Zaynab, daughter of the Prophet

Zaynab bint Muhammad was the eldest daughter of Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, born approximately 13 years before the hijra. She was the first of the Prophet's children. She married Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi, a respected Meccan merchant and nephew of Khadijah, before the revelation of Islam. When the Prophet received revelation and Khadijah embraced Islam, Zaynab followed in faith. Abu al-As did not initially accept Islam, creating a painful separation. After the Battle of Badr, Abu al-As was captured by the Muslims. Zaynab sent her necklace — a gift from her mother Khadijah — as ransom. The Prophet was visibly moved and requested the companions to release Abu al-As without ransom, on the condition that he return Zaynab to Madinah. Abu al-As fulfilled this promise, and Zaynab emigrated to Madinah. Years later, Abu al-As embraced Islam sincerely, and the Prophet reunited them. Zaynab died in 8 AH, leaving behind a daughter Umamah bint Abi al-As, who was beloved by the Prophet — he is reported to have carried her on his shoulder during prayers when she was young.