Arwa bint Abdul Muttalib "Aunt of the Prophet"
Her Lineage and Family
Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib bin Hashim bin Abd Manaf was one of the paternal aunts of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She belonged to the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, the family entrusted with the sacred responsibilities of providing water and hospitality to pilgrims in Mecca. Her father, Abd al-Muttalib bin Hashim, was the leader and chief of Quraysh, and her mother was Fatimah bint Amr bin A’idh bin Imran al-Makhzumiyyah.
She was the sister of:
- Abu Talib bin Abd al-Muttalib – One of the staunchest supporters of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Al-Abbas bin Abd al-Muttalib – A later convert and one of the major companions of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Hamzah bin Abd al-Muttalib – "The Lion of Allah" and one of the greatest warriors of Islam.
- Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib – The father of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Her Conversion to Islam and Courageous Stance
It is said that Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib was among the women who supported Islam in its early days and stood by the Prophet ﷺ, despite the immense persecution that the Muslims faced in Mecca.
She was known for her strong personality and was vocal in defending Islam. When her son, Tulayb bin Umayr, embraced Islam, she did not discourage him but instead encouraged him and supported his decision, saying:
"The one most deserving of your support and loyalty is your cousin. By Allah, if we men had the strength, we would have defended him and repelled harm from him."
Her Son: Tulayb bin Umayr
Her son, Tulayb bin Umayr, "One of the Cousins of Prophet Muhammad", played a significant role in early Islamic history. He was one of the first people to embrace Islam, entering the faith in the House of Al-Arqam at a young age. His acceptance of Islam was not just a private choice; he actively fought in the ranks of the Muslims and participated in several battles alongside the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Arwa’s Encouragement for Her Son
When she learned that Tulayb had embraced Islam, she did not scold or oppose him. Instead, she stood firmly in his support. Her stance as a mother was rare in a time when many parents persecuted their children for converting to Islam. Her strength and wisdom were reflected in her unwavering encouragement of her son to follow and support the Prophet ﷺ.
Her Role in Spreading Islam
Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib was a skilled speaker and used her eloquence to defend the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his message. She would publicly confront the Quraysh leaders, questioning their hostility toward the Prophet and urging them to recognize the truth.
She would often address figures like Abu Jahl and Umayyah ibn Khalaf, challenging them with strong words:
"How long will you remain in your ignorance while the truth is as clear as the sun?"
Through her speeches and public discussions, she played a crucial role in spreading the message of Islam among the women of Quraysh.
Her Migration to Medina
As persecution in Mecca intensified, Arwa migrated to Medina along with her son, where she continued to support the Muslims and the Islamic mission. She was among the early women who settled in Medina, assisting in the propagation of Islamic teachings among the Muslim women.
Arwa and Poetry
Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib was also known for her poetry. She used her poetic talent to defend the Prophet ﷺ and Islam, as well as to criticize those who opposed the message. One of her most famous poetic verses urged the Banu Hashim to stand by their noble son, the Prophet ﷺ:
"O Banu Hashim, support your Prophet, and you shall have the ultimate success. By Allah, if you betray him, you will face disgrace and destruction, and no one will be able to save you from it."
Her poetry was a powerful tool in inspiring people to defend the Prophet and Islam.
Her Death
Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib passed away in Medina. Some reports suggest that she lived until the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). While details about her death are scarce, it is believed that she died after witnessing the victory and spread of Islam across Arabia.
Her Legacy in Islam
Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib remains a symbol of resilience, faith, and devotion to the Prophet ﷺ. Her unwavering support, strong words, and encouragement of her son Tulayb to stand by the Prophet ﷺ highlight her significant role in early Islam. She was not just a silent supporter; she actively defended Islam with her voice, her poetry, and her influence.
Finalley, Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib was a remarkable example of a strong Muslim woman who stood firm in her faith. She did not hesitate to support the Prophet ﷺ, even when the odds were against him. Through her wisdom, eloquence, and courage, she helped shape the early history of Islam.
