The Holy Prophet's fourth wife was the daughter of Hazrat Umar bin Khattab RaḍyAllāhu 'anhu, who was the 2nd Righteous Caliph of Islam, and one of the ten blessed companions (Ashra-e-Mubashira). An early Quraishite convert, she migrated first to Abyssinia and then to Madinah with her husband, who was martyred in the battle of Badr. Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ himself proposed and married her when she was about 18 years old.
Hafsa was greatly benefitted by
the company of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ,
as she remained busy in reading and writing. Her knowledge is ranked second
only to that of Ayesha RaḍyAllāhu 'anha.
Hafsa had a keen interest in seeking knowledge of religious matters and was very
pious.
The Holy Prophet said:
She is one who keeps fast during the day and who stands during the night for worship.
Hafsa was honoured as the custodian of the very first and original Manuscript of the Quran which became known as the Mushaf-i-Hafsa (Hafsa's script). She narrated about 60 Ahadith. She died in 41 A.H. in Madinah, and as per her instructions, all her property was distributed among the poor. She is given the title "Mother of the faithful" by the Quranic verse,
The Holy Prophet is closer to the
Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers... (Sura
Ahzab; 33:6)
Importance of Hafsa bint Umar in Islam
Hazrat Hafsa bint Umar RaḍyAllāhu 'anha became a source of
strengthening ties between Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ
and her father, Hazrat Umar Bin Khattab RaḍyAllāhu
'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him). This relationship was one of the ways
and devices of strengthening tribal bonds of Arabia in a healthy manner. She
also became a source of consolation for the Prophet and learned a lot from his
enlightening company. She conveyed the knowledge so acquired from the Messenger
of Allah.
