All Prophet Muhammad Maternal Aunts
The maternal aunts of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), both by lineage and breastfeeding, occupy an honorable place in Islamic tradition. Though not widely known, these noble women played significant roles, exemplifying virtue and devotion in early Islamic history.
This article explores their lineage, historical significance, and remarkable virtues, offering deeper insights into the family connections of the Prophet. Some scholars mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had two maternal aunts by lineage: Fakhitah and Al-Furai'ah.
1. Fakhitah bint Amr Al-Zuhriyyah
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar described her as "the maternal aunt of the Prophet ﷺ," as also mentioned by Abu Nu'aym and Abu Musa. No further information is reported about her in the books of Seerah, except a weak narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah, who said:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: (I gifted my aunt Fakhitah bint Amr a servant boy, and instructed her not to make him a butcher, a goldsmith, or a cupper.)"
2. Al-Furai'ah bint Wahb Al-Zuhriyyah
She is mentioned by Ibn Hibban and other scholars. Similar to Fakhitah, there isn't much information available in historical sources except for a weak narration stating that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once raised her hand and said:
"Whoever wishes to see the maternal aunt of the Messenger of Allah, let him look at this woman".
How Many Maternal Aunts Did Prophet Muhammad Have by Breastfeeding?
Scholars mention that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would visit Umm Haram and her sister Umm Sulaim because they were his maternal aunts through breastfeeding. Hence, it was permissible for him to be in private with them.
1. Umm Haram
Her full name was Umm Haram bint Milhan bin Khalid bin Zaid bin Haram bin Jundub, an Ansari woman from the Khazraj tribe. She and her husband, Ubadah ibn al-Samit, were among the earliest converts to Islam from Madinah.
Known for her bravery, love for jihad, knowledge, wisdom, and piety, Umm Haram requested the Prophet to pray that she would join naval expeditions. The Prophet fulfilled her request. During the caliphate of Uthman and under Mu'awiya’s command, she participated in a naval expedition to Cyprus with her husband. Upon reaching Cyprus, she fell from her mount and died. She was buried there in the year 27 AH.
2. Umm Sulaim
Historians differ regarding her real name—some say Sahla, others Rumailah, Rumaitha, or Anifah. She was widely known by her kunya (nickname), Umm Sulaim bint Milhan bin Khalid bin Zaid bin Haram al-Ansariyah, the mother of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him).
She was a noble Companion of the Prophet ﷺ, renowned as Al-Ghumaisaa or Al-Rumaisaa. Initially married to Malik ibn an-Nadr (Anas’s father), she later married Abu Talha after Malik’s death. She famously accepted Abu Talha’s marriage proposal on the condition that he embrace Islam as her mahr (bridal gift), which he did. Umm Sulaim passed away during the caliphate of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with her).
