Throughout history, Islam elevated the status of women, honouring them as pillars of faith, responsibility, and strength. One of the most inspiring examples is Asmaa bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her), known as “Dhat al-Nitaqayn” (the One with Two Belts). Her life teaches timeless lessons in responsibility, family care, unwavering truth, and sacrifice for the sake of Allah.
Early Life and Embracing Islam
Asma bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) was born to Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) and his wife Qutaylah. Her younger sister, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), came from another wife, Umm Ruman. Asmaa was about 14 years older than Aisha, and she was among the early believers in Islam. She accepted the faith as the 17th Muslim at the young age of 15.
Growing up, Asmaa learned the principles of Islam directly from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and lived in a household filled with faith and courage. She supported her father, Abu Bakr, enduring the harsh persecution of Quraysh while also helping raise her younger sister, Aisha.
The Marriage of Asmaa and Her Role in Hijrah
Asma married Zubair ibn al-Awwam (may Allah be pleased with him), a courageous companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Zubair’s lineage was noble: his aunt was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet, and his mother was Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet’s aunt.
Asma’s Heroic Role in the Prophet’s Migration (Hijrah)
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) planned his migration to Madinah, he chose Abu Bakr to accompany him. Asmaa played a crucial role in this secret mission:
- She was entrusted with keeping the migration a secret, a task that carried immense danger.
- When Quraysh realized the Prophet and Abu Bakr had left, they sent Abu Jahl to Asmaa’s home. He angrily demanded to know her father’s whereabouts.
Abu Jahl shouted: “Where is your father, daughter of Abu Bakr?”
Asmaa calmly replied: “I do not know.”
In his rage, Abu Jahl struck Asma so violently that he knocked off her earring. Yet, Asmaa remained firm and unwavering.
The Wisdom and Resourcefulness of Asmaa
After the Prophet and Abu Bakr left for the cave of Thawr, Abu Bakr’s elderly father, Abu Quhafa, who was blind, worried that Abu Bakr had taken all his wealth and abandoned his family. Asmaa reassured her grandfather:
She collected some stones, placed them in a small alcove, and covered them with a cloth. She then guided Abu Quhafa’s hand to touch the stones, saying:
“Do not worry, grandfather. My father has left us plenty of provisions.”
Her cleverness and quick thinking brought comfort to her blind grandfather.
The Honor of “Dhat al-Nitaqayn”
During the Prophet’s migration, Asma prepared food for the journey. When she needed something to tie the provisions, she tore her headscarf (khimar) into two pieces: one to secure the food and the other to wear. Seeing this act of sacrifice, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave her a beautiful title:
“Allah will replace your belt with two belts in Paradise.”
From that day, Asma became known as Dhat al-Nitaqayn (the One with Two Belts), a name that will forever be remembered in history.
The First Muslim Child Born in Madinah
When Asma migrated to Madinah with her husband, she was pregnant. Upon reaching Quba, she gave birth to her son, Abdullah ibn Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him). This was a moment of great joy for the Muslims.
At that time, the Jews of Madinah had spread a rumor that no Muslim child would survive in the city. For four months, no child had been born, causing fear among the believers. The birth of Abdullah brought hope and shattered the rumor.
The Muslims rejoiced, chanting praises of Allah: “Allahu Akbar! Allah has humiliated the Jews!”
Asma carried her newborn to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who chewed a date and rubbed it on the baby’s gums (tahnik). The Prophet named him Abdullah and blessed him.
Life in Madinah: Sacrifice and Hard Work
Asmaa’s life with Zubair in Madinah was filled with hardship and toil. She once said:
“I was married to Zubair, and he owned nothing except his horse. I would feed the horse, fetch water, knead dough, and carry dates on my head.”
Despite their poverty, Asmaa remained patient, dedicated, and supportive.
Raising a Hero: Abdullah ibn Zubair
Asma instilled courage, faith, and knowledge in her son Abdullah. She sent him with his father on expeditions and encouraged him to seek knowledge from the household of the Prophet (peace be upon him), particularly his aunt Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). Abdullah grew to become a renowned warrior, scholar, and leader.
The Last Stand: Asmaa’s Advice to Her Son
In his later years, Abdullah ibn Zubair led a rebellion against the Umayyad rulers. When his forces weakened, he turned to his mother, Asma, who was then 100 years old. Despite her age, her wisdom and strength remained unmatched.
Abdullah asked, “My dear mother, the people have abandoned me. Should I surrender and save my life?”
Asmaa’s response was monumental:
“My son, if you are on the truth, stand firm. To die for a just cause is better than a life of disgrace.”
Abdullah fought bravely until he was martyred. When his body was hung in public, Asma, with unwavering dignity, said:
“Isn’t it time for this brave rider to dismount?”
Her words moved even her enemies, and Abdullah’s body was honored.
Asmaa’s Legacy
Asmaa bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) passed away just 20 days after her son’s martyrdom. She lived a life of faith, courage, and sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire men, women, and families.
Her story teaches us:
- Courage in the face of adversity
- Wisdom in raising resilient children
- Strength to stand for the truth
- Sacrifice for the sake of Allah
Asmaa bint Abi Bakr will forever be remembered as a role model for all generations. Her life reminds us that true honour lies in serving Allah, protecting justice, and raising strong believers.
May Allah be pleased with Asmaa bint Abi Bakr, the woman of two belts, and grant her the highest place in Paradise.