Hafsah bint ‘Umar
One day the Angel Jibril told Prophet
(peace be upon him) about Hafsah:
“She is an often
fasting and worshipping lady and she will be your wife in Paradise too.”
[Mustadrak Al-Hakim 4/15]
Hafsah was the
daughter of ‘Umar Faruq, and the niece of another famous Sahabi, ‘Uthman bin
Maz’un. Her uncle from the paternal side was Zayd bin Khattab. ‘Abdullah bin
‘Umar was her brother.
Hafsah was an
extremely religious lady who used to spend her time in prayer and fasting. An
excellent writer and orator, an ardent follower of Islam. Hafsah had such noble
qualities and such an amiable nature that ‘A’ishah remarked that among wives of
the Prophet (peace be upon him) only she could compare with her. Her life is
exemplary, brought up as she was by a Companion of the caliber of ‘Umar bin
Khattab.
Hafsah was born in
the family of a great warrior and wrestler, ‘Umar bin Khattab who was well
known for his martial skills. In her growing years she was brought up in an
Islamic environment, both her parents and her aunts and uncles having already
converted to the new religion. When she was old enough, she was married to
Khanis bin Huthafah As-Sahmi. He was influenced by the teaching of Abu Bakr
Siddiq and had accepted Islam. Due to worst cruelty and oppression, Khanis had
to migrate to Al-Madinah with his wife. He was welcomed by Rafa’h bin ‘Abdul
Munthir and stayed in his house as his guest.
Both Khanis and
Hafsah loved the new life in Al-Madinah. Hafsah made special arrangements to
memorize the Ayat of the Quran as and when they were revealed. Then she would
give deep thought and attention to the meaning and interpretation of the Ayat.
Her husband meanwhile was enthusiastically preparing himself for Jihad and
improving his martial skills. He was constantly alert to the movements of the
enemy and was ever ready to meet them head on.
News came that the
Quraysh of Makkah, after making elaborate preparations for a war to wipe out
the Muslims, were marching towards Al-Madinah under the leadership of Abu Jahl.
The Muslims under the
leadership of the Prophet (peace be upon him), practically unarmed, reached
Badr and set up camp taking control of the only source of water. All they had
with them was their strong faith in the Allah.
Khanis bin Huthafah,
‘Umar Faruq and the maternal and paternal uncles of Hafsah and her cousin were
all part of this courageous band. Her husband was determined to win the battle
for Allah and bring to dust the pomp and grandeur of Abu Jahl’s forces. Finally
the forces met and Khanis bin Huthafah went tearing through the ranks of the
enemy. He was seriously wounded, but most of the leaders of the disbelievers
were killed, and Islam triumphed. It is one of the greatest battles fought in
history where a handful of unarmed and outnumbered men routed a powerful and
well-equipped army.
When Hafsah heard of
her husband’s heroic deeds she was very happy, and praised his valour in
battle; but she also realized that in this condition he would need the best
care possible. She immediately recited the Ayah of Surat Al-Anfal which were
revealed in connection with the Battle of Badr,
“Allah made it only
as glad tidings, as that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no
victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [Noble Quran
8:10]
These Words of the
Allah Almighty promising victory inspired her and she happily turned to the
task of nursing her husband back to health. But it was not to be, for he was to
be blessed with an exalted position. A few days later he succumbed to his
injuries and joined the ranks of those who are blessed with eternal life. When
the Prophet (peace be upon him) heard of his passing away he arranged for him
to be buried in Jannatul Baqi, next to the uncle of Hafsah; he personally led
the funeral prayers. Hafsah was, naturally, grief stricken, but being a true
believer she respectfully submitted to the Will of Allah. She turned towards
her Maker and courageously gave herself even more to prayer and meditation. She
was at this time barely twenty-one years old.
For her father it was
very painful to see his daughter in this state. Her silent courage under these
circumstances, her patient prayers and her study of the Quran irradiated her
countenance with a spiritual beauty and innocence, but there was also a sadness
because of the harsh loneliness that had become part of her life.
To be continued…
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