Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr: Heroine of the Hijrah and Mother of Great Men
Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr As-Siddiq was a
remarkable woman who combined sharp intelligence, unwavering commitment to
truth, and detachment from worldly luxuries. She was among the earliest
converts to Islam and absorbed steadfastness upon faith in the household of her
father, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, at a time when openly embracing Islam meant risking
one's life.
Her life contains many moments that
highlight her courage and resilience. Among the most significant was the
journey of the Hijrah, the
event in which her intelligence and bravery shone most clearly. When the
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr migrated from
Makkah, Asma’ was the one who secretly delivered food and news to them while
they were hiding in the Cave of Thawr.
Why Asma’ Was Called “The Woman of Two Waistbelts”
Asma’ became known as “The Woman of
Two Waistbelts” because when she could not find anything with which to tie the
food container for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), she tore her
waistband into two pieces. She used one half to secure the provisions and wore
the other half herself. The Prophet then gave her the glad tidings of receiving
two waistbelts in Paradise.
Yet Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr was not merely
“The Woman of Two Waistbelts” during the Hijrah. She embodied this symbolism
throughout her life. One belt connected her household to piety, while the other
connected her children to history and everlasting honor.
She raised her sons, Abdullah Ibn
Az-Zubayr—the political and military leader—and `Urwah Ibn Az-Zubayr—the
scholar and jurist—upon true faith and steadfast commitment to it.
Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr and Al-Hajjaj Ibn
Yusuf Ath-Thaqafi
Historical accounts narrate that her
son Abdullah sought her counsel when he was besieged by the army of Al-Hajjaj
Ibn Yusuf Ath-Thaqafi and witnessed people abandoning him.
Her response, preserved in the books
of history, was: “My son, if you know that you are upon the truth and calling
people to it, then continue upon that path. Your companions have already been
killed for its sake. But if what you seek is only this worldly life, then what
a miserable servant you are. You have destroyed yourself and destroyed those
who were killed alongside you.”
This was the same steadfastness she
displayed when confronting Al-Hajjaj after he had killed her son Abdullah.
Attempting to humiliate her, he asked:
“How do you think I treated the enemy of Allah?” Referring to her son. She
replied with complete composure: “I saw that you ruined his worldly life, but
he ruined your Hereafter.”
A Woman of Patience, Generosity, and
Contentment
In addition to being the Woman of Two Waistbelts,
Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr was known for her patience, generosity, steadfastness upon
truth, and noble character.
She was content with whatever Allah
had decreed for her and patiently served her household while assisting her
husband Az-Zubayr in managing their affairs.
Despite the financial difficulties she
faced early in life, she remained exceptionally generous.
Her son Abdullah used to say: “I never
saw two women more generous than `A’ishah and Asma’. As for `A’ishah, she would
collect things until she had gathered enough and then distribute them
appropriately. As for Asma’, she would save nothing for tomorrow because of her
certainty in what Allah possessed.”
Alongside these qualities, she was
also deeply loyal to her husband Az-Zubayr.
Although she eventually separated from
him later in life because of his stern temperament after years of struggle and
patience, she nevertheless demonstrated remarkable dignity. Despite being
highly respected and admired, she refused to remarry after him.
This was in accordance with the advice
of her father Abu Bakr when she once came to complain about her husband. He
told her: “My daughter, be patient. If a woman has a righteous husband who dies
and she does not marry after him, they will be reunited in Paradise.”
The Strength of Asma’ in the Face of Abu
Jahl
Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr was a living
embodiment of the verse: {Among the believers are
men who have proven true to what they pledged to Allah.} [Al-Ahzab 33:23]
Although the verse specifically
mentions men, Asma’, through her courage, knowledge, wisdom, and patience,
outweighed thousands of men in the noble qualities she possessed and remains an
example for all who seek such virtues.
Anyone who studies her biography
encounters situations that even the strongest individuals would struggle to
endure.
One such incident occurred when Abu
Jahl, one of the leading enemies of Islam, came to her in anger searching for
information about the whereabouts of her father and the Prophet during the
Hijrah.
He struck her so violently that her
earring fell from her ear.
Yet she did not weaken. She did not
reveal the location of her father or the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon
him). Despite her young age, she remained firm and resolute.
Supporting Her Husband Through Hardship
In another chapter of her life, Asma’
endured physical hardship and exhausting labor to support her husband.
She herself said: “Az-Zubayr married
me when he owned nothing on earth except a horse.”
She would feed the horse, carry water,
and travel long distances carrying date pits on her head from land granted to
Az-Zubayr by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Although she was the daughter of Abu
Bakr, she never complained about the hardship or fatigue.
Instead, she endured these
difficulties to support her husband.
How Asma’ Respected Her Husband’s
Protective Jealousy
Another important aspect of Asma’s
life was her consideration for her husband's protective jealousy.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and
blessings be upon him) spoke truthfully when he said: “Let me inform you about the best a man hoards; it is a
virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives
her a command, and guards his interests when he is away from her.”
Historical accounts mention that one
day Asma’ was carrying date pits upon her head when she encountered the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) accompanied by a group of Al-Ansar.
The Prophet knelt his camel to allow
her to ride with him. However, she felt shy and immediately remembered
Az-Zubayr and his protective nature, so she continued walking instead.
When she later informed Az-Zubayr
about the incident, he replied: “By Allah, your
carrying the date stones (and you being seen by the Prophet (peace be upon
him) in such a state) is
more shameful to me than your riding with him.”
They were two righteous spouses who
appreciated and considered one another both in presence and in absence.
Asma’ respected her husband's feelings
and avoided anything that could disturb harmony between them, while Az-Zubayr
felt pain over the hardships she endured and appreciated both her modesty and
consideration. He expressed those feelings through words that comforted the
heart and strengthened affection.
Asma’: One of the Greatest Women in
History
Asma’ Bint Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, the
Woman of Two Waistbelts, remains a unique model among women.
She combined courage, natural
intelligence, loyalty to her family, and devotion to her faith.
She was not merely an ordinary female
Companion, nor simply the daughter of a Companion or the wife of a Companion.
She was an independent personality
defined by determination and conviction.
She taught us that patience is not
surrender. Rather, it is effort and perseverance within the home—as
demonstrated through her life with Az-Zubayr—and steadfastness upon principles
during great trials—as demonstrated through her confrontation with Al-Hajjaj.
History has recorded Asma’ Bint Abu
Bakr as one of the greatest women who ever lived.
For Further Reading:
- 5 Powerful Roles of Muslim Women in Shaping the Ummah’s Identity
- Chastity in Islam as a Protection of Human Dignity
- Lessons for Every Muslim Woman from the Life of Asiya
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