Sahabiyyah RA of African Descent

“My Mother After My Mother”

Yesterday, we reflected on the importance of recognizing the contributions of women and girls of African descent, and we spoke about how Islam had already established the principles of dignity, equality and honour over fourteen centuries ago. Today, we turn our attention to one of the most remarkable women in Islamic history — a woman of African origin whose devotion, sacrifice and unwavering faith earned her a place unlike any other.

Her name was Barakah bint Tha’labah, but history knows her more affectionately as Umm Ayman (رضي الله عنها).

She was originally from Abyssinia — present-day Ethiopia — and was part of the household of Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib and Sayyidah Aminah (رضي الله عنها). When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born, Umm Ayman became his caregiver and remained by his side from his earliest days.

Imagine the immense privilege she had. She witnessed the infancy of the one who would become the Mercy to the Worlds. She cared for him, comforted him and watched him grow from a young child into the final Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

One of the most touching moments in the Seerah came when the Prophet ﷺ was only six years old. His mother, Sayyidah Aminah (رضي الله عنها), had taken him to Madinah to visit his maternal relatives and the grave of his father. On the journey back to Makkah, she fell ill and passed away at a place called Abwa.

For a young child, losing a mother is one of life’s greatest sorrows. It was Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها who accompanied the young Muhammad ﷺ on that journey and brought the orphaned child safely back to Makkah.

She became a source of comfort during one of the most difficult moments of his young life.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why, many years later, the Prophet ﷺ would lovingly say:

“Umm Ayman is my mother after my mother.”

This was not merely a compliment. It was an acknowledgement of years of care, love and sacrifice.

SubhanAllah, this teaches us something profound. Islam values people not because of their race, social status or wealth, but because of their sincerity, loyalty and good character.

Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها was not from the Quraysh. She was not from one of the powerful tribes of Arabia. She was a woman of African origin who had once been in servitude. Yet in the sight of Allah, and in the heart of His Messenger ﷺ, she occupied a position of immense honour.

This should make every Muslim reflect on how we measure greatness today.

Do we judge people by their titles, their income or their appearance? Or do we value them by their faith, kindness and service to others?

The life of Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها reminds us that true honour is earned through taqwa, sincerity and steadfastness.

When revelation came and the Prophet ﷺ began calling people to Islam, Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها did not hesitate. She accepted Islam in its earliest days, becoming one of the first believers. She endured the hardships faced by the early Muslims and remained steadfast through persecution and sacrifice.

Her faith was not passive — it was active. She lived Islam every single day through service, patience and unwavering loyalty to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Another beautiful aspect of her life is the affection the Prophet ﷺ continued to show her even after he became the leader of the Muslim Ummah.

Despite carrying the responsibility of guiding an entire nation, he never forgot those who had cared for him in his childhood. He would visit Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها regularly, ask about her wellbeing and encourage his companions to honour her.

As we continue commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, Umm Ayman (رضي الله عنها) stands as a timeless example of dignity, resilience and devotion. Her story challenges us to look beyond outward labels and recognize the true qualities that elevate a person in the sight of Allah.