Nusaiba Al-Ansariya

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon of Islam*

Nusaiba Al-Ansariya and Khawla bint Al-Azwar

I hope I will do justice in personifying these two great women of islam, for their true character cannot be described in words. -Affaf B.

Nusaiba "umm Ammara" Al-AnsariyaNusaiba can only be honored by words of Courage, Determination, and Strength. She started as a strong minority among her kind, but her wisdom was an inspiration by the many that followed her steps. She was not only spiritually, morally and physically a Mujahida, but a Mujtahida as well.

Nusaiba, among 72 men and 1 other woman [Umm Muni Asmaa], swore allegiance to Allah (SWT) and Mohammed (SAW), what became to be known as “Baitul ‘Aqabah thaniah” (second oath) in Islamic History. Upon her convertance at the early age of Islam, her devotion was to guide many women in accordance to Islam. At times when she felt women were ignored, she confronted Mohamed (SAW) and asked “Why is it that the Noble Quran only mention men and women are deprived of any importance?” Then this Ayah was revealed in Surah Ahzab:

“Verily, the Muslims men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give sadaqat, the men and the women who observe fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” (33:35)

In this verse, it mentions 10 times that the women can attain every good quality to which men can have access to. This verse also settles it conclusively that women stand on the same spiritual level as men.

Her determination led her to fight in five great battles: Uhud, el-Hudaybiya, Hunayn, Khaybar, and the battle of Yamama. In all, she displayed great courage, self reliance, patience, and forbearance that led the Prophet to acknowledge her with the following:

“From where can anyone get courage like you, O Umm Ammarah (ra)?”

Her courage and forbearance was greatly displayed in the battle of Uhud. When the Muslims were in a verge of defeat, Muslim men were scattering, some growing weary, and some even turned their back. She, along her husband and two sons, surrounded the prophet to protect him and repelled any attack on him. The Prophet (SAW) asked one of the men to give her his shield since she, with all her power, was fighting furiously unprotected.

Despite her twelve major wounds, with one that took a year to heal, she profusely maintained her strength and continued fighting. Omar bin Khattab (ra) says that the Prophet SAW once told him in the battle of Uhud that whenever he (Mohammed SAW) turned, whether to the right or to the left, he saw Umm Ammara (ra) fighting to defend him.

Moreover, despite seeing her own son injured and bleeding, she bandaged his arm and told him to NEVER STOP, never lose courage and continue with the attack on the enemy. Her familie’s heroism and courage earned them a place in paradise. The prophet SAW said:

“O Allah! Make this family my friends in paradise.”

After the battle of Uhud, her energy to protect Islam did not grow weary despite her numerous wounds. When the prophet announced that they will be marching to a place called Hamra Al-Asad to chase the pagans, she got up with full mental strength and ardour, but because she was weakened by her serious injury, she could not participate. The prophet (SAW) upon his return asked her brother, Abdullah, about her welfare. He, prophet Muhammed (SAW), prayed for Nusaiba and thanked Allah SWT for His Divine Mercy upon her.

Her Patience and forbearance was tested upon the news that her son, Habib bin Zaid, was martyred. Habib bin Zaid (ra) was sent by the Prophet (SAW) as his representative to Musailamah Kath’ab to bring him to Islam. Musailama tied Habib to a pillar and questioned his faith. “Do you testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah?” Musailama asked. Habib responded with a definite yes. However, when Musailama asked if he, Habib, would also take him (Musailama) as his other prophet, Habib pretended his was deaf. This cost him every part of his body to be cut slowly until his soul reached to heaven (inshaAllah).

At 60 years old, Nusaiba was part of the army against Musailamah Kath’ab, under the caliphate, Abu Bakr Siddue (ra). Along side her was her son, Abdullah bin Zaid ra. Abdullah was one of those who finally killed this man. Eleven injuries and a cut off arm were the cost of this battle to Nusaiba. Even when Khalid bin Waleed ra emerced her arm in BOILING OIL, her pain and grief were at no comparison to her happiness at the death of Musailamah, the murderer of her beloved son, and more importantly, the great enemy of Islam.

Nusaiba, Umm Ammara, held a major status among the women companions. Let her be our example that guides us to infest such DRIVE, such ENERGY, such IMAN IN ALLAH in our hearts to win the MAJOR BATTLES of OUR TIME.

Resources:
* "Famous Women of Islam": lecture by Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah
* "The Sahabiyat": By Yasir Fazaqa
* Great Women of Islam: Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar
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Khawla Bint Al-Azwar : TO BE CONTINUED...