Hazrat Hafsah bint ‘Hazrat
Umar’ (RA)
Introduction
Hazrat Hafsah (RA) was
the daughter of Hazrat 'Umar Faruq (RA) and her mother name is Zainab bint
Maz’un. She was the niece of Hazrat
'Uthman bin Maz'un (RA). Her uncle from the paternal side was Zayd bin Khattab.
Hazrat 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (RA) was her brother.
Her qualities and moral character
Hafsah was an extremely
religious lady who used to spend her time in prayer and fasting. She was an
excellent writer and orator and an ardent follower of Islam.
Hazrat Hafsah (RA) had
such noble qualities and such an amiable nature that Hazrat 'A'ishah (RA) remarked
that among wives of the Prophet (SAW) only she could compare with her. Her life
is exemplary, brought up as she was by a Companion of the caliber of Hazrat 'Umar
bin Khattab (RA).
Her Birth
She was born 5 years before the declaration of prophet hood by Hadrat Mohammad (SAW)
The Qureshites were the trustees of
the house of Allah i.e. Ka‘aba. Many years before the declaration of prophet hood
by Hadrat Mohammad (SAW), once the whole of the Quraish tribe was busy in
reconstruction and renovation of Ka‘aba. In the process, everybody whether old
or young, was participating. Umar bin Khattab was also one of them. Suddenly a
messenger came running to him and broke the news that his wife had given birth
to a daughter. This daughter was Hafsa. Hafsa, who later became the mother of
the faithful after her marriage with the Holy Prophet (SAW).
On the declaration of prophethood by
Hadrat Mohammad (SAW), the whole of Quraish and Arab society turned against
him. Old colleagues, friends, and relatives turned into enemies and people who
used to call him The Honest, and The Truthful now looked for any opportunity to
kill him. Hazrat Umar (RA) was also one of those ‘daring’ persons who had planned
to kill the Holy Prophet (SAW). But, as the dawn of a day
after a long dark night is expected; so was the case with Hazrat Umar. Soon,
Hazrat Umar embraced Islam and the sword, which was so far thirsty for the
blood of the Holy Prophet (SAW), turned into the Holy Prophet’s shield. After
embracing Islam, Umar, once so hostile to the Holy Prophet (SAW) became a very
zealous Muslim, ready to sacrifice anything for the cause of Islam and at the
call of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Since Hadrat Umar commanded great respect in
Arabian society, a lot of people embraced Islam in those days following her
father’s footsteps.
Early life
First marriage: Hadrat Hafsa’s first marriage took
place with Khunays bin Hadhafa. Khunays and Hadrat Hafsa were dedicated
followers of Islam. They had decided to stay by the side of the Holy Prophet
(SAW) in the face of all hostilities and opposition. Islam had strengthened
their bond of love. On the eve of migration, both never faltered. They welcomed
this sacrifice and left their homeland for the love of Islam. Migration was not
a trivial matter. It was the turning point of history and played a great role
in the lives of Muslims. When the life at Makkah was no longer bearable for
Muslims, the Holy Prophet (SAW) ordered migration to Madina, and every Muslim,
leaving behind their kith and kin, properties, homeland, social affinities,
relatives and their past, started for Madina. Hadrat Hafsa and Hadrat Khunays,
were among the migrants. It was the beginning of a new life for both wife and
husband. Hadrat Hafsa and Khunays were now soldiers of Islam.
The background of her marriage with the Holy Prophet (SAW)
The non-believers and Makkans did not
discontinue their hostility even after the migration and chased the Muslims to
Madina. Muslims at Madina were not allowed by Makkans to live at peace, until
the first battle was fought at Badar. After sacrificing money, property,
homeland and relatives, now the moment of sacrifice of their lives had come.
Hadrat Khunays was no coward and volunteered for the battle as a soldier. He
fought in the battle relentlessly. Makkans were astonished to see the bravery
of Hadrat Khunays. Khunays received serious injuries in the battle and returned
to Madina, victorious and wounded. The wounds proved fatal and he died leaving
Hadrat Hafsa as a widow.
After the death of Hadrat Hafsa’s
husband, Hadrat Umar became worried about Hadrat Hafsa’s re-marriage. The
background of her marriage with the Holy Prophet (SAW) is quite interesting.
Hadrat Umar wanted to marry her with Hadrat Abu Bakr. He discussed the matter
with Hadrat Abu Bakr and solicited his views. Hadrat Abu Bakr kept mum and gave
no reply. Hadrat Umar felt unhappy over this re-action of Hadrat Abu Bakr. In
the meantime, Ruqiya the wife of Hadrat Othman and the daughter of the Holy
Prophet (SAW), died. Hadrat Umar proposed this match to Hadrat Othman when he
was deeply grief stricken. Othman said ‘I am not inclined to marriage so
early’.
Disappointed Hadrat Umar came to, the
Holy Prophet Hadrat Mohammad (SAW) and narrated the whole story. Hadrat Umar
and the Holy Prophet (SAW) had a deep loving association. This association had
now reached a point where it could be further strengthened. The daughter of
Hadrat Abu Bakr was already married to the Holy Prophet (SAW). This blessing
was now to be conferred on Hadrat Umar’s daughter too. On hearing the story of
Hadrat Umar, the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:
Be not grieved , Omar,” a better wife is destined for Usman, and a
better husband for the daughter”
“The Holy Prophet (SAW) married
another of his daughter, Hadrat Kulsoom to Hadrat Othman and himself asked for
the hand of Hadrat Hafsa from Hadrat Umar. Thus Hadrat Othman became
Dhun-Noorain (A person having two lights. This surname was given to Hadrat
Othman indicating his marriages with the two daughters of the Holy Prophet
(SAW) one after the other), and Hadrat Hafsa became the mother of the faithful.
Hadrat Hafsa was married to the Holy Prophet (SAW) in the third year of Hijra.
After this marriage Hadrat Abu Bakr met Hadrat Umar and said:
“Do not be angry with me. The Holy
Prophet (SAW) had already showed his inclination of marrying Hafsa and I could
not disclose it before hand, so I kept quiet. Had I not known the Prophet’s
inclination I would have certainly accepted your proposal”.
This explanation cleared the misunderstanding
of Hadrat Umar. The most interesting thing in the details of this incident is
that it was destined for Hadrat Hafsa to be the mother of the faithful, so it
happened accordingly despite best efforts of Hadrat Umar for marrying her to
others. Hadrat Hafsa enjoyed a very successful and happy life thereafter.
Hadrat Hafsa had deep religious knowledge
Hadrat Hafsa
had deep religious knowledge and was always eager for further learning. Her
religious knowledge can be assessed by one incident when the Prophet said:
“I hope the
people who participated in Badar (Battle fought between Makkans and Madinite
Muslims) and Hudaibiya (A place where peace treaty between Makkans and Muslims
and Madina was signed) will not be condemned to Hell in Hereafter”.
Immediately,
Hadrat Hafsa made a query: “O, Prophet of Allah, how is it possible; Because
Allah says that every one of us will have the experience of Hell, at least
once, in the next life”. And then she recited the following verse from Quran:
“And then We will salvage the pious people and leave the cruel fallen on their
knees”.
This verse
substantiated Hadrat Hafsa’s view point. Such was her understanding and insight
in religion that compelled her contemporaries to visit her for learning
religion and its teachings. Hadrat Abdullah bin Umar, Hamza bin Abdullah, Haris
bin Obaiy, Abdur Rehman bin Haris, Safia bint-e-Abi Ubaida, and Umm-e-Maisher
Ansaria are among her pupils in religious knowledge.
Hadrat Hafsa has reported sixty Ahadith
Hadrat Hafsa
has reported sixty traditions (Ahadith that she heard either direct from the
Holy Prophet (SAW) or from her father Hadrat Umar. Apart from these qualities
she was a pious lady. She strictly followed the teachings of Islam in letter
and spirit. Sometimes, she prayed the whole night. She was an early riser in
the morning for Fajar (morning) prayers. During her old age and while suffering
from failing health, she used to fast regularly.
Hadrat Hafsa had a bit hot temper
Hadrat Ayesha and Hadrat Hafsa had
great love for each other and shared many experiences together. Jealousy
sometimes arose between the two wives, but there was no lasting bitterness
between them. Hadrat Hafsa was quite stubborn and had a bit hot temper. Hadrat
Ayesha said;
“Hafsa was just like her father.
Constancy was Umar’s overwhelming characteristic, and same was true about
Hafsa”.
On certain occasions Hadrat Hafsa
spoke harshly to the Holy Prophet (SAW). One such instance has been reported by Hadrat
Umar as follows:
“In
pre-Islamic days, women were used to be looked down upon. One day I was busy in
some task and my wife intervened. I became angry and rebuked her that she had
no business to interfere in such matters. My wife said: “You do not like my
interruption and your daughter Hafsa loses her temper even with the Holy
Prophet (SAW)”. Hearing this, I went to Hafsa and inquired about the matter.
She confessed that it had happened so many times. I warned her to be careful in
future; otherwise she might invite the wrath of Allah”.
Her short
temper never touched the boundaries of insolence, rudeness or arrogance. She
lived a virtuous life
She breathed her last
Hazrat Hafsah (RA) died in the year 41st after Hijrah aged
fifty-nine. At the time of death she was with fasting. The funeral prayers were
led by the governor of Al-Madinah, Marwan bin Al-Hakam. Abu Hurairah and Abu
Sa'id Khudri, the eminent Companion of the Prophet (SAW) were among those who
carried the shroud to Jannatul Baqi'. Her two brothers, 'Abdullah bin 'Umar and
'Asim bin 'Umar placed her gently into her final resting place. Salem bin
'Abdullah, 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Abdullah and Hamzah bin 'Abdullah, all the sons
of 'Abdullah bin 'Umar also attended the funeral.
And so a righteous and learned writer and reciter of the
Noble Quran who devoted herself from her youth to prayer, fasting and
meditation passed into history.
These Ayat from Surat Al-Qamar express an apt tribute to
this great Mother of the Believers.
"Verily, the pious will be in the midst of Graders and
Rivers (Paradise). In a seat of truth, near the Omni potent King." [Noble
Quran 54:54-55]
