FROM A CAPTIVE TO A WIFE

 FAJR REMINDER: FROM A CAPTIVE TO A WIFE

By: Umm Affān

Ramaḍān 25, 1447 (14-March-2026)

During the battle between the Muslims and the tribe of Banu Al-Mustaliq, one of those taken captive was their princess, Juwayriyah Bint Al-Ḥārith. She came into the possession of Thābit Ibn Qays Ibn Shammās (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) as part of the war captives. This situation, however, was extremely difficult for her to accept. Determined to regain her freedom, she approached her master and negotiated a contract of emancipation. It was agreed that she would purchase her freedom for nine Ūqiyyah. Yet she had no means to gather such a large amount, especially now that the daughter of a chief had become a captive without wealth.

Seeking help, Juwayriyah insisted on meeting the Prophet (ﷺ), the one person she believed could assist her. She was known for her remarkable beauty and striking appearance. Our mother Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) described the moment, saying: “…She then came to the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) asking him for the purchase of her freedom. When she was standing at the door, I looked at her with disapproval. I realised that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) would look at her in the same way that I had looked.” [Sunan Abī Dawud 3931]

Juwayriyah addressed the Prophet (ﷺ), saying: “O Messenger of Allāh! I’m Juwayriyah, the daughter of Al-Ḥārith – the leader of his people. You are not oblivious to what has happened to me. I fell into the share of Thābit Ibn Qays and and I have agreed to purchase my freedom. I have come to you to seek assistance for the purchase of my freedom.” The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) responded with an offer greater than what she had asked for. He said:

“Are you inclined to that which is better?”

She asked: “What is that, Messenger of Allāh?” He replied: “I shall pay the price of your freedom on your behalf, and I shall marry you.” She said: “I shall do this.”

Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) later narrated the remarkable outcome of this marriage:

“The people then heard that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) had married Juwayriyah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu). They released the captives in their possession and set them free, and said: They are the relatives of the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) by marriage. We did not see any woman greater than Juwayriyah who brought blessings to her people. One hundred families of Banu Al-Mustaliq were set free on account of her.” [Sunan Abī Dawud 3931]

Through this marriage, Juwayriyah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) was honoured with the status of one of the Mothers of the Believers. The impact of this union was profound for the Banu Al-Mustaliq, many of whom later embraced Islām. It is also important to recognize that the Prophet (ﷺ), while possessing the natural human inclination toward marriage that Allāh created in mankind, entered into marriages that often carried broader wisdom and benefits beyond personal desire.

I beseech Allāh to bestow His Special Mercy upon our mother Juwayriyah Bint Al-Ḥārith. Aameen. Aameen.