The Mothers of the Believers: Maymounah bint al-Harith

Maymounah Bint Al-Harit was the one of the Mothers of the Believers and she was the last woman whom the Prophet (ﷺ) married. She was among the companions who narrated hadiths about the Prophet's life, worship and daily activities and conduct within his household.

Early life and Family

Maymounah's original name was Barrah bint al-Harith. The Prophet (ﷺ) later changed her name to Maymounah, which means "blessed" or "fortunate". Maymounah was the sister of Lubaba bint al-Harith, asle known as Umm al-Fadl, who was the wife of Al-Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, one of the uncles of the Prophet (ﷺ). Another sister was Salma bint Umays, who was married to the Prophet's uncle Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib. Her other haft sister was Zaynab bint Khuzaymah, who became the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Her Marriage to The Prophet

Maymounah was previously married twice before marrying the Prophet (ﷺ). Her marriage to the Prophet (ﷺ) took place after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, during the Prophet's visit to Makkah to perform Umrah al-Qada. According to some historical reports, Maymounah wished to marry the Prophet (ﷺ), and she informed her sister Umm al-Fadl. Umm al-Fadl then conveyed the matter to her husband, Al-Abbas, who then presented the proposal to the Prophet (ﷺ). Allah honored Maymounah by making her the last wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) and allowing her to become part of his blessed household of the Prophet (ﷺ). She lived with the Prophet (ﷺ) approximately three years until his passing. Maymounah herself clarified an important detail concerning her marriage. She reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) married her while he was not in the state of Ihram. (Muslim, 1411)

A Narrator of Hadith

Maymounah narrated numerous hadiths that provide insight into the Prophet's life and acts of worship. Maymounah narrated "My bed was beside the praying place (Musalla) of the Prophet (ﷺ) and sometimes his garment fell on me while I used to lie in my bed.” (Bukhari, 517) This shows the simplicity of the Prophet's household and an example of his regular practice of performing voluntary prayers at home.

Ibn Abbas Leaning from the Prophet (ﷺ)

Ibn Abbas narrated “Once I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maymounah bint Al-Harith and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was with her as it was her turn. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) got up to offer the night prayer. I stood on his left but he took hold of my two locks of hair and made me stand on his right.” (Bukharia, 5919) This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's gentleness in teaching and correcting others during worship. It also gives us a glimpse into the Prophet's practice of night prayers in his home.

Death and Burial

Maymounah lived many years after the death of the Prophet (ﷺ). She eventually passed away and Abdoulaye Ibn Abbas, her nephew, led her funeral prayer. She was buried in Sarif, near Makkah, at the same location where the Prophet (ﷺ) had set a tent for her at the time of the marriage. Her grave remains in that area to this day.