When the Prophet (ﷺ) proceeded for the Battle of Badr, I said to him: Messenger of Allah allow me to accompany you in the battle. I shall act as a nurse for patients. It is possible that Allah might bestow martyrdom upon me. He said: Stay at your home. Allah, the Almighty , will bestow martyrdom upon you.
The narrator said: Hence she was called martyr. She read the Qur'an. She sought permission from the Prophet (ﷺ) to have a mu'adhdhin in her house. He, therefore, permitted her (to do so).
She announced that her slave and slave-girl would be free after her death. One night they went to her and strangled her with a sheet of cloth until she died, and they ran away.
Next day Umar announced among the people, "Anyone who has knowledge about them, or has seen them, should bring them (to him)."
Umar (after their arrest) ordered (to crucify them) and they were crucified. This was the first crucifixion at Medina.
Narrated by Narrated Umm Waraqah daughter of Nawfal:
Context
Umm Waraqah narrates her desire to accompany the Prophet (ﷺ) to the Battle of Badr to care for the wounded, expressing her wish for martyrdom. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised her to stay home, assuring her that Allah would grant her martyrdom. This story highlights the roles women played in early Islamic society and the recognition of their contributions.
Modern Application
In contemporary society, women continue to seek ways to contribute meaningfully to their communities. This hadith serves as inspiration for women to pursue their aspirations, whether in caregiving, leadership, or other roles, while recognizing their value in various capacities.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community and Martyrdom because it illustrates the significant role of women in the early Muslim community and their aspirations for spiritual recognition.
O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire."
Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment,
This hadith is #591 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat). It is graded Hasan and narrated by Narrated Umm Waraqah daughter of Nawfal:.
