The Age of Bliss was not a time of abundance. The Messenger of Allah did not have a bed to sleep in, and sometimes there was nothing but dates to eat in their homes. Even in this situation, our Prophet (pbuh) did not refrain from helping others. There were also some ladies of the Age of Bliss who were generous and provided hospitality. In this article, we will discuss Havla bint Kays (ra), who was known for preparing meals and hospitality for our Prophet (pbuh).
Who is Havla Bint Qays (ra)?
Havla bint Kays (ra) was the daughter of Kays from the Banu Najjar. She was a Medinan who became a Muslim after the migration of our Prophet (pbuh) to Medina. When he migrated to Medina, he married the uncle of our Prophet ( pbuh) , Hazrat Hamza (ra) , Havla bint Kays (ra). She had two children from Hazrat Hamza, Ya’la and Umara.
His wife, Hazrat Hamza (ra), known for her bravery, showed great courage and heroism in wars. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) gave his uncle Hazrat Hamza (ra) the nickname of the Lion of Allah . Hazrat Hamza said goodbye to his wife and children when he went to the Battle of Uhud . During the Battle of Uhud, he was martyred by Yaban, who was waiting for an opportunity after a momentary stumble. After Hazrat Hamza’s martyrdom, Havla bint Kays (ra) married Hanzala bin Nu’man. Since she had a son named Muhammad from this marriage, she began to be called Ummu Muhammad . It is not known when and where Havla bint Kays passed away.
A Lady with Lots of Treats
The Prophet (pbuh) often loved to go to his uncle’s house and visit them. Havla bint Kays (ra) was a lady who was generous and had a delicious meal. One day, when the Prophet (pbuh) came home with Hazrat Hamza (ra), Havla bint Kays (ra) had put food on the table for them. The Prophet (pbuh) said to Havla bint Kays and Hazrat Hamza (ra), who often listened to hadiths from him: “Shall I inform you of the atonement for mistakes?” When their answer was yes, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) continued as follows:
Despite the difficulties, performing ablution completely, increasing the number of steps to the mosque, and waiting for another prayer after the prayer are atonement for mistakes.
Havla (ra) loved to host the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) in her home and offer him food. One day during one of his visits, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Havla, prepare something for us so that we can eat.” Thereupon, Havla bint Kays (ra) made a dish called kasira , which was made with flour, milk and oil . When the Prophet (pbuh) reached out for the food, he noticed that it was hot and said, “Havla! We cannot bear the heat or the cold.”
Havla bint Qays (ra) had the honor of marrying the Prophet’s uncle Hamza (ra), who was a martyr in the battle of Uhud, and she was a female companion who frequently hosted the Prophet (pbuh) in her home. Of course, everyone wants to reach this level, but it is not possible. However, we should take Havla bint Qays as an example in our lives and not refrain from offering hospitality to our guests and help everyone. We should think about the reward we will receive even if our Prophet (pbuh) is not at our table. May Allah be pleased with Havla bint Qays, and may her life be a lesson to us.