Ḥafṣah (حفصة)
Ḥafṣah (حفصة) was one of the wives of the Prophet Muḥammad and the daughter of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, a prominent companion of Muḥammad and the second Caliph of Islam. This entry delves into her life, contributions, and legacy within the Islamic tradition.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: حفصة (Ḥafṣah)
- Turkish: Hafsa
The name “Ḥafṣah” is derived from the Arabic root “ح-ف-ص” (ḥ-f-ṣ), which conveys notions of security and diligence.
Early Life
Ḥafṣah was born around 605 CE in Mecca. She was brought up in a family known for its integrity and unwavering commitment to Islam. Her father, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, was initially an opponent of Islam but eventually became one of its staunchest advocates.
Marriage to Khunais
Ḥafṣah’s first marriage was to Khunais ibn Hudhafa, an early convert to Islam. Khunais participated in both migrations to Abyssinia and later moved to Medina. He fought in the Battle of Badr but subsequently succumbed to injuries incurred during the Battle of Uhud.
Marriage to Prophet Muḥammad
Approximately six months after Khunais’ passing, Ḥafṣah married the Prophet Muḥammad. The marriage solidified alliances and brought her father’s unwavering support closer to the Prophet.
Influence and Role During the Prophet’s Life
As the daughter of ʿUmar, a key advisor and follower of Muḥammad, Ḥafṣah wielded considerable influence. During the Prophet’s lifetime, she was known for her intellect and wit, attributes that enabled her to counsel and participate in many seminal moments.
Preservation of the Qur’an
One of Ḥafṣah’s most enduring contributions was her role in preserving the Qur’an. After the Prophet’s death, the revelations were gathered into a single manuscript. Hafsa kept the original compilation, which was later used by Caliph `Uthman ibn Affan to produce standardized copies.
Legacy
Ḥafṣah survived beyond the Prophet’s passing in 632 CE until her death around 665 CE during the Caliphate of her brother `Abd-Allah ibn Umar. She narrated several hadiths (traditions), becoming an important link in the transmission of Islamic knowledge.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Women of Medina” by A’ishah Bewley
- “Companions of the Prophet” by Abdul Wahid Hamid
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
Takeaways
- Influential Role: Ḥafṣah was instrumental in early Islamic community-building and had a prominent role during and after the Prophet’s life.
- Hadith Contributor: Contributed significantly to the preservation of the Prophet’s sayings and traditions.
- Qur’an Preservation: Played a critical part in the safeguarding of the Qur’anic manuscript.
Conclusion
Ḥafṣah bint ʿUmar holds a distinguished place in Islamic history. Her life and deeds underscore her importance and influence in early Islam and her contributions continue to be remembered and studied within the Islamic tradition.
