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and passed away on a Monday on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal at the time of
châsht," at the age of 63. He was buried on Tuesday afternoon. According
to some historians, he was buried on Tuesday night. The reason for this
delay is that on account of the sorrow and sadness of the Sahabah, they
were unable to function properly.
From the daughters of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, Zaynab
radiyallâhu 'anhâ had a son by the name of 'Alî and a daughter by the
name of Umamah. However, the progeny of both did not continue.
Ruqayyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ had a son by the name of 'Abdullâh but he
passed away at the age of six. Umme Kulthum did not have any children.
Fatimah radiyallâhu 'anhâ had two sons by the name of Hasan and Husayn
radiyallâhu 'anhumâ. Their progeny spread far and wide.
The character and habits of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam
1. He was extremely generous. He never said no to anyone who asked him
for anything. If he had anything to give, he would give it. If he did not
have, he would inform the person in a kind manner that he does not have
anything at present and that he would give him something later.
2. He was very honest in his speech.
3. He had a very soft temperament.
4. He liked ease in all matters (i.e. he abstained from causing difficulties
and complications).
5. He used to have great concern for those who were in his company in that
none of them should experience any difficulty on account of him. So much
so that if he had to go out of the house at night, he would wear his sandals
very silently, open the door very quietly and walk silently. When he came
home and found everyone sleeping, he would carry out all his tasks silently
so that no one's sleep is disturbed.
6. When he used to walk, he used to lower his gaze. When walking with
many people, he used to walk in their midst (and not ahead of them). If
anyone approached him, he was the first to greet.
7. He used to sit with great humility.
8. When sitting down to eat, he used to sit like a poor person. He never ate
to a full stomach. He never ate bread made with fine flour. He never ate in
elaborate or fancy plates.
9. He used to remain sorrowful out of the fear of Allah. He used to occupy
himself in this all the time. Due to this, he was never at ease.
357 The time between sunrise and mid-day.

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10. He used to remain silent most of the time. He did not speak
unnecessarily. When he spoke, he spoke very clearly so that the person
addressed will understand everything that is said to him. His speech was
not too lengthy to the extent that it is beyond necessity. At the same time, it
was not so short that it is not understood. There was no harshness in his
speech nor in his manner.
11. He did not dishonour or disgrace anyone who came to meet him.
12. He did not interrupt the speech of anyone. However, if anyone spoke
anything that was contrary to the Shari'ah, he used to either stop the person
from doing so or he himself used to get up and leave that place.
13. He used to greatly value the bounty of Allah irrespective of how small
or insignificant it may be. He never used to find fault with it by saying that
it does not taste good or that it has a foul smell, etc. However, if his heart
was not inclined to anything, he did not eat it. At the same time he did not
speak good of it nor complained about it.
14. He never used to become angry over any worldly matter, e.g. someone
causing a loss or ruining a certain task. Anas radiyallâhu 'anhu says: "I
remained in the service of Rasûlullah sallallâhr 'alayhi wa sallam for ten
years. During this entire period, if I did anything, he never asked me the
reason for doing it. If I did not carry out a particular task, he never asked
me the reason for not doing it." However, if anyone did anything contrary
to the Dîn, nothing could subdue his anger. He did not become angry in his
personal affairs.
15. If he was displeased with anyone, he used to merely turn his face away
from the person. In other words, he did not utter anything harsh or
unpleasant. If he was pleased, he used to lower his gaze.
16. He was more bashful and modest than a virgin woman. If there was
something to laugh about, he merely smiled, i.e. without emitting any sound.
17. He used to have a good relationship with everyone. He did not consider
himself to be great and thereby withdraw from others. Instead, at times he
used to joke in order to make the person happy. However, even his jokes
were true.
18. He used to offer optional salâts to such an extent that his feet used to
get swollen.
19. When he used to recite or listen to the Quran, he used to cry out of fear
and love for Allah.
20. He was so humble that he ordered the ummah not to raise his status too
much. If any poor woman labourer informed him that she wished to speak

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to him in privacy, he used to reply: "Okay, let's sit down on the road and
speak." He used to sit at the same place where the woman used to sit.
21. If anyone fell ill, he used to visit him irrespective of whether the person
was rich or poor. He used to attend the funeral of anyone who passed away.
22. If anyone invited him for a meal, he used to accept it irrespective of
who the person was. Even if anyone invited him to a meal of barley bread
or distasteful fat, he did not offer any excuse in order to refrain from
attending.
23. He did not utter anything useless.
24. He used to make everyone happy. He abstained from conducting
himself in such a manner whereby the person becomes distressed.
25. He used to save himself from the taunts and provocations of the wrong
doers in a good manner. At the same time, he used to meet them in a
cheerful way.
26. If anyone from among those who used to visit him regularly failed to
come on a certain day, he used to enquire about the person.
27. He used to execute his tasks in a scheduled manner. It did not happen
that he did a particular task in a certain way on one day and changed the
method on another day.
28. He used to stand up with the remembrance of Allah and sit down with
the remembrance of Allah.
29. When he attended any gathering, he used to sit at the place where the
gathering ended. He did not jump over all those who were seated and take
the main seat for himself.
30. When he was addressing several persons, he used to look at each one of
them individually. He did not focus his attention on one person to the
exclusion of others.
31. He used to conduct himself with everyone in such a way that each
person used to believe that he likes him the most. When anyone came and
sat near him or began to speak. he remained silent. He only used to get up
after the person gets up.
32. His manners were general with everyone.
33. When he used to go home in order to rest, he used to sit by leaning
against a pillow.
34. He used to execute many of the domestic tasks with his own hands. At
times he used to milk the goat, while on other occasions he used to clean
his clothes. He used to do most of his work on his own.

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35. Irrespective of how great a person may be, he used to meet him with
kindness and never disheartened him.
In short, he was the best in character.
36. If anyone did anything unpleasant, he did not reproach him directly. He
was not strict by nature nor did he adopt a strict expression as is the habit of
some people who adopt an angry facial expression in order to frighten or
warn someone and who also speak in an angry tone. Nor was it his habit to
speak in a shouting manner.
37. If anyone caused him harm, he did not cause the person any harm in
return. Instead, he used to forgive the person.
38. He never ever hit any slave, servant or woman. In fact, he did not even
hit any animal. All this excludes punishing anyone in order to fulfil the
command of the Sharî'ah.
39. If anyone wronged him, he did not take revenge.
40. He was always smiling and abstained from frowning or scowling. This
does not mean that he was never sorrowful because we have already
mentioned that he used to be in sorrow and concern all the time.
41. He was very soft-natured. He was neither harsh in his speech and
conduct nor was he audacious - saying whatever he wished and whichever
way he wished. He did not mention the faults of anyone nor did he
withhold from giving anything.
42. He did not even have a whiff of the following characteristics and traits:
speaking greatly about himself, getting into arguments with anyone, and
doing something that has no benefit. At the same time, he did not speak ill
of anyone nor did he search for the faults of anyone. He only uttered things
which can earn some reward. If any stranger or traveller came from another
place and displayed any arrogance or incivility in his speech and conduct,
he overlooked it. He should not allow anyone to praise him.
Numerous other qualities are mentioned in the Hadith. If one acts on what
we have written, it will be more than enough. We will now mention the
lives of pious women.
Hawwa 'alayhas salâm
She is the wife of Adam 'alayhis salam and the mother of all mankind.
Allah, with His absolute power, created her from the left rib of fidam.
Thereafter, He got her married to him and made them stay in heaven. There
was a tree in heaven from which they were prohibited to eat. Shaytân

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deluded her into eating it mistakenly. Upon this, Allah commanded them to
leave heaven and go to the world. When she came to this world, she cried
abundantly on account of her mistake. Allah forgave her and made her stay
with Adam, from whom she had separated prior to this. Thereafter,
numerous children were born to them.
Lesson: O women! See how Hawwa admitted her mistake and repented.
Some women try to defend their actions and do not admit their mistakes.
There are many other women who continue sinning throughout their lives
without even worrying about giving them up - this is more so when it
comes to making ghîbah and holding on to baseless customs. O women!
Abandon this habit. If you err or commit any sin, give it up immediately
and repent.
The mother of Nuh 'alayhis salâm
It is mentioned in the Quran that Nuh had made du 'a for his mother as well.
It is mentioned in the books of tafsir that his parents were also Muslims.
Lesson: The benefit of îmân is that the prophets also make du'â for those
who have brought îman. O women! Hold firmly on to your îmân.
Sarah 'alayhas salâm
She is the wife of Ibrahim 'alayhis salam and the mother of Is'haq 'alayhis
salâm. Her speaking to the angels and the angels informing her that she is a
source of Allah's mercy and blessings on all families is mentioned in the Quran.
A story concerning her piety and acceptance of her du'âs has been
mentioned in a Hadîth. When Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm migrated towards
Syria, she also accompanied him. On the way they approached the village
of an oppressive king. Someone went and informed him that a very
beautiful woman has come to your state. He sent for Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm
and asked him: "Who is the woman that is accompanying you?" He replied:
"My sister in Dîn." He did not say that she is his wife because if he did so,
the king would have killed him. When he returned to Sarah, he said to her:
"Do not deny what I said (to the king) because you are my sister in Dîn."
Thereafter, the king had her captured and brought to him. When she
realized that he had evil intentions, she made wudû, offered her salat, and
made du'â to Allah saying: "O Allah! If I have brought îmân"
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8 on your
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In other words, I am definitely a Muslim. So through the blessings of Islam and îmân, save
me from this calamity. This condition of hers is for emphasis and not based on any doubt.

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prophet (i.e. Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm) and have always protected my respect
and honour, then do not allow this kafir to gain control over me." The result
of this du'a was that the moment he tried to touch her, he was overpowered
(by Allah), he choked and began striking the ground with his feet (in
agony). He said to her: Pray to Allah for me and I will do you no harm."
She thought to herself that if he dies, people will say that she killed him.
She therefore made a du 'a and he immediately recovered. He tried to touch
her again, but she made another du 'â (and he was overpowered once again).
He repeated his promise, but broke it once more. She therefore made
another du'â. In short, this incident took place three times. Eventually he
shouted to his servants asking them: "What is this calamity that you have
brought to me. Take her away and let her go." Hâjirah 'alayhas salâm who
was from the Qibtî tribe was also wrongfully enslaved by him. Allah had
protected her honour as well. He handed her over to Sarah for her service.
They both went back to Ibrahim 'alayhis salâm with respect and honour.
Lesson: O women! Look what a great thing piety is and how Allah
safeguards such people. We also learn that salât removes calamities and
du'âs are accepted. If one experiences any problems and difficulties, one
should immediately occupy oneself in optional salâts and du'âs.
Hâjirah 'alayhas salâm
The oppressive king who was mentioned in the above story had enslaved
Hâjirah. This king handed her over to Sarah who in turn handed her over to
Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm. Ismâ'îl 'alayhis salâm was born to her. Ismâ'îl
'alayhis salâm was still being breast-fed when Allah wished to inhabit
Makkah with his progeny. At that time, Makkah was not inhabited nor was
the Ka'bah built. Allah ordered Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm to take Isma'îl and
his mother, Hajirah, to Makkah and to leave them there. Allah will
safeguard them.
Acting on the order of Allah, Ibrahim took them and left them at that
deserted place which is today known as Makkah. He also left behind a
water-skin and a bag of dates. When he left them and began departing,
Hâjirah rushed behind him and asked him: "Are you leaving us alone and
going away?" To this, he did not give any reply. She then asked: "Has
Allah commanded you to do this?" He replied: "Yes." She said: "(If He has
commanded) there is nothing to worry about. He will take care of us."
She went back to where she was sitting. She began eating the dates,
drinking the water, and breastfeeding Isma'îl. When the water was

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exhausted, she began worrying over her child who began crying and
became angry out of thirst. The mother could not bear seeing her child in
such a state. She climbed Mt. Safâ and looked all around her in the hope of
spotting some water somewhere. However, she could not see any water.
She therefore climbed down and went towards the mountain Marwah. In
the open field between Safa and Marwah there was a small stretch of land
which was slightly lower. As long as she was on the flat open field, she
could see Ismâ'îl. The moment she had to traverse the lower stretch of land.
he was out of her range. She therefore ran swiftly across this lower stretch
of land and came to the flat open field. Eventually she reached Marwah,
climbed it and looked all around her for water. However, she could not spot
any water. Out of helplessness she climbed down and ran towards Safa
again. In this way she ran seven times between Safa and Marwah and
whenever she reached the lower stretch of land, she crossed it very swiftly.
Allah liked this action of hers very much and therefore prescribed it for
those who go on Hajj. That is, they have to run seven times between these
two mountains and also run swiftly once they reach the lower stretch of
land. This lower stretch of land has now been flattened.
When she was on Marwah during her last round, she heard a voice. She
turned in the direction of the sound and heard it again. However, she could
not see anyone. She therefore shouted and said: "I have heard a sound. If
anyone can help me, please do so." Immediately thereafter, an angel
appeared at the place where the well of zamzam is presently found. The
angel struck the ground and water began gushing forth from there. She
surrounded the water from all round with sand, filled the water skin, drank
some water herself, and gave some to the child as well. The angel then said:
"Do not fear anything. The house of Allah (i.e. the Ka'bah) is here. This
child will help his father in constructing this house and many people will
come and inhabit this place."
Within a few days, everything came to life. A caravan was passing by.
When the people saw the water, they stopped over and settled down over
there. Isma'îl 'alayhis salâm got married. Acting under the command of
Allah, Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm also arrived. The father and son got together
and built the Ka'bah. The spring of zamzam had also subsided. After some
time, a well was built from which the zamzam water used to be drawn out.
Lesson: Look at the total trust that Hajirah 'alayhas salâm had in Allah.
When she learnt that her being left behind alone in this deserted place was

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the order of Allah, she became assured that nothing will happen to her.
Look at all the things with which she was blessed on account of her trust in
Allah.
O women! You should also have trust in Allah just like this. Insha Allah, all
your tasks and wishes will be fulfilled. Look at her great status that she was
actually running in search of water but Allah liked this act of hers to such
an extent that He prescribed it as an act of 'ibâdah for those performing the
Hajj. His relationship with His accepted servants is of a different level. O
women! Try and fulfil the commands of Allah so that you are also accepted
by Him. If you do this, even your worldly matters will be considered to be
Dînî.
The second wife of Isma'îl 'alayhis salâm
Prior to building the Ka'bah, Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm had come to Makkah
on two occasions. However, on both occasions he did not find Isma'îl
'alayhis salâm at home. Neither was he (Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm)
commanded to stay over in Makkah for very long (whereby he could have
met his son). When he came to Makkah on the first of such occasions, the
wife of Isma'îl 'alayhis salâm was at home. He asked her how she was
managing. She replied: "I am in great difficulty." He replied: "When your
husband returns, convey my salâm to him and tell him to change his door-
frame." When Ismâ'îl 'alayhis salâm returned home and learnt everything,
he replied: "That was my father and the door-frame that he was referring to
is actually you. He wants me to leave you." He therefore divorced her and
married another woman.
When Ibrâhîm 'alayhis salâm came a second time, he met the second wife
of his son. She welcomed him and was very hospitable to him. He also
asked her how she was managing. She replied: "Thanks to Allah, I am
experiencing a lot of comfort." He made du'â for her and said to her:
"When your husband returns home, convey my salâm to him and tell him to
maintain his door-frame." When Ismâ'îl 'alayhis salâm returned home, he
was informed of what transpired. He remarked: "That was my father. He
asked me to keep you with me."
Lesson: See the consequences of being ungrateful. One prophet became
displeased with her, while the other prophet divorced her. The fruit of
gratitude and patience was that one prophet made du 'â for her and she was
blessed with the opportunity of staying in the company of another prophet.

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O women! Don't ever be ungrateful. You must exercise patience and
express gratitude irrespective of the situation in which you are.
The daughter of Namrûd
Namrûd is the oppressive king who threw Ibrahim 'alayhis salâm into the
fire. His daughter, Ru'dah, was watching the scene from above. She noticed
that the fire was having no effect on Ibrahim 'alayhis salâm. She shouted
and asked him the reason for this. Ibrahim 'alayhis salâm replied: "Allah
has saved me from this calamity through the blessing of îmân." She replied:
"If you permit me, I will also come into the fire."339
He replied: "Recite Lâ
ilâha illallâhu Ibrâhîm khalîlullâh (translation: There is none worthy of
worship except Allah and Ibrâhîm is the close friend of Allah). She recited
this kalimah and immediately dived into the fire. The fire had no effect on
her as well. She then came out of the fire and went and rebuked and
censured her father. He subjected her to great difficulties but she remained
steadfast on her îmân.
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How courageous she was that she did not
abandon her îmân even when in difficulty! O women! You should also be
strong-willed at the time of difficulties and do not act contrary to the Dîn
even if it equals a hair's breadth.
The daughters of Lût 'alayhis salâm
When Allah sent the angels to Lût 'alayhis salâm informing him that He is
going to send a punishment to those who did not accept him (i.e. Lût
'alayhis salâm), He also ordered Lût to leave that place on that very night
together with all those who were Muslims. His daughters were also
Muslims. They were also saved from that punishment.
Lesson: Look at the blessing of îmân that when Allah's punishment descends
at a place, îmân saves one from that punishment. O women! Strengthen your
îmân by following all His commands and abstaining from all sins.
The wife of Ayyub 'alayhis salâm
Her name is Rahmat. When Ayyub 'alayhis salâm fell ill and his entire
body was engulfed with sickness, everyone stayed aloof from him. No one
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This going into the fire was not to kill herself. Instead, after seeing the blessing of îman. she
wanted to fill her heart with full conviction. Furthermore, she did this with the permission of a
prophet. Therefore, this cannot be considered to be self-destruction nor a sin.

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came near him. However, his wife remained in his service and bore all the
difficulties in tending to him. One day, she was delayed in coming to him.
Out of anger, Ayyub 'alayhis salâm took an oath that when he recovers he
will give her 100 strikes with a stick. When he recovered, he decided to
fulfil his oath. Out of His mercy, Allah ordered him to take a broom which
has 100 bristles and to strike her once. (In this way he will fulfil his oath).
Lesson: See how patient she was that despite her husband's critical
condition she remained in his service. From the oath which he took when
he was ill we can deduce that his temperament had become a bit sensitive.
However, she used to overlook this as well. On account of her service and
patience Allah saved her from those 100 strikes. From this we can deduce
that she was very much liked by Allah in that He lightened this punishment
for her.
This mas'ala does not apply any longer. If anyone takes such an oath, by
his striking with a broom the oath will not be fulfilled. Instead, the person
will have to break this oath and pay compensation (kaffarah). O women!
Be obedient to your husbands and endure their sensitive temperaments, you
will also be beloved in the sight of Allah.
Layyâ, the aunt of Yusuf 'alayhis salâm
It is mentioned in the Quran that when Yusuf 'alayhis salâm became the
king of Egypt and there was a drought, all his brothers came to him asking
for food. (At that time they did not know that he was in fact their brother
whom they had thrown into the well). He then revealed his true identity to
them and gave them his shirt asking them to pass it over their father's,
Ya'qub's 'alayhis salâm, eyes. He also told them to return with everyone.
As a result of passing his shirt over his father's eyes, his eyesight returned
to him. They then left their country and went to Egypt to meet Yusuf
'alayhis salâm. When they came to him, Yusuf 'alayhis salâm seated his
father and his aunt onto his royal throne. He did this out of respect for
them. It was at that time that the two of them and all his brothers fell into
prostration before Yûsuf 'alayhis salâm. In those days, such a prostration in
place of salâm was permissible. This is no longer permissible.
As for the Quran mentioning this woman to be his mother - the actual fact
is that his mother had passed away and Ya'qub 'alayhis salâm had married
this woman. Other scholars have stated that this incident is in regard to his
mother whose name was Rahîl. When they prostrated to him. Yusuf

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'alayhis salâm remarked: "This is the realization of my childhood dream.'
He had seen a dream wherein the sun, the moon and 11 stars were
prostrating to him.
Lesson: How pious this woman must have been for a prophet to pay his
respects to her.
The mother of Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm
Her name is Yûkhând. When the priests had informed Pharaoh that a boy
will be born from among the Banû Isra'îl and will fight against his
kingdom, Pharaoh issued an order whereby he instructed that all boys who
are born to the tribe of Banû Isra'îl should be killed. Thousands of such
boys were killed. Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm was born in this volatile situation.
Allah informed his mother by way of inspiration that she should continue
breast-feeding him and that when she fears over his life, she should place
him in a box and set him afloat in the river. And when We decide, We will
send him back to you. Eventually, this is what she did and Allah also
fulfilled all His promises.
Lesson: O women! Look at the high level of trust and conviction that she
had in Allah and how the blessings of this trust manifested themselves.
The sister of Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm
Some scholars have stated that her name is Maryam, while others say that it
is Kulthum. When Mûsâ's 'alayhis salâm mother placed him in the river,
she said to her daughter to keep a watch on him to see the outcome of this.
The box floated down the river and landed at the palace of Pharaoh. When
it was taken out of the river, they saw a beautiful child in it. Pharaoh
wanted to kill this child. However, his wife who was a pious woman and
who believed in Allah, saved the child's life. The husband (Pharaoh) and
wife decided to adopt the child for themselves. They needed a wet-nurse
who would breast-feed Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm. However, he refused to drink
the milk of all the wet-nurses who offered their services. Everyone was at a
loss as to what could be done. It was at this time that Mûsâ's 'alayhis salâm
sister went there and said: "I will show you a wet-nurse who is very good
and kind. Her milk is also very good." Eventually, she directed them to
Mûsâ's 'alayhis salâm mother. His mother was called, and he was handed
over to her. Allah's promise of returning him to her was thereby fulfilled.

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Lesson: Look at how intelligent she was: she found him and risked her life
in obedience to her mother without the enemy coming to know about it. O
women! Obedience to one's parents, intelligence and prudence are great
virtues.
The wife of Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm
Her name is Safûrâ. She is the eldest daughter of Shu'ayb 'alayhis salâm.
When a kâfir was unintentionally killed by Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm in Egypt,
Pharaoh learnt of this. He therefore informed his ministers that Mûsâ
'alayhis salâm should be killed. When Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm heard about
this plan, he escaped secretly to Madyan. When he reached the boundary of
this city, he noticed many shepherds drawing water from a well and giving
it to their flock to drink. He also noticed two women sitting aloof from all
the shepherds. (Later, the elder of the two was his wife and the other was
his sister-in-law). Upon seeing this, he asked them the reason for their not
being able to give water to their flock. They replied: "We have no male at
home. We therefore have to fulfil this task on our own. Because we are
women, we are waiting for all these men to go away. Once they all leave,
we draw out the water for our flock." He felt sorry for them, drew the water
all by himself and gave it to the sheep. When they went home, they related
the entire incident to their old father. He sent his elder daughter to go and
call this noble person. She came to Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm with full modesty
and shyness and informed him that her father is calling him. He
accompanied her and went and met Shu'ayb 'alayhis salâm. The latter
consoled him and informed him that he wished to give one of his daughters
to him in marriage. However, the condition is that he will have to tend to
his sheep for eight or ten years. Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm accepted the offer and
married the elder sister. After the completion of ten years, he returned home
(to Egypt) with her. Because of the cold during the course of their journey,
they needed some fire. He spotted a fire on the Mt. Tur so he went towards
it. When he reached there, he saw the nur of Allah. It was at this place that
he received prophethood.
Lesson: Look at how hard she worked in order to fulfil her domestic tasks.
And when she had to speak to a stranger, how modestly and nervously she
spoke. O women! You should also abstain from seeking comfort and
abstain from laziness with regard to domestic tasks and duties.
Furthermore, consider modesty and bashfulness to be necessary at all times.

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The sister-in-law of Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm
She has been mentioned above. Her name is Safira. She also used to fulfil
the domestic tasks with her sister. She used to obey her father and serve
him.
Lesson: O women! You should also serve your parents in this way and
fulfil all the domestic tasks just as poor people do. Do not consider these
tasks to be below your dignity. It is obvious that your status is not higher
than that of the prophets' daughters.
Asiyah
She is the wife of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt who had claimed to be god.
Look at the power of Allah that the husband was a shaytan while the wife
was so pious that the Quran praises her and our Rasûl sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam has spoken about her in the following terms: "There are many men
who have reached stages of excellence. However, from among the women,
no one reached a stage of excellence except Maryam and Asiyah. It was
Asiyah who had saved the life of Mûsâ from the tyrant, Pharaoh."
As mentioned in the story of Mûsâ's 'alayhis salâm sister's story, it was
already written in her (Asiyah's) favour that she will bring îmân on Mûsâ
'alayhis salâm. She had a natural love for him since his infancy. When
Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm received prophethood, Pharaoh did not bring îmân on
him. However, she brought îmân on him. When Pharaoh heard about this,
he became extremely harsh to her and imposed many punishments on her.
However, she did not relinquish her îmân and left the world in this state.
Lesson: Look at how firm she was on her îmân. Despite her kafir husband
imposing severe difficulties on her, she did not succumb to him. Today,
when one experiences minor difficulties, one begins uttering words of kufr.
O women! îmân is a very great gift. Irrespective of the nature of difficulty,
never ever do anything contrary to the Dîn. If the husband does anything
irreligious, don't ever support or join him. In those days, marriage with a
kâfir husband was valid. However, the rule in our Sharî'ah is that if the
husband is a kâfir, the marriage is not valid. And if he becomes a kâfir after
marriage, the marriage will be annulled.
The maid of Pharaoh's daughter
It is mentioned in the book Raudatus Safa that Pharaoh's daughter had a
maid who was under her command and who used to comb her hair, etc. She

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had believed in Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm. However, she did not expose her
îmân out of fear for Pharaoh. Once while she was combing her (Pharaoh's
daughter's) hair, the comb fell from her hand. When she bent down to pick
it up, she recited Bismillah. The daughter asked her: "What was it that you
recited just now? Whose name is that?" She replied: "It is the name of the
one who created your father and also gave him a kingdom." She became
astonished and remarked: "Is there anyone greater than my father!" Saying
this, she ran out to her father and related the entire incident to her. Pharaoh
became extremely angry, called for the maid, and threatened her. However,
she unhesitatingly said: "Do whatever you wish, I will not leave my îmân."
Nails were fastened to her hands and feet and thereafter hot ash and embers
were placed on her. When this had no effect on her, a child who was in her
lap was taken and thrown into the fire. While the child was in the fire, it
said: "Mother! Be patient and don't ever leave your îmân." She remained
steadfast on her îmân until she was also thrown into that fire. In Sûrah al-
Burûj, mention is made of a trench. In that story a similar incident took
place between a mother and her child.
Lesson: Look at how firm she remained on her îmân. O women! îmân is a
very great bounty. Do not allow any shortcoming or defect in your îmân
and Dîn on account of your desires, any motive or any difficulty. Don't ever
do anything contrary to the commands of Allah and His Rasûl sallallahu
‘alayhi wa sallam.
An old woman in the army of Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm
When Pharaoh began persecuting the Banû Isra'îl in Egypt, compelling
them into labour, beating them and oppressing them, Allah commanded
Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm to leave Egypt together with the Banû Isrâ'îl on that
very night so that they may be saved from the oppression of Pharaoh.
Consequently, Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm left with the Banû Isra'îl. When they
reached the Nile river, they forgot the road. No one could recognize the
road. He became surprised and shouted out: "Whoever is acquainted with
this area should please come forward and show us the way." Upon this an
old woman came forward and said: "When Yusuf was about to leave this
world, he made a bequest to his brothers and nephews that if at any time
you have to leave Egypt, you must carry my coffin, in which my body will
be, together with you to wherever you are going. As long as you do not take
the coffin, you will not find your way." Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm asked the
whereabouts of the coffin. No one knew the place except for that very same

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old woman. When he asked her, she replied: "I will not show you the place
until you guarantee me one thing." He asked: "What is that? She replied:
"You must guarantee me that I will die on îman and that I will be wherever
you are in jannah."360
Mûsâ 'alayhis salâm raised his hands and said: "O
Allah! That which she is asking me for is not in my power." Upon this he
was ordered: "You give the guarantee, I will fulfil it." He therefore gave her
the guarantee and she showed him the place where the coffin could be
found buried in the centre of the river. The moment the coffin was
removed, they found the road.
Lesson: Look at how pious this old woman was in that she did not ask for
any of the treasures of the world. Instead, she successfully organized the
hereafter for herself. O women! You also abandon your lust and desire for
this world. You will receive (of this world) whatever has been written for
you. Instead, put your Dîn in order.
The sister of Haysûr
In the story of Mûsâ and Khidr 'alayhimas salâm it is mentioned that the
latter killed a young boy in fulfilment of Allah's command. Mûsâ 'alayhis
salâm became alarmed and asked: "What did this innocent child do that you
had to kill him?" Khidr 'alayhis salâm replied: "When this child would
have grown, he would have been a kâfir. His parents were Muslims. There
was the possibility of their also going astray out of love for him. It was
therefore felt that it would be good if he was killed. In place of this boy,
Allah will give a daughter to these parents who will be pure from all evil
and will be of more benefit to her parents." It is written in other books that
this is exactly what happened. This girl married a prophet and from her
progeny 70 prophets were born. The name of the boy is Haysûr and this girl
is his sister.
Lesson: When Allah praises a woman by saying that she is pure from all
evil and of great benefit to her parents, how great such a woman must be!
What a beloved and noble feat it is to be pure from all evil and to provide
comfort and peace to one's parents! The result of this is that such a person
is praised by Allah. O women! Strive hard in acquiring these qualities.
360
This does not mean that she will receive the same reward and status as him. What it means
is that the staying place will be the same. This is also a great bounty. As for reward and status, no
one can receive the same reward and status as that of a prophet.

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The mother of Haysûr
Haysûr is the same boy who has been mentioned above. You have also read
that the Quran has mentioned his parents as believers. The person whom
Allah refers to as a believer cannot be any ordinary believer who does not
have strong îmân. It is obvious that such a person must be very strong in his
îmân. We can therefore deduce that Haysûr's mother must have been very
pious as well.
Lesson: Look! Having strong îmân is such a great thing that Allah praised
such persons. O women! Strengthen your îmân. This can be only done by
following the orders of Allah and abstaining from sins.
The mother of Sulayman 'alayhis salâm
It is mentioned in the Quran that when Sulayman made a du'â to Allah, he
also included the following words: "O Allah! You have favoured my
mother and father." We learn from this that his mother was also a pious
woman because the greatest favour is îmân and Dîn.
Lesson: mân is such a great thing that it is even mentioned by the
prophets in a good way. O women! Give beauty and elegance to your îmân.
Bilqîs
She was the queen of Saba. An animal by the name of Hudhud informed
Sulayman 'alayhis salâm that he came across a queen who worships the
sun. Sulaymân 'alayhis salâm wrote a letter and asked Hudhud to hand it
over to her. The following was written in the letter: "Accept Islam and
come to me." She consulted her ministers and governors and eventually
made the following decision: "I will send many rare gifts to him. If he
accepts them, I will conclude that he is a worldly king. If he does not accept
them, I will conclude that he is a prophet." When these gifts were given to
Sulayman 'alayhis salâm, he returned them and sent a message that if you
do not become Muslims, I will come with my army to fight you. When she
received this message, she was convinced that he is a prophet. She left her
city with the intention of becoming a Muslim.
After she departed, Sulaymân 'alayhis salâm had her valuable royal throne
brought to him in a miraculous way. He called for it so that Bilqîs will see

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the miracle. He removed the pearls and other gems that were on it and had
them embedded in another way (different from the way they had been
originally embedded). When Bilqîs reached his place, he decided to test her
intelligence. He therefore asked her: "Isn't this your throne?" She looked at
it carefully and said: "It looks like it. It seems that its appearance has
changed slightly." From her answer he deduced that she is very intelligent.
Thereafter, Sulayman 'alayhis salâm wanted to show her that his kingdom
that was given by Allah is far better than her worldly kingdom. In order to
demonstrate this to her, he ordered a pond to be filled with water and that a
crystal clear glass be placed on top of it in such a way that it cannot be
seen. He then went and sat at such a place that if anyone wished to go to
him, that pond will be in the way and he will therefore have to walk
through the pond. Bilqîs was then summoned to him. When Bilqîs reached
the pond, she did not notice the glass and felt that she will have to walk
through the pond. She began lifting her pants (so that it will not get wet
when she walks through the pond). Sulayman 'alayhis salâm immediately
informed her that it has been laid with glass and that she should merely
walk on it.
When Bilqîs saw the miracle of her throne (being brought here) and this
great piece of architecture (i.e. the glass on top of the pond), and that he has
royal possessions far better than hers, she immediately recited the kalimah
and became a Muslim. Some scholars have written that Sulayman 'alayhis
salâm married her soon thereafter. Others have written that she married the
king of Yemen. Allah knows best.
Lesson: Look at how selfless she was that despite being a queen and very
rich, the moment she learnt the truth of Dîn, she immediately accepted it.
She did not display any pride in accepting it nor did she hold on to the
beliefs and customs of her forefathers. O women! You should also adopt
this attitude. When you hear anything of the Dîn, do not consider it to be a
blemish or something to be ashamed of. Nor should you hold on to the
customs of your family. None of this will help you. Only your Din will help
you.
A slave-woman from the Banû Isrâ'îl
It is mentioned in a Hadîth that a woman from the Banû Isra'îl was breast-
feeding her child when a richly adorned caravan passed by. This woman
made a du 'â: "O Allah! Make my child (rich) just like this." Upon hearing

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this, the child left her breast and said: "O Allah! Do not make me like this."
Thereafter the child continued drinking her milk. After a little while a
group of people passed by taking a slave-woman with them in a disgraceful
and oppressive manner. Upon seeing this spectacle, the mother made the
following du'â: "O Allah! Do not make my child like this." Again the child
left her breast and said: "O Allah! Make me just like this." The mother
asked: "What is this you are saying?" He replied: "The person who was at
the head of the caravan was a tyrant. The slave-woman was being accused
of being a thief and being immoral when in fact she is pure from all these
accusations."
Lesson: The meaning of this is that people value the person at the head of
the caravan while in Allah's sight he has no value. This slave-woman has no
value in the eyes of the people while in Allah's sight she has great value.
One should therefore try to acquire the value of Allah irrespective of what
people may think. If a person is of no value in Allah's sight, what benefit is
there in acquiring the value and respect of the people? Look! It was the
miracle of that slave-woman that a breast-fed child began speaking in order
to attest to her purity and chastity. O women! It is the habit of some women
to despise and look down upon poor people. On the slightest doubt, they
take out faults with them and accuse them of stealing. This is an evil
practice. It is possible that such poor people are better than you in the sight
of Allah.
A pious and intelligent woman from the Banû Isrâ'îl
Muhammad bin Ka'b relates that there was a great 'âlim and 'âbid in the
Banû Isrâ'îl. He loved his wife very much. Co-incidentally, she passed
away. This person was so grieved by this that he locked his door and
abstained from meeting and conversing with people. A woman from the
Banû Isra'îl heard about this so she went to him. She informed those who
were guarding the entrance to his house that she wants to ask him a mas'ala
and that it can only be asked directly to him. Saying this, she sat down
stubbornly by the door. The person was informed of this and eventually
permitted her to enter. She said: "I want to ask you a mas'ala." He replied:
"Go ahead." She said: "I have a neighbour from whom I borrowed some
jewellery. I am wearing it for quite some time now. Thereafter she sent a
person asking for her jewellery. The question I want to ask you is that do I

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have to give it back to her?" The 'âlim replied: "Yes, you have to give it
back to her." The woman replied: "That jewellery was with me for a very
long time. How can I give it?" The 'âlim replied: "In such a case, you
should give it even more happily because it was out of her kindness that she
allowed you to use it for such a long time." When he said this, the woman
replied: "May Allah have mercy on you? Why, then, are you so sad? Allah
had loaned you something and when He wished, He took it back. (Because)
it belongs to Him." Upon hearing this, the 'âlim realized his mistake and
benefited tremendously from this conversation.
Lesson: Look at how this woman put some sense into this man who was a
great 'âlim. O women! You should also bear this in mind when you have to
encounter any difficulty or calamity. You should also explain this to others.
The mother of Maryam 'alayhas salâm
Her name is Hannah. Her husband's name is 'Imran who is the father of
Maryam. When she fell pregnant, she took a vow that when she gives birth
to the child she will keep him free for the service of the musjid. That is, she
will not allow him to get involved in any worldly activity. She was under
the impression that she will give birth to a boy because only a boy can be of
service to the musjid. At that time, vows of this nature were permissible.
When the time of delivery of the child came, she gave birth to a girl. Out of
sadness she said: "O Allah! I have given birth to a girl." She was informed
that this girl will be better than boys and that Allah has accepted her. She
kept the name of this child Maryam and made a du'a to Allah that He
should protect her and her progeny from shaytân. Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam said that shaytan torments every"0"
child that is born.
However, he was unable to torment Maryam and 'Asa 'alayhimas salâm.
Lesson: Look at the blessing of her pure intention in that Allah blessed her
with a pious child and accepted her du'â as well. We learn that Allah
favoured her greatly. O women! This is the blessing of pure intentions.
Keep your intentions pure all the time. If you do any good act, do it for
Allah alone. In this way, you will also be valued by Allah.
Maryam 'alayhas salâm
The story of her birth has been mentioned above. After she was born, her
mother took her to Baytul Maqdis in fulfilment of her vow. When she
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It is obvious that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was also excluded from this
torment of shaytân.

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reached the musjid, she informed the pious servants over there to take her
because she had vowed this child for the musjid. Because she was from a
pious family, all the pious persons who were based in the musjid wanted to
rear her and bring her up. Zakariyya was also amongst them. He was the
uncle of Maryam. He therefore had a greater right of taking care of her. But
because all the others were clamouring to take care of her, they all agreed
upon a certain system to determine who will take care of her. Eventually,
the lot fell in the name of Zakariyya 'alayhis salâm. He took her and began
looking after her. She began growing very quickly - much faster than other
children of her age and very soon she appeared to be a grown up. From a
young age she was very pious. Allah has referred to her as a walî in the
Quran. It has also mentioned that she used to miraculously receive different
types of fruit when it was not even the season to receive such fruit.
Zakariyya 'alayhis salâm used to ask her: "From where are you receiving
all this fruit?" She used to reply: "From Allah." In short, her entire life was
something to marvel about. When she became mature, solely through the
power of Allah, she fell pregnant without any man touching her. It was
from this pregnancy that 'Asa 'alayhis salâm was born. On seeing that she
gave birth without a man, the Jews began accusing her of adultery. In order
to prove them wrong, Allah gave 'Asa 'alayhis salâm the power to speak
while he was still a baby. He spoke of such great things that all those who
possessed a just and open mind agreed that this is an example of Allah's
power; that he was in fact born without a father and that his mother was
pure and innocent. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam has mentioned
her piety by saying that from among the women, no one reached a stage of
excellence except Maryam and Asiyah. We had quoted this Hadîth in full
when mentioning the life of Asiyah.
Lesson: Her mother had devoted her to Allah. She became very pious. She
remained obedient to Allah to the extent that she became a walî. The
blessing of this was that Allah saved her from the accusations of people. O
women! Continue obeying Allah and you will be protected from all
calamities. Pay more attention to the Dînî affairs of your children and do
not make them slaves of this world.
The wife of Zakariyya 'alayhis salâm
Her name is Ashâ'. She is the sister of Hannah and the aunt of Maryam
'alayhas salâm. Referring to her, Allah says in the Quran: "We made his
(Zakariyya's) wife fit for him." Some of the scholars have interpreted this as
We have mended and corrected her ways. Yahyâ 'alayhis salâm was born
to her while she was in her old age. Based on this, 'Asa 'alayhis salâm is