ASMA BİNT ABU BAKR

Asma bint Abu Bakr was one of the earliest women to embrace Islam and one of the most courageous figures in the history of the early Muslim community. She was the daughter of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, one of the closest companions of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the first Muslims. From her early years, Asma witnessed the challenges faced by the first Muslims in Mecca and became known for her courage, patience, generosity, and faith.

According to Islamic historical sources, Asma accepted Islam at a young age, although reports differ regarding her exact age at the time (11 or 15 years old). She belonged to a family that played a significant role in the early history of Islam. Her sister Aisha would later become one of the most important transmitters of the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, while her father, Abu Bakr, became one of the Prophet’s closest companions.

Growing up in Mecca during the early years of Islam meant witnessing considerable pressure and persecution. The first Muslims were often subjected to social, economic, and physical hardships because of their faith. Despite these difficulties, Asma remained committed to Islam. Her actions and devotion show that women also played important roles in supporting the Prophet Muhammad and the emerging Muslim community. Asma’s contribution was particularly significant during one of the most important moments in Islamic history: the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina.

Asma During the Hijra

When the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr secretly prepared to leave Mecca for Medina, Asma played an important role in helping them. According to traditional Islamic accounts, she prepared food and provisions for their journey. The journey from her home to the Cave of Thawr was about 5 km and she was 7 months pregnant at that time. And, because there was no suitable rope available to tie the provisions securely, Asma is reported to have torn her belt into two pieces. One piece was used to fasten the food container, while the other was used for her own needs. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad gave her the honorary title Dhat al-Nitaqayn, meaning “She of the Two Belts.”, telling the good news that Allah will give her two belts in heaven. The meaning of her tearing the belt makes more sense when we consider that women untying their belt were viewed as bad in that society.

Asma’s support did not end with preparing provisions. It is also described how she continued to assist the Prophet Muhammad and her father while they were hiding in the Cave of Thawr.

When the Quraysh discovered that the Prophet had left Mecca, they searched for him and Abu Bakr. Asma was also questioned about the whereabouts of her father and the Prophet by the people who came to get information in her home. When she refused to reveal their location, Abu Jahl, one of the fierce leaders of the Quraysh who opposed Muhammad, is reported to have struck her. Despite this intimidation, she did not disclose their whereabouts.

In Madina

After the Muslims migrated to Madina, Asma bint Abi Bakr faced an important personal dilemma that reflected a broader question in the early Muslim community: how should a Muslim treat family members who do not share their faith?

One day, Asma’s mother, Qutayla bint Abd al-Uzza, came to visit her in Madina. At that time, Qutayla,her mother, had not accepted Islam. She brought gifts with her, but Asma was hesitant about receiving her and was unsure whether she should welcome her mother because of her disbelief. Asma therefore asked the Prophet Muhammad for guidance. And then Allah reveals these verses as an answer;

Allāh does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.

Allāh only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers. [The Qur’an 60:8-9]

Her Character

Asma bint Abi Bakr was known not only for her courage and resilience but also for her remarkable generosity. Her son, Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, praised both his mother and his aunt, Aisha, for their generosity. He observed that although the two women were both extremely giving, they had different ways of practicing charity. Aisha would often save and gather what she had before giving it away in larger amounts. Asma, however, had a different approach. She would give away whatever she had as soon as she found someone in need, without keeping things aside for the following day.

She was also a very patient and brave woman. She faced many personal hardships, political turmoil, and the loss of loved ones.  It is reported that she fought in the Battle of Yarmuk (636 CE) with a sword in her hands.

During the political conflicts of the late first/seventh century, Abdullah (her son) faced a powerful military force in Mecca. When he sought his mother’s advice, Asma encouraged him to remain steadfast if he believed that he was standing for what was right. Even when Abdullah was eventually killed, Asma displayed extraordinary composure and patience. Although she was an elderly woman at the time, she remained strong in the face of one of the greatest personal tragedies a mother could experience.

Asma bint Abi Bakr was a remarkable woman whose life reflected faith, courage, patience, generosity, and strength. She supported her family and the early Muslim community during difficult times and remained steadfast throughout the many challenges she faced.

Her life shows that courage is not only about facing danger, but also about standing firm in difficult situations and remaining faithful to one’s values. Asma’s strong character and devotion to Islam made her an inspiring figure in Islamic history. Her story continues to remind us of the important role women played in the early Muslim community and the lasting impact of their faith and determination.