The Story of Mother of the Believers, Umm Habibah (Ramla bint Abu Sufyan) Mother of the Believers, Hazrat Umm Habibah bint Abu Sufyan (May Allah be pleased with her)
Her Family:
Ramla, known affectionately as Umm Habiba, was the daughter of Abu Sufyan, a prominent and influential leader of the Quraysh tribe. Abu Sufyan was a staunch opponent of Islam until the Great Victory, fiercely defending his pagan beliefs and leading the Quraysh in their resistance against the Muslim community. Despite the challenging environment and her father’s disbelief, Ramla embraced Islam, showcasing her unwavering faith and inner strength. Her acceptance of Islam, despite her father’s position, marked her as a woman of remarkable courage and conviction.
Before the Marriage:
Ramla’s first marriage was to Ubaidellah Ibn Jahsh, who, like her, embraced Islam. Their union was marked by their shared faith and devotion to Islam. However, their life in Mecca was fraught with danger and persecution, as the early Muslim community faced relentless torment from the Quraysh. In search of safety and religious freedom, Ramla and Ubaidellah decided to emigrate to Abyssinia, a Christian kingdom known for its just ruler, the Negus, who offered refuge to persecuted Muslims. It was in this foreign land that Ramla gave birth to their daughter, Habeeba.
Despite the relative safety of Abyssinia, Ramla faced the profound loneliness and hardship of living in a foreign land, away from her extended family and community. She endured the emotional strain with remarkable patience and resilience until a shocking incident disrupted her life. She later narrated, “I saw in a dream my husband Ubaidellah Ibn Jahsh in a terrible state. It was a dreadful vision. The next morning, I learned that he had converted to Christianity. I told him about my dream, but he dismissed it.”
Ubaidellah’s conversion was a significant blow to Ramla. He attempted to persuade her to join him in Christianity, arguing that it would offer them more privileges and acceptance in the Christian-dominated land of Abyssinia. Ramla, however, stood firm in her Islamic faith, pleading with him to remain a Muslim. Her refusal to abandon her faith showcased her steadfastness and deep-rooted belief in Islam. Unfortunately, Ubaidellah persisted in his new faith, turning to excessive drinking and eventually dying shortly after.
Ramla was left in an incredibly difficult situation—alone with her young daughter in a foreign land, isolated from her family, and unable to return home because her father was still a leading opponent of Islam.
Mother of the Faithful:
One night, Ramla had a prophetic dream in which she was addressed as “Mother of the Faithful.” She interpreted this dream as a sign that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would marry her. This dream provided her with a glimmer of hope and a sense of divine guidance amidst her challenging circumstances.
Soon after, a maidservant knocked on Ramla’s door, bearing a message from the Negus, the king of Abyssinia. The message was a proposal from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), asking for her hand in marriage. Overcome with joy and disbelief, Ramla accepted immediately, exclaiming, “Allah has given you good news!” She expressed her gratitude by removing her jewelry and giving it to the maidservant, asking her to repeat the message three times to ensure she had heard correctly.
The proposal was a turning point in Ramla’s life. All the Muslims who had sought refuge in Abyssinia were invited to the palace of the Negus to witness the marriage ceremony. The Negus himself conducted the marriage on behalf of the Prophet, while Khaled Ibn Sa’id acted as Ramla’s representative. The Negus handed the dowry to Khaled, who in turn gave it to Ramla. A grand wedding feast followed, as was customary for prophets, and the occasion was marked with joy and celebration.
Ramla could hardly believe her good fortune. She later described how eager she was to share her happiness, saying, “When I received the dowry, I sent fifty mithqals of gold to the maidservant who had brought me the good news, explaining that I had nothing to give at the time. The maidservant returned the gold and the necklace, saying, ‘The Negus instructed me not to take anything from you. He has ordered the women of his household to give you gifts of perfume.'”
The next day, the maidservant brought ambergris, saffron, and aloeswood oil, and made a request: she revealed that she had accepted Islam and asked Ramla to convey her greetings to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and inform him of her conversion. This news brought immense joy to Ramla, who felt blessed to have played a part in the maidservant’s spiritual journey.
Later, the Muslim emigrants in Abyssinia returned to Medina, coinciding with the Muslims’ victory at Khaybar. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) expressed his delight at both the victory and the return of Ja’far, who led the emigrants back.
Umm Habiba in the House of Prophethood:
After her marriage to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Umm Habiba dedicated her life to serving him and the cause of Islam. Her home became a center of learning and devotion, where she immersed herself in the teachings of Islam and the welfare of the Muslim community. Her new role brought her into close contact with the other wives of the Prophet, forming a close-knit family dedicated to the spread of Islam.
Despite the ongoing conflict between the Quraysh and the Muslims, Umm Habiba maintained her loyalty to her new faith and her husband. Her father’s visit to Medina was a significant moment. Abu Sufyan came to negotiate on behalf of the Quraysh after they violated the Treaty of Hudaybiyya by supporting an attack on a Muslim tribe. He visited Umm Habiba’s home, intending to sit on the Prophet’s bed. Umm Habiba, however, quickly folded the blanket and put it away, refusing to let her father, an enemy of Islam, sit on the Prophet’s bed. Abu Sufyan asked, “Am I too good for the bed, or is the bed too good for me?” She replied, “How can the enemy of Islam sit on the bed of the Holy Prophet?” This act of loyalty and respect for her faith demonstrated her unwavering commitment to Islam.
Abu Sufyan later embraced Islam after the conquest of Mecca, marking a significant turn in their relationship. When Umm Habiba received the news that her father and brother Mu’awiya had converted, she prostrated in gratitude to Allah. Her joy was profound, knowing that her family had finally joined her in embracing Islam.
Umm Habiba, like all the Prophet’s wives, spent much of her time in worship and remembrance of Allah. She recalled the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) telling her that a house in Paradise would be built for anyone who prayed twelve voluntary rak’ats daily, a practice she faithfully continued throughout her life.
Her Role:
During the siege of Uthman Ibn Affan, the then Caliph, Umm Habiba demonstrated her unwavering support. She visited Uthman, and a man secretly observed her, describing her to others. In response, she prayed for his hand to be cut off and his actions exposed. Soon after, a dissolute man attacked the spy, cutting off his right hand, fulfilling her prayer. This incident highlighted her strong faith and the power of her supplications.
Her Life After the Prophet’s Death:
After the Prophet’s death, Umm Habiba remained in her home, dedicating herself to worship and the memory of her beloved husband. She only left her home for prayers and continued to live a life of devotion and piety. She never left Medina except for pilgrimage, and her life was marked by her steadfast commitment to Islam. Umm Habiba passed away at the age of seventy in 44 AH, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and dedication to Islam. May Allah be pleased with her.
