Zaynab bint Jahsh (c. 590–641 CE) stands as one of the remarkable women in early Islamic history, revered as a Mother of the Believers due to her marriage to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was not only the Prophet’s cousin but also one of his distinguished wives, with a story that holds deep religious and social significance within Islam.
Zaynab bint Jahsh
Zaynab was born into the noble Quraysh tribe in Mecca. Her father, Jahsh ibn Riyab, was from the Asad ibn Khuzaymah tribe and had settled in Mecca under the Umayya clan’s protection. Her mother, Umayma bint Abd al-Muttalib, was a member of the Hashim clan and the Prophet Muhammad’s paternal aunt. This made Zaynab a first cousin to the Prophet ﷺ, alongside her five siblings. Growing up in a respected family known for honor and strong faith, Zaynab was known for her dignity and noble character.
Marriage to Zayd ibn Harithah
After the migration to Medina, the Prophet Muhammad arranged a marriage between Zaynab and his adopted son, Zayd ibn Harithah, a former slave who became a close companion and a beloved adopted son of the Prophet. This marriage was socially controversial at the time due to Zaynab’s noble origins and the background of Zayd. Nonetheless, it was meant to set an example breaking social barriers and emphasizing equality in Islam.
Zaynab was skilled in leather tanning and worked diligently, even after becoming a wife of the Prophet, showing her independence and humility. However, after some years, her marriage to Zayd ended in divorce, which opened the path to the next significant event in her life.
Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Zaynab’s subsequent marriage to the Prophet Muhammad holds a special status as it was directly ordained by a revelation in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:37). This marriage served multiple divine purposes. It abolished pre-Islamic customs that treated adopted sons as biological sons, prohibiting marriage with their former spouses. By marrying Zaynab, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated that an adopted child’s previous relationships did not legally bind the adoptive father.
Additionally, this marriage signified that the Prophet would not have any son to inherit the prophethood, marking the finality of his mission. It also underscored social reforms regarding lineage and marriage laws.
Character and Legacy
Zaynab bint Jahsh was known especially for her generosity and piety. Her charity was legendary among the Prophet’s wives. The Prophet ﷺ once said, “The one among you who is most generous is Zaynab bint Jahsh, for her hand is the longest.” She was renowned for giving to the poor consistently and lived with modesty despite having access to wealth.
Zaynab was also deeply spiritual and devoted to worship. She frequently fasted and spent many nights in prayer. As one of the Mothers of the Believers, she holds a dignified and respected position in Islamic history. Her honesty, forthright nature, and devotion to faith made her a role model for Muslim women.
Death and Burial
Zaynab bint Jahsh was the first wife of the Prophet ﷺ to pass away after him, dying during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab around 20 AH (640-641 CE). She was buried in Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina, a resting place for many honored companions.
FAQs
Who was Zaynab bint Jahsh in relation to Prophet Muhammad?
Zaynab bint Jahsh was the Prophet Muhammad’s first cousin and later became one of his wives, honored with the title Mother of the Believers.
Why was Zaynab’s marriage to the Prophet Muhammad significant?
Her marriage was divinely ordained to abolish the cultural taboo against marrying the ex-wife of an adopted son, and it clarified Islamic laws regarding adoption and lineage.
What was Zaynab bint Jahsh known for besides her marriage?
She was renowned for her extraordinary generosity and piety, regularly giving to the poor and engaging deeply in worship.
What role did Zaynab’s marriage to Zayd bin Harithah play?
The marriage was intended to break social barriers of class and status and to highlight Islamic principles of equality and social reform.
When and where did Zaynab bint Jahsh die and get buried?
She died around 20 AH (640-641 CE) during Caliph Umar’s reign and was buried in Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina.
Conclusion
Zaynab bint Jahsh’s life is a testament to faith, resilience, and divine purpose. Through her marriages, she exemplified critical social reforms in Islam, particularly in redefining family and social norms related to adoption and marriage. Beyond these historic roles, her generosity, devotion, and courage continue to inspire Muslims worldwide. As a Mother of the Believers, Zaynab’s legacy is not just historical but a living beacon of piety and social justice.