2. Sawda Bint Zam'a

Assalaamu Aleikum,

The second wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who he married after the death of his first wife Khadija bint Khwailed was-


Sawdah bint-Zam’a


Her Conversion to Islam;

She was a sublime and noble lady, one of the virtuous women of her time. Before her marriage to Prophet Muhammad (PBUP), she was married to her cousin who was called As-Sakran bin Amr. When she converted to Islam she took the oath of allegiance to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and her husband As-Sakran became a Muslim as well. They both migrated to Abyssinia, where she suffered tremendously travelling with him until he died and left her behind sad and recessive with no assistance or profession and with her father who was an aged man.

Her Marriage;

In a narration by Aisha (May Allah be Pleased with her), reported by Khawlah Bint Hakim Alsalmiah- Sawda’s companion in the migration to Abyssinia-: “when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was looking for a wife to run the household and take care of Fatima al-Zahra'(his daughter), he was told to marry Aisha, but he refused at that time because of her young age”.
So Khawla told him about Sawda Bint Zam’a. She was middle-aged, rather plump, with a jolly, kindly disposition, and just the right person to take care of the Prophet's household and family. She was a consciences middle aged lady, full of faith, even if her youth was gone and she was not much of a beauty. Khawla did not even finish her speech when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) praised Sawda and agreed to marry her.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married Sawda, who was 55 years old. Her marriage was in Ramadan in the tenth year of his Prophet hood , (it was said ;year eight of al Hijra on a four hundred dirhams dowry.)

Her virtue;


Sawda (may Allah be Pleased with her) is considered one of the very virtuous of her time. She became a Muslim and took an oath of allegiance to Prophet Muhammad(pbuh), she migrated to Abyssinia.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married her and she was one of the most beloved ones to his heart of his wives, she was known for her righteousness and piety, she narrated a lot of the Prophet’s sayings ( Hadith) and a lot were narrated about her. The verse of “Hijab” (literally "cover"; which describes the proper dress of the Muslim woman for purposes of modesty and dignity) was revealed in her time. One of the beautiful aspects of her character was her love of charity.

Her characteristics;


When the Mother of the Believers Aisha (may Allah be Pleased with her) entered Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) house as a beloved wife, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was pleased with her company because of her cheerful and youthful demeanor, which caused Sawda (May Allah be Pleased with her) to feel a bit jealous, seeing her unhappiness the Prophet Muhammad asked Sawda if she wanted a divorce.
As her jealousy eased, Sawda said: “Messenger of Allah; I have no keenness to be your wife like Aisha, so keep me just to live near you, to love whom you love and to be pleased for your happiness.

Sawda consolidated herself to tame her jealousy with piety, and to give her day which the Prophet used to spend with her to ‘Aisha. She still received protection and comfort from her marriage and was cared for well, as well as receiving Allah’s blessings. She was close with Ayisha, and tried to satisfy her for her husband's sake. Sawda was of praise worthy ethics, and a good woman that loved charity very much.

Her works;


Sawda narrated five Hadiths of the Prophet’s.

Abdullah bin Abbas and Yahya bin Abdul Rahman bin Sa'din Zarah Al Ansari reported from her.

Abu Dawood and Al Nasaie narrated from her.

Her Death;

Sawda died at the end of Omar bin Al Khattab’s rule . It is said that she died in Al Madinah Al Munawwara in Shawwal year fifty four. Ibn Abbas performed “sujoud” when she died.

When He was asked for the reason, he said: '' Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: if you see a sign kneel.'' So what sign is greater than witnessing the death of the Prophet’s wives…


(From : http://www.rasoulallah.net)