Hazrate Umm Hakim Bint al-Harith (R.A)

Umm Hakim was the niece of Abu Jahl who was a sharp witted and a wise woman. Her father Al-Harith gave her to Ikrima in marriage. Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) and Hazrat Al-Harith (R.A) only entered into the fold of Islam, after the conquest of Makkah, but Ikrima, whose blood was made lawful by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), ran away at that time.

Having tasted the joys of the new faith Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) wished her husband to embrace Islam. She went to Holy Prophet (S.A.W) asking Him (S.A.W) to forgive her husband Ikrima if he entered Islam. Thereby, Holy Prophet (S.A.W) forgave him. No sooner did she hear the Prophet's (S.A.W) decree than she went forward to look for her fleeing husband so that she might find him. After a long search, she managed to find him, She told him that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) had forgiven him.

Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) then began to speak to him about Islam, how elevated are its goals. She (R.A) also spoke about the honourable character of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) when He entered Makkah and how He (S.A.W) forgave all the people there, although they had conspired against them before.

All what Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) said touched her husband's heart. He returned with her to embrace Islam before the hands of Holy Prophet (S.A.W). Hazrat Ikrima (R.A) kept adhering to Islam and fighting in the cause of Allah (S.W.T) until He (R.A) attained the honour of Martyrdom. Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) kept patient, although she was greatly affected by the death of Her husband, brother and father in the battlefield.

After the death of Hazrat Ikrima (R.A), she (R.A) was engaged to Hazrat Khalid ibn Sa'id (R.A), a Muslim leader. There occurred a war in which Hazrat Khalid (R.A) had to lead the Muslim troops. Hazrat Khalid (R.A) wanted to marry Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) before wading into war, but Hazrate Umm Hakim (R.A) refused and asked him to delay that after war. He (R.A) said, "I feel that I may not return from the battlefield." Therefore, She (R.A) agreed.

After the marriage had taken place Hazrat Khalid (R.A) went to battle with the Romans and attained Martyrdom. It was said that Hazrat Umm Hakim (R.A), after knowing that her husband had been Martyred, also waded into war to fight against the enemy.

SubhanAllah! Despite facing this great loss, the over whelming love of Deen surpassed her personal loss. May Allah (S.W.T) have mercy on Her.