Prophet Muhammad's Family: Wives, Children and Relatives
Companions, enemies, wives, children and foster family of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and their roles during his lifetime (c. 570 to 632 CE)
The Prophet's ﷺ relatives appear on both sides of his mission. Some sheltered him, fought beside him and gave their lives for the new faith. Others opposed him, mocked him, plotted against him or led armies against Madeenah. Some of his closest relatives never accepted Islam at all, while others began as enemies and ended as its most devoted supporters.
This article covers six groups: his parents, grandfather and aunts, his children and grandchildren, his wives and concubines, the people who nursed and raised him (his foster or milk family), his relatives among the companions, and his relatives among the enemies and the unconverted. Each entry gives the name in Arabic and in English, the exact relationship, and the person's role during the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime. The Prophet's ﷺ life ended in 632 CE, so the roles described are limited to that period, not what followed.
How to use this article. Use the search box to find a name in English or Arabic. Use the section buttons to view one group at a time, and the role menu to show only those who helped, harmed, changed sides or had a mixed record. Click any name to open its entry. The Expand all and Collapse all buttons open or close every entry at once. A short quiz at the end lets you test yourself.
On sources. The accounts here come from the Qur'an, the biographies of Ibn Ishaq رحمه الله (as edited by Ibn Hisham رحمه الله) and Ibn Sa'd's رحمه الله Tabaqat, and the hadith collections of al-Bukhari رحمه الله, Muslim رحمه الله and the Sunan compilers. Where historians disagree, or where a story rests on weaker reports, the entry says so. Dates are given in the Common Era (CE) and, where useful, in the Hijri calendar (AH, after the migration to Madeenah, 622 CE) or the years before it (BH).
- Parents, grandfather, aunts and in-laws
- The children and grandchildren of the Prophet ﷺ
- The wives and concubines
- The foster family: wet nurses and milk relatives
- Relatives among the companions
- Relatives among the enemies and the unconverted
- People often confused with his relatives
- Test yourself
- Notes and further reading
1. Parents, grandfather, aunts and in-laws
This section covers the people who raised the Prophet ﷺ before his mission, his aunts, and his relatives by marriage who are not already covered elsewhere.
Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib عبد الله بن عبد المطلب No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ father, a son of Abd al-Muttalib and a member of Banu Hashim.
RoleHe died in Yathrib (Madeenah) on a trading journey before the Prophet ﷺ was born, so the Prophet ﷺ never knew him. He had no role in the events of the Prophet's ﷺ life.
Aminah bint Wahb آمنة بنت وهب No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ mother, from Banu Zuhrah. She was a cousin of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas رضي الله عنه, which made Sa'd رضي الله عنه the Prophet's ﷺ maternal uncle.
RoleShe died at al-Abwa', between Makkah and Madeenah, when the Prophet ﷺ was about six. He was then taken in by his grandfather. She had no active role in events.
Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim عبد المطلب بن هاشم Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal grandfather and the chief of Banu Hashim in Makkah. He was the father of Abdullah, Abu Talib, Hamzah رضي الله عنه and al-Abbas رضي الله عنه.
RoleAfter the death of Aminah, he took in his grandson and cared for him with great affection. The traditions say he gave the boy a special place beside him. He died when the Prophet ﷺ was about eight, and the boy was then cared for by Abu Talib. Abd al-Muttalib never became a Muslim.
Abu Talib أبو طالب عبد مناف بن عبد المطلب Mixed record
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal uncle and the father of Ali رضي الله عنه and Ja'far رضي الله عنه. He raised the Prophet ﷺ after his grandfather died, and the Prophet ﷺ grew up in his house.
RoleHe protected the Prophet ﷺ from the Quraysh for many years, even though he never became a Muslim. He was among those who suffered in the boycott of the Clan of Hashim (c. 7 BH), when the clan was confined to a valley for about three years. He died around 619 CE without declaring Islam, which grieved the Prophet ﷺ. Al-Bukhari رحمه الله records that the Prophet ﷺ asked him to say the testimony of faith, but he refused.
Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib رضي الله عنها صفية بنت عبد المطلب Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal aunt and the full sister of Hamzah رضي الله عنه. She was the mother of al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam رضي الله عنه, the Prophet's ﷺ cousin.
RoleShe is recorded among the early believers and migrated to Madeenah with her son al-Zubayr رضي الله عنه. At Uhud in 3 AH she came to see the body of her brother Hamzah رضي الله عنه, and traditions say the Prophet ﷺ asked her son al-Zubayr رضي الله عنه to keep her from the mutilated body. She obeyed when told it was the Prophet's ﷺ command, then asked to see Hamzah رضي الله عنه once she heard he had been killed. The Prophet ﷺ allowed her, and she accepted the will of God with patience. At the Battle of the Trench (5 AH), according to Ibn Ishaq رحمه الله, she killed a Jewish man who had come to spy on the fort where the women and children were sheltered.
Umaymah bint Abd al-Muttalib أميمة بنت عبد المطلب No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal aunt. She was the mother of Zaynab رضي الله عنها bint Jahsh, Hamnah bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها, Abd Allah ibn Jahsh رضي الله عنه and Ubaydullah ibn Jahsh, so all four were the Prophet's ﷺ cousins through her.
RoleShe had no separate role in events. Her children appear throughout this article, including Zaynab رضي الله عنها, who became one of the Prophet's ﷺ wives.
Barrah bint Abd al-Muttalib برة بنت عبد المطلب No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal aunt and the mother of Abu Salamah ibn Abd al-Asad رضي الله عنه, who was both his cousin and his milk-brother.
RoleShe had no separate role in events. Her son became the first husband of Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها, and he is described in the foster family section.
Waraqah ibn Nawfal ورقة بن نوفل Helped
RelationA cousin of Khadijah رضي الله عنها, the Prophet's ﷺ first wife. He was a Christian who had studied the scriptures.
RoleAfter the first revelation in the cave of Hira, the Prophet ﷺ returned frightened, and Khadijah رضي الله عنها took him to Waraqah. Waraqah confirmed that the one who had come to the Prophet ﷺ was the same as the angel who had come to Moses عليه السلام, and he warned that the Prophet's ﷺ people would oppose him. He died shortly after. He did not become a Muslim, but he gave the first confirmation of the Prophet's ﷺ mission from a person outside his household.
Hala bint Khuwaylid هالة بنت خويلد No active role
RelationThe sister of Khadijah رضي الله عنها and the mother of Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi' رضي الله عنه, who was the husband of the Prophet's ﷺ daughter Zaynab رضي الله عنها.
RoleA well-known tradition in Sahih Muslim describes Hala asking to enter the Prophet's ﷺ house. He was moved by her voice, because it reminded him of Khadijah رضي الله عنها, which shows the depth of his grief for his first wife. She had no other active role.
2. The children and grandchildren of the Prophet ﷺ
Most of the Prophet's ﷺ children died young or before him. His line continued mainly through his daughter Fatimah رضي الله عنها and her sons, Hasan and Husayn.
Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad ﷺ القاسم بن محمد No active role
RelationHis first son, born to Khadijah رضي الله عنها before the revelation. The Prophet ﷺ took the honorific name Abu al-Qasim, "father of al-Qasim", from him.
RoleHe died as an infant in Makkah. He had no part in public affairs. His death was a great sorrow to his parents.
Abdullah ibn Muhammad ﷺ عبد الله بن محمد No active role
RelationA son of the Prophet ﷺ and Khadijah رضي الله عنها, also known by the epithets al-Tayyib and al-Tahir ("the good" and "the pure").
RoleHe died in infancy in Makkah, before the Hijra. He had no active role in events.
Zaynab bint Muhammad ﷺ رضي الله عنها زينب بنت محمد Helped
RelationThe eldest daughter, born around 599 CE to Khadijah رضي الله عنها. She married her cousin Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi' رضي الله عنه, who was the son of Khadijah's رضي الله عنها sister Hala.
RoleShe stayed in Makkah as a Muslim while her husband remained with Quraysh. Her husband later fought against the Muslims at Badr (2 AH) and was taken prisoner. Zaynab رضي الله عنها sent a necklace that had belonged to Khadijah رضي الله عنها as his ransom. The Prophet ﷺ, moved by the gift, freed him on condition that Zaynab رضي الله عنها be sent to Madeenah. Abu al-As رضي الله عنه later accepted Islam, and the couple were reunited. Zaynab رضي الله عنها died in 8 AH, having endured separation and hardship for her faith.
Ruqayyah bint Muhammad ﷺ رضي الله عنها رقية بنت محمد Helped
RelationA daughter of the Prophet ﷺ and Khadijah رضي الله عنها. She was first married to Utbah ibn Abi Lahab, a son of the Prophet's ﷺ uncle.
RoleAfter the revelation of Surah al-Masad (Qur'an 111), which condemned Abu Lahab, her father-in-law forced his sons to divorce both Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها and her sister Umm Kulthum رضي الله عنها. Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها then married Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه. The couple migrated to Abyssinia during the early persecution and later to Madeenah. She died in 2 AH while her father was fighting at Badr. Uthman رضي الله عنه stayed with her during her illness, and the Prophet ﷺ gave him a share of the Badr booty and a reward for his absence.
Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad ﷺ رضي الله عنها أم كلثوم بنت محمد Helped
RelationA daughter of the Prophet ﷺ and Khadijah رضي الله عنها. She was first married to Utaybah ibn Abi Lahab, the brother of Utbah.
RoleLike her sister, she was divorced after Surah al-Masad was revealed. She then married Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه after Ruqayyah's رضي الله عنها death. She shared in the suffering of the early believers and joined the migration to Madeenah. She died in 9 AH. Some traditions say that Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها and Umm Kulthum رضي الله عنها were the daughters of Khadijah رضي الله عنها from an earlier marriage, which would make them stepdaughters of the Prophet ﷺ. The majority view calls them daughters.
Fatimah al-Zahra bint Muhammad ﷺ رضي الله عنها فاطمة الزهراء بنت محمد Helped
RelationThe youngest daughter of the Prophet ﷺ and Khadijah رضي الله عنها. She married her cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه in 2 AH. Her sons Hasan (born 3 AH) and Husayn (born 4 AH) رضي الله عنهما were the Prophet's ﷺ beloved grandsons.
RoleShe was a devoted and close daughter, and she cared for her father in his later years. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said, "Fatimah is a part of me" (al-Bukhari). She was present at his final illness and died six months after him, in 11 AH.
Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ﷺ إبراهيم بن محمد No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ only son born after the Hijra. His mother was Mariyah al-Qibtiyyah رضي الله عنها, a Coptic woman from Egypt who had been sent as a gift to the Prophet ﷺ (see the concubines below).
RoleHe was born in Madeenah in 8 AH and died in 10 AH at around eighteen months. A solar eclipse happened on the day he died, and some people linked the two events. The Prophet ﷺ said that the sun and moon are signs of God and do not eclipse for anyone's death (al-Bukhari).
Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali رضي الله عنهما الحسن بن علي والحسين بن علي No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ grandsons, the sons of Fatimah رضي الله عنها and Ali رضي الله عنه, born in 3 AH and 4 AH.
RoleThey were the Prophet's ﷺ beloved grandsons. Traditions record that he carried them, and that he said, "They are my two sweet flowers in this world" (al-Bukhari). They were too young to play a part in the events of his lifetime, but they are central figures of later Islamic history.
Umamah bint Zaynab رضي الله عنها أمامة بنت زينب No active role
RelationThe granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, the daughter of his eldest daughter Zaynab رضي الله عنها and Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi' رضي الله عنه.
RoleA hadith in al-Bukhari and Muslim describes the Prophet ﷺ carrying her on his shoulder while leading the prayer, and setting her down when he bowed and lifting her again when he stood. Traditions also say that Ali رضي الله عنه married her after the death of Fatimah رضي الله عنها.
3. The wives and concubines
The Prophet ﷺ had eleven wives in total, and nine of them were alive when he died. The wives are known as the Mothers of the Believers (أمهات المؤمنين). Two women were concubines rather than wives in the full sense: Rayhanah and Mariyah رضي الله عنها.
Khadijah رضي الله عنها bint Khuwaylid خديجة بنت خويلد Helped
RelationHis first wife. She was a wealthy merchant from Quraysh, and she employed him in trade before they married around 595 CE. He took no other wife while she lived. She bore him all of his children except Ibrahim.
RoleShe was the first person to believe in his message. After the first revelation, when he returned frightened, she comforted him and said that God would never disgrace him. She supported him with her wealth and her faith during the early persecution. She died in 3 BH (619 CE), in what is called the Year of Sorrow, the same year his uncle Abu Talib died.
Sawdah رضي الله عنها bint Zam'ah سودة بنت زمعة Helped
RelationA widow who was among the early believers. She first married her cousin al-Sakran ibn Amr رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ married her after Khadijah's رضي الله عنها death, around 10 BH.
RoleShe migrated to Abyssinia with her husband, who died there. She was a loyal companion in the Prophet's ﷺ household. She is best known for giving her night in the Prophet's ﷺ company to his young wife Aisha رضي الله عنها, a gesture recorded in al-Bukhari. She died around 54 AH.
Aisha bint Abi Bakr رضي الله عنها عائشة بنت أبي بكر Helped
RelationThe daughter of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, his closest companion and later the first caliph. The marriage contract was made in Makkah, and the marriage was consummated in Madeenah in about 1 to 2 AH. Traditional accounts put her age at marriage at around six to nine, and modern scholars debate this point.
RoleShe was the Prophet's ﷺ most devoted student and transmitted more than two thousand hadith, more than any other wife. In 5 AH she was the centre of a slander known as the Incident of the Lie (hadith al-ifk), spread by some believers. The Prophet ﷺ was deeply distressed until God revealed verses clearing her (Qur'an 24:11 to 20). That episode caused him great pain, so while she helped him, she was also harmed by others through him. Her later role in the Battle of the Camel (36 AH) falls after his death.
Hafsah bint Umar رضي الله عنها حفصة بنت عمر Mixed record
RelationThe daughter of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه, who later became the second caliph. She was first married to Khunays ibn Hudhafah رضي الله عنه, a companion who died of wounds. The Prophet ﷺ married her around 3 AH.
RoleShe was entrusted with the first written collection of the Qur'an, made under Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and kept by her father's wish. Uthman رضي الله عنه later used that copy when he standardised the text. However, the Qur'an refers to a secret that one of the Prophet's ﷺ wives revealed to another (66:3 to 4). The classical commentators identify Hafsah رضي الله عنها as the one who revealed it, and Ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله records this as their view 'without any known disagreement'. Sunan Abi Dawud 2283, Ibn Majah 2016 and an-Nasa'i 3560 report that the Prophet ﷺ divorced her once and took her back, a report that al-Hakim رحمه الله, Ibn Hajar رحمه الله and al-Albani رحمه الله all grade sound. In the fullest chain, Jibreel عليه السلام said to him: 'Take Hafsah back, for she fasts much and stands in prayer at night, and she is your wife in Paradise.' No authentic report states the reason for the divorce; connecting it to the revealed secret is scholarly inference.
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah رضي الله عنها زينب بنت خزيمة Helped
RelationKnown as Umm al-Masakin, "Mother of the Poor", for her generosity. She was first married to Tufayl ibn al-Harith, and then to Ubaydah ibn al-Harith رضي الله عنه, the Prophet's ﷺ cousin, who died of wounds after the Battle of Badr. The Prophet ﷺ married her in 3 AH.
RoleShe was known for her charity to the poor. She died about eight months after the marriage, around 4 AH. She was one of only two wives who died before him, the other being Khadijah رضي الله عنها. The Prophet ﷺ himself led her funeral prayer.
Umm Salamah Hind bint Abi Umayyah رضي الله عنها أم سلمة هند بنت أبي أمية Helped
RelationShe was first married to Abu Salamah رضي الله عنه, who was the Prophet's ﷺ cousin and milk-brother (see the foster family section). After Abu Salamah رضي الله عنه died in 4 AH, the Prophet ﷺ married her.
RoleShe was one of the wisest of the wives. At the Treaty of Hudaybiyah (6 AH) the companions were slow to shave their heads and sacrifice their animals after the Prophet ﷺ had ordered it. He was distressed. Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها advised him to go out, shave, and sacrifice without speaking. He did so, and the companions followed him at once (al-Bukhari). She died around 59 or 62 AH.
Zaynab رضي الله عنها bint Jahsh زينب بنت جحش Helped
RelationA first cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, the daughter of Umaymah bint Abd al-Muttalib, his paternal aunt. She was first married to Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه, the Prophet's ﷺ adopted son. After Zayd رضي الله عنه divorced her, the Prophet ﷺ married her in 5 AH. The Qur'an (33:37) describes this marriage in detail.
RoleShe was known for her piety and for her charity, and she worked with her own hands and gave in charity. During the slander against Aisha رضي الله عنها, the Prophet ﷺ asked her about Aisha رضي الله عنها. She replied, "I protect my hearing and my sight; I know nothing but good about her" (al-Bukhari). She was the first of the wives to die after the Prophet ﷺ, around 20 AH. Her sister Hamnah رضي الله عنها took part in the slander (see the companions section).
Juwayriyah bint al-Harith رضي الله عنها جويرية بنت الحارث Helped
RelationThe daughter of al-Harith ibn Abi Dirar, chief of the Banu al-Mustaliq, a tribe of Khuza'ah. The Prophet ﷺ married her in 5 AH.
RoleHer tribe had gathered forces to attack Madeenah. The Muslims defeated them at al-Muraysi' and took captives, including Juwayriyah رضي الله عنها. When the Prophet ﷺ married her, the believers freed all their captives as relatives of the Prophet's ﷺ wife. Her father then converted, and many of his tribe followed. She died in 50 AH.
Umm Habibah Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan رضي الله عنها أم حبيبة رملة بنت أبي سفيان Helped
RelationThe daughter of Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه, the leader of Quraysh who fought the Prophet ﷺ at Uhud and at the Trench. Her brother was Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan رضي الله عنه, so Mu'awiyah رضي الله عنه was her brother-in-law. Her first husband was Ubaydullah ibn Jahsh.
RoleShe emigrated with her husband to Abyssinia. He converted to Christianity there and died in the faith he chose. She remained a Muslim, and the Prophet ﷺ married her in 7 AH while she was still in Abyssinia; the Negus acted for her. Her marriage eased relations with her father, who later converted in 8 AH. She died in 44 AH.
Safiyyah bint Huyayy رضي الله عنها صفية بنت حيي بن أخطب No active role
RelationThe daughter of Huyayy ibn Akhtab, chief of the Jewish Banu Nadir. Her father led the Confederates against Madeenah at the Battle of the Trench (5 AH) and was later executed after the Banu Qurayza betrayal. Her first husband, Kinana ibn al-Rabi', was killed at Khaybar in 7 AH after being accused of hiding treasure.
RoleShe was taken captive at Khaybar and the Prophet ﷺ freed her and married her. Her father had been the Prophet's ﷺ enemy, but she was not an active figure in events. She later embraced Islam and is remembered as one of the Mothers of the Believers. She died around 50 AH.
Maymunah bint al-Harith رضي الله عنها ميمونة بنت الحارث Helped
RelationThe last of the Prophet's ﷺ wives. Her sister Lubabah رضي الله عنها was the wife of his uncle al-Abbas رضي الله عنه, and Lubabah's رضي الله عنها sons included Abd Allah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه. Another sister, Lubabah al-Sughra رضي الله عنها, was the mother of Khalid ibn al-Walid رضي الله عنه. The Prophet ﷺ married her in 7 AH at Sarif, near Makkah, during the Umrah of the Compensation.
RoleShe transmitted several hadith and was respected in the household. She died at Sarif, where she had been married, in about 51 AH.
Rayhanah bint Zayd ريحانة بنت زيد No active role
RelationA Jewish woman from the Banu Qurayza, captured after the Qurayza episode in 5 AH. She is described in the traditions as a concubine, and some sources say she was a wife.
RoleTraditions differ about her faith and status. Some say she accepted Islam and remained with the Prophet ﷺ, while others say she stayed as a concubine. She had no public role in events.
Mariyah al-Qibtiyyah رضي الله عنها ماريّة القبطية No active role
RelationA Coptic Christian from Egypt, sent as a gift to the Prophet ﷺ in 7 AH by al-Muqawqis, the Byzantine governor of Egypt. Her sister Sirin was given to the poet Hassan ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه. She bore the Prophet's ﷺ son Ibrahim.
RoleShe was a concubine and the mother of Ibrahim. She did not have a public role. After the Prophet ﷺ died she lived in Madeenah, and she is said to have been well treated.
4. The foster family: wet nurses and milk relatives
In Arabia, infants were commonly nursed by women from the desert tribes, who raised them for a few years in clean air. A child who shared the same nurse counted as a milk-brother or milk-sister, and the bond created a real kinship that carried legal and social duties. Muhammad ﷺ had at least two wet nurses: Thuwaybah, who nursed him briefly after his birth, and Halimah al-Sa'diyyah رضي الله عنها, who raised him in the desert until he was about four or five years old.
Thuwaybah ثويبة No active role
RelationThe freed slave-woman of Abu Lahab, the Prophet's ﷺ uncle. She was the first to nurse him, for a few days after his birth, before Halimah رضي الله عنها took him. She also nursed his uncle Hamzah رضي الله عنه and his cousin Abu Salamah رضي الله عنه, so she made them milk-relatives too. Abu Lahab freed her when he heard of his nephew's birth, and the same uncle later became the Prophet's ﷺ chief enemy.
RoleShe was not active in political affairs. The traditions say that the Prophet ﷺ remembered her kindness and that he honoured the bond of nursing, so he treated her family with respect.
Halimah bint Abi Dhu'ayb al-Sa'diyyah رضي الله عنها حليمة بنت أبي ذؤيب السعدية Helped
RelationHis foster mother, from the desert tribe of Banu Sa'd ibn Bakr. She took him from Makkah to nurse and raise him in the desert, and she returned him to his mother Aminah after several years.
RoleShe cared for him through his earliest childhood. The tradition of the "opening of the chest" (shaq al-sadr) is linked to this period, when, according to the traditional account, two men opened his chest and cleansed his heart as a child. Halimah's رضي الله عنها family prospered during the time he lived with them, and she is remembered with affection in the Prophet's ﷺ biography.
Al-Harith ibn Abd al-Uzza (Abu Kabshah) الحارث بن عبد العزى (أبو كبشة) Helped
RelationThe husband of Halimah رضي الله عنها and the Prophet's ﷺ foster father. Some scholars identify him with the Abu Kabshah whose name the Quraysh used as an insult, but the sources also explain the name as belonging to a remote ancestor on the Prophet's ﷺ mother's side, or to someone else. The sources do not settle the question.
RoleHe provided for the foster family, and the Prophet's ﷺ time with them is remembered in the traditions as a period of blessing. Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه, before his conversion, is reported in a hadith transmitted by Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه to have used the phrase "son of Abu Kabshah" as an insult. The insult shows that opponents attacked his family history.
Abdullah ibn al-Harith عبد الله بن الحارث No active role
RelationThe son of Halimah رضي الله عنها and al-Harith, and therefore the Prophet's ﷺ milk-brother. He is known from the childhood traditions, where he appears as a playmate.
RoleIn the traditional account of the chest-opening, the boy ran home to tell his parents what had happened. Beyond childhood, the sources record little about his later life.
Shaymaa bint al-Harith al-Sa'diyyah رضي الله عنها الشيماء بنت الحارث السعدية No active role
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ milk-sister, the daughter of Halimah رضي الله عنها and al-Harith. Some sources also name a milk-sister called Unaysah. Historians do not always agree whether the two names refer to one person or to two.
RoleIn 8 AH, after the Battle of Hunayn, Shaymaa رضي الله عنها was among the captives brought before the Prophet ﷺ. She told him that she was his sister through their nursing. He asked for proof, and she showed him a bite mark on her shoulder from their childhood. He recognised her, spread his cloak for her to sit on, gave her gifts, and sent her back to her people with honour. The story is one of the clearest examples of his tenderness toward his foster family.
Masruh ibn Thuwaybah مسروح بن ثويبة No active role
RelationThe son of Thuwaybah who was nursed alongside the Prophet ﷺ, and therefore his milk-brother.
RoleThe sources record very little about him. He is mentioned mainly to show the wider circle of Thuwaybah's nursling children.
Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib رضي الله عنه حمزة بن عبد المطلب Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal uncle and his milk-brother, since Thuwaybah nursed them both. He was about two years older than the Prophet ﷺ.
RoleHe converted to Islam around 6 BH, after Abu Jahl insulted the Prophet ﷺ and Hamzah رضي الله عنه avenged his nephew. He defended the Prophet ﷺ in Makkah and in Madeenah. He was killed at the Battle of Uhud (3 AH) by Wahshi, an Abyssinian slave. The Prophet ﷺ grieved deeply and called him Sayyid al-Shuhada, "Master of the Martyrs".
Abu Salamah ibn Abd al-Asad رضي الله عنه أبو سلمة عبد الله بن عبد الأسد Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ cousin, the son of his paternal aunt Barrah bint Abd al-Muttalib, and his milk-brother, since Thuwaybah nursed them both. He was the first husband of Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها.
RoleHe was among the early believers and migrated to Abyssinia and then to Madeenah. He was wounded at Uhud (3 AH) and died of the wound in 4 AH. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have prayed for him and for his widow, and he later married her.
5. Relatives among the companions
These relatives are believers who stood with the Prophet ﷺ. A few of them, however, opposed him for part of their lives, or caused him harm in ways that are recorded in the sources. These are marked accordingly.
Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه علي بن أبي طالب Helped
RelationHis cousin, the son of Abu Talib, and his son-in-law through his marriage to Fatimah رضي الله عنها in 2 AH.
RoleHe was raised in the Prophet's ﷺ household and is traditionally recorded as one of the first boys to accept Islam. He slept in the Prophet's ﷺ bed on the night of the Hijra (622 CE), so that the Quraysh assassins would be deceived. He fought at Badr, Uhud and the Trench, carried the banner at Khaybar, and was entrusted with the Prophet's ﷺ message in the sura of Bara'ah. He wrote the Treaty of Hudaybiyah under dictation.
Ja'far ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه جعفر بن أبي طالب Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ cousin, the older brother of Ali رضي الله عنه and Aqil رضي الله عنه.
RoleHe led the first group of Muslim migrants to Abyssinia. When the Quraysh sent envoys to ask the Negus to return them, Ja'far رضي الله عنه spoke for the Muslims and recited the opening verses of Surah Maryam, which moved the king. He fought at Mu'tah in 8 AH and was killed there. He was given the title Dhu al-Janahayn, "the one with two wings".
Al-Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib رضي الله عنه العباس بن عبد المطلب Changed sides
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal uncle and the brother of Abdullah, his father. His wife Lubabah رضي الله عنها was the sister of Maymunah رضي الله عنها, one of the Prophet's ﷺ wives.
RoleHe stayed in Makkah for a time and was taken prisoner at Badr while fighting for Quraysh. He was later ransomed. Many sources say he kept in touch with the Prophet ﷺ and passed on news of Quraysh. He was an important link in the Conquest of Makkah in 8 AH: he brought Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه to the Prophet ﷺ, and he became a stalwart supporter of the Prophet's ﷺ family and cause afterwards.
Aqil ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه عقيل بن أبي طالب Changed sides
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ cousin and the brother of Ali رضي الله عنه and Ja'far رضي الله عنه.
RoleHe fought with Quraysh at Badr, was taken prisoner and was ransomed. He later accepted Islam, most reports say before the Conquest of Makkah, and joined the Muslim side. He is remembered as a respected member of the Hashimite family after the Prophet's ﷺ death.
Abd Allah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه عبد الله بن عباس Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ cousin, the son of his uncle al-Abbas رضي الله عنه and of Lubabah رضي الله عنها, Maymunah's رضي الله عنها sister.
RoleHe was a young boy during the Prophet's ﷺ last years. He carried messages and later became one of the greatest scholars of the Qur'an, known as Tarjuman al-Qur'an, "Interpreter of the Qur'an". He was one of the boys whom the Prophet ﷺ prayed for.
Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam رضي الله عنه الزبير بن العوام Helped
RelationThe son of Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib رضي الله عنها, the Prophet's ﷺ paternal aunt, which makes him the Prophet's ﷺ first cousin.
RoleHe was among the first to accept Islam, and he fought at Badr, Uhud and the Trench. At Uhud he was one of the few who stayed to defend the Prophet ﷺ when the lines broke. He was known for his bravery and was one of the Prophet's ﷺ disciples.
Abd Allah ibn Jahsh رضي الله عنه عبد الله بن جحش Mixed record
RelationA cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, the son of Umaymah bint Abd al-Muttalib. He was the brother of Zaynab رضي الله عنها bint Jahsh and Hamnah bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها.
RoleHe led an early reconnaissance raid to Nakhla in 2 AH. During the raid one Quraysh man was killed in the sacred month, which caused a crisis among the believers and the Quraysh alike. The Prophet ﷺ was displeased. The Qur'an (2:217) then addressed the question of fighting in the sacred months. He was a brave companion and later died at Uhud.
Ubaydah ibn al-Harith رضي الله عنه عبيدة بن الحارث Helped
RelationA cousin of the Prophet ﷺ from the Banu al-Muttalib branch, and the first husband of Zaynab bint Khuzaymah رضي الله عنها.
RoleAt Badr (2 AH) he fought the first duel of the battle against Utbah ibn Rabi'ah, the Quraysh champion. He was badly wounded and died on the way back to Madeenah.
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه (father-in-law) أبو بكر الصديق Helped
RelationNot a blood relative. He was the father of Aisha رضي الله عنها, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ father-in-law.
RoleHe was the first adult man to believe in the Prophet's ﷺ message and was his closest companion. He accompanied him on the Hijra to Madeenah, spent his wealth on the cause, and led the prayers during the Prophet's ﷺ last illness. He later became the first caliph.
Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه (father-in-law) عمر بن الخطاب Helped
RelationNot a blood relative. He was the father of Hafsah رضي الله عنها, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ father-in-law.
RoleHe accepted Islam in Makkah and gave the believers public strength. He supported the Prophet's ﷺ decisions in the early years, and he later became the second caliph.
Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه (son-in-law) عثمان بن عفان Helped
RelationNot a blood relative. He married the Prophet's ﷺ daughters Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها and then Umm Kulthum رضي الله عنها, which made him the Prophet's ﷺ son-in-law.
RoleHe was among the first to accept Islam and migrated to Abyssinia and then to Madeenah. He was known for his generosity, and he funded a large part of the army sent to Tabuk in 9 AH. He stayed behind at Badr to nurse Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها, and the Prophet ﷺ counted him in the booty. He was later the third caliph.
Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi' رضي الله عنه أبو العاص بن الربيع Changed sides
RelationThe husband of the Prophet's ﷺ eldest daughter, Zaynab رضي الله عنها. He was the son of Khadijah's رضي الله عنها sister Hala, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ nephew by marriage.
RoleHe fought for Quraysh at Badr and was taken prisoner. He was released after Zaynab رضي الله عنها sent the ransom, on condition that she be sent to Madeenah. He later accepted Islam and returned to Madeenah, where the couple were reunited.
Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه and Usamah ibn Zayd رضي الله عنه (adopted) زيد بن حارثة وأسامة بن زيد Helped
RelationNot blood relatives. Zayd رضي الله عنه was a freed slave whom the Prophet ﷺ adopted as his son, and Usamah رضي الله عنه was Zayd's رضي الله عنه son, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ adopted grandson. Adoption was later forbidden in Islamic law (Qur'an 33:4 to 5).
RoleZayd رضي الله عنه was one of the earliest converts and is often described as the only companion named in the Qur'an. He was martyred at Mu'tah in 8 AH. Usamah رضي الله عنه was one of the Prophet's ﷺ favourite companions and led an army to the Byzantine frontier shortly before the Prophet's ﷺ death.
Hamnah bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها حمنة بنت جحش Harmed
RelationA cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, the sister of Zaynab رضي الله عنها bint Jahsh, and the sister of Abd Allah ibn Jahsh رضي الله عنه.
RoleShe is named in the classical sources as one of those who spread the slander against Aisha رضي الله عنها in 5 AH. The Prophet ﷺ was hurt by the rumour, and the Qur'an condemned those who spread it (24:11 to 20). It is a plain case of a close relative of the Prophet ﷺ causing him harm, even though she was a believer.
Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan رضي الله عنه معاوية بن أبي سفيان Changed sides
RelationThe son of Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه and the brother of Umm Habibah رضي الله عنها, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ brother-in-law.
RoleHe opposed the Prophet ﷺ in his youth, as his father did. He accepted Islam in 8 AH, at the Conquest of Makkah, and worked as one of the Prophet's ﷺ scribes, writing down revelation and letters. He later became the first Umayyad caliph.
Khalid ibn al-Walid رضي الله عنه خالد بن الوليد Changed sides
RelationThe son of Lubabah al-Sughra رضي الله عنها, who was the sister of Maymunah رضي الله عنها. He was therefore the nephew of the Prophet's ﷺ wife Maymunah رضي الله عنها.
RoleHe was one of the most dangerous enemies at Uhud (3 AH), where he commanded the Quraysh cavalry and attacked the Muslims from behind, which caused the Muslim lines to break. He accepted Islam in 8 AH, before the Conquest of Makkah, and went on to become one of the Prophet's ﷺ most famous commanders.
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas رضي الله عنه سعد بن أبي وقاص Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ maternal uncle, from Banu Zuhrah, the clan of his mother Aminah. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said, "This is my maternal uncle. Let any man show me his maternal uncle!"
RoleHe was one of the first to accept Islam, and one of the ten companions promised Paradise. He is known as the first Muslim to shoot an arrow in defence of Islam. At Uhud (3 AH), when the Prophet ﷺ was struck, the Prophet ﷺ told him, "Shoot, Sa'd! May my father and mother be sacrificed for you." He was a skilled archer and fought in every major battle of the Prophet's ﷺ time. When his mother tried to force him to renounce Islam, he refused, and the traditions link this episode to the Qur'anic verses on kindness to parents, which also insist that faith comes first.
Umm Hani bint Abi Talib رضي الله عنها أم هانئ بنت أبي طالب Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ cousin, the daughter of Abu Talib and the sister of Ali رضي الله عنه, Ja'far رضي الله عنه and Aqil رضي الله عنه. She was married to Hubayrah ibn Abi Wahb, of Banu Makhzum.
RoleShe accepted Islam at the Conquest of Makkah in 8 AH, although some reports place her faith earlier. The Prophet ﷺ prayed in her house after the Conquest, and according to her own report he had stayed in her house during the Night Journey. On the day of the Conquest she gave protection to two men from her husband's clan who had fled the fighting. Ali رضي الله عنه wanted to kill them, but the Prophet ﷺ said, "We grant protection to whomever Umm Hani has protected." Her husband later fled to Najran.
Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr رضي الله عنه عبد الرحمن بن أبي بكر Changed sides
RelationThe son of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and the full brother of Aisha رضي الله عنها, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ brother-in-law.
RoleHe fought on the side of Quraysh against the Muslims at Badr (2 AH) and Uhud (3 AH). At Badr he had the chance to kill his father, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, but turned away. He converted after the Treaty of Hudaybiyah (6 AH) and went on to fight in the Muslim conquests, including the Battle of Yamamah. His father, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, was the first adult man to believe in the Prophet ﷺ, and the change in Abd al-Rahman رضي الله عنه shows a family divided by faith as clearly as any in this register.
Asma bint Abi Bakr رضي الله عنها أسماء بنت أبي بكر Helped
RelationThe daughter of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and the sister of Aisha رضي الله عنها, and so the Prophet's ﷺ sister-in-law. She was the wife of al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam رضي الله عنه, the Prophet's ﷺ cousin.
RoleDuring the Hijra in 622 CE she carried food and water to the Prophet ﷺ and her father in the cave of Thawr, at great risk. Traditions say she tore her belt in two to tie the food, which earned her the title Dhat al-Nitaqayn, "the owner of the two belts".
Umar ibn Abi Salamah رضي الله عنه عمر بن أبي سلمة Helped
RelationThe son of Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها by her first husband Abu Salamah رضي الله عنه, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ stepson. He was raised in the Prophet's ﷺ house.
RoleHe was a young boy in the Prophet's ﷺ household. Al-Bukhari رحمه الله records a hadith in which the Prophet ﷺ taught him to say the name of God and to eat with his right hand. He later reported hadith and became a respected transmitter.
Abd Allah ibn Umar رضي الله عنه عبد الله بن عمر Helped
RelationThe son of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه and the full brother of Hafsah رضي الله عنها, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ brother-in-law.
RoleHe was a young companion during the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime, and he was known for following the Prophet's ﷺ practice very closely. He is one of the most prolific transmitters of hadith among the companions, and he is remembered for his strict devotion to the Prophet's ﷺ example.
Al-Fadl ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه الفضل بن العباس Helped
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ cousin, a son of his uncle al-Abbas رضي الله عنه.
RoleHe was a young man during the Prophet's ﷺ final years. Traditions say that he rode behind the Prophet ﷺ on the Farewell Pilgrimage in 10 AH, and that he was among the family members present during the Prophet's ﷺ last days.
6. Relatives among the enemies and the unconverted
These relatives opposed Islam. A few changed sides later in life.
Abu Lahab (Abd al-Uzza ibn Abd al-Muttalib) أبو لهب عبد العزى بن عبد المطلب Harmed
RelationThe Prophet's ﷺ paternal uncle, a son of Abd al-Muttalib. His nickname means "father of the flame", in reference to his face.
RoleHe was among the Prophet's ﷺ most persistent opponents from the start. He mocked the message, followed the Prophet ﷺ from place to place, and encouraged others to reject him. Surah al-Masad (Qur'an 111) names him and his wife and promises them the fire. He did not go to Badr himself and sent a substitute. He died about a week after Badr, in 2 AH, from a disease, and his body was left unburied for some time. He had freed Thuwaybah, the wet nurse, when the Prophet ﷺ was born.
Umm Jamil (Arwa bint Harb) أم جميل أروى بنت حرب Harmed
RelationThe wife of Abu Lahab, and the sister of Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه. She was the Prophet's ﷺ aunt by marriage.
RoleShe is named in Surah al-Masad (111:4) as "the carrier of firewood", which is usually explained as spreading slander and sowing hostility. Classical commentators, including Ibn Kathir رحمه الله, report that she placed thorns on the path where the Prophet ﷺ walked at night.
Utbah ibn Abi Lahab عتبة بن أبي لهب Harmed
RelationThe son of Abu Lahab and therefore the Prophet's ﷺ cousin. He was the first husband of the Prophet's ﷺ daughter Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها.
RoleAfter Surah al-Masad was revealed, he divorced Ruqayyah رضي الله عنها at his father's insistence. Most accounts attribute the insults, the spitting and the prayer against the "dog of God" to his brother Utaybah. One narration in the tafsir of Surah al-Najm (53) names Utbah instead. In that narration he says he has rejected the Lord of the star, is warned that God's dog may devour him, and is later killed by a lion while travelling with a caravan to Yemen.
Utaybah ibn Abi Lahab عتيبة بن أبي لهب Harmed
RelationThe brother of Utbah and a son of Abu Lahab. He was betrothed to Umm Kulthum رضي الله عنها, the Prophet's ﷺ daughter. Some sources say they were married, and in either case the union was ended.
RoleHe broke off the union with Umm Kulthum رضي الله عنها at his father's request. According to the traditions he then insulted the Prophet ﷺ, spat at him and tore his shirt, and the Prophet ﷺ prayed that God would set one of His dogs on him. Later, on a trade journey to Syria, he was killed by a lion near al-Zarqa in what is now Jordan.
Abu Sufyan ibn Harb رضي الله عنه أبو سفيان صخر بن حرب Changed sides
RelationA distant cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, since both descended from Abd Manaf. He was the father of Umm Habibah رضي الله عنها, Mu'awiyah رضي الله عنه and Yazid رضي الله عنه, which made him the Prophet's ﷺ father-in-law.
RoleHe was the leader of Quraysh for many years. His caravan's escape from Badr led to the battle, and he led the Quraysh army at Uhud (3 AH) and the coalition at the Trench (5 AH). Shortly before the Conquest he went to Madeenah to try to renew the truce, but was refused. He converted in 8 AH at the Conquest of Makkah. Abbas رضي الله عنه brought him to the Prophet ﷺ, who granted safety to those who entered his house or the Ka'bah. He was a changed man afterwards.
Al-Hakam ibn Abi al-As الحكم بن أبي العاص Harmed
RelationA distant cousin of the Prophet ﷺ from the Umayyad branch of the family, and a paternal uncle of Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه. He was the father of Marwan ibn al-Hakam, who later became a Umayyad caliph.
RoleHe mocked the Prophet ﷺ by imitating his walk and his speech, and the Prophet ﷺ banished him to al-Ta'if. The sources differ on whether this was from Madeenah or from Makkah after the Conquest. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and Umar رضي الله عنه refused his petitions to return, and Uthman رضي الله عنه later brought him back to Madeenah, which his critics held against Uthman رضي الله عنه.
Huyayy ibn Akhtab (father-in-law) حيي بن أخطب Harmed
RelationNot a blood relative. He was the father of Safiyyah رضي الله عنها, who became the Prophet's ﷺ wife, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ father-in-law by marriage. He was chief of the Jewish Banu Nadir.
RoleHe stirred up the Banu Nadir against the Prophet ﷺ, and his tribe was expelled from Madeenah in 4 AH. At the Trench (5 AH) he helped to bring the Confederates against the city. After the Banu Qurayza betrayed the believers, he was executed.
Ubaydullah ibn Jahsh عبيد الله بن جحش Changed sides
RelationA cousin of the Prophet ﷺ and a brother of Zaynab رضي الله عنها bint Jahsh. He was the first husband of Umm Habibah رضي الله عنها.
RoleHe accepted Islam and migrated with his wife to Abyssinia. There he turned away from the faith and became a Christian, and he died in that state. His defection left his wife to face the loss alone, and she remained faithful to Islam.
Utbah ibn Abi Waqqas عتبة بن أبي وقاص Harmed
RelationThe brother of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas رضي الله عنه and a maternal relative of the Prophet ﷺ, from the same clan of Banu Zuhrah.
RoleAt Uhud (3 AH) he threw stones at the Prophet ﷺ, one of which broke a tooth and cut his lower lip. Sa'd رضي الله عنه later said he never wanted to kill a man as much as he wanted to kill his brother for this. Reports differ on how Utbah died, and some say he was killed by Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah رضي الله عنه at the time of the Conquest.
Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan رضي الله عنه يزيد بن أبي سفيان Changed sides
RelationThe son of Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه and the brother of Umm Habibah رضي الله عنها and Mu'awiyah رضي الله عنه, so he was the Prophet's ﷺ brother-in-law.
RoleHe was among the Quraysh opponents of the Prophet ﷺ, as his father was, until he accepted Islam around the time of the Conquest of Makkah. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه later appointed him as a commander of the Muslim forces in Syria, where he fought the Byzantines.
People often confused with his relatives
Several well-known figures are often wrongly described as relatives of the Prophet ﷺ, and they are worth setting straight:
Abu Jahl (أبو جهل عمرو بن هشام) was not a relative. He was of the Banu Makhzum clan, which was a rival of the Prophet's ﷺ clan, and he was one of his fiercest enemies.
Hind bint Utbah (هند بنت عتبة) was not a relative. She was the wife of Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنه and the mother of Mu'awiyah رضي الله عنه, and she was known for her role in the mutilation of Hamzah's رضي الله عنه body after the Battle of Uhud.
Abd Allah ibn Ubayy (عبد الله بن أبي), the leader of the hypocrites in Madeenah, was not a relative.
Hassan ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه (حسان بن ثابت), the poet, was not a relative, although the Prophet ﷺ gave him Sirin, the sister of Mariyah رضي الله عنها, as a gift.
Umm Ayman رضي الله عنها (Barakah) (أم أيمن بركة) was the Prophet's ﷺ nurse and caretaker after his mother's death. She was a freed slave, so she was not a blood or milk relative, though the Prophet ﷺ treated her with great respect.
Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه and Usamah ibn Zayd رضي الله عنه were adopted rather than blood relatives. Islamic law later clarified that adoptive relations do not create blood ties.
Test yourself
Click each question to reveal the answer.
1. Which man was both the Prophet's ﷺ paternal uncle and his milk-brother?
2. One of the Prophet's ﷺ daughters was married to a man who fought against him at Badr. Who were they?
3. One of the Prophet's ﷺ wives had a father who led Quraysh at Uhud. Who was she?
4. Which woman, freed by Abu Lahab, was the first to nurse the Prophet ﷺ?
5. Which surah of the Qur'an names Abu Lahab and his wife?
6. Which wife revealed the secret that the Qur'an refers to, and was divorced once before being taken back?
7. Who was the Prophet's ﷺ milk-sister who was recognised after the Battle of Hunayn?
Notes and further reading
The Qur'anic references mentioned in this article are: Surah al-Masad (111), Surah al-Ahzab (33:4 to 5 and 33:37), Surah al-Nur (24:11 to 20), Surah al-Tahrim (66:3 to 4) and Surah al-Baqarah (2:217).
For the biographies, see Ibn Ishaq رحمه الله and Ibn Hisham رحمه الله, al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, and Ibn Sa'd رحمه الله, al-Tabaqat al-Kubra. For hadith, see Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. For a modern and readable account, see Martin Lings, Muhammad ﷺ: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources.
The sources do not always agree on dates, ages or the order of events. This article has followed the majority view and has noted disagreement where it matters.
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