Wife of Abu Bakr Siddique
and the mother of 'Aishah
She was the wife of Abu Bakr Siddique and the mother of 'Aishah. Thus she was
the Prophet's [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] mother-in-law. Her son, 'Abdur-Rahman
bin Abu Bakr Siddique, was an excellent horseman, and master strategist in war.
It was she who taught him the meaning of valor and courage. Her real name was
Zainab, but she came to be known by her family name. She was a patient and
tolerant lady who did not jump to hasty conclusions, but gave matters deep
thought. This was evident in the way she handled the incident when people of
loose tongues and small minds accused 'Aishah of adultery. When her husband
explained to her the teachings of Islam she did not linger with doubts about
giving up the religion of her forefathers. She immediately saw the greatness of
Islam and accepted it.
She was brought up in an area of the Arabia known as Sarat. When she grew up she
married a young man from her tribe named 'Abdullah bin Harith bin Sakhbarah Azdi.
She had a son by him, who was named Tufail bin 'Abdullah. They then moved to
Makkah, where he became the partner and companion of Abu Bakr Siddique. However,
soon after this 'Abdullah bin Harith passed away, and his widow and son were
left with no support. Seeing her precarious condition Abu Bakr Siddique married
her. Umm Rooman was very happy in her marriage and soon, a son, 'AbdurRahman and
a daughter, 'Aishah were bom. Before he came into the fold of Islam, Abu Bakr
Siddique was married to Qateelah bint Abdul-'Uzza by whom he already had a
daughter Asma' and a son, 'Abdullah.
Umm Rooman had accepted Islam in its earliest days. It is written in Tabaqat Ibn
Sad that Umm Rooman accepted Islam in the very early days in Makkah. She swore
allegiance at the hand of the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] himself and
then migrated with the blessed group of immigrants.
When she to witness the terrible atrocities committed by the Quraish against the
Muslims she would suffer and weep for the innocent victims; but she gained
courage when she saw the moral strength and exemplary sacrifice of her husband
for the cause of Islim. She drew inspiration from him and found peace in his
presence.
The Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] also used to exhort his faithful
followers not to waver, but to be patient and hold steadfast to their faith, for
they would surely in the Hereafter be rewarded with Paradise.
During this long period Umm Rooman, remained an image of patience, forbearance,
courage and bravery. Most of her time was spent in earnest supplications and
prayers to Allah. When she saw her husband's devoted efforts for the propagation
of Islam she expressed her admiration and gave him moral support. She devoted
her time to the nurturing of her children in the traditions of Islam. The
Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] often used to visit the house of his
illustrious follower, Abu Bakr Siddique. He would advise Umm Rooman to keep
encouraging and instilling the love of goodness in 'Aishah. Khadijah passed away
three years before the migration of the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] to
Madinah. The Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] spent a year as an unmarried
person He then married Aisha at the command of Allah as delivered by the Angel
Jibril, that on three consecutive nights he saw her in his dreams. The Angel
jibril brought a picture of hers wrapped in a silken cloth, and told him that
this was an image of his bride. When he removed the cover he saw that it was her
image. 'Aishah was elated to hear that she was chosen to be the Prophet's [sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam] wife by Allah himself . Khawlah bint Hakim told him there were
two proposals for him, that of 'Aishah bint Abu Bakr Siddique and Saudah bint
Zam'ah. He accepted both, and thus Umm Rooman' had the honour of becoming his
mother-in-law.
When the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] was ordered by Allah to migrate
to Madinah he went to the house of his closest friend and Companion, Abu Bakr
Siddique. Without any questions or hesitation he prepared to accompany the
Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] . He packed a few things and took all the
cash there was in the house. He left his father, wife and children in the trust
and care of Allah and set off for an unknown and unseen destination.
It was a very tough time for Umm Rooman she was separated from her husband; and
there was a lack of money for household expenses, since he had taken all the
available cash with him. But what predominated all other thoughts in her mind
were supplications to Allah and for the safe arrival of the Prophet [sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam] and her husband in Madinah. On reaching their destination
safely, she and her family were told to follow to Madinah.
When they reached Al-Madinah they stayed at the house of Abu Bakr Siddique
arranged for his family. And it was from this house that 'Aishah left as a bride
to the Prophet's [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] house. Thus this house became the
focal point for the revelations of Allah. Umm Rooman expressed great happiness
at the thought that her daughter would be one of those who joined the ranks of
the blessed.