Suwaiba (also Sowayba) was a Companion of Muhammad and his first foster-mother.[1]
Her name means "Deserving of God's reward".[citation needed]
Biography
editShe was the servant of Abu Lahab, Muhammad's paternal half-uncle.[1][2] She was freed by Abu Lahab when she informed him that his brother Abdullah's wife Amina bint Wahb had given birth to a son, Muḥammad.[3]
Thuwaybah became Muḥammad's first nurse,[2] after his first three days with his mother, nursing both him and her son Masrah. Thuwaybah also nursed Abu Salama, Muhammad's first cousin, as well as Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Muḥammad's paternal uncle, two years earlier: Muḥammad had said of Ḥamzah's daughter: "She is the daughter of my nursing brother."[1]
Eventually, Halima bint Abi Dhu'ayb took over the task after a few days and nursed Muḥammad until he reached the age of weaning (around four years).[1]
Thuwaybah became a Muslim when Muḥammad proclaimed his prophethood. Her son died before her, and she died in 7 AH (629 CE).[1]
See also
editMuhammad 'Alawi al-Maliki in his Al-Dhakā'ir al-Muḥammadiyah writes that ibn Mundah records Thuwaybah among the Companions of the Prophet.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Beacons of Light on al-Islam.org
- ^ a b http://www.islamicfinder.org/prophet/list.php, question 9
- ^ Sahih al-Bukhari, 7:62:38