Sawdah bint Zam'ah

Sawdah bint Zam'ah was among the early Muslims who migrated to Abyssinia with her first husband al-Sakran ibn Amr. Her husband died after their return to Makkah, leaving her a widow with young children. The Prophet married her shortly after the death of Khadijah, in the 10th year of prophethood. Khawlah bint Hakim suggested her to the Prophet, recognising that his household and young daughters needed a caring figure. She was a tall, heavy-set woman known for her good-natured humour. Aisha narrated that Sawdah could make the Prophet laugh like no one else. She was deeply devoted to the household and took care of the Prophet's daughters from Khadijah with great affection. She migrated with the Prophet to Madinah. In her later years, she gifted her allotted night with the Prophet to Aisha, saying she desired only to be raised on the Day of Judgement among his wives. This is referenced in connection with the Qur'anic verse (4:128) regarding a wife who fears her husband's turning away. She passed away in Madinah during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, approximately 23 AH (644 CE), and was buried in al-Baqi.