Parents Shaybah ibn Hashim Niece Umamah bint Hamza | Siblings Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib | |
Grandparents Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, Salma bint Amr Nephews Bakr bin Hamza, Ya'la bin Hamza, Omara bin Hamza, Amer bin Hamza Great-grandparents Abd Manaf ibn Qusai, Atikah bint Murrah Similar Shaybah ibn Hashim, Hamza ibn Abdul‑Muttalib, Abdullah ibn Abdul‑Muttalib, Abū Lahab, Abu Talib ibn Abd al‑Muttalib | ||
Arwa bint Abdul Muttalib was an aunt of Muhammad.
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Early life
She was born in Mecca around 560, the daughter of Abdul Muttalib ibn Hashim and Fatimah bint Amr, who was from the Makhzum clan of the Quraysh tribe.
Her first husband was Umayr ibn Wahb, by whom she had a son, Tulayb. Her second husband was Arta ibn Sharahbil ibn Hashim, by whom she had a daughter, Fatima.
Conversion to Islam
Her son Tulayb became a Muslim in the house of Al-Arqam. Arwa approved of his support for his cousin Muhammad, saying that if only she were a man, she would take up arms to protect her nephew. Tulayb then asked what prevented her from becoming a Muslim. Arwa made the declaration of faith and spoke out in support of Muhammad in Mecca.
Her brother Abu Lahab called on her, saying he was astonished that she had abandoned their father's religion. Arwa replied that she was a Muslim and that she advised Abu Lahab to support their nephew, for even if Muhammad's mission failed, Abu Lahab would have the excuse that he was only protecting a family member.
Arwa joined the general emigration to Medina in 622.
Elegy for Muhammad
She outlived Muhammad, an elegy for whom is attributed to her.