Umm 'Umara: The Prophet's Shield atUhud

Umm 'Umara was blessed with many honours, amongst these her presence
at Uhud, al-Hudaybiyya, Khaybar, the Fulfilled Umra, Hunayn, and the
Battle ofYamama. But her most noble role came about during the battle
of Uhud.
Umm 'Umara set out to the battle with her husband, Ghaziya, and her
two sons. Her inhad been to give water to thewounded, but Allah had
planned for her a more rewarding role.
So she set out with her family with a waterskin, and arrived at the
battle field during the beginning of the day. The Muslims had the
upper hand, and she went to see how the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w)was.
But then the Muslims committed a fatal error - seeing the Quraysh on
the retreat, they ran towards the booty, ignoring the Prophet's
command to remain on the hill. Khalid bin Walid, (who hadn't embraced
Islam yet), seeing the open flank, made a charge against the Muslims
and suddenlythe tide had swung towards the Quraysh. TheMuslims
panicked and began to flee, leaving behind only the Prophet (s.a.w)
and a handful of his Companions. Among these was Umm Umara.
Seeing the Muslims flee, Umm Umara ran to the defense of the Prophet
and took up arms, along with her husband and two sons. The Prophet
noticed that she had no shield, and so said to oneof the retreating
men:"Give your shield to the one who is fighting." So he handed her
the shield,and she defended the Prophet of Allah with it, using also
the bow and arrow along with a sword. She was attacked by horsemen,
but never wavered nor felt fear. She later boldly claimed,"If they had
been on footas we were, we would have trounced them, Allah willing."
Abdullah ibn Zayed, her son, was wounded during the battle. His wound
bled profusely. His mother ran to him and bandaged his wounds, and
then commanded him, "Go and fight the people, my son!" The Prophet
(s.a.w) admired her sense of sacrifice, and commended her, "Who can
endure what you canendure, Umm 'Umara!"
Suddenly, the man who had struck her son advanced, and the Prophet
called out to her,"This is the one who struck your son." She bravely
confronted the man, who her very son described as being like a great
tree trunk, and struck at his leg, sending him to his knees. The
Messenger of Allah smiledso much his teeth became visible, and
remarked, "You have retaliated, Umm 'Umara!".Having finished him off,
the Prophet then said"Praise be to Allah who has given you victory
anddelighted you over your enemy and let you enjoy your revenge
directly."
At one stage, the Prophet(s.a.w) was left alone, so taking the
opportunity, the enemy Ibn Qumay'a charged at the Prophet, shouting
"Show me Muhammad! I will not be saved if he is saved!" So Mus'ab ibn
'Umayr, along with some other of the Companions, dashed to the
protection of the Prophet. Umm 'Umara was among them, and began
fiercely striking at the enemy of Allah, even though he was wearing
double armour. Ibn Qumay'a managed to strike a blow at her
neck,leaving a serious wound. The Prophet quickly called on her son
"Your mother! Your mother! Bind her wound! May Allah bless you, the
people of a house! The stand of your mother is better than the stand
of so-and-so. May Allah havemercy on you, people of a house! The stand
of your foster father is better than the stand of so-and-so. May Allah
havemercy on you, people of a house!" Umm 'Umara, seeing the Prophet's
pleasure on her determination and valour , earnestly requested"Ask
Allah to make us your companions in the Garden!" So he said "O Allah,
make them my companions in the Garden." And this was thedesire of Umm
'Umara, to which she replied "I do not care what afflicts me in this
world!"
That day, she received thirteen wounds, and was treated for her neck
wound for a complete year. She also participated in the Battle of
Yamama, where she received eleven wounds and lost her hand.
Her courageous characterearned her the respect ofall the Companions,
especially the Khalifa's who would visit her and pay special attention
to her.
'Umar bin Khattab (r.a.a) was brought some silk garments which
contained excellent quality material. One of the people remarked"This
garment is worth such-and-such (meaning how expensive it was). You
should send it to the wife of 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar, Safiyya bint Abi
'Ubayd." 'Umar (r.a.a) however did not desire such a garment for his
daughter in law. "That is something which I will not give to Ibn
'Umar. I will send it to someone who is more entitled to itthan her -
Umm 'Umara Nusayba bint Ka'b. On theday of Uhud, I heard the Messenger
of Allah (s.a.w)say, 'Whenever I looked to the right or left I saw her
fighting in front of me'."
This was the life of Umm 'Umara, the warrior who stood when many fled,
who sent her wounded son back into the thick ofthe battle, and was
prepared to lose her life to save the Prophet's. In return, she
received the du'a for the Prophet's companionship in Paradise.
May Allah bless our women with such courage, self-sacrifice and perseverance.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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