6.8. UMM SALAMAH AND THE DAY OF HUDAYBIYAH
After concluding the truce with Quraysh on the Day of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded his Companions to slaughter their animals and then to have their hair cut. However, the Companions did not respond. They thought that this truce was a kind of oppression to the Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) repeated his command three times but there still was no response. Accordingly, he returned to the camp angrily and mentioned what had happened to Umm Salamah, who was accompanying him. Whereupon, she said, “Would you like the Muslims do what you want?” “Yes,” he remarked. Then, she said, “You should go out and do not speak with any one until you slaughter your camel and have your hair cut.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) approved of her opinion and went out and did not speak with anyone until he did as she said. As soon as the people saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) doing that, they started to slaughter their animals and cut each other’s hair to the extent that they were about to kill one another out of sorrow.
The great situation, which surrounded Umm Salamah, is an important part of Islamic history. She voiced her opinion in the affairs of the Ummah. This, indeed, proves the soundness of her rationality, intelligence, judiciousness, sound judgement, good character, great knowledge, and far-sightedness.
The Muslim woman should be wise and realize the magnificent responsibility that Islam has placed on her shoulders. She should know well that Islam has assigned her to be a good kind and caring wife and educator of her children. She must offer her husband all means that satisfy his human needs, furnish his heart, please his feelings, renew his activity, and enable him to fulfill his mission. Knowing these facts, the Muslim wife does not run short of giving her husband the best of her opinions nor slackens to support him when needed. Rather, she encourages him, consoles him, and gives him her advice.
In his book, Fath al-Bari, Ibn Hajar stated, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) approved of the opinion of the Mother of the Believers, Umm Salamah, and did what she said. As soon as the people saw the Prophet doing that, they started to do what he had commanded them to do. This undoubtedly indicates the blessing of consultation and that if action is joined with saying, it will be more fitting. In general, one’s actions are not more befitting than one’s words. It also proves the permissibility of consulting women as well as the virtue of Umm Salamah, her rationality and sound judgement.
Thus, the Muslims came to their senses after they had been overcome by their emotions and as a result they were about to be ruined because of their hesitation in obeying the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Almighty Allah saved them through the blessing of the Prophet’s consultation with Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) whose name will be mentioned whenever the Day of Hudaybiyah is recalled.
She continued participating in Jihad and Da along with the Prophet (peace be upon him) until he (peace be upon him) fell ill. Seeing the Prophet (peace be upon him) longing for the day of A’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, his wives including Umm Salamah, willingly permitted him to stay wherever he desired.
(SOURCE: Wives of Prophet Muhammad, Their Strives and Their Lives by Muhammad Fathi Mus’ ad)
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