HER GREAT QUALITIES

 FAJR REMINDER: HER GREAT QUALITIES

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 13, 1447 (30-May-2026)

Among the many noble qualities of our mother, Sawdah Bint Zam’ah Ibn Qays (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha), are traits that every Muslim should strive to acquire. Men, in particular, should encourage and assist their wives and daughters in cultivating these virtues. Like the other wives of the Prophet (ﷺ), Sawdah greatly valued knowledge and understood that sincere worship and righteous practice must be built upon learning the religion of Islām.

Indeed, knowledge comes before action. It is unfortunate that some Muslims today believe they can act without first seeking knowledge. This misconception is one of the causes of Bid‘ah (innovation in Islām). Instead of referring to the Qur'ān and Sunnah, some rely on personal opinions and desires. As a result, they may falsely attribute statements to Allāh, speak about His Religion without knowledge, and even permit matters that He has not permitted, such as the consumption of dog meat or alcohol. Such actions are extremely dangerous.

Whoever wishes to worship Allāh correctly must do so upon guidance. A Muslim should first learn Allāh’s ruling concerning a matter before acting upon it. Allāh says: “O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allāh and His Messenger, and fear Allāh. Verily! Allāh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” [Sūrah Al-Ḥujrāt (49): 1]

Another remarkable quality of Sawdah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) was her willingness to sacrifice for the Sake of the one she loved. She chose Allāh and His Messenger above all else and was content with the noble position that Allāh granted her. From the outset, she understood that the Prophet (ﷺ) married her out of mercy and compassion. Yet she was delighted to be his wife, to serve him, and to care for his daughters. No shelter could have been more honourable or secure for her than the household of the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ).

What brought her even greater joy was attaining the distinguished title of “Mother of the Believers.” Recognising the immense virtue of remaining among the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ), she willingly gave her allotted night to Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha), allowing the Prophet (ﷺ) to spend that time with her. This was a sign of her wisdom, selflessness, and deep understanding of what truly mattered.

I beseech Allāh to be Especially Merciful to Sawdah Bint Zam’ah Ibn Qays. Aameen.