Hadhrat Sauda bint Zam'ah bin Qais (Radhiyallaho anha) was previously married to her cousin Hadrath Sukran bin 'Amor (Radhiyallaho anho). The couple embraced Islam and emigrated to Abysinnia. Hadhrat Sukran (Radhiyallaho anha) died in Abyssinia. Hadhrat Saudah (Radhiyallaho anha), now a widow, returned to Mecca. The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) , on the death of Hadhrat Khadijah (Radhiyallaho anha) in Shawwal of the same year married Hadhrat Saudah (Radhiyallaho anha). We know the devotion of the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) in his salaat. Once Hadhrat Saudah (Radhiyallaho anha) stood after him in Tahajjud. The next day she said to him:
“O, Prophet of Allah! Last night you took so long in your Ruk'u that I apprehended bleeding from my nose."
(As she was bulky, the strain might have been too much for her).
The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) once intended to divorce her. As meanwhile Hadhrat Aishah {Radhiyallaho anha) had also been married to the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) , she said:
“O, Prophet of Allah! I am ready to forego my turn in favor of Hadhrat Aishah {Radhiyallaho anha), but I don't like to be divorced (by you). I wish to be in Paradise as one of your wives."
The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) agreed to this suggestion. She died in about 55 A. H. towards the end of the Khilafat of Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho).
There was another Qureysh woman of the same name. She also a widow having about six children. The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) offered to marry her, but she said:
“O, Prophet of Allah! You are dearer to me than any other person in this world. I do not like my children to a nuisance to you."
He appreciated this, and withdrew the offer.
[Book: Fazail-e-Amaal
Author: Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalwi Rahmatullahi Alayh]
[Source: Hajirah Foundation]