Sawda bint Zama was the wife of prophet Muhammad. According to some traditions, she was 50-year old widow living with her father when Muhammad married her. Earlier she had migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) with her husband, who died there. After the death of Khadija (Muhammad's first wife), Khaulah bint Hakim suggested to him that he needed some affectionate companion who could also look after his children. She proposed Sawda, who was also in need of help.

Tabari reports that Muhammad married Sawda after the death of Khadija and before he married Aisha. When she became very old, she gave her turn (of a visit of the Prophet) to Aisha. Aisha reported that Sawda bint Zama gave up her turn to her, and so the Prophet used to give Aisha both her day and the day of Sawda. (Bukhari and Muslim). She died in the last year of 'Umar's caliphate.