Umm Salama

Umm Salama, whose real name was Hind, was a wife of the Prophet ﷺ renowned for her wisdom and sound judgement. Widowed with children, she gave the Prophet ﷺ a decisive piece of advice during the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, and transmitted numerous hadiths.

Umm Salama had first emigrated to Abyssinia then to Medina with her first husband, Abu Salama, who died from his wounds. Widowed with several children, she married the Prophet ﷺ.

She is remembered for her great political wisdom. During the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, when the Companions, disappointed, hesitated to obey the Prophet's ﷺ order to shave their heads and sacrifice their animals, it was she who suggested he do it himself first, without saying a word. The Prophet ﷺ followed her advice, and immediately all the Companions followed suit. Her intelligence had defused a tense situation.

A woman of knowledge, she transmitted numerous hadiths and lived long, becoming a reference for later generations.

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.

Umm Salama teaches the value of wise counsel. In a moment of crisis, her wisdom changed the course of events. Her life shows that listening to a sound word, from wherever it comes, is a strength, and that the trial of widowhood can open the door to a great destiny.