Ummu Kulthūm (ام كلثوم)
Definition and Historical Context
Ummu Kulthūm (ام كلثوم), also spelled Umm Kulthum or Umme Kulthoom, was the youngest daughter of the Prophet Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his first wife, K͟hadījah bint Khuwaylid (رضي الله عنها). She holds significant importance in early Islamic history due to her familial connections and the role she played during the formative years of Islam.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name “Ummu Kulthūm” (أم كلثوم) can be parsed as “Umm” meaning “Mother” and “Kulthūm” as an Arabic feminine name, although her name is more symbolic and not literally implying motherhood.
- Arabic: أم كلثوم
- Turkish: Ümmü Gülsüm
Marriages and Familial Relations
- First Marriage: Ummu Kulthūm was initially married to her cousin ʿUtaibah, the son of Abū Lahab, who was an opponent of Islam. The marriage was fraught with familial tensions and ended in separation.
- Second Marriage: After the death of her elder sister Ruqaiyah, Ummu Kulthūm married ʿUs̤mān ibn ʿAffān (رضي الله عنه), who would later become the third Caliph (K͟halīfah) of Islam. Her marriage to ʿUs̤mān is noted for its significance as it highlighted the deep affection and trust Prophet Muḥammad had for ʿUs̤mān, indicating if he had another daughter, he would have married her to ʿUs̤mān too.
Death and Legacy
Ummu Kulthūm passed away a year or two before her father, the Prophet Muḥammad. Her death deeply affected the Prophet, illustrating the familial bonds cherished in Islamic tradition.
Further Studies
For those interested in delving deeper into the life of Ummu Kulthūm and early Islamic history, consider the following books:
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq, translated by A. Guillaume
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
- “Sahih Al-Bukhari” by Imam Bukhari, recognized for its authentic compilation of Hadiths detailing the lives of Prophet Muḥammad and his family.
Takeaways
- Ummu Kulthūm was a significant figure as the youngest daughter of Prophet Muḥammad and played a pivotal role in Islamic history.
- Her marriages symbolize the interpersonal and familial dynamics within the Prophet’s family.
- Understanding her life provides more profound insights into the societal and familial structures of early Islamic society.
Conclusion
Ummu Kulthūm (ام كلثوم) epitomizes the strength and resilience of women in early Islamic history. Her life, although intertwined with the challenges faced by the early Muslim community, also highlights the affectionate and supportive relationships within the Prophet’s family. Studying her life and legacy offers invaluable perspectives on the dynamics of the nascent Islamic society and the pivotal roles women played in it.
