by Salmah bint Sakhr embraced Islam[1][2][3] in the early days of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) da’wah.
Background
Following an incident in which Utbah ibn Rabi’ah viciously attacked Umm Al-Khair’s son, Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, Salmah engaged in a conversation, with her son, and Umm Jameel the sister of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, that would lead to a meeting with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) at the House of Al-Arqam.
The Conversation
Abu Bakr questioned his mother about the condition of the Prophet (ﷺ). The violence was chaotic making it difficult to know what happened, so Umm Al-Khair said,
“By Allah, I have no knowledge of your companion ˹how he is doing˺.”
Abu Bakr said,
“Go to Umm Jameel, daughter of Al-Khattaab ˹sister of Umar ibn Al-Khattab˺, and ask her about him.”
Abu Bakr’s mother acquiesced and when she found Umm Jameel, she asked,
“Verily, Abu Bakr asks you about ˹how˺ Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah (ﷺ) ˹is doing˺?”
Umm Jameel responded
“I know neither Abu Bakr nor Muhammad ibn Abdullah, but if you want, I will go with you to your son.”
Umm Al-Khair agreed and brought her to her son. Surprised by Abu Bakr’s condition Umm Jameel cried out,
“By Allah, those who have done this to you are indeed the people of wickedness and disbelief. Indeed, I hope that Allah takes revenge on them for you.”
Abu Bakr weakly asked the daughter of Al-Khattab about the condition of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). Concerned about the presence of his mother Umm Jameel responded,
“Here is your mother, listening ˹to us˺.”
After he reassured her that there was no concern regarding his mother, Umm Jameel spoke the words Abu Bakr was waiting for,
“He is safe and sound.”
Relieved he asked,
“Where is he?”
The response,
“In the House of Al-Arqam.”
Aftermath
Relieved by what he was told, Abu Bakr was still driven to see with his own eyes the condition of the Prophet (ﷺ) and to make his concern known he swore an oath to take no nourishment until he was permitted to see the Messenger (ﷺ). Unable to convince Abu Bakr to take nourishment Umm Jameel did convince him to rest. Wisely she informed him that the situation in the streets was still dangerous and it was best to wait until things calmed down. He agreed. Once the streets appeared safe, Umm Jameel and Umm Al-Khair, along with the weakened Abu Bakr leaning between them for support, made their way to the House of Al-Arqam.
Upon seeing the state of his dear friend, the Prophet (ﷺ) rushed to him, kissed him and was deeply saddened at his condition. Those present also rushed to see their injured Companion. Abu Bakr reassured Allah’s Messenger,
“May my mother and father be held ransom for you, O Messenger of Allah. The only hurt I feel is a result of the blows that Al-Faasiq (evildoer) ˹Utbah˺ delivered to my face. And here ˹with me˺ is my mother, who is faithful to her son. And you are blessed, so invite her unto Allah, and supplicate to Allah for her, for perhaps, through you, Allah will save her from the Hellfire.”
The Messenger (ﷺ) supplicated, invited her and she responded by embracing Islam.