(Sayyidah Saudah bintu Zam‘ah [radhiyallahu ‘anha] – Part Two)
The character, ways and habits of Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was so outstanding and unique that Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) mentioned, “I have not seen any woman who (was such that) being in her skin (i.e. being exactly like her) was more beloved to me other than Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha).” (Saheeh Muslim #3629)
In another narration, Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) further explained that although Sayyidah Saudah’s (radhiyallahu ‘anha) natural temperament was such that she would get annoyed quickly, however, (a noble quality of hers was that) she would calm down very fast as well. (Al-Isaabah vol. 8, pg. 196)
Such was the generosity of Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) that on one occasion, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) sent a bag of dirhams (silver coins) to her. Upon receiving it, she enquired as to what was inside. When she was informed that there were silver coins in the bag, she instructed her slave girl to pass her a tray (in order to separate the coins for distribution). She then distributed (all) the silver coins (to worthy recipients). (Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 56)
Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) would occasionally amuse Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in different ways. On one occasion, she said to him, “Last night I followed you in salaah. When you went into rukoo’, (it was so long that) I held my nose fearing that blood would begin dripping (from it).” Hearing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) (was amused and) smiled. (Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 54)
Once someone jokingly mentioned to Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) that Dajjaal had made his appearance. On hearing this, she became extremely terrified and began trembling. She even asked the person, “Where should I hide?” The person suggested that she hide in a small tent made from palm leaves which was dusty and had spider webs in it. Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) accepted the suggestion and hid in the tent. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) arrived and was informed that Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was in the tent, he went towards it and found her trembling with fear. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked her, “O Saudah, what is the matter?” She replied, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the one-eyed (Dajjaal) has made his appearance.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “He has not emerged (as yet), but will definitely make an appearance (at some point).” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then took her out and began removing the dust and webs from her. (Abu Ya’laa and Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #7754)
When Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reached old age, she feared that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) might divorce her. Therefore, she gave her night which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would spend with her to Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) and requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to keep her in his marriage without allocating a night for her. She also mentioned to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “I do not have any desire in this world and do not have a need for a husband. However (I wish to remain your wife in this world because) I love to be resurrected among your wives on the Day of Qiyaamah, thereby achieving the same reward as them.” (Saheeh Muslim #3629, Sunan Tirmizi #3040, Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #15332 and Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 54)
Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) passed away in Madeenah Munawwarah towards the end of the khilaafat of Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) (i.e. approximately in the year 23 A.H.). (Sharhuz Zurqaani vol. 4, pg. 380)
Lessons:
1. Despite being co-wives, Sayyidah Saudah and Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) enjoyed such a good relationship, that Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) expressed the desire of being exactly like Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). Furthermore, this also explains the excellence and greatness of Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) in terms of the qualities and traits that she possessed.
2. Since the nature and temperament of Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was such that she would get upset and worked up quickly, it was something beyond her control, hence not blameworthy. However, her excellence and praiseworthy quality was that she would not give vent to her anger, but would rather suppress it and calm down quickly.
3. Such was the comprehensive nature of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the loving relationship which he enjoyed with his respected wives, that he would engage in lighthearted conversations with them and they would feel comfortable, as his wives, to amuse him occasionally. This is actually a sign of a very healthy relationship.
4. The emergence of Dajjaal is the greatest trial that mankind would face. Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) attached so much of importance to this that she became extremely frightened and terrified, on the mere information of his emergence, despite Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being among them. In the belated times that we live in, when the signs of the emergence of Dajjaal being possibly close are present, it is even more important that we take this matter seriously and adopt the means to protect ourselves and our families from Dajjaal and the trials that would precede him. The least is that we should diligently recite Surah Kahf every Friday.
5. Sayyidah Saudah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) had such concern for the Aakhirah, that she was prepared to give up her marital right in this world, but could not tolerate being deprived of the reward of being resurrected as the wife of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).