The Biography of the Companion Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr (RA)
Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr (RA) was one of the most famous women in Islamic history, known by the title “Dhat an-Nitaqayn” (The Woman with Two Belts). Her full name was Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr ibn Abī Quhāfah al-Qurashiyyah al-Taymiyyah, and her mother was Qutaylah bint Abd al-‘Uzzā. She was the eldest daughter of Abū Bakr al-Siddīq (RA), the greatest Companion and closest to the Prophet (SAW).
Her Birth and Early Life
Asmā’ was born about 27 years before the Hijrah, making her nearly 10 years older than her famous sister, ʿĀ’ishah bint Abī Bakr (RA). She grew up in a religious household and was among the earliest people to embrace Islam after her father accepted it. She was described as courageous, sincere, wise, knowledgeable, and extremely patient.
Her Title “Dhat an-Nitaqayn”
Asmā’ was given the title Dhat an-Nitaqayn. The reason behind this title was during the Hijrah, when the Prophet (SAW) and her father Abū Bakr (RA) were migrating from Makkah to Madinah. Asmā’ prepared provisions for them but had nothing to tie them with. She tore her waist belt into two pieces: one to tie the Prophet’s (SAW) provisions and the other for her father’s. For this sacrifice, the Prophet (SAW) blessed her and gave her the honorable title: “The Woman with Two Belts.”
Her Role in the Hijrah
When the Prophet (SAW) and Abū Bakr (RA) hid in the Cave of Thawr during the migration, Asmā’ played a critical role. Every night she secretly brought them food and delivered news about Quraysh’s movements. Her family faced severe pressure and hardship because of this. At one point, she was even struck with a stone while pregnant, because Quraysh were furious at her support. Yet she never weakened or abandoned her mission.
Her Marriage and Children
Asmā’ married the great Companion al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwām (RA), one of the Ten promised Paradise. Their marriage was marked by simplicity, patience, and contentment. In the early days, they lived in poverty, and Asmā’ worked tirelessly to support her household: she carried dates, tended to the animals, and took care of her home.
She bore several children, the most famous of whom was ʿAbdullāh ibn al-Zubayr (RA), who later became a renowned Companion, a brave warrior, and eventually a leader of the Muslims.
Her Courage and Patience
Asmā’ was well known for her courage and truthfulness. It is narrated that when her son ʿAbdullāh ibn al-Zubayr (RA) was besieged by the Umayyad army and pressured to surrender his leadership, Asmā’ stood firm and strengthened him. She told him:
“My son, if you are upon the truth, then be steadfast. Do not fear death, for death is inevitable. Do not live a life of humiliation, clinging to this world at the expense of the truth.”
These words inspired him to fight bravely until he was martyred.
When her son was killed, Asmā’—by then an elderly woman—shed tears, but she never regretted that her son died for the truth.
Her Character and Worship
Asmā’ was a woman of deep faith, compassion, and generosity. She loved giving charity and helping the poor. It is said that she never hoarded wealth for herself but preferred to spend it in the way of Allah.
She was also knowledgeable and narrated many hadiths from the Prophet (SAW), her father Abū Bakr (RA), and her sister ʿĀ’ishah (RA). More than 50 hadiths have been transmitted from her.
Her Death
Asmā’ lived a very long life, reaching over 100 years of age. Though her eyesight weakened in her old age, her memory and wisdom remained sharp. She passed away in Madinah around the year 73 AH, shortly after the martyrdom of her son ʿAbdullāh ibn al-Zubayr (RA).
Lessons from Her Life
The life of Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr (RA) teaches us several key lessons:
- Patience and steadfastness: She was a shining example of women who endure hardship for the sake of truth.
- Courage: Her bravery shows the vital role women can play in defending faith and guiding future generations.
- Contribution to the Hijrah: She highlights how women were instrumental in the success of Islam’s migration and establishment.
- Family care and hard work: She embodied resilience in supporting her family and adapting to life’s struggles.
Conclusion
Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr (RA) was a Companion of great honor in Islamic history. Her life was a mixture of courage, patience, faith, and wisdom. She is a role model for Muslim women today and for generations to come. Her title “Dhat an-Nitaqayn” remains a symbol of her sacrifice and her critical role in protecting the Prophet (SAW) during the Hijrah. Her long life and the noble legacy she left behind prove that she was a woman blessed with dignity and honor from Allah.
