Umm Waraqah bint Abdullah bin Harith Ansariah
Taken from the book Great Women of Islam by Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar
A woman companion who was given the news of Paradise :
Umm Waraqah was a learned, scholarly, pious, and modest lady who was well known among the Ansari women. She spent her nights and days in prayer and meditation and used to recite the Noble Quran beautifully. The Prophet(may peace and blessings be upon him) valued her highly and told her to lead the family in congregational prayers. The MuâÂÂththin that lead the prayers was a very aged man, therefore Umm Waraqah was appointed by the Prophet to be an Imam and lead the prayer for the women!
Besides her thirst for knowledge, she had a burning desire to die a martyr in the cause of Islam. When it was announced that the Battle of Badr was to take place, she went to the Prophet and volunteered her services, but he told her to stay in her home as she would attain martyrdom there. Umm Waraqah had two slaves, a girl and a man working for her. She told them after her death, they would be free. One day they got together and decided to kill her because they got tired of waiting for her to die. Umar bin Khattab ordered they be searched for and when they were found, they admitted to their guilt and was put to death!
Thus the Prophet(may peace and blessings be upon him) was proved right, that Umm Waraqah would die a martyrâÂÂs death in her home and attain Paradise !
Verily, the pious will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers. In a seat of truth, near the Omnipotent King. 54:54-55.
Is there any reward for good other than good?. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny? 55:60-61
