Flesh Turns to Stone
(HR. Abu Na’im)
Al-Jariri said that several of his teachers said that a piece of grilled meat was once given to Umm Salamah, one of the wives of the Prophet.
Umm Salamah saved a piece of meat for the Prophet. Suddenly a beggar came asking for a piece of meat, “May this piece of meat be a blessing.”
However, Umm Salamah did not give the piece of meat to the beggar.
Umm Salamah then took a piece of meat to give to Muhammad Rasulullah.
Suddenly Umm Salamah screamed in surprise! Apparently, the piece of meat had turned into stone, “Innalillah wa inna ilaihi raji’un. By Allah, this is a piece of meat that Umm Fulan gifted us.”
“Could it be that a beggar came to you? And you didn’t give him one?” asked Muhammad Rasulullah.
“Yes, that’s right, Rasulullah,” replied Umm Salamah feeling guilty. The piece of meat remained a stone until Umm Salamah died. ***
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who received the gift of a piece of grilled meat?
A. Aisha
B. Umm Salamah
C. Khadijah
D. Fatimah
✅ Answer: B. Umm Salamah
2. What did Umm Salamah do with the piece of meat?
A. Eat it yourself
B. Gave it to the Messenger of Allah
C. Sell it on the market
D. Give it to the beggar
✅ Answer: B. Gave it to the Prophet
3. Why did beggars come to Umm Salamah’s house?
A. To ask for a piece of meat
B. To give gifts to the Messenger of Allah
C. To convey important news
D. To offer his merchandise
✅ Answer: A. To ask for a piece of meat
4. What happened when Umm Salamah did not give meat to the beggar?
A. The meat is rotten
B. The flesh turned to stone
C. The meat was eaten by someone else
D. The flesh magically disappeared
✅ Answer: B. The flesh turned into stone
5. What was Umm Salamah’s reaction when she saw flesh turn to stone?
A. Happy and grateful
B. Crying and feeling guilty
C. Ignore it
D. Give it to someone else
✅ Answer: B. Crying and feeling guilty
6. What did the Prophet ask Umm Salamah after seeing flesh turn to stone?
A. “Did you cook it the right way?”
B. “Have you given charity today?”
C. “Could it be that a beggar came to you? And you didn’t give him?”
D. “Who gave you this meat?”
✅ Answer: C. “Could it be that a beggar came to you? And you didn’t give him one?”
7. What lesson can be learned from this story?
A. Sharing with those in need can bring blessings
B. Storing food for longer can turn it into stone
C. Gifts should always be given to leaders
D. Beggars should not beg
✅ Answer: A. Sharing with those in need can bring blessings
8. Until when will the meat that turned into stone remain?
A. Until Umm Salamah gives it to the beggar
B. Until Umm Salamah dies
C. Until the Messenger of Allah prays for it
D. Until someone destroys it
✅ Answer: B. Until Umm Salamah dies
9. From whom did Umm Salamah receive a piece of meat as a gift?
A. From the Messenger of Allah
B. From Umm Fulan
C. From a friend
D. From a beggar
✅ Answer: B. From Umm Fulan
10. This hadith was narrated by whom?
A. Imam Bukhari
B. Imam Muslim
C. Abu Na’im
D. Imam Tirmidhi
✅ Answer: C. Abu Na’im
Wise Noble Wife of the Prophet
Who is Umm Salamah?
Umm Salamah was one of the wives of the Prophet ï·º who was famous for her wisdom and steadfastness in Islam. Her real name was Hindun bint Abu Umayyah, from the prominent Quraysh tribe. She is known as a woman who is intelligent, has strong faith and is full of patience in facing life’s trials.
Umm Salamah’s Hijrah Journey and Patience
Umm Salamah was one of the companions of the Prophet who first embraced Islam. She and her husband, Abu Salamah, emigrated to Habasyah (Ethiopia) to save their faith from oppression by the Quraysh. After returning to Mecca, they again emigrated to Medina. However, on the way, she was separated from her husband and child due to harassment by the Quraysh. Despite this, Umm Salamah remained patient and was finally able to reunite with her family in Medina.
Became the wife of the Prophet ï·º
After her husband, Abu Salamah, died in one of the Islamic battles, Rasulullah ï·º married Umm Salamah. This marriage was not only because of compassion, but also because of Umm Salamah’s intelligence and piety who could be an example for Muslims. She was one of the wives who often gave advice to the Prophet ï·º and his friends.
The role of Umm Salamah in Islam
Umm Salamah is known for her role in various important events in Islamic history, such as:
✅ Fathul Makkah: He participated in the conquest of Mecca with the Prophet ﷺ.
✅ Hudaibiyah Agreement: He gave wise advice to Rasulullah ﷺ when his friends were confused about the agreement.
✅ Hadith narrator: Umm Salamah narrated many hadiths which serve as guidance for Muslims.
Lessons from Umm Salamah’s Life
- Patience in trials: Umm Salamah faced many trials in her life, but she always surrendered to Allah.
- Firmness in faith: Despite many obstacles, she remained steadfast in holding on to Islam.
- Intelligence and wisdom: She was often the place of question for her companions because of her deep understanding of Islam.
Conclusion
Umm Salamah is an exemplary woman who is full of wisdom and faith. Her life story teaches us about patience, sincerity, and the importance of knowledge in living life.
Hopefully we can emulate Umm Salamah in our daily lives. Allahumma shalli ‘ala Muhammad.
