Umm Ayman (Barakah bint Tha‘labah) was an Abyssinian woman who came to Makkah following the destruction of Abraha’s army, which had set out to demolish the Ka‘bah. She was taken under the protection of ‘Abdul-Muttalib and later given to his daughter-in-law, Lady Amina, the mother of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Present at the Prophet’s birth, she was among the first to hold him in her arms.

When Lady Amina passed away, Umm Ayman brought the young Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) back to Makkah to be entrusted to his grandfather, ‘Abdul-Muttalib. Throughout his life, she served him with unwavering devotion, and he lovingly referred to her as “My mother after my own mother.” After her emancipation, she embraced Islam among its earliest followers.

Umm Ayman first married ‘Ubayd ibn Zayd, then later Zayd ibn Harithah (may Allah be pleased with him). She had two sons, Ayman and Usamah. During the toughest years of Prophethood, she stood by Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) despite the persecution by the Quraysh. She migrated to Madinah and offered vital support in battles such as Badr, Uhud, and Hunayn, providing water and nursing the wounded.

The passing of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) profoundly grieved her; she wept not only for his loss but also for the end of revelation. After the Prophet’s departure, major companions like Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) often visited her, recognizing her close bond with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). She eventually passed away during the caliphate of ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), leaving behind a legacy of deep faith and heartfelt service to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).