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Did you know Sawdah bint Zam’ah (RA) was the first woman in the life of the Prophet (PBUH) after Khadija (RA) passed away? She holds a special place in Islamic history as one of the mothers of the believers, a title of great honour and respect. She is famous for having a calm and peaceful personality.
In this blog, you will learn about who Sawdah Bint Zam’ah (RA) was, her journey through the challenges of early Islam, her life as the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the inspiring traits that make her a role model for Muslims of all ages.
She was the daughter of Zam’ah Ibn Qais from the clan of Amr Ibn Al-Luhay, the same clan as the mother of Khadija (RA). Her mother was Sham bint Qais from the Najr clan of the Khazraj tribe in Madinah, which made her related to the Prophet (PBUH), as her mother was Abdul Muttalib’s cousin.
As a result, she had a relation to the Prophet (PBUH) through her mother’s side and to Khadija (RA) through her father’s side. In her appearance, she was tall, heavily built, and had a dark complexion.
The following sections explore this inspiring personality in detail:
Like all other wives of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) except for Aisha (RA), she had been married to someone else, a man named Sakran Ibn Amr, before her marriage to the Prophet (PBUH). Sawdah Bint Zam’ah (RA) and her first husband were both considered among the early Muslims in Islam.
Sawdah (RA) and her husband embraced Islam during the early days of the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission. Like many early Muslims, they faced intense persecution in Makkah from the Quraysh. With the Prophet’s (PBUH) permission, they, alongside other Muslims, migrated to Abyssinia to escape the oppression in Makkah.
In Abyssinia, they had a son named Abdur-Rahman, who would later become a great companion and warrior, martyred in the Battle of Jalula. After several years in Abyssinia, they returned to Makkah; however, Sakran Ibn Amr passed away shortly after their return.
According to various resources, Khawla Bint Hakkem (RA), a well-known matchmaker in Makkah, came to the Prophet (PBUH) and suggested that he consider marrying again. When the Prophet (PBUH) asked who she had in mind, Khawla (RA) mentioned two names: Sawdah (RA), a widow, and Aisha (RA), an unmarried young woman. The Prophet (PBUH) then sent Khawla (RA) to ask for Sawdah (RA) in marriage, and as a result, the Prophet (PBUH) married Sawdah (RA) in the 10th year of Prophethood.
Sawdah (RA) thus became one of the mothers of the believers and joined the Prophet's household. She lovingly cared for his daughters, Umm Kulthoom (RA) and Fatima (RA), who were still very young and managed the household responsibilities. Sawdah (RA) brought joy to the Prophet's (PBUH) life and supported him in his mission to spread Islam.
Sawdah (RA) was the first in her family to accept Islam, demonstrating her strong faith and commitment to Allah. Her devotion led her to make great sacrifices for the sake of her deen (religion).
She left her home and everything familiar to her, crossing the desert and sea to a faraway place called Abyssinia, where she could practice her faith freely and safely. It shows her deep connection with Allah Almighty and her choice of deen above everything else.
Her connection with Allah was also reflected in her selflessness. She gave up her turn to spend time with the Prophet (PBUH) to seek Allah’s pleasure through this generous act. As mentioned in a hadith:
“[…] Sawdah bint Zam’ah (RA) gave up her (turn) day and night to Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet (PBUH), in order to seek the pleasure of Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) (by that action).”
(Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 47, No. 766)
Sawdah’s (RA) devotion to Islam was also shown in how she followed its teachings, especially about modesty. The wives of the Prophet (PBUH) used to go out at night to answer the call of nature only at Al-Manasi (the specific area outside Madinah where they would go to relieve themselves).
She was tall and easily noticed, and one night, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA) saw her when she went out. He became concerned about the privacy of the Prophet’s (PBUH) wives and hoped for guidance from Allah on the matter. In response, Allah revealed the verse of veiling (Al-Hijab), which taught the Prophet’s (PBUH) wives the importance of covering themselves for modesty and protection. (Sahih Al-Bukhari 6240)
Through her dedication to Islamic values, she set an inspiring example for all Muslim women. Her story reminds us to stay committed to our faith and embrace selflessness and modesty. Take a step toward practising modesty like the mothers of believers with this elegant collection of high-quality hijabs. Discover your favourite design and order it today!
Sawdah (RA) was kind-hearted and had a great sense of humour. She often lightened the Prophet's (PBUH) worries with her jokes, acting like a comforting remedy at just the right time.
It was reported that one day, she saw on the face of the Prophet (PBUH) paleness and distress, and she told him jokingly,
“‘O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)! I prayed behind you yesterday and you prolonged the prostration so long that I felt like as if I might have nose-bleeding.’ The Prophet (PBUH) smiled so much that his molars showed, and his sadness disappeared.”
(Ghadanfar, Great Women of Islam)
Sawdah (RA) was very generous and always gave to the needy. She loved to give to charity. After the death of the Prophet (PBUH), she became a widow once again and reached old age. The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) took it upon themselves to care for the mother of believers.
However, Sawdah (RA) always sought to care for those who were in greater need than herself. Once, Umar (RA) sent a bag full of Dirhams to her. When she asked what it was and found out it was money, she was quite surprised. She then chose to distribute it among the poor and needy. (Ghadanfar)
Another incident further shows her reputation as a highly charitable person. Aisha (RA) narrated that the wives of the Prophet (PBUH) gathered and said, "Which of us will be the first to follow you (in death)?" He said:
“The one of you who has the longest arms.” They took a stick and started to measure their arms. But Sawdah (RA) was the first one to follow him. She was the one who had the longest arms because she used to give in charity a great deal.”
(Sunan An-Nasai 2541)
Sawdah (RA) was kind and thoughtful when it came to other people’s feelings. Understanding the deep love between the Prophet (PBUH) and Aisha (RA), and feeling that she needed less companionship in her old age, Sawdah (RA) willingly gave up her day with the Prophet (PBUH) for Aisha (RA).
Aisha (RA) reported:
“As she became old, she made over her day (which she had to spend) with Allah's Messenger (PBUH) to Aisha (RA). She said: I have made over my day with you to Aisha (RA). So Allah's Messenger (PBUH) allotted two days to Aisha (RA), her own day (when it was her turn) and that of Sawdah (RA).”
(Sahih Muslim)
In the following words, Aisha (RA) showed how much she admired and cared for Sawdah (RA). She recognised Sawdah’s (RA) kindness and the love she shared with the Prophet (PBUH). She set a great example of love, sacrifice, and humility, which are important values for everyone to follow.
“Never did I find any woman more loving to me than Sawdah bint Zam'ah (RA). I wished I could be exactly like her who was passionate.”
(Sahih Muslim 1463a)
Sawdah Bint Zam’ah (RA) died during Umar’s (RA) Caliphate in 674 CE and lies at rest in Al-Baqi cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
The life of Sawdah bint Zam'ah (RA), one of the greatest women in Islamic history, is a beacon of inspiration for Muslims. Her unwavering faith, contentment, and selflessness offer valuable lessons for navigating life with grace and devotion:
Sawdah bint Zam'ah (RA) showed great strength during hard times. As one of the first Muslims, she faced challenges but stayed firm in her faith in Allah and His Messenger (PBUH). Her life reminds everyone that life will test you, but with unshakeable belief, you can emerge stronger and closer to Allah.
She was a selfless woman, always ready to make sacrifices for others. She exemplified contentment with what Allah had given her. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported the Prophet (PBUH) saying,
"Richness is not the abundance of wealth, rather it is self-sufficiency.”
(Riyad As-Salihin 521)
This hadith perfectly reflects the character of Sawdah (RA), who consistently showed satisfaction and gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Her life is a lesson for Muslims today, who often chase worldly possessions that never truly satisfy. Instead, we should adopt the personality trait of Sawdah (RA), who remained content and grateful in every situation.
If you want to read more amazing stories about incredible women in Islam and want to know how they can inspire you in your life, check out this wonderful collection of Islamic books at Riwaya. Don’t wait - start exploring and shopping today!
Sawdah bint Zam'ah (RA) lived a quiet and humble life, focusing on charity and kindness. She stayed away from public roles and political disputes, dedicating herself to peace and simplicity in Madinah. Her life teaches us that greatness lies in humility, generosity, and contentment. Sawdah (RA) inspires Muslims to stay close to Allah and spread goodness in their own quiet ways.
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