Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had seven children: three sons and four daughters. His daughters were Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah رضي الله عنهن. Among them was Zaynab رضي الله عنها, whose life included a remarkable story of marriage, separation, patience, loyalty and eventual reunion with her husband, Abu Al-As bin Al-Rabi رضي الله عنه.
Her story remains one of the touching accounts from the life of the Prophet's family, showing the meaning of keeping promises, protecting family bonds and remaining steadfast through difficult circumstances.
Who Was Zaynab, Daughter of Prophet Muhammad?
Zaynab رضي الله عنها was the eldest daughter of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Khadijah رضي الله عنها.
She married Abu Al-As bin Al-Rabi while her mother was still alive. Zaynab accepted Islam before her husband, while Abu Al-As remained upon the religion of his people for some time.
Despite this difference, Abu Al-As did not become an enemy of Zaynab or her father. When Quraysh pressured him to divorce her, he refused.
Zaynab's Marriage to Abu Al-As
The Quraysh tried to persuade Abu Al-As to separate from Zaynab in order to hurt the Prophet ﷺ.
They offered to give him another woman from Quraysh in marriage, but he refused to abandon Zaynab.
His response demonstrated his deep affection for his wife and his determination to remain loyal to her despite the pressure surrounding him.
At that stage, the ruling prohibiting Muslim women from remaining married to polytheistic men had not yet been revealed, according to the historical accounts cited by scholars.
Zaynab's Loyalty After the Battle of Badr
Following the Battle of Badr, Abu Al-As was captured.
When Zaynab learned that her husband was among the prisoners, she sought to secure his release.
Among what she sent as his ransom was a necklace that her mother, Khadijah رضي الله عنها, had given her when she married Abu Al-As.
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw the necklace, he was deeply moved because it reminded him of Khadijah and their memories together.
The Prophet ﷺ asked the companions to release Zaynab's husband and return her necklace if they were willing. They agreed, and Abu Al-As was released.
Abu Al-As Promises to Let Zaynab Emigrate
Before Abu Al-As returned to Makkah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ obtained his promise that he would allow Zaynab to migrate to Medina.
Abu Al-As honored his promise.
Zaynab then traveled to Medina and remained with her father, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, while Abu Al-As stayed in Makkah.
His fulfillment of the promise reflected the honesty and integrity for which he was later remembered.
Abu Al-As Returns to Zaynab
Later, Abu Al-As traveled toward Syria for trade.
During his return, his caravan encountered a Muslim expedition. He escaped and eventually reached Medina, where he sought protection from Zaynab.
Zaynab رضي الله عنها granted him protection and announced it publicly.
The Prophet ﷺ respected her protection and asked the Muslims who had taken Abu Al-As's property to return it if they were willing.
They agreed, and his property was returned.
Abu Al-As then went back to Makkah and returned everything entrusted to him to its rightful owners.
Abu Al-As Accepts Islam
After returning people's property and fulfilling his obligations, Abu Al-As declared his acceptance of Islam.
He explained that he had previously hesitated to embrace Islam because he feared that the people of Quraysh would believe he had converted merely to take possession of their wealth.
After becoming Muslim, he traveled to Medina.
There, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reunited him with Zaynab رضي الله عنها.
This reunion took place in the seventh year after the Hijrah.
The long separation between husband and wife finally came to an end through faith, honesty and the fulfillment of promises.
The Children of Zaynab
Zaynab رضي الله عنها had two children with Abu Al-As: Ali and Umamah.
Ali died while still young during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Umamah رضي الله عنها lived longer and was dearly loved by the Prophet ﷺ.
One of the well-known narrations about her states that the Prophet ﷺ would carry her while praying. When he prostrated, he would put her down, and when he stood, he would carry her again.
The narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari.
The Prophet's Love for Umamah
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed great affection and tenderness toward his granddaughter Umamah.
It is also reported that a necklace was presented to him, and after admiring it, he placed it around Umamah's neck.
This account reflects the warmth and affection that characterized the Prophet's relationship with his grandchildren and family.
The Death of Zaynab
Zaynab رضي الله عنها did not live for long after her husband accepted Islam and they were reunited.
She died in the eighth year after the Hijrah, during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Her death deeply saddened the Prophet ﷺ, who cared for her burial and instructed the women responsible for preparing her body.
Her life remained an example of faith, patience, loyalty and devotion to family.
The Death of Abu Al-As
Abu Al-As رضي الله عنه lived after Zaynab's death.
Historical accounts state that he died during the caliphate of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه, in the year 12 AH.
His story with Zaynab remains a memorable chapter in the history of the Prophet's family because of its powerful themes of loyalty, honesty, patience and keeping one's promises.
Lessons from the Story of Zaynab and Abu Al-As
The story offers several important lessons:
- Keeping promises, even during difficult circumstances.
- Patience during separation and hardship.
- Remaining steadfast in faith.
- Returning people's rights and fulfilling trusts.
- Honesty and loyalty in human relationships.
- The transformative power of sincere faith.
- Compassion and maintaining family bonds.
The story of Zaynab رضي الله عنها and Abu Al-As bin Al-Rabi remains a touching chapter of Islamic history. It is a story of a woman who embodied patience and loyalty and a man whose honesty and commitment ultimately led him to Islam and reunion with the woman he loved.
FAQ
Who was Zaynab, daughter of Prophet Muhammad?
Zaynab رضي الله عنها was the eldest daughter of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Khadijah رضي الله عنها.
Who did Zaynab marry?
She married Abu Al-As bin Al-Rabi رضي الله عنه.
Did Abu Al-As accept Islam?
Yes. He accepted Islam after returning people's property and fulfilling his obligations.
How many children did Zaynab have?
She had two children, Ali and Umamah.
When did Zaynab die?
Zaynab ؤ died in the eighth year after the Hijrah, during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
