The Wisdom of Rumaysah bint Milhan (Umm Sulaym)

A woman known for her intellect, strength and character before her conversion of Islam in Yathrib; the present-day Madinah. She was the mother of one of the prominent companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Anas ibn Malik (May Allah have mercy upon him). Her name was Rumaysa Bint Milhan (May Allah have mercy upon her) otherwise known as Umm Sulaym.

Her husband, Malik ibn an-Nadr disapproved of her new faith especially teaching it to their son Anas. Malik was killed by a setup plan by one of his enemies. Rumaysa raised Anas on her own. A man called Zaid ibn Sahl (May Allah have mercy upon him) was interested in marrying Umm Sulaym and approached her house in presence of her son; Anas (may Allah have mercy upon him). Despite his character, skills, wealth and other materialistic aspects of what he could offer, she refused because he was not Muslim and would only accept once he converts and that would be her dowry of marriage.

Upon hearing this news, some were shocked whereas others admired this. Following their marriage, they lived a happy life, dedicating their lives to Islam and others. He was one of the people who undertook the oath of loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) at Aqabah. Abu Talhah (May Allah have mercy upon him) loved our Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and whenever he visited their house, they would welcome our Beloved Prophet with dates. Umm Sulaym would even collect the sweat from his forehead. When questioned by our Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for this act, she said

‘I am taking these as a barakah (blessing) from you’.

Even Anas ibn Malik (May Allah have mercy upon him) used to go to the house of our Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to give dates especially in special occasions. For instance, when his baby brother Abdullah was born, Anas brought a bag of dates with the baby to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Subhanallah!

The exemplary love Umm Sulaym and her family had for the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is amazing! With her unlimited courage, she took care of the injured and defended the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) at the Battle of Ohoud and Khandaq. Her sister Umm Haram died during a naval expedition in Cyprus, her brother died besides the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), her husband Abu Talhah also died during a naval expedition when Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah have mercy upon him) was caliph.

Rumaysah bint Milhan (may Allah have mercy upon him) was a patient person and this can be reflected when her husband was away and her son Umayr was unwell and passed away. Despite her sadness, she strengthened herself to bath her child and wrap him and tried to tell her husband herself.
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The uncompromising faith of Umm Sulaym (may Allah have mercy upon her) has rooted her as a good model, mother and wife. She and her family devoted their lives in a modest manner to educate, learn and build a society upon love, mercy, faith and Islam. Their way of life even influenced the next generation where her grandsons learnt the Book of Allah, The Glorious Quran, by heart.

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