Al-Khansa (Tamadur bint Amr ibn Sharid) is one of the most remarkable women in Islamic history; celebrated for her eloquence, her unmatched poetry, and her unwavering faith. Her life illustrates how Islam transforms hearts, strengthens resolve, and elevates human character.

Early Life and Poetic Brilliance

Born into the noble tribe of Banu Sulaym, Al-Khansa displayed exceptional poetic talent from a young age. But it was the tragic loss of her two beloved brothers, Sakhr and Muʿawiyah, that awakened her full poetic power. Her elegies, filled with raw emotion and exquisite language, became famous across Arabia.

Among her most well-known verses for her brother Sakhr are:

“The rising of the sun reminds me of Sakhr,
And I remember him with every setting of the sun…”

Her eloquence was so widely admired that she was recognised as the greatest female poet in Arab history, and one of the greatest poets of all time. Scholars of Arabic poetry said:
“No woman ever composed poetry equal to Al-Khansa.”

When Al-Khansa later travelled to Madinah with the delegation of Banu Sulaym, she embraced Islam wholeheartedly. The Prophet ﷺ greatly admired her poetry and would often ask her to recite:

“Go on, Khansa.”

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarded her poetry as superior even to the renowned poet Imru’ al-Qays, and he affectionately called her “Khanas,” similar to how he gently shortened the names of those he loved.

Although the Prophet ﷺ did not compose poetry, he valued truthful, refined poetry and encouraged poets like Hassān ibn Thābit to defend Islam through verse. Al-Khansa’s skill became a means of honouring truth, expressing noble emotion, and strengthening the Muslim community.

She is not only famous for her poems, but also because of her heroic actions during the battle of Qadisiyyah which was fought between the Muslims and the Persians. During the Battle of Qadisiyyah, she accompanied her four sons:

Amr, Amrah, Mu’awiyah, and Yazid.

The night before the battle, she gathered them and said:

“O, My sons! You embraced Islam and emigrated of your own free will… By Allah, beside Whom there is no God, you all are the sons of the same father, just as you are the sons of the same mother. I never betrayed your father. I never allowed a blot to come on your high birth nor polluted your pedigree. You know what rewards Allah has promised for those who fight against the disbelievers in His path. You must remember that the everlasting life of the Hereafter is far better than the transitory life of this world.

Allah has said in the Qur’an:

O believers! Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah, so you may be successful. (Surah Ali-Imran 3:200)

When you get up tomorrow morning, be prepared to contribute your best in the battle. Go ahead into the enemy lines, seeking help from Allah. When you see the flames of war rising high, get right into the centre and face the enemy chiefs. Insha’Allah you will get your abode in Paradise with honour and success.”

Next day, when the battle was in full swing, all her four sons advanced towards the enemy lines and fought bravely. One by one, they attacked the enemy, reciting the words of their mother in verses and fought until all of them were martyred.

When the news reached her, she did not wail as she once had in the pre-Islamic days for her brother. Instead, she said:

“Alhamdu lillah Who honoured me with their martyrdom.
I hope my Lord will gather me with them in His mercy.”

Her faith moved the Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab’, who granted her an annual stipend in honour of each of her sons.

Al-Khansa embodied eloquence, courage, patience, and devotion — qualities that continue to inspire Muslims today. Islam transformed her from a woman who mourned one brother for years to a mother who accepted the martyrdom of four sons with unwavering iman. She prepared her sons with strength, encouraged them with wisdom, and met their sacrifice with steadfastness, gratitude and a heart firmly attached to Allah and the hereafter.

Known as the Poetess of Arabia and the Mother of Martyrs, her legacy continues to illuminate hearts. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged her poetry, showing that Islam values creativity and talent when used for truth and goodness. In a society where poetry shaped minds, Al-Khansa used her voice to uphold justice, preserve memory, and inspire generations.

May Allah have mercy on Al-Khansa, reward her sacrifices, and grant us steadfastness like hers. Ameen.