Sawda bint Zama
Sawda bint Zama (d. 674) was the second wife of the Prophet Muhammad, gaining historical prominence in early Islamic history.
Early Life and Conversion to Islam
Sawda bint Zama belonged to the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. She was among the early converts to Islam, embracing the new faith despite the social and political challenges posed by the tribal elites of Mecca.
Emigration to Abyssinia
Sawda emigrated to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) with her first husband, Sakran ibn Amr, in a bid to escape persecution orchestrated by the Meccans. This migration highlights the dire circumstances faced by early Muslims and their persistent faith in the face of adversity. In Abyssinia, Sawda reportedly had a vision of her future marriage to the Prophet Muhammad.
Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad
Following the death of her husband, Sakran, after their return to Mecca, Sawda was eventually wed to the Prophet Muhammad shortly after the death of his first wife, Khadijah, in the year 620 CE. This marriage underscores the communal bonds and social support emerging within the nascent Muslim community.
Hijra to Medina
Sawda bint Zama later migrated to Medina with the Prophet and other Muslim followers during the Hijra. Her loyalty and support played a significant role in the formative years of the Islamic community in Medina.
Legacy
Despite not being as prominently mentioned as other wives of the Prophet Muhammad, such as Aisha or Khadijah, Sawda’s life story and her transition from Abyssinia to Medina reflect the broader narrative of trials, faith, and solidarity among early Muslims.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name “Sawda” (Arabic: سودة) means “a state of being very dark or black,” symbolically linked to comfort and reassurance in despair within various lexical traditions.
- Arabic Translation: سودة بنت زمعة
- Turkish Translation: Zama’nın Kızı Sevde
Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the life of Sawda bint Zama and the contributions of women in early Islam, the following books and studies may be beneficial:
- “Women Around the Messenger” by Muhammad Ali Qutb
- “The Wives of the Prophet Muhammad” by Bint al-Shati'
- “Companions of the Prophet: Women of Madina” by A.I. Akram
Takeaways and Conclusion
The life of Sawda bint Zama stands as a testament to the resilience and compassion found within the early Muslim community. Her story offers insight into the pivotal roles women occupied during the foundational periods of Islam, reminding contemporary readers of the timeless values of faith, solidarity, and perseverance prevalent throughout Islamic history.
By understanding the complexities and contributions of figures like Sawda bint Zama, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the manifold aspects of Islamic spiritual and social structure.
<p>“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” (Qur’an 94:6)</p>
This dictionary entry seeks to foster a holistic understanding of Sauda bint Zama’s legacy and the broader implications of her life for historical and spiritual narratives in Islam.
