Umm Salamah- II

Her widowhood and marriage to the Prophet
In the third year of Hijrah)Migration of the Prophetfrom Makkah to
Madeenah(, Abu Salamahfought in the Battle ofUhud. In that historic
andcrucial battle, his arm was wounded by a poisoned arrow shot by the
enemy. Helater recovered after treatment, but could survive only for a
few months. His wound relapsed and ultimately hedied.
Umm Salamahwas immensely grief-stricken at the demise of her loving
husband. When the Prophet, sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam, heard about
this, he sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam went to offer condolences to
herand asked her to havepatience and bear the calamity with fortitude.
According to one narration, when the Prophet sallalaahu alayhi wa
sallam paid a condolence visit to Umm Salamahafter the death of her
husband, hesallalaahu alayhi wa sallam asked her to pray Allaah to
grant Abu Salamah the lofty rank of the righteous and grant her a
better husband than him.
At this, Umm Salamahwondered who could be a better husband for her
than Abu Salamah. Seeing the forlorn state of Umm
Salamahaftershewaswidowed, Abu Bakrsent her a proposal for marriage,
which Umm Salamahdeclined.
The Prophet, sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam, was greatly impressed with
the courage, which Umm Salamahdisplayed in facing the misfortunes and
adversities of life. He sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam was also highly
moved for her tragic situation and sent the proposal for marriage to
her through 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab. Umm Salamahconsented, and in
Shawwal, the 4th year of Hijrah, her marriage to the Noble Prophet,
sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam, took place.
A Historical example of her wisdom
In the 6th Hijrah year, theProphetaccompanied by his 1,400
companionsdecided to perform 'Umrah )minor Pilgrimage(. When Quraysh
learned about this, they decided to stop the Muslims from performing
the pilgrimage; but when theMuslims decided to fight them they feared
and signed a treaty with the Muslims, which consisted of several terms
and conditions which appeared to be unfair forthe Muslims as it
prevented them from performing 'Umrah that year.
The Prophetaccepted these conditions in adherence to the Divine
Command instructing himto do so. Then the Prophetordered the Muslims
to slaughter animals in sacrifice)indicating the end of the 'Umrah
rites(. But the Muslims hesitated in offering the sacrifice, which
grieved the Prophet.
Umm Salamahwho was with the Propheton this journey, heard this and
suggested to theProphetto offer the sacrifice, shave his head and take
off the Ihraam. The Prophetdid so acting on her advice. When the
companionssaw that the Prophet's command was irrevocable, they at once
sacrificed their animals and shaved their heads.
Her character:
Umm Salamahled a very simple and austere life. Shewas a devout
worshiper. Every month, shefasted for three days )other than the
fasting of Ramadan(. Once, shewore a necklace, which had a little
amount of gold in it.The Prophetdid not like her wearing even this
little amount of gold.So Umm Salamahimmediately took it out.
Umm Salamahwas very generous. Sheimplored others also to give away in
the cause ofAllaah. Whatever shehad, shewould readily give away to a
beggar or a needy person.
Once, a few destitute people came to her begging for charity
importunately. Umm Salamahordered her maid not to send them back
empty-handed, and if there was nothing in the houses, she should give
them just a few dates.
Umm Salamahhas narrated 378 Hadeeths ofthe Prophet. In moral
excellence and nobility ofconduct, she ranks, among the Prophet's
wives, next only to 'Aa'ishah. Shewas an excellent reciter of
theQuran, and her style was much similar to the Prophet's. Shewas
endowed with exceptionally beautiful countenance, deep knowledge,
intelligence and sound judgment.
Her death:
After a life filled with faith and righteous deeds, the Mother of the
Believers, Umm Salamahdied in the year 61 A.H., aged 84 and the
venerable Companion, Abu Hurayrahled the people in her funeral prayer,
after which shewas buried in Al-Baqee' Cemetery in Madeenah.