Zainab bint Khuzaima (RA) belonged to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ as:

The correct answer is Wife.

Hazrat Zainab bint Khuzaima (RA) was the fifth wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, making her one of the Ummahat-ul-Momineen (Mothers of the Believers). She entered the Prophet's ﷺ household in the year 3 AH (625 CE), shortly after the Battle of Uhud. Her marriage was a profound example of the Prophet’s ﷺ commitment to honoring the widows of those who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of Islam.

The "Mother of the Poor"

Long before she became a member of the Prophet's ﷺ household, Zainab bint Khuzaima (RA) was famous throughout Mecca and Medina for her extraordinary generosity. She was widely known by the title Umm al-Masakeen, which translates to "The Mother of the Poor." This title was not merely a nickname but a reflection of her daily life; she was known to spend all of her wealth and energy providing food, clothing, and shelter to the destitute.

Even in the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), she stood out for her refusal to ignore the suffering of the needy. Unlike many in the tribal society of the time who prioritized status and wealth, she viewed her resources as a trust to be shared with those less fortunate. This noble character made her a perfect match for the Prophet ﷺ, whose own life was dedicated to the service of humanity.

Circumstances of Her Marriage

Prior to her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ, Zainab (RA) was married to Hazrat Ubaydah ibn al-Harith (RA), a brave warrior and cousin of the Prophet ﷺ. Ubaydah was the first Muslim to be martyred in a duel during the Battle of Badr. Following his martyrdom, Zainab (RA) faced the hardships of widowhood.

The Prophet ﷺ, recognizing her piety and her previous title of "Umm al-Masakeen," sent a proposal of marriage to her. This union was a source of great comfort to her and provided her with a platform to continue her charitable works under the guidance of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. By marrying her, the Prophet ﷺ also reinforced the social principle that widows of martyrs should be integrated into the highest levels of society with dignity.

A Brief but Impactful Life

Zainab bint Khuzaima (RA) holds a unique and somewhat somber place in the history of the Ummahat-ul-Momineen. She was the only wife of the Prophet ﷺ, other than Hazrat Khadijah (RA), to pass away during the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime. Her marriage lasted only a few months—some historical accounts suggest it was as short as three months, while others suggest eight.

She passed away in the year 4 AH at the young age of approximately 30. The Prophet ﷺ himself led her funeral prayers and she was buried in Jannat al-Baqi, the sacred cemetery in Medina. She was the first of the Prophet's ﷺ wives to be buried there.

Her Enduring Legacy

Despite the brevity of her time as a Mother of the Believers, her legacy is defined by the quality of her service rather than the length of her tenure. In Islamic history, she remains the ultimate symbol of humanitarianism. She taught the early Muslim community that the highest form of worship is often found in the service of the vulnerable.

For students of Islamic history, remembering Zainab bint Khuzaima (RA) as a wife of the Prophet ﷺ is to remember the importance of social welfare in the foundation of the first Islamic state in Medina. Her life serves as a reminder that the title "Mother of the Believers" was earned through a combination of sacred relationship and tireless devotion to the poor.