by Abu Bakr, she was the only person who bore witness with Imam 'Ali (a) that the Prophet (s) has given Fadak to Fatima (a).
The Prophet (s) counted her among the women of Paradise.
Contents
Lineage
Barakat bt. Tha'laba b. 'Amr, known as Umm Ayman, was the Abyssinian female servant of 'Abd Allah b. 'Abd al-Muttalib (the father of the Prophet (s)) or his wife, Amina. After the demise of 'Abd Allah and Amina, the Prophet (s) inherited her from his parents.
Taking Care of Muhammad (s) in His Childhood
After that Amina passed away in Abwa', Umm Ayman looked after Muhammad (s) until he arrived in Mecca. She also took care of him for years until he grew up. 'Abd al-Muttalib told Umm Ayman to take care of his grandson (Muhammad), because the Followers of the Books (Jews and Christians) think that my grandson will be the prophet of this nation.
Marriage and Children
When the Prophet (s) wanted to marry Khadija, he liberated Umm Ayman and she married 'Ubayd b. Zayd al-Khazraji and she gave birth to Ayman. That is why she is called "Umm Ayman" (the mother of Ayman). After a while, 'Ubayd passed away; she married Zayd b. Haritha, who was liberated and then adopted by the Prophet (s) as his son. It was after this marriage that she gave birth to Usama b. Zayd.
Immigration
- Main article: Hijra
Umm Ayman was among the first people who converted to Islam and later emigrated to Medina. It is said that she was also among the Muslims who emigrated to Abyssinia.
Participating in Battles
She was present in the Battle of Uhud and give water to worriers and treated their injuries. She also accompanied the Prophet (s) at the Battle of Khaybar.
Relationship with Ahl al-Bayt (a)
The Prophet (s) likes her very much. It is said that he sometimes called her "mother". There are some narrations about her elite status in the Prophet's eyes. The Prophet (s) went to her house to visit her. Also, Abu Bakr and 'Umar -following the Prophet (s)- did this. In some hadith sources, there is a chapter about Umm Ayman's virtues.
In some Shi'a sources, she was mentioned with honour and respect. The Prophet (s) introduced her as one of the heavenly women. After the demise of the Prophet and confiscation of Fadak by Abu Bakr, she was the only person who bore witness with Imam 'Ali (a) that the Prophet (s) has given Fadak to Fatima (a).
She has narrated some hadiths and narrators such as, Anas b. Malik, Abu Yazid al-Madani and Hanash b. 'Abd Allah al-San'ani have narrated hadiths from her.
Demise
The exact date of Umm Ayman's demise is unknown. Some said that she passed away about 5 months after the demise of the Prophet (s). But according to Ibn Sa'd's report, she was alive until the beginning of the caliphate of 'Uthman in (23/643-4).
References
- The material for writing this article is mainly taken from امّ ایمن in Farsi WikiShia.
