Our Islam Info: Sahabiyat - The Women Companion Of Our Prophet Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him)

Exploits and Acievements of the Sahabiyat (Women Companion)

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The Sahabiyat – Women Companions – were the noble women who were the contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him). They were the pure, virtuous crusaders of Islam, and were honored during the very lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him) with the prediction that they would live forever in Paradise in the Hereafter. Their achievements and influence are found in every sphere of that momentous period in the history of the world, when the whole of humanity would be transfigured forever. They were as active in religion as in politics, as courageous in war as in the peaceful and persuasive propagation of the teachings of Islam. These noble selfless women could be found in the battle fields among the foremost ranks of those taking part in Jihad. They were to be found in the political arena, in the field of education, in the courts of Islamic jurisprudence, in the interpretation of Shari’ah, in trade and commerce, in agriculture, in medicine and in nursing. In short there was no sphere that did not benefit from their intellect, their wisdom and their gentle yet firm strength of character.

Education, Knowledge and Fine Arts:

There are various subjects, an understanding of which are essential for a thorough knowledge of Islam and its principles. Qiraa-a (the correct way of reading the Qur'an- elocution and enunciation), interpretation and commentary, Sharee’a, Fiqh, and study of Hadith, are all important aspects of Islamic studies. Many of the women Companions were experts in these fields. ‘Aaisha memorized the Qur'an, as did Hafsa, Umm Salma, and Umm Waraqa(May Allah Be Pleased With Them). Hind bint Aseed, Umm Hishaam bint Haritha, Zaida bint Hayyaan and Umm Sa’d bint Sa’d(May Allah Be Pleased With Them) all knew portions of the Qur'an by heart. The latter used to regularly lecture on the Qur-aan. In the sensitive interpretation of Hadith, all were expert, but ‘Aaisha and Umm Salma were exceptional masters of interpretation and commentary. With the former, 2,210 Ahadith are associated and 378 with the latter.

‘Aaisha(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) was an expert on interpretation and commentary due to her close association with the Prophet Muhammad. Much of the Book of Tafseer (Interpretations) in Sahih Muslim contains narrations from her.In Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) ‘Aaisha’s verdicts could fill several volumes. The same could be said of Umm Salma’s recorded verdicts.

‘Aaisha(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) was also well versed in the law of inheritance and many renowned and respected Companions consulted her on the finer points of the law.Besides being masters of Islamic law and of the finer points of Fiqh, the women Companions had skill and ability in other branches of knowledge. Asmaa bint Yazeed bin Sakan(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) was an expert in making speech. Asmaa bint ‘Umays(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) was famous for her interpretation of dreams. Several female Companions were noted for their skill in medicine and the surgery. Aslamia Umm Mattaa’a, Umm Kabsha, Hamna bint Jahsh, Mu’aatha, Ammayma, Umm Ziad, Rabee’a bint Mu’awath, Umm ‘Atiya and Umm Saalim(May Allah Be Pleased With Them) were some of them, well known for their skills. Rufayda Aslamia’s(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) tent, set up as a surgery with all the necessary instruments, was situated close to the Prophet’s Masjid in Madeena.

The daughters Ansar would compose verses and poems for festive occasions and sing. According to the Hadith narrated by Fir'ah bint Ma'auth(May Allah Be Pleased With Her), they recited their poems in the presence of Prophet(Peace Be Upon Him) who would appreciate their literary skills.

Umm Salmah(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) would recite Qur'an with Tajweed, which was a difficult skill and much appreciated.

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Religious Achievements:

Among many services that one can render to Islam, is to fight in the battle fields.The Sahabiyat usually accompanied the prophet(Peace Be Upon Him) on his military expeditions and took part in battles both on land and at sea. Besides taking an active part in the war, there were many other services that Sahabiyat performed, like giving medical aid to the soldiers, nursing the wounded in the battlefields and providing food and water to the wounded and thirsty. standing side by side with the soldiers they would hand them arrows and help to keep up the morale of the army. They also helped to carry the martyred and wounded back to Al-Madinah.They spread the message of the new religion and through example converted many of the disbelievers to Islam.

The other aspects of missionary work like preserve the religion in its prostrine form, leading the prayers and calling the Athan were well performed by the Sahabiyat.

Industry, Trade and Commerce:

The women Companions also practiced the practical or survival skills as we know them today. Agriculture, business, trade and commerce, writing, editing, cottage industries like weaving manufacture and designing of clothes – all these are mentioned in the Musnad – Collection of Ahadeeth – of Imama Ahmad. Agriculture was not so common, but was mainly practiced in the rural fertile areas around Al-Madinah, especially by the women of the Ansar. Among the immigrants, or Muhajir as they were known, Asma(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) also practiced farming.

Some of the Sahabiyat also run business. Khadijah(May Allah Be Pleased With Her) was a very successful businesswoman and used to send trading caravans to different countries. Khawlah, Maleekah, Thaqafiyah, and Bint Fakhriyah(May Allah Be Pleased With Them) used to trade in the oriental oil-based perfumes known as ‘Itar. Saudah (May Allah Be Pleased With Her) operated a leather tanning industry.

Thus there was no sphere of activity- social or cultural- that was not influenced and assisted by the presence of these great ladies. May Allah Azzawajal have Mercy on their souls!