Rumaysa

Even before Islam, Rumaysa was known for her good character.  She was very intelligent and independent.  Her father’s name was Khalid.

Rumaysa’s first husband was Malik.  She had a son by this marriage, Anas.  He became a great companion of the Prophet.

Rumaysa was one of the first women of Medina to accept Islam.  The Prophet had sent Musab to Medina.  He told the people of Medina about Islam.  He taught people like Rumaysa about the religion. 

Rumaysa went to Aqaba to pledge her loyalty to the Prophet.  Her husband was absent at the time.  When she came back, her husband noticed some change in her.  “What happened?” he asked.  “You seem different.”

“Now I believe in the Prophet Muhammad,” Rumaysa replied.      

Malik was not happy about this.  Rumaysa began telling everyone about Islam.  She taught Anas to declare his faith.  The young boy repeated it very clearly.  Malik was furious with his wife.  “Don’t corrupt my son,” shouted her husband.

“I’m not corrupting him.  I’m just telling him the truth,” replied Rumaysa.

Malik was very angry.  He set out to go to Damascus.  On the road one of his enemies killed him. 

Rumaysa remained devoted to her son.  She decided not to marry again unless Anas wanted her to.  She was a young, strong and beautiful widow.  Abu Talha wanted to get engaged

to her before anyone else did.  He was very rich and had a beautiful house.  He was a powerful man.  Everyone admired him.  He was also a skillful archer and horseman.

He asked Rumaysa to marry him, but she refused.  Abu Talha was a pagan.  Abu Talha didn’t believe her.  “Why don’t you marry me?” he asked.  “Do you want a lot of gold and silver?”

“No, I don’t want any gold or silver,” Rumaysa answered.  “I only want you to be a Muslim.  If you accept Islam, I can marry you.  You are a pagan.  You worship an idol.  But the idol is made of wood.  It can’t give you any harm or good.  Give up these foolish beliefs.  Become a Muslim and I will accept you as a husband.”       

“How do I become a Muslim?” Abu Talha asked.

“Make the declaration of faith,” Rumaysa replied.  “Testify that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.  Then go to your house and destroy your idol.”

Abu Talha did as Rumaysa said.  He went home and destroyed his idol.  Then he went to Rumaysa and declared his faith.  She took him to see the Prophet.  Muhammad (pbuh) was very pleased.

After that they were married.  They loved each other very much.  Rumaysa’s new husband spent his time and talents in the service of Islam.  They both went to Aqaba for the second pledge to the Prophet.

Abu Talha took part in all the major military campaigns.  He lived a very quiet life.  He had a wonderful garden in Medina with date palms, grapes and running water. One day while he was making salat in the shade of the trees, a beautiful bird