She is a Sahabiyah of Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the wife of Abu Talha radiyallahu ‘anhu, and the mother of Anas radiyallahu ‘anhu, who was the attendant of Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She is also an aunt of his. One of her brothers who was a Sahabi, was martyred while participating in a battle with Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. On account of all this, he used to have a lot of time for her. He used to visit her occasionally. He is also reported to have seen her in jannah.
A strange incident occurred to her. She had a small child who fell ill and also passed away during the day. Look at her patience: when night approached, she thought to herself that if she were to inform her husband about his death, he will be distressed the entire night and will abstain from eating as well. She decided to remain silent about it. When her husband came home and asked about the child’s health, she replied that he is at peace. This was not a lie because what can be more peaceful for a Muslim than returning to his original place of abode? However, the husband did not grasp this. She presented the meal to him which he partook of. Thereafter, he desired her and she did not even present any excuses. When everything was over, she asked her husband: “If anyone loans you anything and thereafter asks for it, does the person who borrowed it have any right to refuse?” He replied: “No.” So she said: “Exercise patience over the (death of the) child.” He became angry and asked her why she did not inform him prior to all this. The following morning he went and narrated the entire incident to Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He made du’a for her, and through the power of Allah, she fell pregnant on that very night. She gave birth to a child who was named ‘Abdullah. He became a great ‘aalim and many great ‘ulama were born from his progeny.
Lesson: O women! Learn patience from her and learn the lesson of providing comfort to the husband from her. The example of asking back a loaned item which she mentioned is a beautiful and appropriate example. If a person can comprehend this example, he will not become impatient (and despondent) at any time. Through the barakah of her patience, Allah Ta’ala granted her a child soon thereafter in whose progeny many ‘ulama were born.
