Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) – The Beloved Caretaker of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا), also known as Barakah bint Tha’labah, holds a special place in Islamic history as a devoted caretaker and companion of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). She was one of the few people who remained by his side from birth until his prophethood and beyond. Her unwavering loyalty, deep love, and sacrifices for the Prophet (ﷺ) earned her a place of great honor in Islam.

Who Was Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا)?

Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) was an Abyssinian woman who initially served as a slave in the household of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) father, Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib. After Abdullah’s passing, she remained with Hazrat Amina (رضی اللہ عنہا) and took care of the newborn Prophet (ﷺ). She was like a motherly figure to him, providing love and care during his infancy.

After the passing of Hazrat Amina (رضی اللہ عنہا), when the Prophet (ﷺ) was just six years old, Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) remained his caretaker, ensuring he was safe and looked after with affection. The Prophet (ﷺ) later described her as "My mother after my own mother."

Her Role in the Life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Loyalty and Love: She was among the few who cared for the Prophet (ﷺ) from birth and continued to stand by him even after he became a Prophet.

Motherly Affection: She was always protective of the Prophet (ﷺ), playing a crucial role in his upbringing after his mother’s passing.

Embracing Islam: When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) declared his Prophethood, she was among the early converts to Islam, standing firm in her faith despite hardships.

Participation in Battles: She actively participated in battles, including Uhud and Khaybar, providing water and tending to the wounded.

Marriage and Descendants

The Prophet (ﷺ) freed Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) and later arranged her marriage to Hazrat Zaid ibn Haritha (رضی اللہ عنہ), the adopted son of the Prophet (ﷺ). From this marriage, she had a son, Hazrat Usama ibn Zaid (رضی اللہ عنہ), who later became a great Muslim general and was dearly loved by the Prophet (ﷺ).

Her Legacy in Islamic History

Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) was one of the few individuals whom the Prophet (ﷺ) personally assured of Paradise. Her life was filled with immense sacrifices, yet she remained steadfast in faith and love for Islam. She lived through the passing of the Prophet (ﷺ) and deeply mourned his loss, feeling as though she had lost her own child.

The Legacy of Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) in Islamic Poetry and Manqabat

Islamic poets have honored Hazrat Umme Aymen (رضی اللہ عنہا) for her:

• Unwavering loyalty to the Prophet (ﷺ) from his birth to his final days.
• Sacrifices and hardships endured for Islam.
• Status as a woman of Jannah, recognized by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself.
• Her life remains a testament to the strength and devotion of women in early Islam, making her a source of inspiration for Muslims worldwide.

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