Sawda

Sawda bint Zam'a was the second wife of the Prophet ﷺ, whom he married after the death of Khadija. Widowed from one of the first Muslims who had emigrated to Abyssinia, she was known for her kindness and generosity.

Sawda had emigrated to Abyssinia with her first husband to flee persecution. Widowed, she married the Prophet ﷺ when he had just lost Khadija and was left alone with his daughters. Sawda, older, brought presence and support to the household.

She was renowned for her generosity towards the poor. Growing older, she voluntarily yielded her turn — day and night — to Aisha, seeking the pleasure of the Prophet ﷺ; he would then give Aisha both her own day and Sawda's. Aisha said she never loved any woman as much as her. This delicacy has remained as a mark of her great heart.

On the number of wives: contrary to a common misconception, Islam does not permit an unlimited number of wives. For believers, the Quran sets a maximum of four, subject to the condition of equal treatment, and recommends taking only one if there is fear of injustice (Surah an-Nisa, 4:3). The Prophet ﷺ held a special status (Surah al-Ahzab, 33:50); God then forbade him from marrying additional women (33:52), thus fixing the number of his wives. On the gift of her turn to Aisha: both Sahihs (Bukhari no. 2593 and no. 5212; Muslim no. 1463) report that she did so of her own free will, due to her age, to seek the pleasure of the Prophet ﷺ — without mentioning fear of repudiation. Secondary narrations (Tirmidhi no. 3040, Abu Dawud no. 2135) mention fear of divorce; the version in which the Prophet ﷺ sent her a repudiation is considered weak. We retain the voluntary act, well-established, without adjudicating on less certain details.

Sawda teaches generosity and self-effacement out of love. Her act of yielding her turn shows a quiet greatness of soul that seeks neither first place nor recognition.