Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib was a remarkable woman. She was the paternal aunt of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Furthermore, she was the full sister of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib. She embraced Islam early and supported it fiercely. She demonstrated incredible courage at the Battle of Uhud. Her story is one of faith, strength, and resilience. She truly was a lioness.
Her Lineage and Early Life
Safiyyah came from a noble Quraysh lineage. Her father was Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim, a respected leader of Mecca. Consequently, she was part of the Banu Hashim clan.
She was born and raised in Mecca. She later married Al-Harith ibn Harb. After his death, she married Al-‘Awwam ibn Khuwaylid. From this marriage, she bore Az-Zubayr ibn Al-‘Awwam. He became a famous companion.
Her Heroism at the Battle of Uhud
The Battle of Uhud was a difficult test for Muslims. Tragically, her brother Hamza (رضي الله عنه) was martyred. The enemy mutilated his body horrifically. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was deeply concerned for her. He worried about her reaction to seeing Hamza. Therefore, he asked her son, Az-Zubayr, to prevent her from coming.
Safiyyah, however, insisted on seeing her brother. She approached the battlefield with firm faith. She then prayed for him and forgave his killers. This act showed her immense patience and strength.
A Hadith Highlighting Her Status
While direct hadiths from her are rare, her son Az-Zubayr is a major narrator. His prominence itself highlights her successful upbringing.
She raised a key supporter of Islam.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke highly of her family. He once said about her son and another cousin:
Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah: When the Prophet (ﷺ) called the people (Sadqa, a sub-narrator, said, ‘Most likely that happened on the day of Al-Khandaq) Az-Zubair responded to the call (i.e. to act as a scout). The Prophet) called the people again and Az-Zubair responded to the call. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, “Every prophet had a disciple and my disciple is Zubair bin Al-`Awwam.”
حَدَّثَنَا صَدَقَةُ، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ الْمُنْكَدِرِ، سَمِعَ جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ نَدَبَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم النَّاسَ ـ قَالَ صَدَقَةُ أَظُنُّهُ ـ يَوْمَ الْخَنْدَقِ فَانْتَدَبَ الزُّبَيْرُ، ثُمَّ نَدَبَ فَانْتَدَبَ الزُّبَيْرُ، ثُمَّ نَدَبَ النَّاسَ فَانْتَدَبَ الزُّبَيْرُ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ حَوَارِيًّا، وَإِنَّ حَوَارِيَّ الزُّبَيْرُ بْنُ الْعَوَّامِ
Sahih al-Bukhari: Book 56, Hadith 63
This honor reflects on her as his mother.
Her Legacy and Passing
Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib was not only courageous but also brilliantly eloquent. She was a gifted poetess who powerfully defended Islam with her words. She used her poetry to mourn her brother Hamza and inspire the believers. She made the difficult Hijrah to Medina, leaving Mecca behind. She remained a deeply respected and influential figure within the community there. People valued her wisdom, strong opinions, and direct lineage to the Prophet (ﷺ).
She lived into the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه). She passed away around the year 640 CE (18 or 20 AH). She was buried in the renowned Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina. This cemetery holds many of Islam’s earliest and most beloved figures.
Her legacy is a powerful combination of faith, courage, and intellect. She truly embodied the strength of the Banu Hashim clan. Her story of resilience continues to inspire Muslims across the world today.
Conclusion: A Role Model of Strength
So, who is Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib? She was more than just the Prophet’s aunt. She was a brave heroine, a loving sister, and a devoted mother. Her patience at Uhud is an eternal lesson for all believers.
We remember her for her unwavering faith. Her story continues to inspire Muslims everywhere.
