Umm Ayman

Umm Ayman, whose full name was Barakah bint Tha‘labah ibn ‘Amr ibn Hisn ibn Malik ibn ‘Amr al-Nu‘man, was a servant and caretaker of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She later became the wife of Zaid ibn Harithah, one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet ﷺ. Through this marriage, she became the mother of two significant Muslim figures: Ayman ibn Ubaid al-Khazraji, a martyr, and Usama ibn Zaid, a renowned warrior of Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ inherited Umm Ayman from his father and later freed her upon his marriage to Khadijah (RA). She was present throughout his life, witnessing his childhood, his mission as a prophet, and the formative years of Islam. She was also one of the first female emigrants to Madinah. A narration, though weak, states that the Prophet ﷺ used to call her "O my mother" and would say “she is the remaining member of my family,” signifying the deep love and respect he had for her.

Her Role in the Prophet’s Childhood

Umm Ayman played a significant role in the early life of the Prophet ﷺ. She was present when Amina bint Wahb, the Prophet’s mother, traveled to Yathrib (Madinah) to visit Banu Najjar, the maternal relatives of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib. However, on their return journey, Amina fell ill and passed away at a place called Abwa. This tragic event left young Muhammad ﷺ an orphan. Umm Ayman then brought him back to Makkah and took responsibility for his care.

She devoted herself entirely to raising him, treating him as her own child, showering him with love and affection. Alongside his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, she provided the care and emotional support he needed. Abdul Muttalib, recognizing the special nature of his grandson, often entrusted him to Umm Ayman’s care, once telling her:

"O Barakah, do not neglect my son. I found him playing near the lote tree, and the People of the Book claim that this boy will be the prophet of this nation."

When Abdul Muttalib passed away, the young Muhammad ﷺ was deeply heartbroken. Umm Ayman later recalled the moment, saying:

"I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ weeping behind Abdul Muttalib’s bier."

As he grew older, the Prophet ﷺ continued to honor and cherish Umm Ayman for the role she played in his upbringing.

Her Marriage and Family

After the Prophet ﷺ married Khadijah (RA), he freed Umm Ayman. She later married Ubaid ibn Zaid al-Khazraji, with whom she had Ayman, a devoted companion who later migrated to Madinah and fought alongside the Muslims in battles, eventually being martyred at Hunayn.

At the same time, Khadijah (RA) also owned Zaid ibn Harithah, whom she gifted to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ loved Zaid dearly and freed him, later adopting him as his own son. Eventually, the Prophet ﷺ arranged for Zaid to marry Umm Ayman, and from this union, Usama ibn Zaid was born.

Usama became widely known as "The Beloved Son of the Beloved", a testament to how much the Prophet ﷺ adored both Zaid and his son, Usama.

Her Role in Jihad

Despite her advanced age, Umm Ayman actively participated in battles alongside the Prophet ﷺ. She played an essential role in supporting the Muslim army, tending to the wounded, and providing water to the soldiers.

During the Battle of Uhud, she was among the women who assisted in treating the injured and ensuring the well-being of the fighters. She continued this role during the Battle of Khaybar, where she was one of twenty women who accompanied the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslim forces.

Her Grief After the Prophet’s Death

The passing of the Prophet ﷺ was an incredibly difficult moment for Umm Ayman. She deeply mourned not only his death but also the fact that revelation from the heavens had ceased.

Shortly after his death, Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA) visited her, as the Prophet ﷺ used to do during his lifetime. Upon seeing them, she broke into tears. Concerned, they asked:

"Why are you crying? What is with Allah is better for His Messenger."

She replied:

"I know that what is with Allah is better for the Messenger of Allah, but I weep because revelation has ceased from the heavens."

Her words moved them deeply, and they too began to weep with her.

Her Passing and Legacy

Umm Ayman lived only five or six months after the Prophet ﷺ passed away. She remained unwavering in her faith and steadfast in her devotion to Islam until the very end of her life. Her loyalty, courage, and selfless service made her one of the most honored women in early Islamic history.

Her sacrifices, both personal and in battle, earned her a special place among the female companions of the Prophet ﷺ. She was not only his servant but a motherly figure, a warrior, and a devoted believer.