Muslim Women Who Nursed the Wounded in War

By: Ashraf Rizayat
In Islam, the study of mankind takes care alike of both men and women. In the Qur'anic verses as well as in Islamic narratives, there has been much talk of equal participation of men and women whenever there is need for.
The Holy Qur'an says:
"Whosoever does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, verily We shall quicken with good life...." (16:97)
Thus, as far as human values are concerned, God sees the two human sexes on an equal footing. Men and women can attain perfection and the sublime objective of creation while relying mentally and practical on human principles and values.
In the period of the Prophet (SAW) there lived outstanding women who were disciples of the Islamic school and pledged allegiance to him in whatever policy he adopted and cared actively for the wounded in the battles where the Prophet (SAW) fought against his enemies. A known figure among the women who nursed the wounded of the battle was Nassiba (Umm Imara).
She was the wife of Zayd Ibn Assim who with his sister participated in the "Aqaba Allegiance" a treaty signed between the Prophet (SAW) and the people of Medina
After the immigration of the Prophet (SAW) from Mecca to Medina for the people's presence on the scene and defending against the enemies of Islam.
This gallant woman (Nassiba) defended the Prophet (SAW) bravely in the Battle of Uhud and also she nursed the wounded. The fighter who was badly wounded by an enemy cavalry was her son Abdullah whose wound she dressed quickly and urged him to continue fighting enemies. The Prophet (SAW) (SAW) lauded greatly this loyal heroine.
Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS) was quoted as having said that Imam Ali (AS) was wounded nearly all his body in the Battle of Uhud and the Prophet(SAW) ordered two women named Umm Salim and Umm Athia to dress his wounds. When a wound was dressed another wound next to it opened up.
Another brave woman who nursed the wounded in the Prophet (SAW)'s battles and brought for them water to drink was Umm Sanan Islammia. In the Battle of Khaybar, she requested the Prophet (SAW) to permit her to accompany his men and nurse the wounded and keep an eye on their personal effects. The Prophet (SAW) complied with her request.
Rabi, daughter of Ma'uz Ibn Afra was another brave woman who nursed the wounded in the battles the Prophet (SAW) fought against enemies.
Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (AS) was quoted as having said that there would be 13 women with Imam Mahdi (AS) to nurse the wounded, the same as they did in the period of the Prophet (SAW) (SAW)
Notwithstanding the fact that women were banned for certain reasons to fight directly in Holy Wars, but they were allowed to nurse the wounded and give water for thirsty men. This was the practice of those women who had pledged allegiance.