Safiyya was born in Medina to Huyayy ibn Akhtab, the chief of the Jewish tribe Banu Nadir. Her mother, Barra bint Samawal, was from the Banu Qurayza tribe. He was from the progeny of Prophet Haroon bin 'Imran (AS).
She was the daughter of the chieftain of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir and a descendant of the Prophet Haroon (Aaron). She was taken captive in Khaybar and given to the Prophet (saw) because of her status. The Prophet (saw) asked her to accept Islam and she did so. He then set her free and married her in 7 A.H. on the eve of the conquest of Khaybar. Her death is variously dated around 36 AH, 50 AH and 52 A.H. She too was buried in Baqi’.