Nusaybah bint Kaab

Nusaybah bint Kaab al-Ansariyyah (dates uncertain, active approximately 610-640 CE), also known as Umm Umarah, was one of the most remarkable and courageous women in the entire history of Islam. She was from the Banu Najjar clan of the Khazraj tribe of Medina, and she was present at the historic Second Pledge of Aqabah where the Ansar pledged their allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — one of only two women among the pledgers. Her husband was Ghaziyyah ibn Amr, and her sons Habib ibn Zayd and Abdullah ibn Zayd were also distinguished companions.

Nusaybah came to the Battle of Uhud in 3 AH (625 CE) with the intention of providing water and medical care to the wounded fighters. When the Muslim ranks broke due to the archers abandoning their positions, and the Prophet became exposed to enemy attack, Nusaybah transformed from a nurse into a warrior. She took up a sword and a bow and placed herself between the Prophet and those attacking him, fighting with fierce determination to shield him from harm. She sustained at least twelve wounds during the battle, including a severe sword wound on her neck that required a full year to heal. The Prophet ﷺ later praised her saying: "Wherever I turned, to my right or to my left, I saw Nusaybah bint Kaab fighting in front of me." Ibn Kathir records that the Prophet prayed for her and her family to be his companions in Paradise.

Nusaybah's military participation extended to multiple campaigns. She fought at the Battle of Hunayn in 8 AH and was present at the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Her greatest trial came at the Battle of Yamamah in 12 AH (633 CE) against the false prophet Musaylimah al-Kadhdhab, where her son Habib was captured, tortured, and martyred for refusing to acknowledge Musaylimah as a prophet. In that battle, Nusaybah herself received eleven additional wounds and had her hand severed. She later recovered and sought out her son's killer.

Nusaybah's extraordinary courage and sacrifice have made her an enduring symbol in Islamic history of women's active participation in the defense of Islam. Her example is frequently cited in discussions of women's roles in Islamic society, and her story demonstrates that the companions — both men and women — were united in their devotion to Islam with their wealth, their bodies, and their lives.