The Fluent Arabi Institute presents one of the most remarkable female figures in early Islam, Umm Abd Allah Layla bint Abi Hathmah, who embodies the highest ideal of patience, sacrifice, and the preservation of identity and faith while living far from her homeland and family. Many may think that facing hardships and living in the diaspora is a modern experience; however, Islamic history is rich with the biographies of great female Companions who laid the foundations of steadfastness and adherence to the faith.
Reading and reflecting on the biography of Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah: Islam in the diaspora reveals how Muslim women played a leading, pivotal role in preserving Islamic identity and transmitting the noble Sunnah of the Prophet, even in the most trying times and circumstances.
First: Who is Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah? And what is her place in Islamic history?
Her name is Layla bint Abi Hathma ibn Hudhayfa ibn Ghanim al-Qurashiyya al-Adawiyya, and she is known in biographical works as Umm Abdullah, in reference to her son, the venerable Companion Abdullah ibn Amer ibn Rabi’a.
This great Companion was honored with being among the first to embrace Islam; she converted during the early efforts of da’wah in Makkah al-Mukarramah and pledged allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH). She was the wife of the distinguished Companion ‘Amir ibn Rabi’ah al-Anbari.
Umm Abdullah was not merely an ordinary woman in Meccan society; rather, she represented a household of knowledge and dignity. She participated in the two foundational migrations in the history of Islam: the first migration to Abyssinia to seek refuge for her faith from Quraysh oppression, and then to Medina, where she was among the first women to set foot.
Second: The Migration to Abyssinia and the Meaning of Steadfastness in diaspora (Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah’s diaspora)
When the persecution of the polytheists in Mecca against the vulnerable Muslims intensified, the Messenger (PBUH) permitted them to leave for Abyssinia. It was here that the greatness of the sacrifice made by Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah and her husband became evident. Leaving one’s homeland, wealth, and home is no easy matter for the human soul, but their motivation was to protect the flame of faith and preserve the essence of the Islamic creed from extinction or oppression.
During her time in Abyssinia, Umm Abd Allah lived in an environment foreign to her homeland, one with a different language, culture, and customs. Nevertheless, together with the first generation of emigrants, Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah succeeded in presenting a radiant image of Islam. They preserved their religious practices and faith, making Abyssinia a safe and stable haven for da’wah that shielded them from strife and persecution. The story of Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah in the Islamic diaspora reminds us that diaspora is not the end of the road, but rather an arena for making a positive impact and preserving core values.
Third: The Historic Dialogue with ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab and a Vision of Hope
One of the most famous episodes immortalized in the books of the Prophet’s biography and historical sources regarding Umm Abd Allah is her courageous and wise interaction with Al-Farooq Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, before his conversion to Islam.
While Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah was packing her belongings to depart for Abyssinia, Umar ibn al-Khattab passed by her; at that time, he was a polytheist and was inflicting the most severe harm upon the Muslims. He asked her with a gentleness she had never seen in him before: “Are you really leaving, Umm Abdullah?” She replied firmly, without fear or hesitation: “Yes, by Allah, we will set out into the land of Allah. You have harmed us and oppressed us, until Allah provides us with a way out.”
This response did not stem from anger, but from absolute trust in Allah’s relief and justice.
When she saw sadness and tenderness in his eyes as they parted, her pure soul sensed the possibility of his conversion to Islam, and despair vanished from her heart. This remarkable moment reflects the high level of political and psychological awareness among the female Companions; the harshness of reality did not obscure their vision of a bright future for Islam.
Fourth: Pioneering the Migration to Medina and Narrating the Noble Hadith
After the journey to Abyssinia and her return to Mecca, her journey of generosity and steadfastness did not cease; rather, Umm Abdullah accompanied her husband on the migration to Medina. Many sources mention that she was the first woman to enter Medina carrying her own luggage.
Her role was not limited to patience and migration alone; Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah was also a narrator of hadith and a trusted source for transmitting the Prophet’s teachings, as her son Abdullah ibn Amer and the venerable Companion Al-Shifa bint Abdullah narrated hadith from her. In this way, she helped preserve Islamic jurisprudence and the Sunnah and pass them down to successive generations.
Fifth: How Can You Draw Inspiration from the Life of Umm Abdullah with the Fluent Arabi Institute?
Connecting great historical figures to our contemporary learning journey is the cornerstone of the Fluent Arabi Institute’s methodology:
- Preserving identity and language in the diaspora: Just as Umm Abdullah preserved her faith and language living in Abyssinia and Medina, Fluent Arabi Institute strives to help all students and expatriates around the world learn Arabic and the Quran to maintain their close connection to the spirit of Islam.
- Patience and perseverance in the face of adversity: The journey of learning a new language or living in a new environment requires patience and perseverance similar to that demonstrated by the early migrants.
- Making an Impact and Transmitting Knowledge: Umm Abdullah did not limit herself to individual worship; Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah also taught and transmitted the hadith, something we are committed to by preparing generations capable of understanding the language and seamlessly spreading its knowledge.
FAQS
1- What is the real name of Umm Abdullah bint Abi Hathma, and what is her lineage?
Her name is Layla bint Abi Hathma ibn Hudhayfa ibn Ghanim al-Qurashiyya al-Adawiyya. She is known as “Umm Abdullah” in reference to her son, the Companion Abdullah ibn Amer ibn Rabi’ah, and she was the wife of the venerable Companion Amer ibn Rabi’ah.
2- What were the most significant migrations both in terms of knowledge and history that this venerable Companion witnessed?
She participated in the two foundational migrations in Islamic history: the first migration to Abyssinia to seek refuge for her faith from the oppression of the Quraysh, and then the migration to Medina, where she was among the first women to enter the City of Migration.
3- How does the biography of Umm Abd Allah inspire students at the Fluent Arabi Institute in the diaspora?
Her biography exemplifies a noble mode of patience and adherence to one’s identity, language, and religion while living in new and different societies—a principle that the Fluent Arabi Institute embraces to connect expatriates with their language and religion.
Conclusion
The Fluent Arabi Institute is honored to offer these educational programs that connect the text and the language to the story of Umm Abd Allah bint Abi Hathmah. The Muslim diaspora remains a shining beacon in the annals of Islamic history; it is a true embodiment of steadfast faith in diaspora and foreign lands. It is a story that inspires every Muslim man and woman, wherever and whenever they may be, that the truth is unchanging, and that diaspora is nothing more than an opportunity to sow the seeds of goodness and learning. Reflecting on this noble biography guides you toward mastery of the Arabic language and an understanding of timeless Islamic history.
