Safiyyah bint Huyayy (Arabic: صفية بنت حيي‎, c. 610 – c. 670) was one of the wives of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.[1] She was, along with all other wives of Muhammad, titled Umm-ul-Mu'mineen or the "Mother of Believers".[2] After Muhammad's death, she became involved in the power politics of the early Muslim community, and acquired substantial influence by the time of her death.[3] Contents

Early life Edit

Battle of Khaybar Edit

Main article: Battle of Khaybar In May 629, the Muslims defeated several Jewish tribes (including the Banu Nadir) at the Battle of Khaybar. The Jews had surrendered, and were allowed to remain in Khaybar on the provision that they give half of their annual produce to the Muslims. The land itself became the property of the Muslim state.[6] This agreement, Stillman says, did not extend to the Banu Nadir tribe, who were given no quarter.[7] Safiyya's husband, Kenana ibn al-Rabi, was also killed.[8]

Marriage to Muhammad Edit

According to Muhammad al-Bukhari, Muhammad stayed for three days between Khaybar and Medina, where he consummated his marriage to Safiyya. His companions wondered if she was to be considered a slave (Arabic: ma malakat aymanukum) or a wife. The former speculated that they would consider Safiyya as Muhammad's wife, and thus "Mothers of the Believers", if Muhammad ordered her to veil herself, else she would be his servant-girl.[9] Muhammad suggested that Safiyya convert to Islam, and she agreed and thus became Muhammad's wife.[10] Safiyya did not bear any children to Muhammad.[11] Despite her conversion, Muhammad's other wives teased Safiyya about her Jewish origin. Doubts about Safiyya's loyalty to Islam and the suspicion that she would avenge her slain kin are themes in the Sirah Rasul Allah (biographies of Muhammad).[12] In these stories, Muhammad or Umar express great displeasure at such doubts and reaffirm her loyalty.[2][3] Regarding Safiyya's Jewish descent, Muhammad once said to his wife that if other women insulted her for her "Jewish heritage" and were jealous because of her beauty, she was to respond, "Aaron is my father, Moses my uncle, and Muhammad my husband."[13]

Legacy Edit

See also Edit