Asma bint Abi Bakr

Who was Asma bint Abi Bakr?

Asma bint Abi Bakr was an early and noble companion of the Prophet ﷺ — the daughter of the first caliph Abu Bakr, the elder sister of Aisha (the Prophet's wife), and the wife of az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam. She is famous for her courage during the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet ﷺ, which earned her the title "Dhat an-Nitaqayn" — "the One of the Two Belts".

Her Story

When the Prophet ﷺ and her father Abu Bakr secretly migrated from Mecca to Medina, hiding in the cave of Thawr, it was Asma who brought them provisions. Having no rope to tie the food bundle and water-skin, she tore her waist-belt (nitaq) into two pieces, using one to fasten the provisions and keeping the other — and so the Prophet ﷺ named her "the One of the Two Belts", with glad tidings of two belts in Paradise. She was pregnant at the time and soon after gave birth to Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, the first child born to the Muslims in Medina. Known for her bravery, generosity, and faith, Asma lived a long life — around a hundred years — and remained strong in faith to the end. In her old age she famously consoled and strengthened her son Abdullah before his stand and martyrdom, urging him to hold to the truth.

Her Virtues

• The Prophet ﷺ gave her the honour of "Dhat an-Nitaqayn" for her service during the Hijra.
• She narrated hadith and was known for charity; the Prophet ﷺ encouraged her to give generously and not to hoard.

Her Legacy

Asma bint Abi Bakr embodies courage, sacrifice, and steadfast faith. Her role in the Hijra — risking danger to support the Prophet ﷺ — and her lifelong firmness, including the strength she showed in her final years, make her a model of a believing woman who is active, brave, and unwavering. Her example shows that women stood at the very heart of the great events of early Islam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Asma called "Dhat an-Nitaqayn"?

The title means "the One of the Two Belts". During the Hijra, she tore her waist-belt in two to tie the provisions she brought to the Prophet ﷺ and her father in the cave of Thawr, using one piece for the bundle and one for herself. The Prophet ﷺ honoured her with this title and the promise of two belts in Paradise.

Who were Asma's family?

She was the daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the elder half-sister of Aisha, the wife of az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, and the mother of Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr and the great scholar Urwah ibn al-Zubayr — a family at the centre of early Islamic history.