The pure faith of Ramlah, daughter of Abu Sufyan

Ramlah was the daughter of the chief of Makkah Abu Suffyan, she was also known by her kunya Umm Habibah. No one dared to go against her father but she alongside her husband Ubayd-ullah son of Jahsh had strong faith in Allah that were embedded in their hearts and declined believing in the idolatrous beliefs of her forefathers. Despite with all of his attempts, he could not persuade them to return to the dieties of the Quraysh.

They endured torture and hardships and were amongst those who migrated to Abysinnia for safety and peace. The leaders of the Quraysh including her father did not like that they were freed to hold their beliefs in Abysinnia and tried to persuade King Negus to allow them into their net of persecution. However, upon listening to the evidence from the Quran and examining them , he himself became a muslim and was committed to protect the people who followed the message of Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him).

When suddenly, Ramlah (may Allah have mercy upon her) dreamt that her husband was in a helpless situation in the ocean where each wave drowned him. She woke up worried for her husband and did not disclose this dream to anyone. The dream came into reality when her husband left Islam into Christianity and faced a dilemma: Should she become a Christian alongside her husband or should she return to the religion of her forefathers or should she remain as a muslim without marital support and no country.

Ramlah made an amazing decision which I entirely find it inspiring. Due to her sincere devotion to Allah, she rather become a divorcee and leave the man she loved, the father of her daughter and stick to her beliefs. Her husband could not bear her departure after becoming a Christian and consumed alcohol as a way of relief and passed away.

Something amazing happened one day that gave Ramlah beams of happiness. Prophet Muhammed peace and blessings asked her hand in marriage and this message was given by Abrahah; a servant of King Negus. Khalid, the son of Said, the son of Al-Aaas was her wali and many of the companions of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon them) gathered at King Negus’s palace to witness and celebrate the wedding. Ramlah was so generous that she gave some of her mahr money to Abrahah but he declined and informed her that King Negus has ordered that he should not take anything from her and there were gifts given from the women of the palace.

She lived with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) until his death and narrated a number of hadiths.

Lessons to be learnt:

To endure the tests of this world patiently: she faced her father, her husband, her tribe for her beliefs and due to her patience, Allah granted her the most beautiful gift which was that she married Prophet Muhammed peace and blessings be upon him and her life turned from a moment of sadness to an oasis of serenity and relief. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep up the faith, keep your heart, mind and soul malice-free by continuous remembrance in Allah (The Most High).
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