The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“See Um-a-Rooman If someone wants to see a beautiful virgin of Paradise”
She was the mother of ‘Ayshah Thus she was the Prophet’s mother-in-law. Her son, Abd-dur-Rahman was an excellent rider and brave man, actual name of Um-a-Rooman was Zaynab. According to Arabic Traditions she was known by her family name. She accepted the teachings of Islam in very early beginning of preaching by Holy Prophet
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d narrated that Um-a- Rooman accepted Islam in the very early days in Maccah. She swore allegiance at the hand of the Prophet himself and then migrated with the blessed group of emigrants.
When she witnessed the terrible atrocities committed by the Quraiesh 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 Islam. She drew inspiration from him and found peace in his presence.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) 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. Companions of The Prophet were the faithful. Once they accepted Islam they refused to leave Islam even when their bodies were cut in two with a saw. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed the family of Yasir,
‘O family of Yasir! Be patient, for your final destination and resting place will be Paradise.’
During this long period, Um-a-Rooman remained an image of patience, forbearance courage and bravery she gave him moral support to husband’s for the propagation of Islam. She bought up her children according to the traditions of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) often used to visit the house of his illustrious follower and friend, Abu Bakr Siddiq. He would advise Um-a-Rooman to keep encouraging and instilling the love of goodness in ‘Ayshah.
Khadijah passed away three years before the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Al-Madinah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent a year as unmarried person. When Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married ‘Ayshah, Um-a-Rooman had the honor of becoming his mother-in-law. She expressed great happiness at the thought that her daughter would be one of those who joined the ranks of the blessed Mothers of the Believers. What other greater honor could she want for her family?
When Allah ordered the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to migrate to Al-Madinah he went to the house of his closest friend and Companion, Abu Bakr Siddiq. Without any questions or hesitation, he prepared to accompany the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He preferred Holy Prophet over his family and care of Allah and set off for an unknown and unseen destination.
It was a very tough time for Um-a-Rooman; as 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. However, what predominated all other thoughts in her mind were supplications to Allah for the safe arrival of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and her husband in Al Madinah. On reaching their destination safely, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Zayd bin Harithah and Abu Rafi’ to bring his family, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq sent ‘Abdullah bin Ariqat and wrote to his son ‘Abdullah to bring his family. Um-a-Rooman and ‘Ayshah got on one camel’s back. Camel became out of control during their journey. Um-a-Rooman was worried about her beloved daughter ‘Ayshah. She called her and then, someone called out to let go of the reins. As a result the camel calmed down she remained safe from the impending danger.
One day both Abu Bakr Siddiq and Um-a-Rooman visited the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). and requested him to offer supplications to Allah for ‘Ayshah.
Then he prayed to Allah to forgive ‘Ayshah bint Abu Bakr both inside and outside, such a forgiveness that would leave no sin. They were very happy with this perfect supplication.
Then he told them that this was his prayer for all those who accepted Islam after his being named Messenger of Allah, and remained steadfast in their belief.
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) respected Um-a-Rooman very much, and she in turn gave first priority to doing things that pleased him. Therefore, life was very pleasant, and everyone was happy fulfilling his or her obligations to man and his Creator. One day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) praised Khadijah at great length extolling her many virtues. ‘Ayshah felt a very strong twinge of feminine jealousy; involuntarily she said that he was talking of Khadijah ‘ as if there was no other woman on earth but she. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not like this at all, and his face reddened with a terrible anger. When Um-a-Rooman heard of this she went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and tried to apologize for ‘Ayshah telling him that she was still very young that he should not take her seriously. Very curtly, addressing ‘Ayshah he asked her if she had not said that there was no other woman on the face of the earth besides Khadijah. He swore by Allah that this great woman had believed him when the tribe of ‘Ayshah had denied that he was the Messenger and Prophet of Allah. She gave him the great gift of children, which was not the case with ‘Ayshah.
Um-a-Rooman listened in complete silence because she knew that all that he spoke was by the command and revelation of Allah. He did not speak of his own accord; his words were always based on revelations of Allah.
Tradition has it that Um-a-Rooman passed away in the year 6th after Hijrah. During her burial, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Allah to forgive her. Doubtless, this was a great honor for her. It was on this occasion that he said that if any person wanted to see a beautiful celestial virgin of Paradise, he could see Um-a-Rooman . Thus these words are an indication that she will, Allah Willing, be in Paradise in the Hereafter. May Allah fill her grave with radiance. Another tradition regarding the death of Um-a-Rooman, is however more reliable. It says that she died after the passing away of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Verily the words of Allah are true,
“Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and humble themselves before their Lord, they will be dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever.” [Noble Quran 11:23]
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