Prophet Muhammad’s Loss of Family Members

Dr. Shaykha bint Abdullah ash-Shaybani in her article, “The loss of loved ones from the family of the Prophet during his lifetime” [فقد الأحبة من آل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في حياته] mentions several of those who were dearly beloved to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and whose deaths he had to grapple with while dealing with other responsibilities. She lists the following:

- His grandfather Abdul Muttallib

- His uncle Abu Talib

- His uncle Hamza

- His cousin Ubaydah ibn al-Harith

- His cousin Ja’far b. Abi Talib

- His cousin Abdullah b. Jahsh

- His cousin Abi Salamah b. Abdul Asad

- His cousin Abdullah b. Abi Ummayah

- His wife Khadijah

- His wife Zaynab bint Khuzaymah

- His wife (differed upon) Rayhana bint Zayd

- His son al-Qasim

- His daughter Ruqayyah

- His daughter Zaynab

- His daughter Umm Kulthum

- His loss of Zayd b. Haritha

I never thought about it so comprehensively like this before. It only increases my admiration and love for Rasul Allah for being so strong in his resolve, patience, and faith to pursue his objectives despite the emotional burdens he endured during his lifetime.

اللهم صل على سيدنا محمد