Juwayriyyah bint Al-Harith (RA), a distinguished wife of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), offers timeless lessons for Muslims, embodying resilience, advocacy, spiritual dedication, and community leadership. Her life story provides a rich narrative from which we can derive practical lessons applicable to our daily lives.
Lineage
Juwayriyyah bint Al-Harith (RA) was born into the noble lineage of the Banu Mustaliq, being a daughter of Al-Harith ibn Abu Dirar, the leader of her tribe, she was a princess and her name originally was Barrah Bint Al-Harith. However, her life took a dramatic turn in the 5th year of Hijrah following the conflict between Banu al-Mustaliq and the Muslims. This tribe used to live outside the Makkah.
And the Banu al-Mustaliq had an alliance with Abdul Muttalib in the days of Jahiliya. So, when the Quraysh attacked Madinah, the Banu al-Mustaliq sided with the Quraysh against the Muslims — they helped them in the Battle of Uhud against the Muslims. Their location was also handy for the Quraysh, a safety zone that was closer to Madinah — only a day or two’s journey away.
Juwairiyah RA in Captivity
During the expedition, she was captured, and her initial status as a prisoner belied her noble heritage, which set the stage for a remarkable turn of events. While in captivity, Juwayriyya (RA) was given as a slave to Ansari Thabit ibn Qays R.A. under the prevailing customs of war. Unwilling to accept this fate and looking at her status, she sought to negotiate her freedom, a testament to her resilience and strength of character.
So, she approached Thabit ibn Qays initially to negotiate for her freedom. This is something that is uniquely Islamic and it is said in the Quran,
“If any of those [bondspeople/slaves] in your possession desire a deed of emancipation [i.e., want to purchase their own freedom], make it possible for them if you find goodness in them“. [Quran, 24:33]
Thabit RA agreed to free her by taking ransom. But the problem was, that Juwayriyya RA was penniless. Thus, during this pivotal moment, she insisted on approaching Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for assistance, a meeting that would not only change her life but also the destiny of her entire tribe.
Marriage Proposal
She was taken to Prophet ﷺ while he was with A’isha RA. Juwayriyyah R.A introduced herself and said to the Prophet ﷺ,
“I am the daughter of the chief of my tribe. And you have seen what has happened to me; I have arranged to free myself from Thabit, so help me in this matter.”
After she had finished speaking, the Prophet ﷺ thought for a moment, and then said,
“Shall I tell you what would be better than this?”
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), recognizing her noble spirit and the opportunity for greater reconciliation, proposed marriage to Juwayriyya (RA) which she accepted. Her freedom was set as her dowry. This proposal was not just a personal union but a strategic and compassionate act that led to the liberation of her entire tribe. Upon their marriage, the Muslim community, recognizing the newly formed familial ties with the Prophet (ﷺ), freed the remaining captives of Banu Mustaliq, embodying the Quranic ethos of emancipation and mercy.
The news spread among the Ansar that the Prophet ﷺ had married Juwayriyya. So, they said,
“How can we have the in-laws of the Prophet ﷺ as our slaves?” So, one by one they began freeing every captive until all of them were freed down to the last person.
Al-Harith, father of Juwayriyya RA came to Madinah to negotiate a ransom for his people, he didn’t know anything about what was happening. He had run away during the expedition. So, he asked for his daughter back. The Prophet ﷺ said,
“It’s her decision. She can go back if she wants.“
Just like, Zayd ibn Haritha RA, Juwayriyya RA willingly chose Prophet ﷺ over her own father. She decided to remain with her husband. When al-Harith saw his own daughter eagerly choose the messenger of Allah ﷺ over him, this affected him and he also embraced Islam.
Life of Piety
Juwayriyya (RA) was known for her devoured spirituality and commitment to prayer. An anecdote from her life beautifully illustrates this: one morning, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) left her room while she was engaged in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). When he returned later in the day and found her in the same position, he taught her a dhikr that could equal hours of continuous worship, highlighting her spiritual dedication and his tender guidance. That is,
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ عَدَدَ خَلْقِهِ وَرِضَا نَفْسِهِ وَزِنَةَ عَرْشِهِ وَمِدَادَ كَلِمَاتِه
It means,
“Glory and praise be to Allah as much as the number of His creation as much as pleases Him as much as the weight of His Throne and as much as the ink of His words”. (Riyad as-Salihin 1433)
Legacy and Reflection on the Role of Juwariyah RA
Juwayriyya bint Al-Harith (RA) represents more than just a historical personality; she embodies the principles of resilience, empowerment, and transformation. Her story is particularly resonant for women today, illustrating how personal strength and faith can lead to profound changes, not just within one’s own life but across an entire community. Few of the following are some practical ways through which we can draw some inspiration from her life:
Lessons for Muslims
- Resilience in Adversity: Juwayriyya’s (RA) life was marked by significant challenges, yet she faced them with immense courage and wisdom. Her ability to transform personal trials into victories is a potent lesson in resilience.
- Practical Application: Embrace challenges in personal and professional life as opportunities for growth. Approach difficulties with a problem-solving mindset, maintaining dignity and seeking constructive outcomes.
- Advocating for Oneself and Others: By negotiating her freedom, Juwayriyya (RA) not only changed her fate but also influenced the destiny of her tribe. Her advocacy underscores the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
- Practical Application: Use your voice to promote fairness and justice, whether in advocating for workplace rights or participating in community activism.
- Bridging Differences: The marriage between Juwayriyya (RA) and the Prophet (ﷺ) brought together former animosity between Muslims and the tribe of Banu Mustaliq, and fostered peace and reconciliation.
- Practical Application: Build relationships across cultural, religious, or racial lines to promote understanding and unity among people.
- Spiritual Commitment: Known for her dedication to prayer and remembrance of Allah, Juwayriyya’s (RA) spiritual practice was deeply rooted in her daily life, demonstrating the strength that can be drawn from a committed spiritual life.
- Practical Application: Integrate spiritual practices into your daily routine to gain perspective and strength. Regular prayer, meditation, and Dhikr can anchor one’s life in peace and purpose.
- Role of Women in Fostering Community: Juwayriyya (RA) played a pivotal role in her tribe’s conversion to Islam, illustrating how women can significantly influence their communities.
- Practical Application: Take active roles in your community or mosque, lead initiatives, or volunteer for causes that help people. Your impact can lead to profound communal benefits.
Juwayriyya RA was a pillar of strength and devotion we can all look to as an example. She lived a relatively long life; she died around the age of 65 in the 50th year of the Hijrah, the same year as Hasan RA. And shared 6 years of companionship with Prophet ﷺ. May Allah SWT be pleased with her and her household, Ameen!
References
- Tafseer Ibn Katheer
- Lectures of Sheikh Yasir Qadhi
- Juwayriya bint al-Harith (ra): A Blessing to Her People | Dr. Omar Suleiman
- To read more, check the main post: THE MOTHERS OF THE BELIEVERS – UM’MAHATUL MOMINEEN
Alhuda, The Quran Club 
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