Definition:
Saudah (سودة): Saudah bint Zam’ah ibn Qays was one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad. She holds an esteemed place in Islamic history as a devout companion and early follower of Islam.
Etymology:
The name “Saudah” in Arabic (سودة) means “obesity” or “dark,” which may have historical or familial significance. Her full name, Saudah bint Zam’ah, links her to her lineage in the Quraish tribe.
Background:
Saudah was previously married to Sakran ibn Amr, with whom she emigrated to Abyssinia due to persecution from the Quraish. After Sakran’s death, she was left a widow, and her financial and social statuses were tenuous. Around two months after the death of Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khadijah, he married Saudah, providing her with protection and security. This union symbolized an act of compassion, reflecting the broader social responsibilities emphasized in Islamic teachings.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
While contemporary marriages often prioritize romantic affiliations, marriages during the Prophet Muhammad’s time often reflected broader social, economic, and political alliances. The Prophet’s marriage to Saudah showcased an alignment with the values of mercy, support, and the welfare of the community.
Synonyms:
- Ummul Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers)
- Wives of the Prophet
Antonyms:
- Munafiq (Hypocrite)
- Kafir (Disbeliever)
Related Terms:
Ahl al-Bayt (أهل البيت): Refers to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, encompassing his wives, children, and extended family.
Sahabah (صحابة): The companions of the Prophet Muhammad, who were early converts and trusted followers.
Exciting Facts:
- Saudah was renowned for her humorous personality and generosity, especially towards those in need.
- When Saudah grew older, she generously gifted her time with the Prophet to Aisha, another wife, showing unity and selflessness within the household.
Quotations:
“I did like to be (at home) with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), by Allah, I do not fancy visiting people (i.e., I have no craving whatsoever for men). So I gave my day to ‘Aisha.” — Saudah as cited in Hadith collections.
“Give her time to enjoy herself and do not be vexed with her unless she commits an act of open sexual immodesty.” — Prophet Muhammad’s counsel to his companions regarding wife treatment.
Relevant Literature and Sources for Further Study:
- “The Life of Prophet Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq: One of the oldest biographies of Prophet Muhammad detailing his life and relationships with his companions and wives.
- “Saudatu Bint Zam’a and Ummu Salama: A Brief History of Two Early Believers” by Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah: A focused biographical exploration of these significant women in early Islam.
- “Women around the Messenger” by Muhammad Ali Qutb: Detailed accounts of the lives and contributions of the wives of the Prophet.
- “Companions of the Prophet” by Abdul Wahid Hamid: A lifetime profile and achievements of the companions around the Prophet.
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan: Contextual analysis of the Prophet’s life and the women surrounding him.
Reflecting upon the life of Saudah bint Zam’ah urges us to see beyond temporal needs and embrace eternal values of compassion, support, and community unity, drawing from one of Islam’s luminous historical figures.
— Amina Al-Fahad, 2023
