Q. Could you send me stories of this woman, she was the caretaker of the Prophet (s.a.w). I want to know more about her.
A. Umm Ayman’s name was Barakah and was called Umm Ayman after her son. She was once a slave whom the Prophet (SAS) inherited after the demise of his father, Abdullah. In his early childhood life, Umm Ayman used to look after him and care for him. When the Prophet (SAS) grew up, he set her free and got her married to his freed slave Zaid ibn Haritha (RA). From them, the great companion Usamah ibn Zaid (RA) was born.
Umm Ayman loved the Prophet (SAS) dearly like her own son, and he also treated her like his mother and visited her from time to time. Even after the Prophet’s (SAS) death, his beloved companions, Abu Bakr and Umar (RA) continued to visit her. On seeing them, she will often weep thinking about the Prophet (SAS).
She was indeed a blessed woman who had the honor of nurturing and caring for the Prophet (SAS) in his early childhood. Her sincerity of faith and love for Allah made her such a distinguished woman that the Prophet (SAS) extended his warmth and love to her as if she was his mother. Even after his demise, the blessed companions continued to pay visits to her.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan