Saffanah was the daughter of 'Abdullah Ibn Sa'd al-Ta'i (the nickname of Hatam al-Ta'i was Abu Saffanah). After being taken captive by the Muslims she was freed and became Muslim. She then invited her brother 'Adi Ibn Hatam to Islam. Her brother later became one of the special followers of Amir al­Mu'minin ('a) and was with him in the battles of al-Jamal, Siffin, and al­Nahrawan.1

Her Merits

Saffanah was an eloquent woman who had a beautiful countenance, generosity, magnanimity, wisdom, dignity, and great munificence. Her father would give her many camels, and she would give them to people to such an extent that he said, "Two generous people with one wealth is not right, because the entire wealth will quickly finish. Either you stop being so generous or prevent me." Saffanah said, "No one can ever be more generous than me."2

Ibn al-Athir has counted her among the companions of the Messenger of God (S),3 and Sayyid Muhsin al-Amin has mentioned that Saftanah was one of the Shi'ah.4

She has related traditions from the Messenger of God (S), and Muhammad Ibn Ishaq has related traditions from her.

Ibn al-Athir based on his documents quotes Muhammad Ibn Ishaq as saying, "In the battle of the soldiers of the Messenger of God (S) with 'Adi Ibn Hatam, whom they defeated, the Muslims captured a large number of captives from the tribe of Tay. Saffanah was one of them... And, she said, 'O Messenger of God (S), my father is dead, and my guardian isn't present. Do me a favor and give me some of what God has bestowed upon you.'

He said, 'Who is your commander?'

She said, "Adi Ibn Hatam.' Then, Saffanah said, 'The Prophet gave me clothes, put me on a camel, gave me money for my expenditures, and I went towards Damascus."5

It has been reported that Saffanah told the Prophet (S), “O Muhammad, if you want to abase us, don't make our enemies happy among the Arabs. I am the daughter of the commander of our tribe. My father protected those who needed protection, freed the prisoners of war, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, fed and honored the guests, spread peace and calm, and didn't withhold the needs from those who asked. I am the daughter of Hatam al-Ta'i.”

The Prophet (S) responded, "O woman, truly these are the characteristics of a believer. If your father was a Muslim I would have prayed for his forgiveness, and he would have been freed because he was a supporter of good morals."6

• 1. Rijal al-Tusi, p. 49.
• 2. A'lam al-Nisa' al-Mu'minat, p. 426.
• 3. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 475.
• 4. A'yan al-Shi'ah, vol. 1, pp. 287 & 414.
• 5. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 475; A'yan al-Shi'ah, vol. 1, p. 414.
• 6. A'yan al-Shi'ah, vol. 1, p.287.