Al-Khayzuran was the mother of Imam Muhammad Ibn 'Ali, Jawad ('a). She was from the family of Mariyyah the Coptic, the mother of Ibrahim the son of the Messenger of God (S), and she was from Nuba.1

They called her Sabikah al-Nubiyyah, and her nickname was Umm al-Hasan. She has also been mentioned as Mirisiyyah, Rayhanah, and Durrah.2 The people of Nuba were Christian. After their loss in battle to the Muslims, Sabikah (al-Khayzuran) was taken prisoner, sold as a slave, and became the mother of the children of Imam al­Ridha ('a).

Her Merits

Al-Khayzuran was considered one of the most scholarly, virtuous, and greatest women of her time. Moreover, she had the distinction of being the wife of Imam al-Ridha ('a) and the mother of Imam al-Jawad ('a). This position shows her high rank and value before God; because, such a position is not awarded to everyone.

The Messenger of God (S) stated about her and her son, "May my father be sacrificed for the son of the best of the bondswomen. She is from Nuba and is clean and pure."3

Imam Musa Ibn Ja'far ('a) said to Yazid Ibn al-salt, "If you are able, send my greetings to her."4

Mulla Qahpa'i has introduced al-Khayzuran as one of the women transmitters of traditions.5 A tradition related from al-Khayzuran was not found; but without doubt she had related traditions from the Imam (S) since she was beside Imam 'Ali Ibn Musa al-Ridha ('a) and the mother of Imam Muhammad Ibn 'Ali al­Jawad ('a).

• 1. Nubia is a district of Zanzibar, a part of Sudan, next to the Nile River. At the current time a part of it is in Egypt, and another part is in Sudan. Fiddah, the servant of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' ('a), was from this district.
• 2. Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 492; Kamal al-Din, vol. 1, p. 307; Kitab al-Irshad, p. 316; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 50, p. 11 and 7; Majma' al-Rijal, vol. 7, p. 174 and 188.
• 3. Rayahin al-Shari'ah, vol. 3, p. 22.
• 4. Rayahin al-Shari'ah, vol. 3, p. 22.
• 5. Majma' al-Rijal, vol. 7, p. 174.