Her Early Life and First Betrothal

Ruqayyah (RA) had been engaged before the revelation of Islam to Utbah ibn Abu Lahab — the son of the Prophet's ﷺ bitter uncle Abu Lahab. When Surah Al-Lahab was revealed, condemning Abu Lahab and his wife for their fierce opposition to Islam, Abu Lahab ordered his son to divorce Ruqayyah immediately. The engagement was dissolved, and Ruqayyah (RA) was freed from a marriage that would have brought her great hardship.

She then married Uthman ibn Affan (RA) — one of the earliest and most noble converts to Islam, a man of tremendous wealth, character and generosity.

Two Hijrahs — The Twice-Emigrating Believer

When the persecution of the early Muslims in Makkah became severe, the Prophet ﷺ instructed some of his Companions to migrate to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), where the Christian king Najashi (Negus) was known for his justice. Ruqayyah (RA) and Uthman (RA) were among the first to make this journey — becoming part of the first Muslim migration in history.

When false rumours reached them that the Quraysh had accepted Islam, some migrants returned to Makkah — only to find the persecution worse than ever. Ruqayyah and Uthman (RA) then undertook the second migration to Abyssinia, and later made the Hijrah to Madinah as well. She thus migrated three times for the sake of her faith.

Her Passing at Badr

When the Battle of Badr took place in 2 AH, Ruqayyah (RA) was gravely ill in Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ instructed Uthman (RA) to remain behind to care for her, exempting him from the battle. While the Muslims fought at Badr, Ruqayyah (RA) passed away in Madinah.

The news of the Muslim victory at Badr and the news of Ruqayyah's death arrived in Madinah almost simultaneously. Zaid ibn Harith (RA) brought the glad tidings of Badr just as her burial was being completed. The Prophet ﷺ did not attend her burial as he was returning from Badr, but he wept deeply upon hearing of her death.