Question
Please provide a brief biography of Ummu Ma’bad.
Answer
You are probably referring to Ummu Ma’bad Al Khuza’iyyah. Her name is ‘Atikah bintu Khalid. Ummu Ma’bad (radiyallahu ‘anha) is famous for her Hadith wherein she described Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in the most eloquent manner.
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was migrating to Madinah Munawwarah with Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu), they stopped by her tent. She was an elderly woman and they requested to purchase some meat and dates from her. However, she was destitute and did not have any provisions. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw an undernourished ewe and requested permission to milk it. Miraculously, milk flowed from its udders. When they all drank, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left behind some milk for her and departed.
When her husband, Abu Ma’bad returned, he was surprised to see the milk and asked her to describe Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Ummu Ma’bad (radiyallahu ‘anha) described Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in the most eloquent manner.
Some Scholars were of the opinion that she was already a Muslim at the time and others were of the opinion that she went to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) at a later stage and accepted Islam.
(Refer: Al Isti’ab, vol. 4 pg. 513-515, Al Isabah, vol. 14 pg. 524-528)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar