MCQ Detailed View

During the 7th century CE, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) sent letters to various rulers inviting them to embrace Islam. One of these letters was addressed to Al-Muqawqis, the Christian ruler of Egypt. The letter was carried by Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah (RA). Al-Muqawqis received the message respectfully, though he did not accept Islam. As a gesture of goodwill, he sent several gifts to Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), including fine garments, honey, a mule named Duldul, and two Coptic Christian concubines — Maria al-Qibtiyya (RA) and her sister Sirin bint Shamun (RA).

Maria al-Qibtiyya (RA) embraced Islam after arriving in Madinah and later became the mother of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) son, Ibrahim (RA). Sirin bint Shamun (RA) also accepted Islam and was given in marriage to the famous poet and Companion, Hassan ibn Thabit (RA), who was known for defending the Prophet through his poetry.

This event is significant in Islamic history for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects the Prophet’s diplomatic approach in spreading Islam through peaceful invitations and respectful correspondence. Secondly, it highlights the respectful exchanges between Muslim leaders and non-Muslim rulers of the time. Thirdly, Maria (RA) and Sirin (RA) are remembered for their piety, devotion, and roles within the early Muslim community.

Sirin bint Shamun (RA), though less mentioned in historical sources than her sister, played her own role as a Muslim woman of early Madinah. She supported her husband Hassan ibn Thabit (RA) and contributed to the growing Muslim society. This episode also underscores the diversity of the early Muslim community, which included people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds who embraced Islam wholeheartedly.

Thus, the correct answer to this question is Sirin bint Shamun (RA), who, along with Maria al-Qibtiyya (RA), came to Madinah as a gift from the ruler of Egypt but became a respected Muslim woman in her own right.