Sayyidah Safiya (R.A)

Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya’s (R.A) original name was Zainab, which was later changed to Safiya by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). She was the daughter of Hayy bin Akhtab, who was the leader of the Jewish tribe called Banu Nadeer. Her (R.A) mother's name was Durrah bint Samorah.

The individuals of this tribe were descendants of Hazrat Haroon (A.S), who was the brother of Hazrat Moosa (A.S).

Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya’s (R.A) first husband was Kanaanah bin Abul-Haqeeq (chief of Banu Nadeer), who was killed in the Battle of Khaibar.

During the battle, many people were captured and taken as prisoners, one of which was Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya’s (R.A). She (R.A) was later freed by Rasoolullah (S.A.W) and He made Nikaah to her in the month of Muharram, 7 AH.

He (S.A.W) took special care and paid particular attention to Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya (R.A), to an extent that Hazrat e Sayyidah Aisha (R.A) became envious of her.

It is narrated in Tirmidhi Shareef that once, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) found Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya (R.A) crying, and enquired as to the reason for this.

She replied, “Ya Rasoolullah (S.A.W)! Aisha (R.A) and Hafsa (R.A) have said to me that they're more respected by you, as their families link to yours”.

He (S.A.W) then consoled her by saying, “Safiya (R.A), Why didn't you say to them, ‘How can you two be more better than me, when Hazrat Haroon (A.S) is my Father, Hazrat Moosa (A.S) is my Uncle and Muhammad (S.A.W) is my Husband’?” (Zarqaani, Vol. 3, Pg. 259)

Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya (R.A) narrated 10 Ahadith, of which 1 is recorded in both Bukhari and Muslim Shareef, the rest are in other books of Hadith.

There is difference in opinion concerning the year in which Hazrat e Sayyidah Safiya (R.A) passed away, as Waaqdi states that it was during 50 AH, while Ibn Sa'ad states in 52 AH. She was 60 years of age at the time of her demise and is buried in Jannatul Baqi. (Zarqaani, Vol. 3, Pg. 259 & Madaarij, Vol. 2, Pg. 483)