Safiyya bint Huyayy

Safiyya was the daughter of Huyayy ibn Ahtab, the chief of the Jewish tribe Bani Nadir. She was a descendent of Harun, an earlier prophet.

Safiyya had been married twice before marrying the Prophet (pbuh). Her first husband died and she was taken as prisoner by the Muslims in the Battle of Khaybar in 7 A.H. Prophet Muhammad wanted to relieve the tension that existed by establishing family ties between the Muslims and the members of this tribe, drawing them closer to Islam.

Safiyya, the daughter of the chief of Bani Nadir, was assigned to Dihya ibn Khalifa in the aftermath of the war; the Prophet told her that he would marry her if she converted to Islam, but if she did not become Muslim he would free her and send her back to her people. Safiyya replied that she had always longed for Islam, and Allah and His Messenger were sweeter to her than returning to her tribe, and she accepted his proposal. Another slave was given to Dihya ibn Khalifa in her place.

Safiyya, a virtuous and pleasant woman, expressed her love for the Prophet by saying, "I wish it was I who was suffering instead of you," when he was on his deathbed.

Safiyya was also known as a very courageous companion, and she sided with Uthman when his home was under siege. It is even reported that she secretly supplied him with food and water.

Safiyya died in 50 or 52 A.H, and she was buried in the Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery. She narrated around 10 hadiths.