Tears of Umm Aiman

Umm Aiman, who is also known as Barakah was a poor Abyssinian slave, in the service of Abdullah, the father of Prophet Muhammad (saw), and became a maid in his household when he married the lady Amina. Her piety and strength have enriched her life and her exemplary character has inspired and exhorted many who came after.

Soon after Abdullah and Amina got married, Abdullah was instructed to go with a caravan to Syria. On this trip, Abdullah died leaving his widow in the company of Umm Aiman. During this time, Amina was pregnant with baby Muhammad (saw) and Umm Aiman would listen to her groans and comfort her during the days and nights of her pregnancy.

When Muhammad (saw) was six years old, Amina took him to visit his father's grave in Medina, formerly known as Yathrib. On their way back, she passed away after being severely ill and Muhammad (saw), now an orphan was left in the care of Umm Aiman for the rest of the trip. She wept bitterly and buried Amina with her own hands. Then with a heavy heart filled with melancholy and pity, she comforted and brought Muhammad (saw) back to his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, who fostered him from then on.

Umm Aiman remained a very special and important person to the Messenger of Allah. He would speak very fondly of her. He used to say, "She is my mother after my natural mother." Umm Aiman also trusted, respected, and admired Muhammad (saw) very much. She was among the first set of people who answered the call of the Prophet (saw) and accepted the message of Allah. Her commitment and dedication to spreading the word of Allah and supporting the Prophet (SAWS) were outstanding.

The Prophet (saw) said: "Should one of you desire to marry a woman from the people of Paradise, let him marry Umm Aiman." The fact that the Messenger associated this lady with Paradise tells us that there are many virtues in her character from which we can learn. One of the great Companions, Zaid ibn Harith heard this beautiful statement about Umm Aiman and married her. This marriage produced a pious son, Usamah, whom the Prophet (saw) loved very much and considered his grandson.

In the battles of Uhud, Khaibar, and Hunain, Umm Aiman participated by nursing the wounded and caring for the Muslim soldiers. Along with her husband, Umm Aiman put her life on the line by risking the torment of the Quraish to acquire information on their plans. She risked her life as she tried to reach the house of al-Arqam to tell the Prophet (saw) that the enemies had blocked off all the roads leading to the house of al-Arqam.

When Muslims migrated to Medina, the Prophet (saw) left Umm Aiman to take care of some things in Mecca. Later on, she made the long, rough journey to Medina on foot where she suffered so much that when she arrived her feet were sore and she was covered with dust. This was done because of the love she had for the Messenger of Allah (saw), his family, and her devotion to Allah. When the Prophet saw her in this condition, he said, "Ya Ummi, (O mother) indeed for you is a place in Paradise."

Often, when she was asked how she was, she would reply, "I am well so long as Islam is well." Her strength and piety were demonstrated when the Prophet (saw) died. When she wept, somebody asked her, "Why do you cry, Umm Aiman?" She replied, "By Allah! I knew that the Messenger of Allah (saw) would die, but I cry that the Revelation has stopped coming to us from Heaven."

The beauty of her life lies in every aspect, especially the aspect of her that loved, honored and served the family of the Messenger (saw) with humility and dedication.

When we reflect on these subtle acts, we can see the beauty and recognize the virtues they bring to life. We should all aspire to adopt some of the great characteristics of the Prophet (saw) and his Companions so that we can be successful in this life, but most importantly successful on the Day of Judgment.