Umm Ayman: Prophet Muhammad’s (Pubh) Devoted Guardian
By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam
31 May 2025
Umm Ayman, born Barakah, nurtured Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) from birth, became a devoted Muslim, fought in battles, and experienced a divine miracle. Revered as his “mother after my mother,” her life exemplified sacrifice and loyalty.
Key Points:
1. Born Barakah in 557, enslaved, cared for Amina during pregnancy.
2. Raised Muhammad like a mother after Amina’s death.
3. Second woman to accept Islam, fought in battles.
4. Experienced divine water miracle during Hijrat.
5. Revered as Muhammad’s “mother after my mother.
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The real name of Umm Ayman was Barakah bint Thaalba. She was born in 557 in Abyssinia (present day Ethiopia). She was a black girl. Slave markets were common at that time. Prophet Muhammad (Pubh) father Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib bought her from the slave market as a small girl. She must have been about 7 years old at that time.
It was Baraka who used to stay with Amina (RA) and take care of her during her pregnancy.
When the time came for Prophet Muhammad (Pubh) birth, it was Baraka who was with Prophet Muhammad Pubh's mother Amina (RA). She was also the first one to hold Prophet Muhammad Pubh in her arms.
When Amina (RA) fell seriously ill, it was Barakah who took care of her. When Amina (RA) realized that she was not going to survive, she actually called Barakah over and whispered “I am dying now”. She handed Barakah over to Prophet Muhammad (Pubh), saying “Take care of her like you are her mother. Take care of her like you are her mother. Take care of her, be with her. Make sure she doesn’t feel any pain except this”.
When Amina (RA) passed away, it was Barakah who took care of Prophet Muhammad (Pubh), comforted him, and took care of him.
Barakah was with him through thick and thin and cared for him like a mother.
When Prophet Muhammad Pubh married Khadija (RA), he introduced Barakah by saying “She is my mother after my mother”. This clearly shows that Barakah was not a maid but a respected member of his household.
When Prophet Muhammad Pubh relieved her of her duties and granted her freedom, she continued to stay with him.
After much persuasion from Khadija (RA), Barakah agreed to marry. She was first married to Ubaid ibn Zaid of the Banu Khazraj tribe, from whom she had a son, Ayman ibn Ubaid, after which Barakah received the kunya Umm Ayman (i.e. mother of Ayman). And she gained fame by this name.
When Prophet Muhammad (Pubh) started preaching Islam, Umm Ayman was also the second woman to accept Islam.
She accompanied Prophet Muhammad (Pubh) in the battles of Uhud, Hunain and Khaibar. During the battles she gave water to the soldiers, bandaged the wounded, and boosted their morale.
When rumours of Prophet Muhammad (Pubh)’s death spread during the Battle of Uhud, many fled the battlefield and headed for Medina. Umm Ayman sprinkled dust on the faces of some of the fugitives, gave them an axle and told them: “Give me your sword and [you] cut the axle.” She then left for the battlefield with a number of women, joining the group that was protecting Prophet Muhammad (Pubh). Subsequently, she was wounded by an arrow shot at her by an enemy soldier named Hebban bin Araqa.
She also participated in the battle of Hunain, in which her son Ayman was martyred.
After the death of her first husband, Umm Ayman became lonely. Then Prophet Muhammad (Pubh told his followers, "Look, whoever wants to marry a woman from Paradise should marry Umm Ayman. Her lineage is unknown, she is not rich, she is an old woman, she is a widow".
Then Prophet Muhammad (Pubh)'s adopted son Zaid ibn al-Haritha (RA) came forward to marry her. He was 20 years younger than Umm Ayman at that time and was unmarried. They both had a son, Usama ibn Zaid.
When Prophet Muhammad (Pubh) did Hijrat on foot from Mecca to Medina, Umm Ayman was also with him. This was her dedication and devotion towards Prophet Muhammad (PUBH). Umm Ayman was about 70 years old at the time of Hijrat. She was the oldest woman among those who did Hijrat. She completed the journey from Mecca to Medina on foot.
A Devine incident related to this Hijrat is famous. During Hijrat, there came a time when the convoy did not have water to drink. At that time everyone was very upset. Then Umm Ayman said “that one night after sunset, a vessel of water came down from the sky. There was no end of its rope. She drank water from that vessel and poured some water on herself. After that, she never felt the intensity of thirst”. This incident shows that Umm Ayman was truly a heavenly woman.
Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) often used to visit her house to meet her and used to ask about her well-being. Umm Ayman was the only woman who remained with Prophet Muhammad PUBH from his birth to his death,
When Prophet Muhammad (Pubh) Died She Was Very Sad
After the death of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr said to Umar: 'Let us go and visit Umm Ayman as Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to visit her.' He said: 'When we approached her she wept.' They said: 'Why are you weeping? What is with Allah is better for His Messenger.' She said: 'I know that what is with Allah is better for His Messenger, but I am weeping because the revelation from heaven has ceased.' She made them shed tears and they wept with her.
Umm Ayman's entire life was an example of sacrifice, dedication, devotion, service and respect, starting her life as a slave and eventually becoming an important woman in Islam by attaining the status of the mother of Prophet Muhammad (PUBH).
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Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession. She primarily writes about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/umm-ayman-prophet-pubh-devoted/d/135726
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