Muḥammad’s Children: A Detailed Overview
Etymology and Translations
- Muḥammad (Arabic: محمّد) is derived from the Arabic root ḥ-m-d, meaning “praiseworthy.”
- Children (Arabic: أولاد/Abnâ’/أولاده, Turkish: Çocukları).
Introduction
According to the Islamic text Majmaʿu ʾl-Biḥār (p. 538), Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH) had seven children. These comprised two sons and four daughters by his first wife, Khadījah (K͟hadījah) bint Khuwaylid, and one son by his Coptic slave, Mary (Maria al-Qibtiyya).
Children of Khadījah
Sons
- Al-Qāsim (القاسم)
- ʿAbdullāh (عبد الله)
- Also known as at̤-T̤āhir (الطاهر) and at̤-T̤aiyib (الطيب)
Daughters
- Zainab (زينب)
- Ruqaiyah (رقية)
- Fāṭimah (فاطمة)
- Ummu Kulthūm (أم كلثوم)
Son by Mary the Coptic (Mariya al-Qibtiyya)
- Ibrāhīm (إبراهيم)
Marital Connections and Historical Significance
- Zainab married Abū ʾl-ʿĀṣ ibn ar-Rabīʿ (أبو العاص بن الربيع).
- Ruqaiyah was initially married to ʿUtbah ibn Abū Lahab (عتبة بن أبي لهب) but was later divorced and married ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (عثمان بن عفان), the third caliph of Islam.
- Fāṭimah is particularly significant as she married ʿAlī ibn Abī Tālib (علي بن أبي طالب), the fourth caliph, and from them are descended the Saiyids (السادة), who are revered in Islam.
Books for Further Studies
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” (4 vols) by Ibn Kathir
- “The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
Takeaways
- Muḥammad’s family history is crucial for understanding the early Islamic community and the lineage of important figures in Islam.
- The children of Muḥammad continue to hold significant cultural and religious importance, with Fāṭimah’s descendants holding a special place.
Conclusion
The children of Prophet Muḥammad had profound impacts on Islamic history, especially through their marriages and descendants. Learning about their lives offers insight into the personal and familial aspects of Muḥammad, providing a richer understanding of his legacy and influence.
This structured and expanded content provides a detailed overview of Prophet Muḥammad’s children, their significance, and offers resources for further reading, contributing to a deeper understanding of Islamic familial history.
