Life of Sauda binti Zama'a

Oct 17, 2024

Lecture Notes on Sauda binti Zama'a

Introduction

  • The lecture focuses on Sauda binti Zama'a, the second wife of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after Khadija.
  • Sauda was one of the early converts to Islam from the Quraish tribe.

Background Information

  • Name Variations: Sauda binti Zama'a is pronounced with either sukoon or fatha on the meme.
  • Tribe: Belongs to the Banu Amid ibn Lu'ay, a smaller Quraishi tribe.
  • Husband: Married to As-Sakran ibn Amr, an early convert to Islam, and they migrated to Abyssinia.

Life Events

  • Widowhood: As-Sakran died during or shortly after their migration, leaving Sauda a widow.
  • Marriage to the Prophet ﷺ: Took place shortly after Khadija's death, commonly in Ramadan of the 10th year after Islamic calendar, though some sources suggest it was in Dhul Hijjah.
  • Matchmaker: Khawala binti Hakeem suggested Sauda as a potential wife for the Prophet ﷺ.

Key Incidents

  • Proposal: Khawala approached the Prophet ﷺ, and after he expressed loneliness, she proposed Sauda's hand in marriage.
  • Marriage Details: Sauda's father, Zama'a, approved the marriage, and the mahr was set at 400 dirhams (some reports say it was later increased).

Characteristics and Contributions

  • Role: She was the oldest wife of the Prophet ﷺ and the only one he lived with in Mecca after Khadija.
  • Personality: Known for her humor; she made the Prophet ﷺ laugh with her playful remarks.
  • Narrations: Certain hadiths indicate her involvement in important incidents, including the Battle of Badr and the legislation of hijab.

Significant Events

  • Revelation of Hijab: After a comment by Umar regarding her visibility, Allah revealed verses of hijab, which specifically addressed the wives of the Prophet ﷺ.
  • Muzdalifah Incident: Sauda requested permission from the Prophet ﷺ to leave Muzdalifah early due to her slow pace, which was granted.

Later Life

  • Gifting Her Day: Saudah eventually gifted her day of the Prophet ﷺ to Aisha, indicating her selflessness and desire for harmony within the household.
  • Post-Prophet ﷺ Life: Sauda led a simple life focused on worship after the Prophet’s death, avoiding political matters.
  • Death: Passed away during the caliphate of Muawiyah, with some reports indicating she lived to be around 90 years old.

Hadith Contributions

  • Sauda narrated three hadiths, including:
    • Permission for children to perform Hajj on behalf of parents.
    • Use of the skin of a dead animal after it has been tanned.
    • Clarification on inheritance rights of children from a slave girl.

Conclusion

  • Sauda binti Zama'a's life reflects important aspects of early Islamic community and the personal life of the Prophet ﷺ, showcasing her role and contributions in significant events.