The best of people are those of my era, then those after, then those after them

Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha is younger than Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. Her mother is Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid ibn Asad radiya Llahu ‘anha. The scholars write that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was born three years after her eldest sister Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha when the age of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was close to 33.[1]
Sayyidah Ruqayyah’s(R.A) Nurturing
She was nurtured and reached maturity together with her sisters in the care of her father Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The nurturing of her parents was the main source for the upcoming achievements in her life.
Accepting Islam and Pledging Allegiance
The first woman to accept Islam was Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Her daughters followed suite. When their mother was favoured with Islam, they were also favoured with the same and had the honour of pledging allegiance at the hands of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
و اسلمت حين اسلمت امها خديجة بنت خويلد و بايعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم هى و اخواتها حين بايعه النساء When Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha accepted Islam, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha accepted and she pledged allegiance to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam coupled with her sisters when the women pledged allegiance.[2]
Sayyidah Ruqayyah’s(R.A) Nikah
According to the custom prevalent in those days, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam got two of his daughter’s viz. Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha married to the sons of his uncle, Abu Lahab, viz. ‘Utbah and ‘Utaybah respectively. The marriages were only contracted and were not consummated.
The era of Islam began, and revelation came to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the verses of Towhid were revealed. The despicability of kufr and shirk was announced, right until Surah al Lahab was revealed. Due to this, the animosity of the kuffar towards the Muslims reached its peak and the anger and rage of Abu Lahab tore the borders of character.
فلما بعث رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و انزل اللّٰه تَبَّتْ یَدَآ اَبِیْ لَهَبٍ وَّ تَبَّ قال له ابوه ابو لهب راسى من راسك حرام ان لم تطلق ابنته ففارقها و لم يكن دخل بها

When Allah sent Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (with nubuwwah) and revealed, “May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined and ruined is he,” his father (Abu Lahab) warned his son: “If you do not divorce the daughter of Muhammad, I will not show you my face nor will I look at you.” He thus divorced her prior to consummation of the marriage.[3]
The divorce was at that time an unseen honour for these daughters. It was the decree of the Almighty that these chaste girls should not go to ‘Utbah and ‘Utaybah. Because of the warning of their father, ‘Utbah and ‘Utaybah divorced the pure daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam viz. Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha. This relation was severed only due to animosity and hatred for Islam.
There was no error or mistake on the part of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha. Only due to them being the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam were they treated in this harsh way. For a woman to be divorced without any valid reason is a source of great pain and they are usually emotionally scarred. However, these chaste pure women bore all of these for the sake of din. Nonetheless, in this divorce was hidden their honour and physical protection from being handed over to the kuffar. May Allah Ta’ala be pleased with them.
This Incident According to the Shia
The ‘ulama’ of the Ahlus Sunnah have documented this incident as well as the Shia scholars, who have mentioned further details regarding this incident.
و اما رقية فتزوجها عتبة بن ابى لهب فطلقها قبل ان يدخل بها و لحقها منه اذى فقال النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم اللهم سلط على عتبة كلبا من كلابك فتناوله الاسد من بين اصحابه

‘Utbah ibn Abi Lahab married Ruqayyah but then divorced her prior to consummation of the marriage. Due to this unbecoming behaviour of ‘Utbah, Ruqayyah was very hurt. Thus, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam cursed ‘Utbah, “O Allah! Let one of Your beasts loose on ‘Utbah[4] (who would tear him to pieces).” The curse of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was accepted. Once, ‘Utbah was with his comrades. A lion came and tore ‘Utbah ibn Abi Lahab to pieces.
In reality, these were the emotional scars of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha which were articulated in the form of a curse on the tongue of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam which was accepted by the All-Powerful.
The Marriage of Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A) to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan(R.A)
After the sons of Abu Lahab divorced Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu in Makkah Mukarramah. Concerning this, ‘ulama’ have recorded some narrations under the virtues of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu which are reproduced hereunder:
1. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas relates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Allah Ta’ala revealed to me that I should marry my beloved daughter Ruqayyah to ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan.” Therefore, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu in Makkah and sent her to his place.[5]
It is a well-known fact that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married two of his daughter’s viz. Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha one after the other to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu. First, the marriage of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was contracted which took place in Makkah Mukarramah prior to the hijrah to Madinah. After Sayyidah Ruqayyah’s radiya Llahu ‘anha demise, the marriage of Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anhu was contracted which will be discussed further on.
2. Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu mentioned regarding Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu:
و زوجه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم واحدة بعد واحدة

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married one daughter after another to him.[6]
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam marrying his daughters to Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu is wonderful fate and remarkable fortune for him. Sayyidina ‘Uthman had the grand honour of being the son-in-law of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Moreover, admirable enough is that Sayyidina ‘Uthman’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu connection with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained blissful his whole life with no altercations whatsoever. And in this state, he met a beautiful end. Praises for Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A) on the Tongues of the Women of Quraysh
The historians write that Allah Ta’ala favoured Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha with exceptional beauty. The author of Tarikh al Khamis in his history book and Muhib al Tabari in Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba articulated it in the following words:
و كانت ذات جمال رائع
Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was a woman of exceptional beauty.[7]
و تزوجها عثمان بن عفان و كانت نساء قريش يقلن حين تزوجها عثمان احسن شخصين راى انسان رقية و بعلها عثمان

When Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu got married to her, the women of Quraysh of those days would envy this couple and express their beauty in the following words:
The most beautiful couple ever seen by man, is Ruqayyah with her husband ‘Uthman.[8]
An incident similar to this will be mentioned under the chapter ‘sending a gift’, Allah willing.
Emigration to Abyssinia
This was the initial stages of Islam and the Muslims were being oppressed in different forms and they had to face various types of difficulties.
قال لهم لو خرجتم الى الارض الحبشة فان بها ملكا لا يظلم عنده احد و هى ارض صدق حتى يجعل الله لكم فرجا مما انتم فيه فخرج عند ذلك المسلمون من اصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم الى ارض الحبشة مخافة الفتنة و فرارا الى الله بدينهم فكانت اول هجرة كانت فى الاسلام

During this period, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam advised those who had become Muslims that it was better for them to emigrate to Abyssinia, for the king of Abyssinia is a noble man who does not oppress and people will live with peace and comfort there. It is a place where no oppression is meted out to people and it is full of peace. Allah Ta’ala will then open a way for you.[9] Some Sahabah of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam left Makkah with the intention to emigrate to Abyssinia. These people wanted to protect themselves from the persecutions of the Makkans and left their homes in the hope to save Allah’s din. This was the first emigration for the Muslims.
In the Glorious Qur’an, many verses express the great virtue of the emigrants. One such verse reads:
وَالَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا فِی اللّٰهِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوْا لَـنُبَوِّئَنَّهُمْ فِی الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَةًؕ وَ لَاَجْرُ الْاٰخِرَةِ اَكْبَرُۘ

And those who emigrated for [the cause of] Allah after they had been wronged – We will surely settle them in this world in a good place; but the reward of the hereafter is greater, if only they could know.
These verses of the Qur’an are general and encompass all those emigrations which take place for the sake of din, thus making the emigrants to Abyssinia rightful addressees thereof. They are the bearers of these virtues which Allah Ta’ala grants upon adversities and difficulties; and Allah has blessed them with great favours.
فكان اول من خرج من المسلمين عثمان بن عفان و زوجته رقية بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم

Among those who emigrated from Makkah were ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu coupled with his wife Sayyidah Ruqayyah bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
This was the first group to emigrate in the path of Allah, which took place in the fifth year after nubuwwah. Among the daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was the first to have the honour of emigrating. She enjoys this fortune together with her husband. For the sake of the protection of din, to bear the hardships of journey is no ordinary honour and sacrifice. Allah Ta’ala has prepared an enormous reward for it.
Enquiring About the Condition of Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A)
خرج عثمان بن عفان و معه امراته رقية بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم الى ارض الحبشة فابطا على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم خبرهما فقدمت امراة من قريش فقالت يا محمد قد رايت ختنك و معه امراته قال على اى حال رايتها قالت رايته قد حمل امراته على حمار من هذه الدبابة و هو يسوقها فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ان عثمان اول من هاجر باهله بعد لوط عليه السلام

After emigrating to Abyssinia, the condition of the emigrants was not known for some time. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was concerned about them. Meanwhile, a woman from Quraysh returned to Makkah from Abyssinia. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked her regarding the condition of the emigrants. She responded: “O Muhammad! I saw your son-in-law and your daughter.” “In what condition did you see them,” questioned Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She explained: “‘Uthman was taking his wife on a conveyance and goading the conveyance from behind.” Upon this Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam supplicated: “May Allah Ta’ala be their companion! ‘Uthman is the first man to emigrate with his wife after Lut ‘alayh al Salam .”[10]
Corroboration from the Shi‘i scholars
The Shia scholars have documented the incident of the emigration to Abyssinia in the following way:
پس یازدہ مرد و چہار زن خفیہ از اہل کفر گریختند و بجناب حبشہ رواں شدند از جملہ آنہا عثمان بود و رقیہ دختر حضرت رسول کہ زن او بود Eleven men and four women in secret emigrated to Abyssinia from the kuffar of Makkah. Among them was ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan accompanied by his wife, Ruqayyah bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha.[11] In the beginning of Islam, the Muslims faced very arduous challenges. The emigration of Abyssinia being one such challenge. Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu with his wife (Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha) being included among the emigrants is an accepted fact. Both Sunni and Shia scholars have documented this clearly in their respective ways. We have presented references from both sides so that both parties can be satisfied.
Warning
Some ignoramuses have for no reason raised an objection that in the emigration of Abyssinia, Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was not accompanied by Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha but rather by Sayyidah Ramlah bint Shaibah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
To answer this objection, it is sufficient to mention that the place where this objection was taken from possesses the answer i.e. the ‘ulama’ have strongly rejected that narration with proofs. This obscure view is matruk (discarded) which opposes authentic narrations and matruk views are unacceptable. Therefore, the truth is that in the emigration to Abyssinia, Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was accompanied by his wife, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, as cited above in the references of both Sunni and Shia scholars. Returning from Abyssinia
After spending a long period in Abyssinia, the emigrants returned to Makkah; Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu accompanied by his wife, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, as well. Meanwhile, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had already made hijrah from Makkah to Madinah Munawwarah. Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu prepared for the emigration and accompanied by his wife (Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha) emigrated to Madinah.
و الذى عليه اهل السير ان عثمان رجع الى مكة من حبشة مع من رجع ثم هاجر باهله الى المدينة

The historians are of the opinion that ‘Uthman returned to Makkah from Abyssinia with those who returned. He then emigrated with his family to Madinah.[12]
The Honour of Emigrating Twice
Worthy to mention is that Allah Ta’ala favoured Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu and his wife with emigrating twice in the path of Allah for the sake of din, once to Abyssinia and then to Madinah. To emigrate twice is a magnificent virtue conferred upon them by Allah. The virtue of emigrating twice is established from the hadith wherein mention is made of the incident of Sayyidah Asma’ bint Umays radiya Llahu ‘anha. Once Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu told Sayyidah Asma’ bint Umays radiya Llahu ‘anha that they preceded her in the emigration from Makkah to Madinah, thus making them more rightful of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Hearing this, Sayyidah Asma’ bint Umays radiya Llahu ‘anha was enraged and went to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to complain about what Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu said. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam consoled her by proclaiming: و له و لاصحابه هجرة واحدة و لكم انتم اهل السفينة هجرتان

He and his companion have one emigration, whereas you — O people of the ship[13] — have two emigrations (double rewards).[14]
The Children of Sayyidah Ruqayyah
و كانت قد اسقطت من عثمان سقطا ثم ولدت بعد ذلك عبد الله و كان عثمان يكنى به فى الاسلام و بلغ سنين فنقره ديك فى وجهه فمات و لم تلد له شيئا بعد ذلك

The ‘ulama’ write that she miscarried an undeveloped fetus of ‘Uthman in Abyssinia. She then gave birth to a son who was named ‘Abdullah. Through him, the agnomen of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu became Abu ‘Abdullah. (And with his parents, the grandson of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came to Madinah.) When ‘Abdullah was approximately six years of age, a cock pecked him in the eye thus injuring him which caused his face to swell up. It did not heal and he passed away in this condition. (He passed away in Madinah after his mother in Jumad al Ula 4 A.H.) She did not have any other children after this.[15]
The Shia scholars have written regarding the son of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Abdullah, born from Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha in similar words:
Ni’mat Allah al Jaza’iri — a Shia mujtahid — writes:
فولدت له عبد الله و مات صغيرا نقره ديك على عينيه فمرض و مات

She bore for him ‘Abdullah who passed away in infancy. A cock injured him with its beak in his eye through which he fell ill and passed away.[16]
The famous Shia historian al Mas’udi has clarified:
و كان له من الولد عبد الله الاكبر و عبد الله الاصغر امها رقية بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله

‘Uthman had two sons from Sayyidah Ruqayyah. The first son was called ‘Abdullah al Akbar and the second ‘Abdullah al Asghar.[17]
The Janazah and burial of ‘Abdullah
Al Baladhuri and other scholars have written that when ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhuma passed away, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was extremely grieved.
و اما عبد الله بن عثمان فان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم وضعه فى حجره و دمعت عليه عينه و قال انما يرحم الله من عباده الرحماء
Regarding ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Uthman, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam picked him up and placed him in his lap. With tears flowing from his eyes he commented: “Indeed, Allah Ta’ala shows mercy upon His compassionate servants.”[18]
و صلى عليه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و نزل عثمان فى حضرته

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam performed the Salat al Janazah upon him and ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu descended into the grave.
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam participated in these sorrowful moments. He issued guidelines regarding his grandchild and accordingly all arrangements were made.
Man has a natural bond with his offspring. Whenever a calamity befalls them, he is worried. This phase can only be crossed with perseverance and calmness which was displayed here.
Sayyidah Umm ‘Ayyash(R.A)
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had a servant by the name Sayyidah Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha who would be at his service and take care of household chores. Sayyidah Umm ‘Ayyash says:
قالت كنت اوضى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و انا قائمة و هو قاعد (اخرجها الثلاثة)

I would pour water for the wudu’ of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam while standing and he was sitting.[19]
Regarding Sayyidah Umm ‘Ayyash, narrations mention that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave her as a gift to Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Sayyidah Umm ‘Ayyash would live at Sayyidina ‘Uthman’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu place to serve Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. It was a very kind action of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to specially gift a servant to Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha to make her household chores easy.
بعثها مع ابنته الى عثمان

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam sent her with his daughter to ‘Uthman.[20]
A Gift from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had a servant by the name Sayyidina Usamah ibn Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhuma who was the son of Sayyidina Zaid ibn Harithah radiya Llahu ‘anhu and reckoned among the distinct attendants of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
عن اسامة بن زيد قال بعثنى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم بصحفة فيها لحم الى عثمان فدخلت عليه فاذا هو جالس مع رقية ما رايت زوجا احسن منها (اخرجه البغوى فى معجمه)

Sayyidina Usamah radiya Llahu ‘anhu says: “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam once sent me with a plate of meat to ‘Uthman. When I entered his place, he was sitting with Ruqayyah. I have never seen a couple more beautiful than them.[21]
A Gift from Sayyidina ‘Uthman
و قال ليث بن ابى سليم اول من خبص الخبيص عثمان خلط بين العسل و النقى ثم بعث به الى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم الى منزل ام سلمة فلم يصادفه فلما جاء وضعوه بين يديه فقال من بعث هذا قالوا عثمان قالت فرفع يديه الى السماء فقال اللهم ان عثمان يترضاك فارض عنه

Layth ibn Abi Sulaim says: “The first person to prepare Khabis[22] was Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu who mixed honey and naqi. He then sent it to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam at the residence of Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was not home at that time. When he came home, Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha placed it in front of him. He enquired as to who had sent it. The reply was ‘Uthman. Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anhu says: ‘He lifted his hands to the sky and prayed, O Allah! ‘Uthman wishes to please You so be pleased with him.’”[23]
Gifting a servant and sharing gifts clearly show the amount of love, kindness and affection Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam displayed to his daughter Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and his son-in-law. This relationship remained strong right till the end.
Sayyidah Ruqayyah’s(R.A) Service to Her Husband
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would visit his daughter at her home and would enquire about her condition.
ان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم دخل على ابنته و هى تغسل راس عثمان

Once Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went to her house while she was washing the head of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[24]
يا بنية احسنى الى ابى عبد الله فانه اشبه اصحابى بى خلقا (طب عن عبد الرحمن بن عثمان القرشى)

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam advised her: “O my daughter! Treat Abu ‘Abdullah well, for he resembles me in character the most.” We learn from here the deep affection and love Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had for his daughter, that he would visit her often. Moreover, we see the harmony between the spouses and the service she offered to her husband which is a teaching of Islam that the wife should serve the husband well. We also realise the strong bond Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu declaring in his favour that he resembles him the most in character. This is a great compliment in Sayyidina ‘Uthman’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu favour on the tongue of nubuwwah.
The Sickness of Sayyidah Ruqayyah
While living in Madinah Tayyibah, the Battle of Badr took place in the second year of hijrah where Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam participated in person. Meanwhile, Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam daughter Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha suddenly fell ill. The ‘ulama’ explain that she had measles. On the other hand, preparations were being made for the Battle of Badr. The Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum were prepared to join Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the Battle of Badr. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu to remain in Madinah to take care of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also commanded his servant Sayyidina Usamah ibn Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhuma to remain behind in Madinah to assist.
Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu had the burning desire to have attained the honour of participating in the Battle of Badr. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam consoled him by declaring:
ان لك اجر رجل ممن شهد بدرا و سهمه

Certainly, you will receive the reward of a participant of Badr and a share of booty.[25]
Sayyidina ‘Uthman(R.A) Receiving an Equal Share as the Participants of Badr
The scholars write that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prevented Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu from participating in Badr, hence Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu stayed behind to take care of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha under the instruction of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was then awarded with a share from the spoils of Badr just as the other mujahidin. Regarding the reward of participating in Badr, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam emphatically stated that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu is an equal partner in the reward as if the reward for taking care of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was equated with jihad. This is a high merit for Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha on the tongue of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that serving her is equal to participating in the Battle of Badr. This is solely the honour of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha from the daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Hafiz Nur al Din al Haythami rahimahu Llah has written in Majma’ al Zawa’id:
و تخلف عن بدر عليها باذن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و ضرب له رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم سهمان اهل بدر و قال و اجرى يا رسول الله قال و اجرك

‘Uthman remained behind from Badr in compliance with the instruction of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (for he was ordered to serve Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha). Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then apportioned for him a share equal to the share of the participants of Badr. When ‘Uthman enquired as to his reward, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam proclaimed: “Your reward is also equal to them!”[26]
This subject has been discussed by many authors. Whoever desires to research this topic further may refer to the following references.
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 456 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Al Bidayah vol. 5 pg. 308, 309 – The section concerning the children of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah vol. 3 pg. 347 – The section mentioning some events
Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 382 narration 5903 – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Corroboration from the Shi‘ah
The Shia scholars have written about this subject in a similar way. They have given further detail as well. For the benefit of the scholars, the text of the Shia historian al Mas’udi is presented verbatim:
و ضرب لثمانية نفر باسهمهم لم يشهدوا القتال و هم عثمان بن عفان تخلف عن بدر لمرض رقية بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله فضرب له بسهمه فقال يا رسول الله و اجرى قال و اجرك

Eight individuals were unable to participate in the battle but were nevertheless rewarded with an equal share of booty by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. One of them was ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan, who could not participate due to the illness of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam apportioned for him an equal share. He asked: “O Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ! And my reward?” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied: “You will get your reward.”[27] Warning
Some people shut their eyes and object against Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu that he did not participate in the Battle of Badr, hence he is deprived of the virtues of Badr. The above narration has clarified that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu could not join due to serving the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. This was in accordance to the instruction of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Notwithstanding him not participating, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam reckoned him equal in reward and in the shares of booty. Hence, Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu is not deprived from the virtues and rewards of Badr.
If you wish to understand this discussion better, then observe the following event. In the Battle of Tabuk — the virtues of which have been announced by the Qur’an and Sunnah — Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu could not participate and remained behind in Madinah. Sayyidina ‘Ali’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu remaining behind in Madinah and not joining the Battle of Tabuk was in compliance to the instruction of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. In the exact same way, the non-participation of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu in the Battle of Badr is the same. In short, just as how Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu is free from blame in Tabuk, Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu is exempt from objection here.
The Demise of Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A)
The Battle of Badr took place in Ramadan 2 A.H where Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam together with his Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum were on the battlefield while on the other hand, the sickness of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha intensified and in the absence of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam she passed away. Preparations for her shrouding and burial were made under the supervision and orders of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. The books of hadith and sirah have related that when Sayyidina Zaid ibn Harithah and Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reached Madinah with the glad tidings of victory at Badr, those who buried Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha were dusting their hands after her burial.
The Date of Demise
The scholars explain that 17 months after the hijrah to Madinah, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away.[28] Other scholars are of the opinion that she passed away one year and ten months after the hijrah[29]. To Allah do we belong and unto Him shall we return.
The Prohibition of Complaining and Wailing
After a few days, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam reached Madinah Tayyibah and went to the grave of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha at Jannat al Baqi’. Due to the coming of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, many women gathered.
و بكت النساء على رقية فجعل عمر ينهاهن يضربن فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم مه يا عمرقال ثم قال اياكن و نعيق الشيطين فانه مهما يكون من العين و القلب فمن الرحمة و ما يكون من اللسان و اليد فمن الشيطان

They began crying over Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. When the cries of the women intensified, Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu forbade them. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Enough ‘Umar!” He then stated: “Beware of satanic cries. When it is from the eyes and heart then it is mercy. But when it is (wailing) from the tongue and (rage) from the hands then it is from shaitan.”[30]
Sayyidah Fatimah(R.A) Weeping Upon the Death of Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A)
Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha accompanied her father to the grave of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
قال و جعلت فاطمة رضى الله عنها تبكى على شفير قبر رقية فجعل رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يمسح الدموع وجهها باليد او قال بالثوب

Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha began crying at the side of Sayyidah Ruqayyah’s radiya Llahu ‘anha grave. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam began wiping the tears from the face of Sayyidah Fatimah al Zahra radiya Llahu ‘anha with his hands or clothes. He consoled her and advised her to be patient.[31]
A Special Address
At the demise of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was stricken with grief and sorrow and extremely perturbed. One main reason for this was that she passed away in his absence and he was not present in those last moments and did not participate in her shrouding and burial. When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam returned to Madinah, he visited the grave of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and expressed words of regret to his beloved daughter.
الحقى بسلفنا عثمان بن مظعون

[O Ruqayyah!] Join our pious forerunner ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un.[32]

Mention of the Children of Sayyidah Zainab(R.A)
Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha bore many children of Sayyidina Abu al ‘As ibn Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu. Among them was a boy by the name of ‘Ali and a girl by the name of Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhum. We will speak about Umamah further on. Besides these, Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu had another child from Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha who passed away in infancy. The Muhaddithin narrate an incident regarding this infant which we will reproduced to the readers.
The Love of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Possessed for the Children of Sayyidah Zainab(R.A)
The Muhaddithin write on the authority of Usamah ibn Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhu that an infant of the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was on his deathbed. She sent a message to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam requesting him to come to her home. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in response sent salam and this message:
Be patient. Whatever Allah takes belongs to Him and whatever Allah gives belongs to Him. Every person has an appointed time recorded by Allah. Adopt patience in every situation.
Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha was restless. Hence, she sent someone and took an oath that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would definitely come to her. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stood up. With him were Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah, Muaz ibn Jabal, Ubay ibn Ka’b, Zaid ibn Thabit radiya Llahu ‘anhum, etc., who also accompanied him to the residence of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. The infant was in his last moments. He was placed in the blessed lap of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam while he was breathing his last and about to leave this world. Seeing this, tears began to flow from the eyes of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah radiya Llahu ‘anhu asked: “O Rasulullah! What is this? You also cry?” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied: “This is mercy which Allah placed in the hearts of His servants.”
فانما يرحم الله من عباده الرحماء

Allah only has mercy on those who are merciful.[1]
The readers should be aware that this very incident where Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam out of love, affection and mercy accompanied by his Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum goes to the house of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, whose child is on his deathbed, weeps and encourages her to have patience, has been narrated with all its details by the senior Shia scholars with their chains going right until Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[2]
By this incident, the immense love and affection Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam possessed for his daughter Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha and her children and the strong deep loving connection he had with them is clearly evident.
Brief Biography of the Son of Sayyidah Zainab – Sayyidina ‘Ali ibn Abi al ‘As
His name was ‘Ali ibn Abi al ‘As ibn Rabi’ ibn ‘Abdul ‘Uzza ibn ‘Abdul Shams. His beloved mother was Sayyidah Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha and he was the brother of Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
فكان على مترضعا فى بنى غاضره فضمه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم اليه

He was sent to the tribe of Banu Ghadirah to be breastfed. After the breastfeeding period had ended, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam kept him at his house. At this time Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu was still residing in Makkah. He had not yet accepted Islam. ‘Ali ibn Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu was brought up under the guardianship of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and obtained training from him. After the Conquest of Makkah, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam put him to sit at the back of his conveyance. Some ‘ulama’ state that he passed away in the lifetime of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam whilst others are of the opinion that he passed away just before reaching puberty.[3]
Biography of Sayyidah Umamah bint Abi al ‘As(R.A)
Her name was Umamah bint Abi al ‘As ibn Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anha and her mother is Sayyidah Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
She was born in the sacred era of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and was nurtured in the blessed house of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The Shia scholars even write that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would show great affection and love to Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
Abu Qatadah al Ansari radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports:
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came to us [to lead the salah] whilst Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhuma was on the blessed shoulders of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam continued to performed salah. When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would go into ruku’, he would place her on the ground and when he would stand up, he would pick her up.
The ahadith books are replete with incidents regarding Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam carrying Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would show great love and affection to this small girl. Check the following references:
1_ Tanqih al Maqal vol. 3 pg. 69 – The section concerning women, sec. 4
2_ Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 74 – The chapter if a person carries a young girl on his shoulder while performing salah
3_ Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 74 –The chapter of having mercy for a child, kissing him and hugging him
4_ Muslim vol. 1 pg. 205 – Kitab al salah, chapter concerning the permissibility of carrying children in salah
5_ Musnad Abu Dawood Tayalisi pg. 85 – Under the hadith of Zaid ibn Thabit radiya Llahu ‘anhu
6_ Abu Dawood vol. 1 pg. 132 – The chapter concerning actions during salah
7_ Sahih Ibn Hibban – vol. 2 pg. 313 – Mention of the narration proving the non-obligation of performing ablution after touching
8_ Al Musannaf ‘Abdul Razzaq vol. 2 pg. 33, 34 – Chapter concerning the breakers of salah.
In these narrations, mention is made of how Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam displayed affection to Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha and how he repeatedly picked her up with love. Just as Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would carry Sayyidina Hasan radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Sayyidina Hussain radiya Llahu ‘anhu on his blessed shoulders, he would carry their cousin, Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha. All these children benefitted from the kindnesses of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and this display of love remained intact. Just as how Sayyidina Hasan radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Sayyidina Hussain radiya Llahu ‘anhu are the descendants of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, similarly Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha is also a descendant of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Another amazing incident about Sayyidah Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anha has been recorded by the Muhaddithin and the writers in their respective words. Sayyidah ‘Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha narrates that an expensive necklace was given to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a gift. By coincidence, all the pure wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam were present. Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha was a little girl playing on one side of the house. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, “How precious is this necklace?” We replied: “We have not seen anything more valuable than it! It is extremely precious.” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then held the necklace and said:
لادفعنها الى احب اهلى الى

I will give it to my most beloved family member.
All the pure wives radiya Llahu ‘anhunna anxiously waited as to who will receive this necklace. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam called his granddaughter, Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha, and put the necklace on her.
This incident can be viewed in the following references with slight variations:
• Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 254 – The chapter concerning the virtue of Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha
• Al Fath al Rabbani Tartib Musnad Ahmed vol. 22 pg. 420 – Chapter concerning the biography of Umamah bint Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha
• Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 400 – Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anha • Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 230 – The daughter of Abu al ‘As ibn Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
The degree of love Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam possessed for the daughter of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha, is abundantly clear from this incident. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam referred to her by the words “my most beloved family member”. What words of affection in the favour of daughter and mother, and what a high level of fondness!All of this is due to Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. Thus the lofty status Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha enjoys in the sight of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is clearer than daylight. All of the pure wives radiya Llahu ‘anhunna and Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum were well aware of these virtues. They informed the Muslim ummah of these and the consensus of Muslims was upon this. But sadly, today some ‘mourners’ are rejecting these great virtues of the offspring of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Remember that the honour and nobility of these blessed offspring will not be decreased by these rejections.
If in broad daylight, you cannot see the light,
Then what sin is it of the sunlight?
The Bequest of Sayyidah Fatimah(R.A) in Favour of Sayyidah Umamah(R.A)
Although the following incident occurred after the demise of Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha, however, since the biography of Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha is being mentioned, hence to mention this incident here is quite appropriate. Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha is the daughter of Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu from Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha.[4] Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu passed away at the end of 12 A.H.
و امامة بنت ابى العاص و اوصى بها ابو العاص الى الزبير بن عوام

He bequeathed before his death that his daughter Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha be given in the guardianship and care of Sayyidina Zubair ibn ‘Awwam radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[5] Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha bequeathed to Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu that if he were to marry after her demise, then he should marry her sister Sayyidah Zainab’s radiya Llahu ‘anha daughter, Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha. She will be her replacement for her children. The Shia scholars have written about this incident several times. These words appear in the book of Sulaim ibn Qais, Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha requests Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu:
و انا اوصيك ان تزوج بنت اختى زينب تكون لولدى مثلى

I bequest you to marry my sister Zainab’s daughter. She will be my replacement for my children.[6]
Therefore, Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu in compliance with this bequest married Sayyidah Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anha in 12 A.H. Sayyidina Zubair ibn ‘Awwam radiya Llahu ‘anhu got her married to ‘Ali under his supervision. This marriage is agreed upon by both parties. The Ahlus Sunnah and the Shia relate this incident respectively. Read the following books of the Shia scholars for confirmation of this marriage:
• Muruj al Dhahab vol. 2 pg. 298 – The chapter concerning matters and events from the birth to the demise of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
• Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 367
Sayyidah Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anha remained in the nikah of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu. However, it was Allah’s decree that he had no children from her. When Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu was martyred in Kufah, among the wives of ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu she was even alive. After the martyrdom of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, she was married to Sayyidina Mughirah ibn Nowfal ibn Harith ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib radiya Llahu ‘anhu. She passed away while in Mughirah’s nikah.[7]
Point of Reflection
If we ponder at this point, the following family connections were built due to Sayyidah Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anha:
• Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha was the niece of Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
• (Prior to nikah) she is the daughter of Sayyidina ‘Ali’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu sister-in-law, Sayyidah Zainab and after nikah the wife of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
• Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu becomes the father-in-law of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
• She is the cousin of Sayyidina Hasan and Sayyidina Hussain radiya Llahu ‘anhuma prior to nikah and their step mother after nikah, making Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu their step grandfather.
Due to Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha, many family links were made between Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and his children which have to be honoured and respected.
The Demise of Sayyidah Zainab(R.A)
According to the familiar view, Sayyidah Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha was the eldest daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She was a noble woman and was blessed with the honour of iman in the initial stages of Islam. She is reckoned among the early Muslim women. She also has the privilege of pledging allegiance to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Abu Jafar al Baghdadi has enumerated all the four daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam viz. Sayyidah Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anhunna among those women who pledged allegiance to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.[8]
The Cause of Death
After emigrating from Makkah Mukarramah, she stayed in Madinah Munawwarah. She bore the difficulties of hijrah with great perseverance. In that incident, she was severely wounded at the hands of enemy. The historians write that this very wound of hers was healing at one stage but then opened up and proved fatal. She passed away in Madinah Munawwarah in 8 A.H. Encouragement to Adopt Patience and the Prohibition of Complaining
The ‘ulama’ write that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away in Madinah Munawwarah in 8 A.H. Due to her demise, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was extremely sorrowful and her surviving sisters viz. Sayyidah Umm Kulthum and Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma were stricken with grief and perturbed due to this sudden calamity. The other Muslim women gathered at the demise of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha and began to cry uncontrollably until they began to wail and scream. Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu began to forbid the women harshly. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stopped Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu and prevented him from being harsh at such occasions.
و قال مهلا يا عمر ثم قال اياكن و نعيق الشيطين ثم قال انه مهما كان من العين و من القلب فمن الله عز و جل و من الرحمة و ما كان من اليد و من اللسان فمن الشيطان رواه احمد

“O ‘Umar! Do not adopt such harshness.” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed the women saying: “Refrain from making satanic sounds.” He then said: “The tears that flow from the eyes and the grief stricken heart are from Allah and due to mercy. And whatever wrong is done by the hands or uttered by the tongue [i.e. striking the chest with the hands and complaining with the tongue] is from Shaitan.”[9]
In short, at the death of his daughter, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam taught the ummah that to display impatience by the actions of the hand and statements of the tongue is never permissible for a Muslim. These are the customs of the era of ignorance which they would do at the death of their friends and close ones. Islam came and encouraged patience and perseverance which are found in these statements of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Arrangements for the Ghusl and Kafn of Sayyidah Zainab(R.A)
Preparations for the ghusl of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha took place under the supervision of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. In this virtuous ghusl, Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Saudah bint Zama’ah, Umm al Mu’minin Umm Salamah and the pious lady Umm Ayman radiya Llahu ‘anhunna were active participants who carried out the ghusl of this chaste woman in a dignified and praiseworthy manner.[10]
In some hadith books, it is recorded that Umm ‘Attiyah Ansariyyah radiya Llahu ‘anha also participated in this ghusl. Umm ‘Attiyah radiya Llahu ‘anha relates: When Sayyidah Zainab passed away, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came to us and said: “Arrange for the ghusl of Zainab. Prepare water and lotus tree leaves. Bath her in the boiled water thereof three of five times and apply scented camphor at the end. When you are complete, inform me.”
فلما فرغنا اذناه فاعطانا حقوه فقال اشعرنها اياه تعنى ازاره

When we were complete, we informed him salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave us (one of) his lower garments with orders to place it in her kafn (shroud).[11]
Deriving Blessings
At this juncture, Hafiz Ibn Hajar al ‘Asqalani mentioned something amazing:
ولم يناولهن إياه أولا ليكون قريب العهد من جسده الكريم حتى لا يكون بين انتقاله من جسده إلى جسدها فاصل , وهو أصل في التبرك بآثار الصالحين

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not remove his lower garment and give it to them from the very beginning to put it in the kafn but rather informed them that when they are complete, they should inform him. The wisdom behind this is that so the lower garment can remain on the blessed body of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam for a longer period and as soon as it is removed from his body it should be placed on Sayyidah Zainab’s radiya Llahu ‘anha body; there should be no delay in this. This is the basis for deriving blessings from the belongings of the pious.[12]
Coffin Built for Sayyidah Zainab(R.A)
When the ghusl and kafn of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha was completed, Sayyidah Asma’ bint ‘Umays radiya Llahu ‘anha (who was at that time the consort of Sayyidina Jafar al Tayyar radiya Llahu ‘anhu) was present. She suggested: “We saw in Habshah that to veil women, a type of coffin was placed over their body so that the size of the woman should not become apparent.” In compliance with her suggestion, a type of coffin was arranged to be placed on the body of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. This was the first Muslim woman whose bier was lifted with such honour and veneration. Al Baladhuri has narrated this incident is Ansab al Ashraf:
و جعل لها نعش فكانت اول من اتخذ لها ذلك و الذى اشارت باتخاذه اسماء بنت عميس رأته بالحبشة و هى مع زوجها جعفر بن ابى طالب

A coffin was prepared for her. She was the first woman for whom a coffin was made. The one who suggested to make it was Asma’ bint ‘Umays who had seen this in Habshah while she was there with her husband Jafar ibn Abi Talib.[13]
The suggestion to make a coffin to veil the deceased, which Sayyidah Asma’ radiya Llahu ‘anha suggested here, was suggested again by Sayyidah Asma’ radiya Llahu ‘anha at the demise of Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha. There too a coffin was made in compliance with her suggestion. This will be mentioned further on in the biography of Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Allah willing. Remember that Sayyidah Asma’ radiya Llahu ‘anha was the wife of Sayyidina Abu Bakr al Siddiq radiya Llahu ‘anhu at the demise of Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha. The Janazah of Sayyidah Zainab(R.A) and the Participation of Sayyidah Fatimah(R.A)
When the bier of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha was ready, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself performed the Salat al Janazah on Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, which is a great honour attained by only the special individuals of the ummah.
و صلى عليها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself performed the Salat al Janazah on Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha.[14]
Just as the Muslim men of Madinah Munawwarah participated in the blessed funeral of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, the Muslim women of Madinah also participated in performing the Salat al Janazah. All of these women came with Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha who participated in the Salat al Janazah of her eldest sister and gave full substantiation to her love and affection for her sister.
This incident of the Salat al Janazah has been documented by the Shia scholars in full detail. Hereunder, some texts will be reproduced from their usul arba’ah so that there remains no uncertainty whatsoever.
فقال يا ابا عبد الله اتصلى النساء على الجنازة قال فقال ابو عبد الله عليه السلام و ان زينب بنت النبى صلى الله عليه و اله توفيت و ان فاطمة عليها السلام خرجت فى نسائها فصلت على اختها

Someone asked Imam Jafar al Sadiq: “Can women participate in the Salat al Janazah?” Sayyidina Jafar al Sadiq replied: “When the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Zainab passed away, Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha accompanied by the women came and performed came and Salat al Janazah on her sister.[15]
From the above it is clear that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself performed the Salat al Janazah of the pure and chaste Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha and sought forgiveness on her behalf wherein there is no room to doubt that Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha performed the Salat al Janazah on her sister, thereby fulfilling the right of sisterhood. She sought forgiveness for her together with the Muslim men and women of Madinah. These are great noble accolades in favour of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha which cannot be denied by any Muslim. If the pathetic mourners and eulogy writers of today deny these virtues, then it is befitting for them who have no concern for the actions and statements of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, no need for the actions and statements of their leaders and the Ahl al Bayt and no respect for the rulings of the Shia mujtahidin. In fact, they are self-appointed mujtahids who do not have the support of their seniors.
Descending into the Grave of Sayyidah Zainab and Supplicating
After the Salat al Janazah of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha was complete, her burial took place. The ‘ulama’ have narrated this incident with much detail from the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum.
Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates: “When the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away, we – the group of Sahabah – were present with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam at her burial. We reached the grave. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was extremely grieved. None of us had the courage to utter a word in front of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The niche in the grave was still being dug. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam sat down by the grave and we sat around him. We were all struck with a type of bewilderment. Meanwhile, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was informed that the grave was now ready. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself descended into the grave and after a short while came out of the grave. The radiant face of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was shining, the effects of grief had disappeared and he was delighted.
فقلنا يا رسول الله رايناك مهتما حزينا فلم نستطع ان نكلمك ثم رايناك سرى عنك فلم ذلك قال كنت اذكر ضيق القبر و غمه و ضعف زينب فكان ذلك يشق على فدعوت الله عز و جل ان يخفف عنها ففعل

We submitted “O Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ! We saw that you were stricken with grief and sorrow, hence did not have the courage to speak to you. We now see that you are happy. What is the reason for this?” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam answered: “The narrowness and terror of the grave was in front of me and I knew well the weakness and feebleness of Zainab. This was troubling me. I thus supplicated to Allah to make it easy for her. Allah accepted (and removed the terror from Zainab).”[16]
The above narration has been documented by the Shia in their reliable books. The text from the Shia books will be quoted verbatim for the benefit of the readers so that they are rest assured that this incident is agreed upon by both the Shia and Sunni sects.
Al Mamaqani writes in the biography of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha:
ماتت سنة ثمان فى حيوة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و اله و نزل فى قبرها و هو مهموم محزون فلما خرج سرى عنه و قال كنت ذكرت زينب و ضعفها فسالت الله تعالى ان يخفف عنها ضيق القبر و غمسه ففعل و هون عليها

She passed away in the lifetime of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the year 8 A.H. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam descended into her grave, stricken with grief and sorrow. When he came out, he was relieved. He salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam explained: “I was concerned about the weakness of Zainab. Hence, I supplicated to Allah to lessen the narrowness and terror of the grave. Allah accepted and made it easy for her.”[17]
It is clear from the books of both sects the amount of affection and love displayed by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam for his beloved daughter from the time of demise right until her burial. The kind gestures of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam were present at every step which were explained in detail in the above references. In the last stage, the grave, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave special attention and with his special intercession made this stage of Sayyidah Zainab’s radiya Llahu ‘anha journey towards the hereafter easy for her and announced the acceptance of his intercession right here in this world.
This is a great accolade in favour of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha from the station of nubuwwah and a reason for the Muslim women to reflect. The reason being that the stage of the grave is no playground. To contemplate about it and prepare for it is an important part of din. When these are the experiences of the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, then there is a great need to give special thought about these situations.
The Special Virtue of Sayyidah Zainab of Being Termed Shahidah
A brief biography of Sayyidah Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha has been presented before the readers. Every event in her life carries much weight. From the initial days of Islam until hijrah is the first phase and the period after hijrah is the second phase of her life. If we look at those incidents which took place while living in Madinah, we will find that the most arduous was her hijrah wherein she was severely injured which she bore with unrelenting perseverance. The ‘ulama’ write that it was the same injury she suffered in hijrah which freshened prior to her demise and proved fatal. Therefore, renowned senior authors have used these words in her favour:
فلم تزل وجعة حتى ماتت من ذلك الرجع فكانوا يرون انها شهيدة

She remained ill due to that wound until she passed away because of it. Hence, the Muslims regard her to be a Shahidah (martyr).[18]
Hafiz Ibn Kathir rahimahu Llah has articulated the very same message in al Bidayah vol. 5 under the biography of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha in the following words:
فكانوا يرونها ماتت شهيدة

They (the Muslims) are of the opinion that she died a martyr.[19]
A Synopsis of the Biography of Sayyidah Zainab
The biography of the beloved daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha was mentioned before. We wish to present a synopsis of it to the readers so that the different aspects of her life can appear in one glance.
The ‘ulamaʾ have written:
1. Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha was the eldest daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
2. She was born when Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was 30 years of age.
3. She was brought up and nurtured by her respected mother Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
4. She reached her adolescence and became mature in her care.
5. In compliance with the suggestion of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha to Sayyidina Abu al ‘As ibn Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu. According to some views, revelation did not yet begin at that time.
6. When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam announced his nubuwwah, Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha accepted Islam from the very beginning and his daughters were honoured with Islam together with their mother. All of them witnessed the arduous days and bore the difficulties thereof.
7. Some points were enumerated regarding the son-in-law of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Sayyidina Abu al ‘As Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu (in the footnotes).
8. The Mushrikin of Makkah plotted to get Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu to divorce Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha using every possible means and to achieve this presented different girls to him. Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu remained steadfast and was not prepared to severe the relationship he enjoyed with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. 9. The Battle of Badr took place in the year 2 A.H. Until then, Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu had not yet accepted Islam. He joined the battle after being coerced by the kuffar and was captured at the hands of the Muslims and brought to Madinah. Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha sent her necklace as ransom to free Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu. This necklace formerly belonged to Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha which she gave as a wedding gift to her daughter, Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. When the blessed necklace was presented to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he became extremely emotional and the memory of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha was revived. After consulting the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum the sentimental necklace was returned after which Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam took a pledge from Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha will be sent to him in Madinah.
10. Therefore, Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu made arrangements to dispatch Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha to Madinah. The kuffar stood as an obstacle in the journey of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. Habbar ibn Aswad severely injured her. Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha passed through those trying times, traversed that strenuous journey with utmost perseverance and reached Madinah Munawwarah accompanied by Zaid ibn Harithah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, etc.
11. After this incident, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam duly praised his son-in-law, Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and appreciated the fulfilment of his pledge. 12. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam expressed his gratitude in favour of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha for bearing those difficulties in the following words:
هى خير بناتى اصيبت فى
هى افضل بناتى اصيبت فى

She is the best or the most superior of my daughters who suffered on account of me.
The tongue of nubuwwah gave testimony of enduring hardships in favour of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha and announced this great virtue
13. Once, Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu reached Madinah and was given protection by Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha which was acknowledged and passed by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This is a great accolade in her favour.
14. After this incident, Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu went to Makkah, returned the trusts of the people, accepted Islam and then returned to Madinah in the service of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
15. In a footnote, mention was made about Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha been given back to Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu in a new nikah with a new dowry. Other views are also found regarding this.
16. Some points regarding Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidina Abu al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu were noted.
17. Mention has been made of the children of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, a brief biography of Sayyidah Umamah bint Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidina ‘Ali ibn Abi al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu together with Sayyidah Fatimah’s radiya Llahu ‘anha bequest in favour of Sayyidah Umamah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
18. The death of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha took place in 8 A.H in Madinah. The injury sustained in hijrah ripened which proved fatal. The ‘ulama’ explain that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha reached the age of approximately 30 years.
19. The women began to wail at her demise which was forbidden by the statement of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
20. The ghusl and kafn of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha took place under the supervision of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam by Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha etc.
21. The shawl of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was placed in her kafn which is a great source of blessings.
22. Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha participated in the Salat al Janazah of her sister, Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha.
23. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam descending into the grave of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, supplicating for her and announcing the acceptance of his supplication are great accolades for her.
24. In the virtues of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, the ‘ulama’ mention that she is a woman who was martyred in the path of Allah and titled as Shahidah
رضى الله تعالى عنها و عن جميع اخواتها

May Allah Ta’ala be pleased with her and all her sisters!
Ponder for a Moment
The readers have read about Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. She has attained all of these virtues and excellences. She bore adversities and difficulties for the sake of din and steadfastness was her trait. She spent her entire life in serving and obeying her father salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam referred to her with the unique compliments of ‘my best daughter’ and ‘my most superior daughter’ due to her accepted actions. The kind gaze of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained on her till death. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam kindness and affection reached its peak after her death in all the stages of kafn and burial until Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself descended into her grave and announced the glad tidings of the acceptance of his honoured intercession.
Some contemporaries spoil their tongues by slandering these daughters radiya Llahu ‘anhunna and write that these are the customary daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and there is no virtue in their favour in the Qur’an and hadith. They mean to say that Sayyidah Zainab, Umm Kulthum and Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anhunna are not the offspring of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and no virtue of them can be found in any book.
استغفر الله العظيم

O readers! This is the indecent attitude they display to the blessed children of the merciful kind Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. They openly reject the relationship of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam with these daughters. They have absolutely no fear for Allah. And they have the audacity to claim that no virtue of these girls can be found in the books, neither in Shia books nor in Sunni books, when the reality is quite the opposite.
I have gathered these incidents from Islamic books and presented it to the readers together with references from reliable Shia sources. A just, noble, sensible man should decide for himself as to what the truth is and what has been fabricated. There is no need for further elucidation and explanation. But a little fear of Allah is necessary, and if one is somehow able to obtain such fear then — and all praise belongs to Allah — hold on to it firmly.
Hereafter, the title ‘removing doubts’ will be discussed.
[1]  Mishkat pg. 150 – The chapter concerning crying over the deceased (with reference to Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Dawood vol. 2 pg. 90 – The chapter concerning crying over the deceased
[2]  Al Jafariyyat wa al Ash’athiyyab pg. 208 – The chapter concerning leeway in crying without wailing
[3]  a) Usd al Ghabah vol. 4 pg. 41 – ‘Ali ibn Abi al As radiya Llahu ‘anhu
b) Al Isabah 2 pg. 503 – ‘Ali ibn Abi al As radiya Llahu ‘anhu c) Nasab Quraysh 22 – The children of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib
[4]  a) Al ‘Ibar vol. 1 pg. 15
b) Jamharah Ansab 77, 78
[5]  Kitab Nasab Quraysh pg. 22 – The children of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib
[6]  Kitab Sulaim ibn Qais al Kufi pg. 226 – The chapter of the bequest of Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha to ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[7]  a) Al Isabah vol. 3 pg. 433 – Mughirah ibn Nowfal
b) Usd al Ghabah 4 pg. 407, 408 – Mughirah ibn Nowfal
[8]  Kitab al Muhbir pg. 406 – The names of the women who pledged allegiance to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[9]  Mishkat pg. 152 – The chapter concerning crying upon the deceased, section 3
[10]  Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 400 – The wives and children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[11]  a) Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 167 – The chapter concerning washing the deceased and making his ablution
with water and lotus tree leaves
b) Muslim 1 pg. 304 – Kitab al Janaʾiz
c) Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d 8 pg. 334 – Umm ‘Attiyah Ansariyyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
d) Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d 8 pg. 22 – Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha
e) Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah 3 pg. 243 – Kitab al Janaʾiz
Similarly, this incident can be found in other books of hadith
[12]  Fath al Bari Sharh Bukhari vol. 3 pg. 101 – Kitab al Janaʾiz, the last chapter concerning washing and performing ablution of the deceased
[13]  Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 400 – The wives and children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[14]  Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 400 – The wives and children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[15]  Tahdhib al ahkam pg. 215 – The last chapter concerning salah upon the deceased
Kitab al Istibsar vol. 1 pg. 245 – The chapter concerning salah upon the deceased by a woman
Muntaha al Maqal pg. 434 – The women related to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[16]  Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 3 pg. 47 – The chapter concerning the squeeze of the grave
Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 8 pg. 120 – The questioning in the grave and the punishment therein
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 468 – Zainab bint Rasulillah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 160 – The death of Zainab bint Rasulillah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[17]  Tanqih al Maqal vol. 3 pg. 79 – The section concerning women, Zainab bint Rasulillah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[18]  Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 216 – The chapter concerning the virtue of Zainab bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[19]  Al Bidayah vol. 5 pg. 308 – The chapter of the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
Removing Doubts Regarding Sayyidah Zainab(R.A)
We have mentioned a sufficient amount of the biography; virtues, accolades and actions of the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. If a person with a just gaze looks at this biography, he will safely come to the conclusion that she is the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam whose honoured mother is Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha. Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha is neither a step daughter nor the niece of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha, but in fact the true biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. If any person turns away from the above facts and doggedly adopts a bias attitude of hatred to the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam by claiming that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha is a step daughter, then he is rejecting facts of history.
With regards to this discussion, we have previously listed the references of the Ahlus Sunnah in sequence coupled with the references of the Shia of every generation. Now everyone has the opportunity to contemplate and ponder over this discussion.
We will now unearth the reality of the claim of those who wish to establish that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha is a step daughter. Do they have any worthy proof or are their proofs fallacious? Kindly have a look at what they regard as proofs. Thereafter, the reality of it will be presented. The readers will then come to a conclusion themselves. An Odd View of Some Historians.
Some present a report from the history books that among the children of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha from her previous husband, Abu Halah ibn Malik, were a daughter by the name of Zainab bint Abi Halah and a son by the name of Hind ibn Abi Halah. Due to this report, they opted that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha is not the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam but in fact the child of the late husband of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Abu Halah. The entire claim rests on this report. They have no other proof besides this.
Explanations
For the benefit of the readers, a few important points are mentioned here. After understanding them thoroughly, one will, Allah willing, be satisfied regarding this discussion. 1_ This report that Zainab is the daughter of Abu Halah and whose mother is Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha has been documented by some historians like Ibn Hisham. Neither a sanad has been presented for it nor has it been referred to by anyone, e.g. this is the view of a Sahabi or Tabi’i or Taba’ Tabi’i nor has the name of any reliable Muhaddith or historian been recorded. In short, it is unknown whose statement this is. Whoever’s statement this is, it has no sanad which holds absolutely no weight. 2_ Whoever has recorded this view from the historian Ibn Hisham, none of them have presented a sanad nor has anyone correctly attributed it to anyone. 3_ A point to consider is that scores of Muhaddithin, historians and geologists have listed the children of the previous husbands of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha but none of them have listed Zainab as one of them. This is strong evidence that Abu Halah had no daughter by the name of Zainab from Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Otherwise, the scholars would have definitely recorded it. We will now present references of these scholars from their books to satisfy the readers. We will firstly present references of the Ahlus Sunnah ‘ulama’ followed by the statements of Shia authors and Shia mujtahidin to substantiate it.
References
This discussion appears in Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d in these words:
فولدت خديجة لابى هالة رجلا يقال هند و هالة رجل ايضا ثم خلف عليها بعد ابى هالة عتيق بن عائذ بن عبد الله

Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha gave birth to a son for Abu Halah by the name of Hind and Halah was another son. After Abu Halah, she got married to ‘Atiq ibn ‘A’idh ibn Abdullah.[1]
و اخوة ولد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم لامهم هند بن عتيق بن عائذ بن عبد الله و هند بن ابى هالة و نباش بن زرارة و هالة بنت ابى هالة The uterine siblings of the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam are Hind ibn ‘Atiq ibn ‘A’idh ibn Abdullah, Hind ibn Abi Halah, Nabbash ibn Zurarah and Halah bint Abi Halah.[2]
There is no mention of a daughter by the name of Zainab.
We will only list the references hereunder, because reproducing the text takes too much of time. All of these references have the same subject matter.
1_ Kitab al Muhabbar pg. 78 – The wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
2_ Kitab al Muhabbar pg. 452 – The names of the women who married three or more men
3_ Al Ma’arif pg. 58, 59 – The lineage of Sayyidina Muhammad ibn Abdullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
4_ Kitab Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 406, 407
5_ Jamharat Ansab al ‘Arab pg. 142, 143
6_ Al Sunan al Kubra vo. 7 pg. 71 – Kitab al Nikah, the names of the wives and daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
7_ Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 219 – The virtues of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha
8_ Al Isti’ab with al Isabah vol. 3 pg. 568 – Hind ibn Abi Halah
9_ Al Rowd al Unf vol. 1 pg. 124 – The marriage of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to Khadijah
10_ Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 434 – Khadijah Umm al Muʾminin radiya Llahu ‘anha
11_ Al Bidayah vol. 5 pg. 293, 294 – The wives and children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
12_ Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 410 – Hind ibn ‘Atiq
13_ Sirah Halabiyyah vol. 1 pg. 167 – The marriage of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to Khadijah
The above authors have listed the names of the children of Abu Halah and ‘Atiq from Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha. However, none of them have listed a daughter by the name of Zainab anywhere. Therefore, Ibn Hisham is the only person to list Zainab as one of the daughters of the previous husbands.
Shia References
Some references of the Shia scholars and Mujtahidin will be written so that this discussion becomes explicitly clear in front of all and everyone can consider.
1. ‘Ali ibn ‘Isa Arbili has written under the virtues of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha in vol. 2 of Kashf al Ghummah:
كانت خديجة قبل ان يتزوج بها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله عند عتيق بن عائذ بن عبد الله بن عمرو بن مخزوم يقال ولدت له جارية و هى ام محمد بن صيفى المخزومى ثم خلف عليها بعد عتيق ابو هالة هند بن زرارة التميمى فولدت له هند بن هند ثم تزوجها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم

Before Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married Khadijah, she was married to ‘Atiq ibn ‘A’idh ibn Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn Makhzum. It is said that she gave birth to a daughter for him who is the mother of Muhammad ibn Saifi al Makhzumi. After ‘Atiq, she got married to Abu Halah Hind ibn Zurarah al Tamimi. She bore for him Hind ibn Hind. Then, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married her.[3]
2. Sheikh Ni’mat Allah al Jaza’iri in vol. 1 of al Anwar al No’maniyyah under Nur Mowludi has written:
فاول امراة تزوجها خديجة بنت خويلد و كانت قبله عند عتيق بن عائذ المخزومى فولدت له جارية ثم تزوجها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله و ربى ابنها هندا

The first woman he (Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) got married to was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. Previously she was married to ‘Atiq ibn ‘A’idh al Makhzumi. She bore a daughter for him. Then Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married her and nurtured her son Hind.[4]
3. Mulla Baqir al Majlisi has mentioned in vol. 3 chapter 52 of Hayat al Qulub: و پیش از انکہ حضرت او تزویج نماید عتیق بن عائذ مخزومی اورا تزویج کردہ بود و از او دختر بہم رسانید و بعد از او ابو ہالہ اسدی اورا خواستگاری نمود و ہند پسر اورا تربیت نمود

Prior to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam marrying her, she was married to ‘Atiq ibn ‘A’idh al Makhzumi. She bore a daughter for him. She then married Abu Halah Asadi. She bore for him Hind ibn Abi Halah. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then married her and nurtured her son Hind.[5]
4. Sheikh ‘Abbas al Qummi has written in vol. 1 ch. 8 of his book Muntaha al Amal:
و آں مخدرہ دختر خویلد بن اسد بن عبد العزی بودہ و نخست زوجہ عتیق بن عائذ المخزومی بود و فرزندے ازاو آورد کہ جاریہ نام داشت و از پس عتیق زوجہ ابو ہالہ بنی منذر الاسدی گشت و ازو ہند بن ہالہ را آورد

She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn ‘Abdul ‘Uzza. Her first husband was ‘Atiq ibn ‘A’idh al Makhzumi. She had a child whose name was Jariyah. After ‘Atiq, she married Abu Halah ibn Mundhir al Asadi and bore Hind ibn Abi Halah for him.[6]
The synopsis of the above Shia references is that a daughter was born for the first husband of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha ‘Atiq by the name of Jariyah. She has also been known as Umm Muhammad ibn Saifi. After ‘Atiq, Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha married Abu Halah. She had a son from him by the name of Hind ibn Abi Halah. Then Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
None of these Shia have recorded any daughter by the name of Zainab from the previous husbands of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Hence, we know that whoever wrote that Zainab is the daughter of Abu Halah has opposed the consensus of the Ahlus Sunnah and Shia ‘ulama’ and mentioned his own odd view and on top of that not recorded any sanad thereof. It is evident that odd views are not accepted. In the terminology of the ‘ulama’ it will be stated:
هذا قول شاذ لا يتابع عليه

This statement of Ibn Hisham is obscure and odd. No support is found for it.
Therefore, the general ‘ulama’ (Muhaddithin, historians and geologists) have not mentioned it. Hence, such an odd view can never be accepted because of the rule:
الثقة اذا شذ لا يقبل ما شذ فيه

If a reliable narrator mentions an odd view, his odd view is not accepted.[7]
Eliminating a Confusion
Those who oppose the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam have created many doubts amongst Muslims. One doubt regarding the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, is that in the time of nubuwwah, there were many women with the name Zainab one of them being the daughter of Umm al Mu’minin Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha from her previous husband Abu Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anhu. When the ‘ulama’ mentioned her, they referred to her as the step daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This daughter of Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha was Zainab who was reared in the house of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Hence, she is known as the step child of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Simply due to this similarity in name, the objectors relate her to the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, by saying that Zainab is the step daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ; whereas Sayyidah Zainab’s radiya Llahu ‘anha mother is Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and from the offspring of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the step child’s mother is Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha and her father is Abu Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anhu. If you wish to verify this, refer to the book of Hafiz Ibn Hajar al ‘Asqalani rahimahu Llah Al Isabah.[8] Ibn Athir al Jazari rahimahu Llah has elucidated further on this point that the step daughter, Zainab’s radiya Llahu ‘anha husband’s name was Abdullah ibn Zama’ah.[9] It is well known that the husband of the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha, was Sayyidina Abu al ‘As ibn Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[10]
By studying these texts, the heart will be at rest and the doubt raised by the objectors due to the similarity of names will be totally obliterated. For further satisfaction, read the ‘reliable’ book of the Shia scholar Tanqih al Maqal vol. 3 regarding Zainab bint Abi Salamah where the biography of Zainab bint Abi Salamah has been clearly documented i.e. her mother’s name was Umm Salamah and her father’s name was Abu Salamah and her original name was Barrah which Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam changed to Zainab. When Umm Salamah emigrated to Habshah (with her husband Abu Salamah) this daughter Zainab was born there. She then came with her mother to Madinah Munawwarah. She was a great faqihah of the women of her time and a renowned intelligent woman with regards to laws of jurisprudence. She is titled Hasanah al Hal
These are the statements of the Shia scholars. Have a look at the original text of al Mamaqani so that you attain the highest level of conviction and the matter is settled upon by both sects.
زينب بنت ابى سلمة عدها الشيخ الطوسى فى رجاله و ابن عبد البر و ابن مندة و ابو نعيم من صحابة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و هى على ما صرحوا به زينب بنت ابى سلمة بن عبد الاسد القريشية المخزومية و هى ربيبة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و امها ام سلمة زوجة النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم كان اسمها برة فسماها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم زينب ولدتها امها بارض الحبشة حين هاجرت اليها مع زوجها و قدمت بها معها و قد قيل انها كانت من افقه زمانها و انى اعبرها حسنة الحال

Zainab bint Abi Salamah – Sheikh al Tusi in his book , Ibn ‘Abdul Barr, Ibn Mandah and Abu Nuaim have listed her amongst the companions of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She is, as they have explicitly mentioned, Zainab bint Abi Salamah ibn ‘Abdul Asad al Qurashiyyah al Makhzumiyyah. She is the step daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and her mother is Umm Salamah the wife of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Her name was Barrah. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam named her Zainab. Her mother gave birth to her in the land of Habshah when she emigrated there with her husband and came with her to Madinah. It is said that she was amongst the most learned of her time and I give her the title Hasanah al Hal.[11]
The readers know fully well that we have removed this doubt in the book Ruhama’ Baynahum (vol. 1 Siddiqi section, pg. 167) but we have reproduced it here in the biography of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha due to its connection. We have established from the books of both parties Sunni and Shia that Zainab the daughter of Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha is another personality whose husband’s name was Abdullah ibn Zama’ah and that Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is another personality whose mother’s name is Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and whose husband’s name is Sayyidina Abu al ‘As ibn Rabi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
اگر درخانہ کس است ہمیں گفتہ بس است

If there is a person in the house, then sufficient is our speech.
The biography of Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha terminates here. Hereafter, the biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha will be mentioned, Allah willing.
[1]  Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 8 – Naming the Muslim women emigrants
[2]  Kitab Nasab Quraysh pg. 22 – The children of Abdullah ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib
[3]  Kashf al Ghummah fi Ma’rifat al A’immah vol. 2 pg. 76 with translation of al Manaqib (Persian) – The chapter of the virtues of Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[4]  Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 367 – Nur Mowludi; the biography of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha
[5]  Hayat al Qulub vol. 2 pg. 728 ch. 52 – The wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[6]  Muntaha Al Amal vol. 1 pg. 45 sec. 8 – The incidents and events of the blessed life of the seal of Prophets
[7]  Mirqat Sharh Mishkat vol. 6 pg. 328 – The chapter of ‘iddah, section one under the narrations of Fatimah’s bint Qais radiya Llahu ‘anha
[8]  Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 210 – Zainab bint Abi Salamah
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 468 – Zainab bint Abi Salamah
[9]  Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 469
[10]  Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 430
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 338 – Zainab bint Abi Salamah
[11]  Tanqih al Maqal vol. 3 pg. 78 – Zainab bint Abi Salamah, section 7, 10, 11 of women

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