Name the wife of the Holy prophet (SAW) who was titled as Umm-ul-Masakeen?

The correct answer is Hazrat Zainab bint e Khuzaiymah (RA).

Hazrat Zainab bint e Khuzaiymah (RA) holds a unique and revered position among the Mothers of the Believers (Ummhat-ul-Mu'minin). She was the fifth wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). While her time in the Prophet’s household was relatively brief, her reputation for extraordinary selflessness and compassion had been established long before she entered the fold of Islam's first family.

Early Life and Lineage

Hazrat Zainab (RA) belonged to the tribe of Banu Amir bin Sa’sa’ah, a branch of the Hawazin. Even during the period of Jahiliyyah (the era of ignorance before Islam), she was widely known among the Quraish and surrounding tribes for her soft heart. While most people in pre-Islamic Arabia focused on tribal prestige and wealth, Zainab (RA) was focused on the suffering of the destitute. It was during this time that she first earned the title "Umm-ul-Masakeen," which translates to "Mother of the Poor." This wasn't just a nickname; it was a testament to her daily habit of feeding the hungry and providing shelter to those who had none.

Marriage to the Prophet (SAW)

Before her marriage to the Holy Prophet (SAW), she was married to Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahsh (RA), a brave companion of the Prophet. After her husband was martyred during the Battle of Uhud, she was left a widow. In the year 4 AH (After Hijrah), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) sent a proposal to marry her. This marriage was a profound gesture of protection and respect for a woman whose life had been dedicated to the service of others.

The marriage took place in the month of Ramadan. By bringing her into his household, the Prophet (SAW) not only provided her with security but also highlighted the importance of her charitable nature to the entire Muslim community. She lived in a simple apartment next to the Masjid-an-Nabawi, where she continued her mission of helping the marginalized inhabitants of Medina.

The Virtue of Generosity

What made Hazrat Zainab bint e Khuzaiymah (RA) stand out was the consistency of her charity. It is recorded that she rarely kept any wealth for herself. Whenever she received any gift or share of the spoils of war, she would immediately distribute it among the orphans and the needy. Her presence in the Prophet's (SAW) life served as a living example of the Quranic injunctions regarding the care of the "Masakeen" (the poor).