Hazrat Umm Rooman | سیرت حضرت ام رومان زوجہ حضرت ابوبکر صدیق رضی اللہ عنہ

Hazrat Umm Rooman

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"If any person wants to see a beautiful virgin of Paradise, he can see Umm Rooman."

She was the wife of Abu Bakr Siddiq and the mother of 'Ayshah Thus she was the Prophet's mother-in-law. Her son, 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr Siddiq was an excellent horseman, and a master strategist in war. She taught him the meaning of valor and courage. Her real name was Zaynab, but she came to be known by her family name. She was a patient and tolerant woman who did not jump to hasty conclusions, but gave matters deep thought. This was evident in the way she handled the incident when people of loose tongues and small minds accused 'Ayshah of adultery.

When her husband explained to her the teachings of Islam, she did not linger with doubts about giving up the religion of her ancestors. She immediately saw the greatness of Islam and accepted it. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw her attributes - physical and spiritual - he likened her to a celestial spirit of Paradise.

It is written in Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd that Umm Rooman accepted Islam in the very early days in Makkah. She swore allegiance at the hand of the Prophet himself and then migrated with the blessed group of emigrants.

When she witnessed the terrible atrocities committed by the Quraysh against the Muslims, she would suffer and weep for the innocent victims; but she gained courage when she saw the moral strength and exemplary sacrifice of her husband for the cause of Islam. She drew inspiration from him and found peace in his presence.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also used to exhort his faithful followers not to waver, but to be patient and hold steadfast to their faith, for they would surely in the Hereafter be rewarded with Paradise. The companions were the faithful who did not recant even when their bodies were cut in two with a saw. When he saw the suffering of the family of Yasir, he said to them,

'O family of Yasir! Be patient, for your final destination and resting place will be Paradise.'

During this long period, Umm Rooman remained an image of patience, forbearance courage and bravery. She spent most of her time in earnest supplications and prayers to Allah. When she saw her husband's devoted efforts for the propagation of Islam she expressed her admiration and gave him moral support. She devoted her time to the nurturing of her children in the traditions of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) often used to visit the house of his illustrious follower and friend, Abu Bakr Siddiq. He would advise Umm Rooman to keep encouraging and instilling the love of goodness in 'Ayshah.

Khadijah passed away three years before the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Al-Madinah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent a year as unmarried person. He then married 'Ayshah at the command of Allah as delivered by the Angel Jibril. Thus, Umm Rooman had the honor of becoming his mother-in-law. She expressed great happiness at the thought that her daughter would be one of those who joined the ranks of the blessed Mothers of the Believers. What other greater honor could she want for her family?

When Allah ordered the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to migrate to Al-Madinah he went to the house of his closest friend and Companion, Abu Bakr Siddiq. Without any questions or hesitation, he prepared to accompany the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He packed a few things and took all the cash there was in the house. He left his father, wife and children in the trust and care of Allah and set off for an unknown and unseen destination.