Hazrate Umm Sulaim (R.A)

Hazrate Umm Sulaim (R.A) was first married to Malik ibn an-Nadr, her
son by this marriage wasthe famous Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (R.A) , one
of the great Companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) .
Hazrate Umm Sulaim's (R.A) decision to accept Islam was made without
the knowledge or consent of her husband, Malik ibn an-Nadr. He was
absent from Yathrib at the time. He was not pleased to hear this
especially when his wife went on to announce her acceptance of Islam
in public and instructed her son Hazrat Anas (R.A) in the teachings
and practice of the new faith. Hazrate Umm Sulaim's (R.A) husband was
furious. He shouted at her and left the houseand it is reported that
hewas killed by an enemy of his.
When it was known that Hazrate Umm Sulaim (R.A) had become a widow,
Zayd ibn Sahl, known as Abu Talhah wanted to marry her. Abu Talhah
proceeded toHazrate Umm Sulaim's (R.A) house. On the way he recalled
that she had been influenced by the preaching of Hazrat Musab ibn
Umayr (R.A) and had become a Muslim.
"So what?" he said to himself. "Was not her husband who died a firm
adherent of the old religion and was he not opposed to Muhammad and
his mission?" Abu Talhah reached Hazrate Umm Sulaim's (R.A) house. He
asked permission to enter. Her son Hazrat Anas (R.A) waspresent. Abu
Talhah explained why he had come and asked for her hand in marriage.
"A man like you, Abu Talhah," she said, "is not (easily) turned away.
ButI shall never marry you while you are a Kafir (non believer)."
He said to her: "What is it that really prevents you from accepting
me, Umm Sulaim? Is it the yellow and the white metals (gold and
silver)?" "Gold and silver?" she said, "I swear to you, Abu Talhah,
and I swear to Allah and His Messenger that if you accept Islam,
Ishall be pleased to accept you as a husband,without any gold or
silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islamas my Mahr (Dowry)."
The opportunity was right for Hazrate Umm Sulaim (R.A) to stress the
futility of such idol worship and she went on: "Don't you know
AbuTalhah, that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the
earth?"."That's true," he said."Don't you feel stupid while
worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to
bake bread or warm yourself? (If you should give up these foolish
beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be
pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any
sadaqah apart from youracceptance of Islam."
"Who shall instruct me inIslam?" asked Abu Talhah. "I shall," Hazrate
Umm Sulaim (R.A) replied. "How?",聽 "Utter the declaration of truth and
testify that there is no god but Allah (S.W.T) and that Muhammad
(S.A.W) is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your
idol and throw it away."
Abu Talhah accepted Islam and was devoted to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W)
and took enormous delight in simply looking at Him (S.A.W) and
listening to the sweetness of his speech. Hazrat Abu Talhah (R.A)
participated in all the major military campaigns.