The Mothers of the Believers: Umm Habibah Bint Abu Sufyan

Early Life

Umm Habibah’s real name was Ramlah bint Abu Sufyan. She was the one of the Mothers of the Believers and among the early women who embraced Islam. Her father, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb who was one of the enemies of Islam in the early years before later accepting Islam. He also was one of the leaders of the Quraysh. Her mother was Safiyya bint Abi Al-As who was the aunt of Uthman bin Affan. Umm Habibah was also the sister of Mu’awiya ibn Abu Sufyan.

Umm Habibah accepted Islam despite her father being one of the strongest enemies of Islam. Abu Sufyan used his influence and authority to prevent the Prophet (ﷺ) from conveying the message of Islam, but Allah guides whom He wills. Despite the strong opposition of the Quraysh, Islam spread far beyond what anyone could have imagined by the will and help of Allah.

Migration to Abyssinia 

During the Muslim persecution in Makkah, Umm Habibah migrated to Abyssinia with her husband, Ubaydullah bin Jahsh, the brother of Zaynab bint Jahsh. While there, she gave birth to her daughter, Habibah from whom she received her kunya, Umm Habibah. 

Life in exile was difficult for her. According to some historical reports, while they were living in Abyssinia, her husband became addicted to alcohol, and abandoned Islam, and embraced Christianity even encouraging her to leave Islam. However, she remained steadfast in her belief despite the challenges she faced. Later the husband died and left her alone with her daughter in a foreign land. As a widow with a child far from her family and homeland, she endured great hardship and uncertainty. 

Marriage to the Prophet (ﷺ)

However, Allah was preparing something even greater for her. The Prophet (ﷺ) sent a proposal of marriage to her through An-Najashi, the King of Abyssinia. An-Najashi arranged the marriage on behalf of the Prophet (ﷺ) and paid her dowry, and she became one of the Mothers of the believers. 

According to well-known historical reports, before Abu Sufyan accepted Islam, the Quraysh broke the Treaty of Hudaibiah and he came to Madinah to renew the treaty. During his visit, he visited his daughter, Umm Habibah. When he attempted to sit on the bedding of the Prophet (ﷺ), she folded it away. He asked her if he she thought he was unworthy of the bedding, she explained that it belonged to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and that he was still a polytheist. This incident reflects her deep love for the Prophet and her steadfast commitment to Islam

Narrations of Hadiths

Umm Habibah narrated 65 hadiths from the from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Among the well-known narrations reported through her is: Ya’la bin Umayyah said: "I came to At-Ta'if and entered upon Anbasah bin Abi Sufyan when he was dying. I saw that he was afraid so I said: 'You will be fine.' He said: 'My sister Umm Habibah told me that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Whoever prays twelve rak'ahs by day or by night, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will build for him a house in Paradise.'" (Nasai, 1799)

Lessons from Her life

The life of Umm Habibah is an inspiring example of patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Despite trials, loneliness, and hardship, she remained firm upon Islam, and she was honored with the unique gift of becoming a wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) and a Mother of the Believers. Her story reminds us of no matter how difficult life becomes, Allah's plan is always better than us and never loses hope. Through patience, steadfastness, and reliance upon Allah, he can replace hardship with blessing beyond our imagination. “And whoever relies upon Allah, then he is sufficient for him.” (Quran 65:3)

Her Passing

Umm Habibah passed away in Madinah during the caliphate of her brother, Mu’awiya ibn Abu Sufyan and she was buried in Baqi. 

May Allah be pleased with Umm Habibah and allow us to benefit from her inspiring example of faith, patience, and steadfastness. Amine