Umm Sulaym bint Milhan

Rumaysa bint Milhan (Arabic: الرميصاء بنت ملحان‎; died c. 650 CE; 28 AH), popularly known by her kunya as Umm Sulaym, was one of the earliest women converts to Islam in Yathrib (now Medina).[1] Umm Sulaym was first married to Malik ibn an-Nadr and her son by this marriage was Anas ibn Malik, a notable companion of Muhammad.[2]

Following the death of her first husband, Abu Talha al-Ansari resolved to become engaged to her before anyone else did. He was confident that Umm Sulaym would not pass him over for another. He was quite rich, an accomplished horseman, and a skilful archer and he belonged to the same clan as Umm Sulaym, the Banu Najjar. But she refused. Abu Talha did not take no for an answer. He asked her if there was someone more worthy for her than him, and she explained that she was a Muslim and could not marry a polytheist. He accepted Islam and they were married, and she started educating him in Islam. Abu Talhah became a devout Muslim who loved to be in the company of Muhammad. Abu Talhah died while he was on a naval expedition during the time of the caliph Uthman, and was buried at sea.

When it was known that Umm Sulaym had become a widow, one man, Zayd ibn Sahl, known as Abu Talhah, resolved to become engaged to her before anyone else did. He was rather confident that Umm Sulaym would not pass him over for another. He was after all quite rich, possessed an imposing house that was much admired, and, moreover, he belonged to the same clan as Umm Sulaym, the Banu Najjar.[2]