Asma (ra) the Owner of Two Belts

Narrated by Asma (ra):

I prepared the journey food for the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (ra) when they wanted (to migrate to) Medina. I said to my father (Abu Bakr), "I do not have anything to tie the container of the journey food with except my waist belt." He said, "Divide it lengthwise into two." I did so, and for this reason I was named 'Dhat-un-Nitaqain' (i.e. the owner of two belts). (Ibn `Abbas said, "Asma', Dhat-un-Nitaq.") [Bukhari]

Asma bint Abu Bakr (ra) came to be known by the title Dhat An-Nitaqain. In Arabic the belt worn by women around the waist is called a Nitaq. When she divided her belt into two and used one part to tie up the leather bag, the Prophet ﷺ blessed her and said that in place of this belt that she sacrificed, she would get two in Paradise.

Like most stories around the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, their lives are an inspiration. An image of a young woman comes to mind, dividing her belt (which she may well have liked) into two without hesitation; showing a distinct lack of material attachment or self-preoccupation.

Asma had a pivotal role in the hijrah that helped towards the success of the Prophet’s ﷺ migration along with that of his companion Abu Bakr (ra); ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Not only was she taken into their confidence, they took with them provisions that Asma (ra) herself had brought.

Ibn Ishaq said; “Each evening Asma (ra), daughter of Abu Bakr would bring them food to restore them.”

Despite the danger, obstacles and the dark rocky mountain path she had to cross, she bravely visited them at night in the cave of Thawr where they hid from the Quraysh - is it any wonder she was rewarded thus?   

Our lives and daily trials may be different but making sacrifices or enduring difficulties are almost certain. We may have to give up some of the things we like for Allah’s pleasure or leave acts that Allah has made impermissible and forbidden; but there’s a hope for a recompense.

Abu Qatadah reported: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better.”[Ahmad]🌙

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