Rumaysa Bint Milhan and the Unique Mahr
Rumaysa Bint Milhan was recognized as an intellectual and powerful woman before she embraced Islam. She had an autonomous approach, excellent character and remarkable wisdom. She is known as Umm Sulaym, the great Muslim lady and philosopher.
Umm Sulaym gave birth to Anas ibn Malik when she was in the wedlock of Malik ibn an-Nadr. She dedicated her son Anas ibn Malik to serve the Holy Prophet Sallalaho alayhi wasalam. He is known as one of the best companions of the Prophet Sallalaho alayhi wasalam.
She was the first women from Yathrib who embraced Islam. Her source of inspiration was the refined Musab ibn Umayr, the first ambassador of Islam. When she decided to accept Islam her husband was absent from Yathrib. Upon his return he sensed the changes in her. When he asked the reason, she told him about her conversion. She was now a Muslim and a believer in the Oneness of Allah SWT.
This news did not please him at all. Later on, an enemy of her husband killed him. Zayd ibn Sahl proposed her. She accepted and demanded a unique mahr. She asked him to embrace Islam. She asked him to become a true believer of the Oneness of Allah SWT and give witness that Muhammad Sallalaho alayhi wasalam is the Apostle of Allah SWT.
She refused gold and silver and asked him to ponder over few things. She asked why he worshipped anything that grew from the ground like the trees but not Allah SWT who is the Creator of all that he worshipped. Her dialogues and persuasive way of talking melted the heart of Abu Talhah and he entered the circle of Islam.
No one had heard of such a unique mahr. She demanded something that no woman had ever asked before from a man.
From Islamic Ocean