Nusaybah Bint Ka’ab: The Valiant Muslim Warrior Woman

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 07 May 2025 Nusaybah Bint Ka’ab, among Islam’s earliest female converts, exemplified courage defending the Prophet (PBUH) at Uhud and beyond. Revered by caliphs, her life challenges gender stereotypes, underscoring women’s equal role in faith, battle, and leadership within Islamic tradition Main Points: 1. Among the first women to embrace Islam; promoted the faith in Medina. 2. Defended Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with a sword, sustaining injuries without retreat. 3. Muhammad (PBUH) lauded her bravery, praying for her place in Paradise. 4. Fought in Khaybar, Hunayn, and Al-Yamama (lost an arm). 5. Symbolises Islam’s empowerment of women in warfare and society. ----- Image credit: Occupied Palestine Wordpress (occupiedpalestine.wordpress.com) ----- A Muslim female warrior who fought alongside the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Nusaybah Bint Ka’ab was among the first women to embrace Islam. Born into the Banu Najjar tribe of Medina, she was the sister of Abdullah bin Ka’ab. When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began preaching Islam, Nusaybah was among the early converts. After accepting Islam, she dedicated herself to spreading the faith in Medina, teaching people about the religion. Nusaybah’s courage and resilience shone during the Battle of Uhud. Initially, she supported soldiers by providing water, boosting morale, and tending to the wounded. However, when the tide of battle turned due to a tactical error, she took up arms to defend the Prophet (PBUH). As Qurayshi forces intensified their attacks, Nusaybah joined the group shielding the Prophet, wielding a sword and arrows. Despite sustaining injuries, she refused to retreat, thwarting multiple assaults on Muhammad (PBUH). Witnessing her bravery, the Prophet remarked, “Wherever I looked, I saw her fighting fiercely to protect me!” When the Prophet noticed her wounds, he instructed her son, “Tend to your mother’s injuries! May Allah bless her and her family.” Nusaybah responded, “Pray that we join you in Paradise.” The Prophet (PBUH) supplicated, “O Allah, make them my companions in Paradise.” She replied, “I care not for worldly pains now.” When 74 Medinan leaders, warriors, and statesmen gathered at al-Aqabah to pledge allegiance to Islam, after Musab ibn Umair’s teachings spread in the city, Nusaybah and Umm Munee Asma bint ʿAmr bin ‘Adi were the only women to personally swear loyalty to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Asma’s husband, Ghazyah bin ʿAmr, conveyed the women’s wish to pledge directly, to which Muhammad (PBUH) consented. Returning to Medina, Nusaybah dedicated herself to educating the city’s women about Islam. This pledge marked Medina’s formal transfer of authority to the Prophet. Her most notable contribution emerged during the Battle of Uhud, where she valiantly shielded the Prophet (PBUH) from harm. She further fought in the Battles of Hunayn and Yamamah and participated in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Her son, Umara, recounted: “A towering opponent struck my arm, leaving me bleeding profusely. The Prophet (PBUH) urged me to bandage the wound. My mother arrived with a cloth, dressed my injury, and urged, ‘Rise and fight!’ The Prophet (PBUH) marvelled, ‘Who can endure what Umm Umara endures?’ Later, the same attacker returned. The Prophet (PBUH) identified him, and my mother struck his thigh, felling him. The Prophet smiled broadly and declared, ‘You have avenged yourself, Umm Umara!’ We attacked until the man perished, and the Prophet praised Allah for granting her victory.” Nusaybah’s bravery extended to pivotal moments like the Pledge of Aqaba, the Battles of Khaybar and Hunayn, and the Battle of Al-Yamama, where she lost an arm. Recognised by Caliphs Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and Umar ibn Al-Khattab, she was honoured with gifts, such as fine silk sent by Umar, who declared her “most deserving of this.” Nusaybah’s life exemplifies Islam’s empowerment of women, affirming their equal role in society and battle. Her story dismantles stereotypes, proving women in Islam are neither confined nor secondary. “Tune Tod Diya Woh Bharam, Ke ‘Hum Kamzor Hain’, Tune Utha Ke Talwaar, Dushmano Pe Kiya Zulm! Tu Ladi Jis Tarah Se, Waise Hi Ladi, Tune Diye Hai Usey Naa Mitne Waale Zakhm…” “You shattered myths of our frailty, You wielded the sword, defending humanity. You fought with wounds that time won’t heal, Leaving foes scarred by your steel.” ----- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession. She primarily writes about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/nusaybah-bint-kaab-muslim-warrior/d/135453 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism