Hafsah Bint 'Umar
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Alharamain Islamic Foundation
Hafsah bint 'Umar Hafsah the daughter of 'Umar ibn alKhattab, had first been married to Khunais ibn Hudhafa. Khunais died as a martyr at Badr, leaving no issue. He was also among those who had migrated to Abyssinia.
About the same time, Ruqayya, the daughter of the Prophet, who was the wife of 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, died after a protracted illness. 'Umar thought it might be a good idea if 'Uthman could now marry Hafsah. But 'Uthman declined the suggestion made by 'Umar himself, perhaps because he had already heard of the irritable nature of Hafsah. 'Umar then approached Abu Bakr and asked him if he would be happy to accept Hafsah. Abu Bakr evaded the issue, and when 'Umar insisted, he asked for a respite. This annoyed 'Umar very much, and in a rage he rushed to the house of the Prophet and threatened that he would teach 'Uthman and Abu Bakr a good lesson. The Prophet tried to calm 'Umar and said: "Perhaps Hafsah is reserved for something better!" 'Umar was still very impatient. The Prophet at last told him: "Don't worry. O 'Umar, I shall marry her myself".
This was indeed a very happy news for 'Umar. In the meantime, the Prophet engaged his own daughter Umm Kulthum to 'Uthman, and on Friday 13 Shawwal 3 A.H./ 28 March 625 A.D. he consummated his marriage with Hafsah.
She was known for her devotion in prayer and fasting. She was called Sawwama and Qawwama.
Hafsah was also the rightful custodian of the original prototype copy of the Qur'an compiled by Zaid ibn Thabit under orders from the Caliph Abu Bakr. First this codex remained in the custody of the first Caliph Abu Bakr, after whose death it passed into the possession of 'Umar. 'Umar finally bequeathed it to his daughter Hafsah, thinking that the Codex would remain safe in her hands as she was not easy to approach.
She died in the Caliphate of Mu'awiyah in the year 45 A.H. Marwan, Governor of Medinah, offered her funeral prayer. At her death, she called Abdullah bin 'Umar and left a will that her property in Ghabbah given to her by 'Umar should be given in charity. (Zarqani Vol. III). Sixty hadith are reported
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