Zaynab bint Khuzaymah was one of the revered wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a remarkable figure of early Islamic history. Born around 595 CE, she was unique among the Prophet’s wives for not belonging to the Quraysh tribe, but instead to the Banu Hilal tribe. Highly respected for her generous and compassionate nature, she earned the honorable title “Umm al-Masakeen” which means “Mother of the Poor.” This name highlighted her lifelong dedication to helping the needy and those vulnerable in the Muslim community.
Early Life and Background
Zaynab was the daughter of Khuzaymah bin Abdullah and Hind bint Auf. From an early age, she was noted for her empathy and kindness, traits she maintained even before converting to Islam. Zaynab’s compassion was deeply ingrained, and she was known as a protector of the poor and dispossessed in Mecca. She married twice before her eventual marriage to the Prophet Muhammad, but both marriages ended with her husbands’ deaths. Her first husband died as a martyr in one of the early battles, and her second marriage ended in widowhood.
Amidst the persecution of Muslims in Makkah, Zaynab was among the early converts to Islam and faced hardships and discrimination for her faith. Like many early Muslims, she emigrated at one point to Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) for refuge, showcasing her steadfast belief and commitment to Islam despite adversity.
Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah married Prophet Muhammad in 3 AH (approximately 624 CE), during a time when many Muslim families were suffering losses due to ongoing conflicts and battles. The Prophet’s marriage to her was driven by compassion and a deep desire to support widows and vulnerable women in the community. The marriage was brief, lasting only about eight months before Zaynab passed away.
Despite the short duration, Zaynab held a special place as one of the “Mothers of the Believers” or Umm al-Momineen, a title reserved for the wives of the Prophet. She was the first of the Prophet’s wives to die after her marriage to him and was lovingly remembered by the Prophet for her patience and humility.
The marriage was also a social message to the community on caring for widows and honoring the families of martyrs, emphasizing the Islamic values of mercy and support for those in need.
Character and Legacy
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah’s defining attribute was her boundless generosity and care for the impoverished. Before her acceptance of Islam, she was already known for her charitable activities, and embracing Islam further intensified her dedication to these values.
She was a symbol of humility and sacrifice—a woman who embodied the Prophet’s teachings through her actions. Her life was a demonstration of the Islamic principle that true faith expresses itself through kindness and service to others, especially the less fortunate.
After her death, her legacy continued to inspire generations of Muslims. She was buried in the Jannatul Baqi cemetery in Medina, a resting place of many of the Prophet’s family and companions.
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The Importance of Zaynab bint Khuzaymah in Islamic History
Though not as frequently mentioned as some other wives of the Prophet, Zaynab’s role had profound social implications. Her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad illustrated the ideals Muslims should uphold—compassion, charity, and dignity for widows and the oppressed.
Her title “Mother of the Poor” reflects the central theme of social justice in Islam. Through her example, she encouraged others to contribute to community welfare and to recognize the spiritual value of helping the needy.
Her life reminds the Muslim community of the importance of humility, patience in hardship, and dedication to social welfare.
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Timeline of Key Events in Her Life
| Year (CE / AH) | Event |
|---|---|
| 595 CE | Birth of Zaynab bint Khuzaymah |
| Early 7th Century | Embraced Islam and faced persecution |
| Before 3 AH | Married twice and widowhood due to martyrdom |
| 3 AH (624 CE) | Married Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) |
| 3 AH | Passed away approximately eight months later |
| Burial in Jannatul Baqi | Recognized as a revered Mother of the Believers |
Lessons from the Life of Zaynab bint Khuzaymah
The life of Zaynab bint Khuzaymah provides lessons on many enduring Islamic values:
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Compassion and charity: Her care for the poor remains a model for charity in Islam.
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Patience and humility: Despite personal losses and hardships, she remained steadfast and humble.
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Support for widows and vulnerable groups: Her marriage to the Prophet demonstrated communal support for such groups.
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Faith and perseverance in adversity: Early Muslims endured persecution, and Zaynab’s example encourages resilience.
FAQs
Who was Zaynab bint Khuzaymah?
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah was one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad and was known as the Mother of the Poor for her unmatched generosity and care for the needy.
What was the significance of her title Umm al-Masakeen?
The title means Mother of the Poor, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping impoverished and vulnerable people in the early Muslim community.
When did Zaynab bint Khuzaymah marry the Prophet Muhammad?
She married the Prophet in the year 3 AH (approximately 624 CE), after being widowed twice.
How long was her marriage to the Prophet?
Her marriage lasted about eight months before she passed away.
Where is Zaynab bint Khuzaymah buried?
She is buried in the Jannatul Baqi cemetery in Medina, alongside many of the Prophet’s family and companions.
Conclusion
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah, the “Mother of the Poor,” remains an inspirational figure whose life was characterized by generosity, compassion, and selflessness. Her marriage to Prophet Muhammad, though brief, was a testament to her noble character and the Islamic call for social justice and caring for the disadvantaged. Her legacy enriches Islamic history by embodying the ideal qualities of humility, charity, and steadfast faith. Muslims today continue to honor her memory by following in her footsteps, supporting the needy, and embodying kindness in their communities.