Brothers & Sisters of Prophet Muhammad Through Breastfeeding
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had no biological siblings, as his father passed away while he was still in his mother’s womb, and he was the first and only child of Abdullah and Aminah.
However, he did have several siblings through breastfeeding (foster-siblings), due to being nursed by women who also nursed other children. Below are details about them:
1. Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib
Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim al-Qurashi al-Hashimi was the Prophet's paternal uncle. He was known by the kunyas Abu 'Amarah and Abu Ya'la, named after his sons 'Amarah and Ya'la.
Hamza was also the Prophet’s foster brother through breastfeeding, having been nursed by both Thuwaibah (Abu Lahab’s freed slave woman) and Halimah al-Sa'diyah.
Al-Bukhari narrated from Ali ibn Abi Talib that he suggested to the Prophet that he marry Hamza's daughter, but the Prophet responded:
"She is my niece through breastfeeding".
Among the uncles of the Prophet Muhammad, only Hamza and Al-Abbas embraced Islam. Hamza accepted Islam in the second year after the revelation, though some historians suggest it was in the sixth year.
Hamza courageously fought at the Battle of Badr and later became a martyr at the Battle of Uhud. He was killed by Wahshi ibn Harb, after which Hind bint Utbah infamously mutilated his body.
The Prophet honored Hamza by stating:
"The master of martyrs before Allah on the Day of Judgment is Hamza". [Narrated by Al-Hakim]
2. Abu Salamah ibn Abd al-Asad
His real name was Abdullah ibn Abd al-Asad ibn Hilal al-Makhzumi, and his mother was Barrah bint Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet Muhamad aunt. Thus, he was the cousin of Prophet Muhammad.
Abu Salamah was also the Prophet's foster brother, having both been breastfed by Thuwaibah.
Al-Bukhari narrated that Zainab bint Abi Salamah said that Umm Habibah proposed her sister to marry the Prophet. The Prophet explained that this marriage wasn't permissible. Umm Habibah then mentioned rumors that he intended to marry Abu Salamah’s daughter. The Prophet replied:
"Even if she were not my stepdaughter under my care, she still wouldn’t be permissible for me, because she is my niece through breastfeeding. Thuwaibah breastfed both me and Abu Salamah, so do not offer me your daughters or sisters". [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
Abu Salamah embraced Islam early, before the Prophet began teaching in Dar Al-Arqam. He migrated with his wife, Umm Salamah, to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), and they had four children: Salamah, Umar, Zainab, and Durrah. He participated in the Battle of Badr.
Abu Salamah passed away in the third year after Hijrah. Upon his death, he prayed:
"O Allah, replace me in caring for my family with someone better".
Subsequently, Prophet Muhammad married Umm Salamah, becoming a stepfather to Abu Salamah’s children.
3. Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith
His name was Al-Mughirah ibn al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim al-Qurashi al-Hashimi, better known by his kunya, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith. His mother was Ghaziyyah bint Qais.
Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith was Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and foster brother, as both were breastfed by Halimah al-Sa'diyah.
He closely resembled Prophet Muhammad physically. Initially, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith composed poetry criticizing the Prophet. The Companion Hassan ibn Thabit responded poetically, defending the Prophet.
Eventually, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith embraced Islam sincerely around the conquest of Mecca. Initially, the Prophet turned away from him due to past hostilities, but following Ali ibn Abi Talib’s advice, Abu Sufyan approached him humbly, quoting the brothers of Prophet Yusuf:
"By Allah, Allah has indeed favored you above us, and we were indeed sinners".
The Prophet then warmly responded:
"No blame will there be upon you today. May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful".
After converting, Abu Sufyan composed poetry in praise of the Prophet. He participated heroically at the Battle of Hunayn, and the Prophet remarked to him:
"I hope you will compensate (for the loss of) Hamza".
Abu Sufyan passed away in 20 AH after performing Hajj. Umar ibn al-Khattab led his funeral prayer.
4. Abdullah ibn al-Harith al-Sa'di
Abdullah ibn al-Harith al-Sa'di was Prophet Muhammad’s foster brother through breastfeeding. He drank milk alongside Prophet Muhammad and Anisah bint al-Harith from Halimah al-Sa'diyah.
5. Asiyah bint al-Harith
Also known as Anisah, Asiyah bint al-Harith al-Sa'diyah was Prophet Muhammad’s foster sister, as mentioned by Ibn Hajar in his book Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz as-Sahabah.
6. Al-Shayma bint al-Harith
Her real name was Hudhafah bint al-Harith al-Sa'diyah, although other narrations suggest her name was Khidhamah or Judamah. Al-Shayma was Prophet Muhammad’s foster sister, the daughter of Halimah al-Sa'diyah.
Ibn Ishaq mentioned that she became widely known by the nickname "Al-Shayma" to the extent that she was no longer known by any other name among her people. Al-Shayma notably cared for Prophet Muhammad alongside her mother during his infancy.
Historical accounts indicate that Al-Shayma later embraced Islam, and the Prophet honored her generously.
