Indexed OCR Text

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the daughter's son of Yahya's 'alayhis salâm aunt. The daughter's son is
often referred to as a son. It is for this reason that Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam has referred to both of them as cousins.
Lesson: Good character is such a great thing that Allah praised her for it. O
women! Reform and mend your ways as we have explained in the previous
part of Bahishti Zewar.
Note: The above 25 stories concerned the women of the previous ummahs.
We will now mention the lives of the women of this ummah.
Khadijah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the first wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Great feats
have been attributed to her. Once Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam
informed her that Jibra'îl 'alayhis salâm has conveyed the salâms of Allah
to you. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said that the following
four women are the best in the world: Maryam, Asiyah (the wife of
Pharaoh), Khadijah, and Fâtimah.
Whenever Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to encounter any
difficulties from the kuffar, he used to come and inform Khadijah
radiyallâhu 'anhâ. She used to console him in such a way that all his
worries used to go away. After her demise he used to think about her so
much that when he used to slaughter a sheep, he would also send some of
its meat to her friends. Prior to marrying Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, she had married another person by the name of Abû Hâlah Tamîmî.
Lesson: The high level of value and appreciation that Allah and His Rasûl
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam had for her was because of her ?mân and her
obedience. O women! You should also endeavour in this direction. We also
learn from this that it is considered to be a noble characteristic for the wife
to console her husband when he is under emotional stress. Some women
completely change the temperament of their husbands by putting them
under great emotional stress. They do this by making demands on them or
by nagging them all the time. Give up this habit.
Saudah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. She had
given her day which he used to spend with her to 'A'ishah. 'A'ishah says: "I

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never desired to be like any woman except Saudah. Whenever I used to see
her, I desired to be like her." The name of her first husband was Sukrân bin
'Amr.
Lesson: Look at her magnanimity that she gave her turn to her co-wife.
These days, a woman unnecessarily fights with the co-wife and is jealous of
her. Look at the justice of 'A'ishah that she praises her co-wife. Today, they
intentionally look for faults in the co-wife. O women! You should also
adopt magnanimity and justice of this nature.
'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is a very beloved wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He
married her while she was still a virgin. She was so learned that great
Sahâbah used to ask her questions. Once a Sahâbi asked Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "Whom do you like the most?" He replied:
"'A'ishah." This Sahabi then asked: "And from among the men?" He
replied: "Her father." That is, 'Abu Bakr radiyallahu 'anhu. Many other
virtues have been mentioned in her favour.
Lesson: Look at her: despite her being a woman, great 'ulamâ used to refer
to her when they wanted to know any mas'ala. Today, let alone not having
any knowledge, women do not even have the desire to ask the 'ulama any
questions nor do they have the desire to read any Islamic books. O women!
Acquire knowledge of the Dîn with full endeavour and zeal.
Hafsah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the daughter
of 'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu. On one occasion, Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam had issued one divorce to her. Thereafter, upon the
instruction of Jibra'îl he revoked this divorce. Jibra'îl had spoken in her
favour in the following way: "You should revoke the divorce which you
issued to her because she fasts abundantly, engages in a lot of 'ibâdah at
night, and she will be your wife in jannah." She had made a bequest to her
brother 'Abdullah bin 'Umar to give a certain amount of her wealth in
charity. She had also made a plot of land waqf for Allah Ta'âlâ. She had
also made a bequest in this regard. Her first husband's name was Khunays
bin Hudhâfah.

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Lesson: Look at the barakah of piety that Allah Ta'âlâ defended her and
sent Jibra'îl to speak on her behalf in order to have her divorce revoked.
Look at her generosity - how she made arrangements for charity in the
name of Allah and also made a plot of land waqf for Allah Ta'âlâ. O
women! Adopt piety and remove love and greed for wealth from the heart.
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She was also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. She was
so generous that she became known as the "mother of the poor". Her first
husband was 'Abdullah bin Jahsh.
Lesson: Look at what a great thing it is to be in the service of the poor.
Umme Salamah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. A woman
relates an incident and says: "Once I was in the company of Umme
Salamah. After a little while, many poor persons came to her. There were
men and women among them. They all stood there (demanding something).
So I said to them: 'Go away from here.' Upon this, Umme Salamah said:
'We have not been commanded this. O girl! Give each of them something
even if it means giving them one dry date."" Her first husband was Abû
Salamah radiyallâhu 'anhu.
Lesson: She did not become annoyed by the demands of the poor persons.
Today, women produce feeble excuses and some of them go to the extent of
cursing and abusing beggars. O women! Don't ever do this.
Zaynab bint Jahsh radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam had adopted a Sahâbi by the name of Zayd
radiyallâhu 'anhu. Initially, it was permissible330- to adopt a son. When he
became mature, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam decided to get him
married. So he sent a proposal to her brother on behalf of Zayd radiyallahu
'anhu. This brother and sister (i.e. Zaynab) did not consider Zayd to be
362
In other words, in the beginning it was permissible to attribute the adopted son to the person
who had adopted him.

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equal to them in status and lineage. They were therefore hesitant in the
beginning. However, Allah Ta'âlâ revealed a verse wherein He mentions
that once the prophet decides on something, a Muslim should not make any
excuses. They therefore accepted the proposal and the marriage was
performed. However, the husband and wife could not live together in an
amicable manner. The situation reached a stage whereby Zayd decided to
divorce her. He came to consult Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam but
he stopped him and tried to make him understand. However, Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam gauged that these two will be unable to live
together and that they were definitely heading for a divorce. He began
thinking to himself that right from the beginning, the brother and sister
were not happy about entering into this marriage, but they accepted after I
told them to do so. If the divorce takes place, the brother's and sister's
burden will be lessened but they will be broken-hearted. What could he do
in order to console them? Eventually he came to the conclusion that if he
marries her, she will be greatly consoled and relieved. Apart from this, he
could find no solution. At the same time, he also realized that the
disbelievers will begin accusing him of marrying his son's wife. Although
an adopted son does not become one's real son, who can stop people from
thinking and speaking in this way? More so when the disbelievers will
begin making a mountain out of a mole-hill. He was still thinking and
pondering over all this when Zayd radiyallâhu 'anhu divorced her. On the
expiry of her 'iddah, Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was inclined
towards proposing to her. Eventually, he sent his proposal. She replied that
she will ask her Creator and that she is not going to make up her own mind
in this regard. If He sanctions it, He will make the way easy. Upon saying
this, she performed her ablution and offered salat. After the salat, she made
a fervent du'â to Allah. Allah revealed a verse to Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam mentioning that He has made your nikâh with her. He
then went to her and recited the verse to her. Zaynab radiyallahu 'anhâ
used to mention this to her co-wives by saying: "Your nikâh was sanctioned
by your parents while my nikâh was sanctioned by Allah Ta'ala. "363
The first orders concerning purdah were revealed during her nikâh. She
was very generous. She used to practice handicrafts and give in charity
from the income that she received from these handicrafts. Once, all the
363
This was not said out of pride or boastfulness. Instead, it was said as a way of mentioning
the favours of Allah on her. This is considered to be an act of 'ibadah.

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wives got together and asked Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam:
"Who will join you first after your demise?" He replied: "The one whose
hands are the longest." This is an Arabic mode of expression to show
generosity. However, this did not cross the minds of his wives. They were
under the impression that it referred to actual length. They therefore took a
stick and began measuring their hands. Hadrat Saudah's radiyallâhu 'anhâ
hands turned out to be the longest. However, the first to leave this world
after him was Hadrat Zaynab bint Jahsh radiyallâhu 'anhâ. It was only then
that they all realized that it referred to generosity. In short, her generosity
was also appreciated by Allah and His Rasûl sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
' 'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ says: "I have not come across any woman better
than Zaynab. She was perfect in her Dîn, feared Allah a lot, very honest in
her speech, very kind and cordial to her relatives, very charitable, and she
used to work very hard with her handicrafts so that she could give more in
charity." Speaking about her, Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:
"She was very humble-hearted and used to beseech Allah abundantly."
Lesson: O women! You have read about the greatness of generosity, the
benefits of handicrafts and referring to Allah for all your needs. Don't ever
consider it disgraceful to do any work with your own hands. Do not look
down upon any craft or occupation (provided it is acceptable in the
Sharî'ah).
Umme Habîbah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. When the
kuffâr of Makkah began oppressing the Muslims profusely, and the latter
were not ordered to go to Madînah as yet, many Muslims went to
Abyssinia. The king of Abyssinia who was known as Najâshi was a
Christian. However, after the arrival of Muslims, he became a Muslim.
Umme Habîbah radiyallâhu 'anhâ was also among the Muslims who had
come to Abyssinia. Najâshi sent a person by the name of Abrahah to her
informing her that he is sending a proposal to her on behalf of Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam. She accepted the proposal. Najâshi also sent
some gifts with Abrahah, which comprised of two silver bracelets and a
few rings. Her first husband was 'Ubaydullah bin Jahsh.
Lesson: How pious she must have been for her to leave her home solely to
protect and safeguard her Dîn. In return for this effort of hers, Allah gave
her great comfort and honour in that she married Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam and the king made all the necessary arrangements. O

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women! When the situation requires you to choose Dîn, do not give
preference to worldly comfort, name and fame, wealth or your house and
family. Everything should be sacrificed for Dîn.
Juwayriyah radiyallahu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. She was
brought as a prisoner after a war with the kuffâr in a battle popularly know
as Bani Mustaliq. She had fallen in the share of a Sahabi by the name of
Thâbit bin Qays or his cousin. She said to her master: "I will give you a
certain amount of money and you must free me." He agreed to this so she
went to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and asked him to help her
with some money. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam felt sorry for her
after seeing her piety and poverty. He said to her: "If you agree, I will pay
for your entire freedom and take you into my marriage." She readily
accepted this offer and the nikâh took place. When the people heard about
this marriage, especially all the prisoners that belonged to her tribe who
were under the Muslims, then most of these Muslims freed these slaves
saying that now that they have a relationship with Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam because of this marriage, it is disrespectful to keep them
as slaves. "l'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ is reported to have said: "We do not
know of any woman who has been of so much benefit to her tribe (or
family)." Her previous husband's name was Musafi' bin Safwan.
Lesson: Piety is a great virtue. Despite her being a slave-girl, she was able
to enter into the marriage of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. O
women! There isn't anyone more honourable than Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam. If he did not consider it to be a blemish to marry a slave-
girl, do not consider it to be disgraceful or undignified if anyone marries a
person of a lower social standing because of some reason or brings
someone from a foreign place ;. This is an evil sickness and also a sin. Look
at how the Sahabah radiyallahu 'anhum honoured her in that they did not
even allow themselves to disgrace her relatives and fellow tribes-men. How
ignorant we are today in that we do not honour such a woman irrespective
of how pious and religious-minded she may be. As for honouring her
family, there is no hope whatsoever in this regard.
Maymûnah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. A great
scholar of Hadîth relates that her nikâh with Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi

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wa sallam took place in the following manner: She came to him and said: "I
am gifting my life to you." In other words, I am prepared to enter into a
marriage with you without even any mahr. He accepted this. Marrying in
this manner (i.e. without any mahr) was permissible only for Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam. A great mufassir relates that the verse which
mentions a marriage of this nature was first revealed for this woman. Her
first husband's name was Huwaytib.
Lesson: Look at how much love she had for the Dîn that she considered
serving Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam as an act of 'ibâdah and
was therefore prepared to forfeit her right to receive any mahr. This she did
at a time when women used to receive the mahr in cash, i.e. without any
delay. It was unlike today where the mahr is delayed until "qiyâmah" or
death.364 O women! Consider Dîn to be the actual thing of value. Do not
have too much love for the world to the extent that you waste your time
thinking about it all the time. Twenty fours of the day are spent immersed
in these thoughts: If one attains one's objective one is overjoyed
irrespective of whether one receives a reward in doing so or a sin. If one
does not obtain it, one is filled with sorrow, begins to complain, becomes
jealous of those who possess it, and thereafter begins to have evil
intentions.
Safiyyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the wife of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam A battle
took place between the Muslims and the Jews at a place called Khaybar.
She was brought as a prisoner after this battle. She fell in the booty of one
of the Sahabah. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam paid for her
freedom and married her thereafter. She is from the progeny of Hârûn
'alayhis salâm. She possessed many forbearing and intelligent qualities.
Her forbearance can be gauged from an incident: her slave-girl concocted
two lies and informed 'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu of them. One of these lies
was that she (Safiyyah) still has a special attachment for Saturday. This day
is a very sacred day of the week for the Jews. In other words, despite her
accepting Islam, traces of her previous religion were still found in her. If
this has to be looked at from another angle, she is not a complete Muslim.
The second lie was that she gives and takes a lot from the Jews. When
'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu went and asked her about this, she replied: "The
first thing that she said is absolutely false. Ever since I accepted Islam and
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This practice of delaying the mahr is predominantly found in India.

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Allah has blessed me with Friday, my heart has become totally detached
from Saturday. The second thing which she said is true. The reason for this
is that they (the Jews) are my relatives and it is not against the Shari'ah for
one to maintain good relations with one's relatives." She then asked the
slave-girl: "Who asked you to concoct lies?" She replied: "Satan." Upon
this, she replied: "You can go now, I have freed you." Her first husband's
name was Kanânah bin Abil Haqîq.
Lesson: O women! This is what is known as forbearance. You should also
overlook and forgive your domestics and your maids if they make any
mistake. Taking revenge or compensation from them on trivial matters is a
sign of lack of courage. Look at how honest Safiyyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
was. She clearly spelt out the quality that was found in her and did not try
to cover it up. It is the habit of some people that they do not like to admit
anything. They try to save themselves from any accusation by disguising
and concealing anything that they may have done. It is also an evil practice
to concoct stories.
Zaynab radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the daughter of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He loved
her very much. She was married to 'Abu al-'"Is bin ar-Rabî' radiyallahu
'anhu. When she accepted Islam and her husband refused to do so, she
severed relations with him and migrated to Madinah. A few days later, her
husband also followed her to Madinah and accepted Islam. Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam performed their nikâh again. He also liked her
a lot. When she had left Makkah for Madinah, an incident took place on the
way: two disbelievers encountered her on the way. One of them pushed her
and she fell on a rock. He had some desire for her but that also disappeared.
She was badly injured from this fall to the extent that she did not fully
recover right until her death. Eventually, this was the cause of her death.
Lesson: Look at her courage and her piety that she was prepared to leave
her birth-place and her husband for the sake of Dîn. Furthermore, she bore
the difficulties imposed upon her by the disbelievers to the extent that she
passed away. Yet she remained steadfast on Dîn. O women! You should be
prepared to leave everything for the sake of Dîn. If you experience any
difficulties, endure them. If your husband leaves the Dîn, do not side with
him.

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Ruqayyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the daughter of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam Her first
marriage was with 'Utbah, the son of the kâfir Abû Lahab. Abû Lahab has
been mentioned in the Quran in Sûrah al-Masad (the 111th sûrah of the
Quran). The father and son did not accept Islam and the former therefore
ordered his son to leave her. Upon this, Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam performed her nikâh with 'Uthmân radiyallâhu 'anhu. When
Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam prepared to leave for the battle of
Badr, she was sick at that time. Because of this, he asked 'Uthmân
radiyallâhu 'anhu to remain behind and tend to her and informed him that
he will receive the same reward as those engaged in jihad and that he will
also receive a share of the booty. She passed away on the very day the
Muslims vanquished the disbelievers and returned to Madinah.
Lesson: Look at her greatness that tending to her was considered to be
equal to waging jihad against the disbelievers. This eminence of hers was
on account of her piety. O women! Always try to strengthen your Dîn. Do
not allow yourselves to commit any sin as this is a cause of weakness in the
Dîn.
Umme Kulthûm radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also the daughter of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Her
first marriage was with 'Utaybah who was also a son of Abû Lahab. Before
she could even go and live with this husband, Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi
wa sallam received prophethood. The father and son had not accepted Islam
and the former ordered his son to leave her as well. When her sister,
Ruqayyah, passed away, she married 'Uthmân. When Ruqayyah had passed
away, co-incidentally, Hafsah had also become a widow. 'Umar
radiyallâhu 'anhu (the father of Hafsah) wanted to get her married to
'Uthmân radiyallahu 'anhu. However, the latter did not show any interest.
When Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam heard of this, he said to
'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu: "I will show you a husband for Hafsah who is
better than 'Uthman, and for 'Uthman a wife that is better than Hafsah."
Based on this, Rasûlullah sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam married Hafsah, and
got 'Uthmân married to 'Umme Kulthûm.

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Lesson: Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam spoke good of her and
when he speaks good of anyone, it is based on that person's 'îmân. O
women! You should also put your 'îmân in order.
Fâtimah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the youngest of all the sisters but the highest in status and the most
beloved to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He has referred to her
as the piece of his flesh and the leader of all women. He has also stated that
if anything causes her sorrow, it causes him sorrow as well. When he fell
ill, he whispered into her ear and informed her of the approach of his death.
Upon hearing this, she began to cry. He again whispered into her ear and
informed her that she should not grieve because she will be the first to join
him and she will be the leader of all women in jannah. Upon hearing this,
she began smiling. Although all his wives begged her to tell them what he
had told her, she did not do so until after his demise.30 She married 'Alî
radiyallâhu 'anhu. Many other virtues concerning her have been mentioned
in the Hadîth.
Lesson One: The reason for Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam loving
her the most and being specially attached to her is that she was the most
pious, the most patient and the most grateful. O women! Adopt Dîn,
patience and gratefulness. You will also become beloved by Allah and His
Rasûl sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam.
Lesson Two: When we had first mentioned the life of Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam, we also listed all the names of his wives and daughters.
Lesson Three: O women! There is one more point which you have to
ponder over. You have read about Rasûlullah's sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam eleven wives and four daughters. You must have realized for
yourselves that out of the eleven wives, apart from 'D'ishah radiyallahu
'anhâ, all the others had been married previously. From his daughters, apart
from Zaynab and Fatimah radiyallâhu 'anhumâ, the other two were
married prior to marrying 'Uthmân radiyallâhu 'anhu. No woman in the
world is equal to these twelve women (the ten wives and two daughters
who had been married previously) in honour and status. If entering into a
365
She did not inform them while he was alive because it was to be a secret and he therefore
whispered it into her ear. She informed them after his demise because there was no reason to
conceal it any longer.

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second marriage was blameworthy or a blemish, would these women have
ever done something that is considered to be a blemish? It is extremely sad
that some ignorant people consider a second marriage to be a blemish. If
one begins to consider something that occurred in the family of Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam to be a blemish or to be immoral, how can one
still have îmân? What type of Muslims are they that they find fault with the
lifestyle of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and consider the
lifestyle of the kuffâr to be honourable? We are saying this because keeping
a widow at home without allowing her to get married again is actually the
custom of the kafir Hindus of India. 366
We have something else to add to this. There is a big difference between
you and the widows of the past. They may have been ignorant, but they
used to take great precautions in safeguarding their honour and chastity.
They used to suppress their nafs and did not allow it to fall into sin. As for
today, the widows surpass married women in trying to beautify themselves.
It is for this reason that many incidents are beginning to occur which are
not suitable to be mentioned. In these times, it is most certainly not
permissible to refuse widows from getting married. This is because neither
the women have any shame and bashfulness of the past, the men do not
have any sense of honour, nor do the widows know how to live a life of
widowhood and to undertake the necessary means for their food and
clothing. Now the time is such that one should not even forgetfully think of
refusing a widow from getting married. May Allah give us understanding
and success.
Note: After mentioning the lives of the women of the previous nations, we
mentioned the lives of Rasûlullah's sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam 11 wives
and 4 daughters - totalling 15 women. We will now mention the lives of
women who were present during the lifetime of Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam and with some of whom he had special relations.
Halimah Sadiyyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
This woman breast-fed Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. When he
waged a jihad against the city of Tâ'if, she came to him together with her
366
This is the norm in most western societies as well.

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husband and son. He treated her with great respect, laid down his shawl and
made her sit on it. All of them accepted Islam.
Lesson: Despite her having a special relationship with Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam she knew that this would not give her salvation in any
way if she did not bring îmân. She therefore accepted Islam. O women!
You should not be under the assumption that you are from the progeny of a
certain pious man or that a certain son or grandson of yours is an 'âlim or a
hâfiz and that they will grant you salvation. Remember that if you have Dîn
in yourself, these persons can ask Allah for something on your behalf. But
if you do not have any Dîn, they will be of no help to you.
Umme Ayman radiyallâhu 'anhâ
Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to go and visit her
occasionally. Once he went to visit her and she offered him something to
drink. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam refused either because he did
not feel like drinking anything at that time or because he was fasting.
Because of the fact that she had brought up Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi
wa sallam she insisted that he drinks it. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam used to say that after my real mother, she is my mother. After his
demise, Abû Bakr and 'Umar radiyallâhu 'anhumâ also used to visit her
occasionally. Upon seeing them she used to think of Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam and begin to cry. They should also begin crying.
Lesson: What an honour it was to have Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam and these two great Sahâbah visiting her. Her greatness is on account
of her serving Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and being perfect in
her Dîn. O women! Serving Rasûlullah sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam means
that you must serve his Dîn, direct women towards good deeds, teach them
the Din, teach your children piety, and you yourself should remain steadfast
on Dîn. Inshâ' Allah, you will also receive a part of greatness.
Do not think that she must have went in front of all these visitors without
purdah. To go and sit by someone and to speak or listen to good talks even
though it may be behind a screen or curtain is sufficient to be called a
ziyârah (visit).
Umme Sulaym radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is a Sahâbiyah of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the wife of
Abú Talha radiyallahu 'anhu, and the mother of Anas radiyallahu 'anhu,

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who was the attendant of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. She is
also an aunt of his. One of her brothers who was a Sahabî, was martyred
while participating in a battle with Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
On account of all this, he used to have a lot of time for her. He used to visit
her occasionally. He is also reported to have seen her in jannah.
A strange incident occurred to her. She had a small child who fell ill and
also passed away during the day. Look at her patience: when night
approached, she thought to herself that if she were to inform her husband
about his death, he will be distressed the entire night and will abstain from
eating as well. She decided to remain silent about it. When her husband
came home and asked about the child's health, she replied that he is at
peace. This was not a lie because what can be more peaceful for a Muslim
than returning to his original place of abode? However, the husband did not
grasp this. She presented the meal to him which he partook of. Thereafter,
he desired her and she did not even present any excuses. When everything
was over, she asked her husband: "If anyone loans you anything and
thereafter asks for it, does the person who borrowed it have any right to
refuse?" He replied: "No." So she said: "Exercise patience over the (death
of the) child." He became angry and asked her why she did not inform him
prior to all this. The following morning he went and narrated the entire
incident to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He made du'â for her,
and through the power of Allah, she fell pregnant on that very night. She
gave birth to a child who was named 'Abdullah. He became a great 'âalim
and many great 'ulamâ were born from his progeny.
Lesson: O women! Learn patience from her and learn the lesson of
providing comfort to the husband from her. The example of asking back a
loaned item which she mentioned is a beautiful and appropriate example. If
a person can comprehend this example, he will not become impatient (and
despondent) at any time. Through the barakah of her patience, Allah Ta'âlâ
granted her a child soon thereafter in whose progeny many 'ulamâ were
born.
Umme Harâm radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is also a Sahâbiyah and the sister of Umme Sulaym radiyallâhu 'anhâ,
whose story has just been mentioned above. She is also an aunt of
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He used to visit her as well. Once

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he went to her house, had a meal and fell asleep. He then woke up smiling.
She asked him the reason for his smiling. He replied: "I had a dream and
saw people of my ummah going on jihad on a ship. Their possessions and
clothing appeared to be that of the rich and the royalty." She said: "O
Rasulullah! Make du'â that I am also from among them." He made du 'â for
her and fell asleep again. He woke up smiling for a second time, related the
same dream, and that he saw more of the same type of people. She said: "O
Rasulullah! Make du'â that I am also from among them." He replied: "You
are already included in the first group of people." It so happened, that her
husband, 'Ubâdah, went out for jihad on a ship and she also accompanied
him. Once they landed, she began climbing onto an animal. This animal
became hysterical and she fell down and passed away.
Lesson: Rasûlullah's sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam du'â was accepted
because as long as the person does not return home, that journey is
considered to be a jihâd. And once a person passes away while embarking
on a journey for jihad, he receives the reward of a martyr irrespective of
how he dies. Look at how pious she was that she did not even worry about
her life in order to attain reward. She asked him to make a du 'â so that she
is blessed with this. O women! You should also bear this in mind. If you
experience any difficulty in fulfilling Dînî duties, do not become agitated or
excited. Eventually, it is you who will be rewarded.
Umme 'Abd radiyallahu 'anhâ
She is the mother of a very illustrious Sahabi by the name of 'Abdullah bin
Mașûd radiyallâhu 'anhu. She had such a great influence in the domestic
affairs of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam that outsiders used to
think that she was part of his household.
Lesson: This great contact that she had with the household of Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was only on account of Dîn. O women! If you
safeguard your Dîn, you will also gain proximity to Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam.
The mother of Abu Dhar Ghifari radiyallâhu 'anhu
Abû Dhar Ghifâri is a Sahâbî. When the news of Rasûlullah's sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam prophethood spread, he left his hometown and came to

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Makkah in order to establish the truth. After observing the situation in
Makkah, he became a Muslim. When he returned home, his mother heard
his entire story. She replied: "I have no objection to your Dîn. I am also
becoming a Muslim."
Lesson: This is what is known as purity in nature and temperament. Once
she heard the truth, she did not worry about the religion of her forefathers.
O women! Even when you hear anything about the Sharî'ah, do not try to
contradict it by substantiating your family customs and rituals. You should
readily accept the matter of Dîn and act accordingly.
The mother of Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu 'anhu
Abû Hurayrah is a Sahâbi. He used to explain the Dîn to his mother so that
she may accept Islam. One day, she uttered something against the Dîn
which disturbed him greatly. He went crying to Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam and said to him: "O Rasûlullah! Make du'â on behalf of
my mother that Allah blesses her with îman." He therefore made the
following du 'â: "O Allah! Guide the mother of Abû Hurayrah." He returned
home happily but found the door to the house locked. He heard the dripping
of water as if someone was having a bath. When his mother heard the
sound of his approach, she asked him to wait. After completing her bath,
she opened the door and recited the kalimah:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَّا إِلهُ إِلَّ اللَّهُ وَاَشهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
He was so overjoyed that he began crying out of happiness. In this very
state, he rushed to Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and related the
entire incident to him. Upon hearing this, he expressed his gratitude to
Allah Ta'âlâ. Abû Hurayrah then said: "O Rasûlullah! Make du'â that we,
mother and son, have love for the Muslims and that the Muslims have love
for us as well." He made this du 'a as well.
Lesson: Look at the great benefit of having pious children. O women!
Teach your children the knowledge of Dîn. In doing so, your Dîn will also
be safeguarded.
'Asmã bint 'Umays radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is a Sahâbiyah. When the kuffar of Makkah persecuted the Muslims,
many of them migrated to Abyssinia. She was also among them. Later,

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when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam migrated to Madinah, all
those who were in Abyssinia also joined him. She also went to Madinah.
Rasûlullah gave her the glad tidings by informing her that because she
undertook two hijrahs, she will be greatly rewarded.
Lesson: Look at how she changed from one who had a home to a homeless
person, and this was done solely for the Dîn. O women! If you have to bear
any burdens for the sake of Dîn, do not display any laziness.
The mother of Hudhayfah radiyallahu 'anhu
Hadrat Hudhayfah is a Sahabi. He says: "Once my mother asked me: 'How
many days have passed since you visited Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam?' I told her the number of days. Upon hearing this she began
rebuking me. So I told her: 'I am going this very moment and I will offer
the maghrib salat with him. Thereafter, I will ask him to make du'â for
salvation on your behalf and my behalf.' I went to him, offered the maghrib
and thereafter the 'ishâ salâts with him. After the 'ishâ salât he began
leaving, so I followed him. Upon hearing a sound behind him, he asked: 'Is
that Hudhayfah?' I replied: 'Yes.' He asked: 'What do you want? May Allah
forgive you and your mother."
Lesson: Look at what a good mother she was that she even asks her
children whether they visited Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam or
not. O women! You should also emphasise on your children to go and visit
pious persons, learn matters of the Dîn from them, and acquire the barakah
of good company.
Fâtimah bint Khattâb radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the sister of 'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu. She had accepted Islam before
her brother. Her husband, Sa'îd bin Zayd, had also become a Muslim.
'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu had not become a Muslim as yet. Both of them
were keeping their Islam a secret out of fear for him. Once, 'Umar heard
her reciting the Quran. Upon hearing this, he became very angry with both
of them. Let alone his brother-in-law who was a man, even his sister
informed him clearly and unhesitatingly that they had become Muslims and
were indeed reciting the Quran. If he wished, he could hit them or leave
them (it will not change their minds in any way). 'Umar replied: "Let me
see the Quran as well." The moment he saw it and heard it, the light of îmân

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entered his heart, he went straight to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam and became a Muslim.
Lesson: O women! You should also be firm in matters of the Dîn and the
Sharî'ah. Do not say anything against the Shariah in exchange for
monetary gain nor follow customs that are contrary to the Shari'ah merely
to please your family. If anything is contrary to the Sharî'ah, do not even
go near it.
An Ansarî woman
Ibn Is'haq narrates that the husband, father and brother of an Ansarî woman
were all martyred in the battle of 'Uhud, in which they had participated
with Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. When she was informed
about this, she replied: "First tell me, how is Rasûlullah?" They replied that
he is well and alive. She replied: "If he is safe and sound, there is nothing to
be sorrowful about."
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! What great love she had for Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam! O women! If you wish to have love for him,
follow his Sharî'ah in totality. In this way, you will develop a love for him,
and on account of this love, you will receive a stage near him.
Umme Fadl Lubâbah bint Harith radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the aunt of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the wife of
'Abbâs radiyallahu 'anhu, and the mother of 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas
radiyallâhu 'anhu. It is mentioned in the Quran that if Muslims are living
among the kuffar and they are unable to render the 'ibâdah of Allah, they
should leave that place and settle down in a safer area. If they do not do
this, they will be committing a major sin. However, women and children
who do not know the way nor do they have anyone to accompany them, or
are unable to undertake the journey are excluded from this rule. 'Abdullah
bin 'Abbâs radiyallâhu 'anhu says: "My mother was from among such
persons who were unable to undertake the journey. She was a woman and I
was a child."367
Lesson: Look at the beauty of her intention. In her heart, she did not wish to
live among the kuffâr. However, she was forced to do so. Allah therefore
had mercy on her and saved her from sinning. O women! You should also
367
In other words, we fulfilled both conditions in order to be exempted from this ruling.

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make a firm intention in your heart that you will act according to the Dîn.
Thereafter, there will be hope of you being forgiven in those matters in
which you have no alternative. The person who does not make an intention
to act according to the Dîn cannot save himself from sinning.
Umme Sulayt radiyallâhu 'anhâ
Once 'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu was distributing some shawls among the
women of Madinah. Eventually, he was left with only one shawl. So he
asked the people as to whom he should give it. They replied: "Give it to
'Ali's radiyallahu 'anhu daughter, Umme Kulthûm, who is also your wife."
He replied: "No. Umme Sulayt deserves to receive it." This woman is from
the Ansar and had also given the bay'ah to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam. 'Umar radiyallâhu 'anhu said: "This woman was such that during
the battle of Uhud she used to carry water skins and go around giving the
Muslims water to drink. There was also another woman by the name of
Khaulah who fought in the battle with a sword."
Lesson: Look at her courage in fulfilling the work of Allah. It is for this
reason that 'Umar radiyallahu 'anhu valued her so much. Now the level of
our courage is such that we cannot even offer our five times salat properly.
Hâlah bint Khuwaylid radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the sister-in-law of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the
sister of Khadijah radiyallâhu 'anhâ. Once she came to visit Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam. She stood outside and asked for permission to
enter. Because her voice was similar to her sister's, Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam thought of Khadijah radiyallâhu 'anhâ and became
startled. Upon seeing her, he exclaimed (in the form of a du'â): "O Allah!
This is Hâlah!"
Lesson: From this du â we learn that he loved her. Apart from her being his
sister-in-law, he loved her on account of her piety. O women! You also become
pious and Allah and His Rasûl sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam will love you.
Hind bint 'Utbah radiyallahu 'anhâ
She is the mother of Mu'awiyah radiyallahu 'anhu, who in turn is the
brother-in-law of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Once she

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addressed Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and said to him: "Prior
to becoming a Muslim, I did not desire anyone being disgraced more than
you. Now that I have become a Muslim, I do not desire honour for anyone
more than you." He replied: "I am also in the same condition."
Lesson: One of the things we learn about her is that she was honest. The
other thing that we learn is that she loved Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam and he also loved her. O women! You should also speak the truth.
Love Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and carry out acts which will
cause him to love you as well.
Umme Khâlid radiyallâhu 'anhâ
When the people migrated to Abyssinia, she was also present. She was a
child at that time. When she returned from there to Madinah, her father
went to meet Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. She also
accompanied her father. She was wearing a yellow dress. Rasûlullah
sallallânu 'alayhi wa sallam had a small embroidered shawl. He made her
wear it and said to her that she was looking very nice. Thereafter he made
the following du'a: "May you get worn out and get old." This is a form of
expression the meaning of which is that may you live long. Many people
have narrated that they have not seen any woman as old as her, i.e. she
lived for very long. The people used to refer to her and say that a certain
woman has reached very old age. Once, when she was a child, she began
playing with the seal of prophethood which was on Rasûlullah's sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam back. Upon seeing this, her father scolded her.
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam told him to leave her alone as there
was nothing wrong in what she was doing.
Lesson: She was very fortunate. O women! The shawl of the Dîn is actually
the shawl of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, just as the Quran has
referred to piety as clothing. If you wish to acquire this fortune, adopt Dîn
and piety.
Safiyyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the aunt of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. When his uncle,
Hamzah radiyallâhu 'anhu was martyred in Uhud, he said: "I am thinking
of the suffering of Safiyyah, or else I would have not buried Hamzah. I

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would have left him for the wild animals to eat of him and on the day of
judgement he will arise from their stomachs."
Lesson: O women! Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam took her into
consideration on account of her piety. You also become pious so that you
can be eligible for the pleasure of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
The wife of Abul Haytham radiyallahu 'anhu
She is a Sahâbiyah. She used to feel very sorry for Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam. Once there was no food in his house. When he could not
bear the hunger any longer, he went to her house. Her husband was gone
out to bring drinking water. She was very hospitable to him. In the
meantime, her husband also arrived. He was extremely pleased to have
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam as his guest and made the
arrangements for a meal for him.
Lesson: If Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was not satisfied with
her sincerity and devotion, he would have returned after seeing that her
husband is not at home. He knew that she was a very good woman. For
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam to be pleased with someone and to
consider the person to be a good person is not something insignificant
(instead, it is a great virtue in that person's favour). O women! When
Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam went to her house, he was a guest
at that time. You should also be pleased when guests come to your house.
Do not display any niggardliness or meanness.
"Asma bint Abî Bakr radiyallahu 'anhâ
She is the sister-in-law of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the
sister of 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ. When Rasûlullah sallallâhu 'alayhi wa
sallam was migrating to Madînah, he had a bag of food. However, he did
not have anything to tie this bag with. She immediately tore a piece of cloth
from her girdle which was used to tie the bag and the remainder of the cloth
was used as her girdle.
Lesson: This type of love is found in a pious person who is prepared to tear
something that she needs and give it away. O women! This is what love for
the Dîn demands. That is, in order to safeguard the Dîn, the person does not
worry about losing anything.