Sawda bint Zam‘ah A Woman of Strength and Devotion

Sawda bint Zam‘ah A Woman of Strength and Devotion

In the tapestry of Islamic history, woven with tales of courage, faith, and transformation, the name Sawda bint Zam‘ah (RA) holds a distinctive thread. As one of the earliest Muslims and a wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Sawda's legacy is often overshadowed by more prominently narrated companions. Yet, her life offers profound insights into the early Islamic community and the role of women in preserving and strengthening it. Early Life and Family Background Sawda bint Zam‘ah was born into the Quraysh tribe , one of the most respected tribes in Makkah . Her father was Zam‘ah ibn Qays, and her family lineage traces back to Kinana , like many noble Arabs of the time. Raised in a culture of tribal honor and oral tradition, Sawda grew up witnessing the social dynamics and moral challenges that plagued pre-Islamic Arabia. She was initially married to As-Sakran ibn ‘Amr , with whom she embraced Islam during its earliest phase. Her conversion, along with her husband’s, is a testament to her early re…