(Ummu Kulthoom, the daughter of Faatimah [radhiyallahu ‘anhuma] – Part One)
Can one comprehend the greatness of a woman who Allah Ta‘ala has blessed with the following ‘credentials’?
1. Maternal grandfather – The paragon of Allah Ta‘ala’s creation, Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
2. Father – The lion of Allah Ta‘ala, Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
3. Mother – The Queen of Paradise, Sayyidah Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha).
4. Brothers – The leaders of the youth of paradise, Sayyiduna Hasan and Sayyiduna Husain (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma).
5. Husband – The great leader of this Ummah, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
This blessed personality was none other than Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha).
We all hope for a pious and saintly person to lead our funeral prayer after we pass away. Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was so fortunate that the greatest saints of the age were present to perform her funeral prayer! On the one hand, was her brother, Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and on the other hand, was her step son, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) – both illustrious Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma). Finally, at the instruction of Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) stepped forward and lead the salaah.
(Al-Istee‘aab vol. 4, pg. 510)
This is true nobility and a role model that needs to be emulated. However, the sad reality is that most of us are unaware of the fact that a woman by this name even existed.
Insha-Allah, in the next few parts, various details and incidents from the life of this true role model will be discussed so that we may follow in her great footsteps.