al-Khansa

The Poetess of Islam

al-Khansa — Tumadir bint Amr of Banu Sulaym — was the most celebrated woman poet of the Arabs, who embraced Islam. Scholars agreed none among the women of the Arabs wrote poetry to match hers. 1 Stories of the Sahabah · pp. 223–224 — Zakariyya Kandhlawi — al-Khansa the greatest Arab woman poet, who accepted Islam.

Mother of Four Martyrs

At the Battle of Qadisiyya (16 AH) she was present with her four sons. On the eve of battle she exhorted them all to fight the disbelievers without fear, citing the verse “O you who believe, be patient and vie in patience” (Al Imran 3:200), and urged them to seek martyrdom and Paradise. One after another the four advanced and were martyred — and when the news came, al-Khansa said: “Praise be to Allah, who has honoured me with their martyrdom,” and hoped to be joined with them under Allah’s mercy. 2 Stories of the Sahabah · pp. 224–225 — Zakariyya Kandhlawi — al-Khansa exhorts her four sons at Qadisiyya, all are martyred, and she thanks Allah for the honour. 3 The Noble Qur'an · pp. Surah Al Imran 3:200 — The verse on patience and perseverance al-Khansa cited to her sons.