Ramla bint Abu Sufian, of Um Habiba
Um Habiba and her husband were among the first followers of Muhammad. For their safety they migrated to Abyssinia, even though she was the daughter of the most important man in Mecca, who was the Prophet’s arch enemy.
In Abyssinia her husband converted to Christianity, which triggered their divorce. Ramla was not persuaded. There was no space for two faiths in the marriage, according to Islam, this is an invitation to the devil. Her husband, incidentally, was the brother of Zaynab bint Jashs, who was also one of the wives of Muhammad. So he was Muhammad’s the brother-in-law. He had a daughter with Ramla. Little is known about Ramla.
After a mandatory waiting period of three months, Muhammad proposed marriage to her. She was about 30 when she married the prophet. The marriage was concluded ‘with the glove’ in Abyssinia. One of the companions did the honors. She was Muhammad’s ninth wife. It is said that the negus of Abyssinia hosted this wedding. He also organised return to Medina for all Muslim refugees.
She was married to the prophet for four years until his death in 632. She died in 664 and is buried next to the other women in Medina.
10. The wifes of Muhammad: Ramla