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Fâtimah bint Abî Hubaysh, Hamnah bint Abî Jahsh, and Zaynab, the wife of ‘Abdullâh bin Mas‘ûd radiyallâhu ‘anhu

Sayyidah Nafîsah bint Hasan bin Zayd bin Hasan bin ‘Alî radiyallâhu ‘anhum

She was also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She was so generous that she became known as the "mother of the poor". Her first husband was ‘Abdullâh bin Jahsh.

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam had adopted a Sahâbi by the name of Zayd radiyallâhu ‘anhu. Initially, it was permissible 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 radiyallâhu ‘anhu. This brother and sister (i.e. Zaynab) did not consider Zayd to be 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam but he stopped him and tried to make him understand. However, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 salât. After the salât, she made a fervent du‘â to Allah. Allah revealed a verse to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentioning that He has made your nikâh with her. He then went to her and recited the verse to her. Zaynab radiyallâhu ‘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'âlâ."

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 wives got together and asked Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘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, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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).

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the king made all the necessary arrangements. O 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.

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Sahâbi 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and asked him to help her with some money. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam because of this marriage, it is disrespectful to keep them as slaves. ‘Â'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 Musâfi' bin Safwân.

Lesson: Piety is a great virtue. Despite her being a slave-girl, she was able to enter into the marriage of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. O women! There isn't anyone more honourable than Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Sahâbah radiyallâhu ‘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.

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. A great scholar of Hadîth relates that her nikâh with Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi 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 Rasûlullâh 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. 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.

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Sahâbah. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 radiyallâhu ‘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 radiyallâhu ‘anhu went and asked her about this, she replied: "The first thing that she said is absolutely false. Ever since I accepted Islam and 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 Sharî‘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.

She is the daughter of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He loved her very much. She was married to ’Abû al-‘Âs bin ar-Rabî' radiyallâhu ‘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. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

She is also the daughter of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam performed her nikâh with ‘Uthmân radiyallâhu ‘anhu. When Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 jihâd 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 jihâd 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.

She is also the daughter of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 radiyallâhu ‘anhu. However, the latter did not show any interest. When Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam heard of this, he said to ‘Umar radiyallâhu ‘anhu: "I will show you a husband for Hafsah who is better than ‘Uthmân, and for ‘Uthmân a wife that is better than Hafsah." Based on this, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam married Hafsah, and got ‘Uthmân married to ’Umme Kulthûm.

Lesson: Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

She is the youngest of all the sisters but the highest in status and the most beloved to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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. She married ‘Alî radiyallâhu ‘anhu. Many other virtues concerning her have been mentioned in the Hadîth.

Lesson One: The reason for Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh’s sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam eleven wives and four daughters. You must have realized for yourselves that out of the eleven wives, apart from ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ, all the others had been married previously. From his daughters, apart from Zaynab and Fâtimah 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 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 Rasûlullâh 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 kâfir Hindus of India.

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 Rasûlullâh’s sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and with some of whom he had special relations.

This woman breast-fed Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. When he waged a jihâd against the city of Tâ'if, she came to him together with her 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam she insisted that he drinks it. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and begin to cry. They should also begin crying.

Lesson: What an honour it was to have Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and these two great Sahâbah visiting her. Her greatness is on account of her serving Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and being perfect in her Dîn. O women! Serving Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam means that you must serve his Dîn, direct women towards good deeds, teach them the Dîn, 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).

She is a Sahâbiyah of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the wife of Abû Talha radiyallâhu ‘anhu, and the mother of Anas radiyallâhu ‘anhu, who was the attendant of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She is also an aunt of his. One of her brothers who was a Sahâbî, was martyred while participating in a battle with Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 ‘Abdullâh. 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.

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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He used to visit her as well. Once 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 jihâd 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 jihâd 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: Rasûlullâh’s sallallâhu ‘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 jihâd, 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.

She is the mother of a very illustrious Sahâbi by the name of ‘Abdullâh bin Mas‘ûd radiyallâhu ‘anhu. She had such a great influence in the domestic affairs of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam was only on account of Dîn. O women! If you safeguard your Dîn, you will also gain proximity to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Abû Dhar Ghifâri is a Sahâbî. When the news of Rasûlullâh’s sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam prophethood spread, he left his hometown and came to 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.

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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said to him: "O Rasûlullâh! Make du‘â on behalf of my mother that Allah blesses her with îmân." 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:

He was so overjoyed that he began crying out of happiness. In this very state, he rushed to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh! 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‘â 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.

She is a Sahâbiyah. When the kuffâr of Makkah persecuted the Muslims, many of them migrated to Abyssinia. She was also among them. Later, when Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam migrated to Madinah, all those who were in Abyssinia also joined him. She also went to Madinah. Rasûlullâh 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.

Hadrat Hudhayfah is a Sahâbi. He says: "Once my mother asked me: 'How many days have passed since you visited Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 salât 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

She is the sister of ‘Umar radiyallâhu ‘anhu. She had accepted Islam before her brother. Her husband, Sa'îd bin Zayd, had also become a Muslim. ‘Umar radiyallâhu ‘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 entered his heart, he went straight to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Sharî‘ah merely to please your family. If anything is contrary to the Sharî‘ah, do not even go near it.

Ibn Is'hâq narrates that the husband, father and brother of an Ansârî woman were all martyred in the battle of ’Uhud, in which they had participated with Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. When she was informed about this, she replied: "First tell me, how is Rasûlullâh?" 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

She is the aunt of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the wife of ‘Abbâs radiyallâhu ‘anhu, and the mother of ’Abdullâh bin ‘Abbâs radiyallâhu ‘anhu. It is mentioned in the Quran that if Muslims are living among the kuffâr 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. ’Abdullâh 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."

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 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.

Once ‘Umar radiyallâhu ‘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 radiyallâhu ‘anhu daughter, Umme Kulthûm, who is also your wife." He replied: "No. Umme Sulayt deserves to receive it." This woman is from the Ansâr and had also given the bay'ah to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 radiyallâhu ‘anhu valued her so much. Now the level of our courage is such that we cannot even offer our five times salât properly.

She is the sister-in-law of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the sister of Khadîjah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ. Once she came to visit Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She stood outside and asked for permission to enter. Because her voice was similar to her sister's, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam thought of Khadîjah 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 sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam will love you.

She is the mother of Mu'âwiyah radiyallâhu ‘anhu, who in turn is the brother-in-law of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Once she addressed Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and he also loved her. O women! You should also speak the truth. Love Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and carry out acts which will cause him to love you as well.

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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She also accompanied her father. She was wearing a yellow dress. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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‘â: "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 Rasûlullâh’s sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam back. Upon seeing this, her father scolded her. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, just as the Quran has referred to piety as clothing. If you wish to acquire this fortune, adopt Dîn and piety.

She is the aunt of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 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! Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

She is a Sahâbiyah. She used to feel very sorry for Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam as his guest and made the arrangements for a meal for him.

Lesson: If Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 sallallâhu ‘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.

She is the sister-in-law of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the sister of ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ. When Rasûlullâh 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.

She is the mother-in-law of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the mother of ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ. A munâfiq had accused ‘Â'ishah of committing adultery. Some naive Muslims had also joined this person. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained silent over the entire matter. Allah revealed a few verses of the Quran absolving her and mentioning her chastity. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam recited these verses to his house folk. At that time, Umme Rûmân ordered ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ to get up and express her gratitude to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Although she was greatly grieved over her daughter prior to this, was it possible that she utters even a word of complaint concerning Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam?

Lesson: Such forbearance and restraint on the part of a woman is extremely surprising because on occasions like this they generally blurt out something wrong. For example, she could have said: "How unfortunate that my daughter has been accused without any valid reason, more so now that her chastity has been established." At such a time, in most cases, one becomes very angry and annoyed and rebukes the person for having doubts on such a pure and chaste woman. At times of grief and wrangling, do not side with your daughter nor fight with her in-laws.

Another woman has also been mentioned in this entire incident. Her son, due to ignorance and naivety, also joined those who accused ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ This woman reprimanded her son and sided with ‘Â'ishah. Her name is Umme Mistah. This is what you call standing for the truth. That she did not side with her son - she sided with the truth and even reprimanded her son.

She is a Sahâbiyah and participated in six battles with Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She used to tend to the sick and wounded, bandage them, etc. She used to love Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam so much that whenever she mentioned his name, she used to say: "May my father and mother be sacrificed for you."

Lesson: O women! Strive in Dînî matters and love Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam just as this woman loved him.

She was someone's slave-girl. ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ purchased her and set her free. She used to live with her and be in her service and the service of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Once, some meat came for her. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked for it and ate some of it.

Lesson: What a blessed opportunity it is to be in the service of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He had full conviction in her love for him. It was because of this that he asked her for something that belonged to her and ate it and understood that she will be very happy to give it to him. O women! Serving the Dîn entails serving Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. And this is the sign of love for him.

It is mentioned in the Hadith that these three women came to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam to ask him a mas'ala. We have therefore mentioned them together. Furthermore, their circumstances are quite similar. The first woman came to ask about istihâdah. The second woman is the sister-in-law of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the sister of Zaynab bint Jahsh radiyallâhu ‘anhu. She had also asked him the ruling concerning istihâdah. The third woman had asked him a mas'ala concerning charity. She is the wife of ‘Abdullâh bin Mas‘ûd radiyallâhu ‘anhu, a great Sahâbi.

Lesson: O women! This is what is known as desire for the Dîn. If you do not know any mas'ala, you should make it a duty to ask a pious ‘âlim. If you are shy to ask a particular mas'ala, pose the question to the ‘âlim's wife and she will convey it to her husband.

Note: After mentioning the stories of Rasûlullâh’s sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam wives and daughters, we mentioned the lives of twenty five women who were present in his time. There are many other women, whose lives have been mentioned in different books. We have not mentioned them out of fear that this book will get too lengthy. We will now mention those women who came after Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

He is a great scholar of Hadith. Out of all the teachers from whom he acquired this knowledge of Hadith, more than 80 of them were females.

Lesson: How sad it is that a time has come when women do not even attain the status of being students in acquiring the knowledge of the Dîn.

This is a famous doctor. His sister and niece also possessed great knowledge in this field. There was a great caliph by the name of Mansûr. These two women were appointed to treat all those who were in his household.

Lesson: This branch of knowledge has completely disappeared from women. If a woman wishes to take up this profession, has a good intention, does not engage in any cheating, does not prescribe any harâm medicine, and is not neglectful in fulfilling her Dînî obligations; then there is great reward in this and extremely beneficial to humanity at large. These days, many ignorant "doctors" have deluded many women. If they had knowledge, this degeneration would not have taken place. If those women whose father, brother or husband is a doctor make an effort to learn this branch of knowledge, they will be able to do so very easily.

He is a great imâm of Hadith. Towards the latter part of his life his eye sight became weak and he was unable to read any books. This slave-girl used to help him. She used to read the book, learn the Hadith and mention it to him.

Lesson: Glory be to Allah! In those days slave-girls used to be ‘âlimahs. Today, the majority of free women are jâhils. For the sake of Allah, try to erase this black spot (from our society).

This person was a great ‘âlim of his time. Once he asked his slave-girl: "How is my lecture?" She replied: "It is good, but you repeat the same thing over and over again." He replied: "I repeat it again and again so that those who are not intelligent will understand it." She replied: "By the time the less intelligent understand it, the intelligent will have become agitated and perplexed."

Lesson: To comprehend such an intricate matter from an ‘âlim's lecture, can only be accomplished by an ‘âlim. From this we can gauge that this slave-girl was an ‘âlimah. O women! Do not become lower than slave-girls. Endeavour to acquire knowledge. If there is any ‘âlim in your house, try and learn Arabic as well because complete enjoyment in knowledge is in this (learning Arabic). It is easier for you than boys since the responsibility of earning (a livelihood) is not upon you. You should occupy yourself in this (acquiring knowledge) with confidence. As for sewing and other related crafts, you can learn those in a few weeks. Why should you waste your entire life in that?

This person is a very great ‘âlim. When he was young, his aunt used to take him to the great places of learning. All the things that he heard while he was young were such that by the time he reached ten years of age, he began delivering lectures like an ‘âlim.

Lesson: Look at the concern that she had in order to impart Dînî knowledge to her children. She must have been very old at that time and yet she herself used to take him. The minimum that you can do is that as long as your child does not acquire Dînî knowledge, do not sink him into western education. Stop him from bad company and warn him against it. Stress upon him the importance of going to madrasah. Today the situation is such that mothers do not even have any desire to educate their children. If they have any desire, it is for western education with the hope that their children will become a tax-collector or an officer, etc. even if he goes to hell and takes his parents with. Remember, that the most important thing is Dînî knowledge. If a child does not have that, he does not have anything.

He is also a very great ‘âlim. Imâm Mâlik and Hasan Basri, who are very well known, were his students. His father's name is Farûkh. His father was employed as a soldier during the caliphate of the Banû Umayyah. He was sent out to fight in many battles. His wife was expecting Rabî'atur Ra’y while the father was away in battle. The father was away for 27 years. In the meantime, the son was born and became a great ‘âlim. When the father was departing to go into battle, he gave his wife 30 000 gold coins. This courageous mother spent all this money in the child's education. When the father returned after 27 years, he asked her about the gold coins. She replied that all are kept safely. In the meantime, Rabî'atur Ra’y was busy teaching Hadith in the musjid. When the father went to the musjid, he noticed the scene before him and saw that his son has developed a massive following. He could not control himself out of extreme happiness. When he returned home, his wife asked him: "Tell me what is better. The 30 000 gold coins or this great bounty (referring to their son, Rabî'atur Ra’y)? Of what value are those gold coins?" When she informed him that she used all that money for her son's education, he was overjoyed and said: "I swear by Allah that you have not wasted those gold coins."

Lesson: Have you seen what type of women these were! How they valued Dînî knowledge that this woman spent 30 000 gold coins for her son's Dînî education. O women! You too should not worry about how much you spend (on your children's Dînî education). In whatever way you can, make sure that they acquire Dînî knowledge.

There is no one who can equal Imâm Bukhâri when it comes to the knowledge of Hadith. He was fourteen years old when he began travelling in order to seek knowledge. His mother and sister undertook the responsibility of paying for all his studies, travels and other expenses.

Lesson: A mother sometimes pays for her child's expenses. But as for a sister who has no responsibility whatsoever in this regard, why should she pay? From this we can deduce that when the women of that time merely heard about Dînî knowledge, they were prepared to sacrifice their wealth and possessions. O women! You should also be like this.

He was a great ‘âlim. After acquiring knowledge from the ‘ulamâ of Rûm, he had a desire to go abroad in order to further his studies. He began making preparations for the journey secretly. His sister came to know about his plans so she took out a considerable amount of her jewellery and concealed it with her brother's goods and did not inform him about it.

Lesson: How great this woman was. She had no desire for name and fame. All she wanted was that knowledge should exist. O women! There is great reward in helping to ensure that knowledge exists. Help the different madâris in whatever way you can.

Note: After mentioning the lives of the women during the time of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam we mentioned the lives of those who came after him and displayed great zeal for Dînî knowledge. We will now mention the lives of those women who were inclined towards sûfism.

She had a strange condition. At the approach of day, she used to say: "Perhaps this is the day in which I will die", and she used to abstain from sleeping till the evening so that at the time of death she will not be unmindful of the remembrance of Allah. At the approach of night, she used to abstain from sleeping as well. When she felt sleepy, she used to run around the house and say to her self: "The time to sleep is still to come." Meaning that once I die, I will be able to sleep right until qiyâmah. She used to offer 600 rak‘ats of nafl salât in a day. She never ever raised her eyes to the skies. Ever since her husband passed away, she never lied down on her bed. She met ‘Â'ishah radiyallâhu ‘anhâ and heard Ahâdîth from her.

Lesson: O women! This is what you call love and remembrance of Allah. Open your eyes (and take heed)!

She used to cry profusely. When she used to hear about hell, she used to faint. When anyone offered her anything, she used to refuse it and say: "I do not want the world." When she turned 80, her condition was such that when she walked she was about to fall. She used to keep her kafan with her all the time. Her place of prostration used to get wet with her tears. All her extraordinary and astonishing ways are quite well known. She is also known as Râbi‘ah Basriyyah.

Lesson: O women! You should also develop some fear of Allah and remembrance of death, after all she was also a woman (so it's not impossible for you to do the same).

She used to say: "When I take a step, I think that death is going to be next." She used to say: "It is very strange - the people of the world have been informed of the departure (to the hereafter) but they are so unmindful as if they have not even heard about this departure and that they will live here forever." She also used to say: "No bounty of jannah and no pleasure of Allah can be attained without any effort."

Lesson: O women! How beneficial these advices are. Let them sink into your hearts and practice on them.

She had an eminent status. She used to say: "If I am put into hell, I will inform everyone that I used to regard Allah as One and yet I am being punished."

Lesson: O women! Very few persons are blessed with such a status. Those who are blessed with it are done so on account of their total obedience. Adopt this obedience and remember that regarding Allah to be One means: you should not worship anyone else, you should not hope from anyone else, you should not fear anyone else, you should not think of pleasing anyone else, you should not worry about displeasing anyone else, if anyone praises you, do not feel happy, if anyone insults you, do not feel sad, and if anyone troubles you, do not worry about him. You should merely think that Allah wished it to be so. I am a servant - I should be pleased under all circumstances. The person who regards Allah to be One in this way will not have to worry about hell in any way. This is what this woman meant - it is as if she was explaining the barakah and greatness of regarding Allah as One in the manner that has been explained.

She used to spend the entire night in ‘ibâdah. When one eighth of the night used to pass, she used to say to her husband: "Wake up." If he did not wake up, she would awaken him after some time. Eventually, towards the latter part of the night she used to say: "O Rabâh! Wake up. The night is passing by and you are still sleeping." At times she used to pick up a blade of grass and say: "I swear by Allah, in my eyes this world is more valueless than this blade of grass." After offering her salât, she used to adorn herself with beautiful clothes and ask her husband if he had any desire. If he replied in the negative, she used to take out the clothes and occupy herself in nafl salât till the following morning.

Lesson: O women! Have you seen how she used to engage in the ‘ibâdah of Allah and at the same time fulfil the rights of her husband and even urge him towards Dîn. You should try and put all these things into practice.

There was a very pious ‘âlim by the name of Dhun Nûn Misrî. He says that he benefited tremendously from this woman. She used to say: "The person who does not remember Allah goes and falls into every type of sin, and blurts out anything and everything that comes on his tongue. As for the person who remembers Allah all the time, he becomes dumb to vain talks and begins to have shame and respect for Allah." Abû Yazîd says: "I have not come across a woman like Fâtimah." From wherever any news came, she used to have knowledge of it before hand. She passed away in the year 223 A. H. in Makkah while going for ‘umrah.

Lesson: Look at the great advice that she has given. If one acts on this, one will be saved from all sins. We also learn that this woman used to get kashf, although this does not necessarily imply great status. However, if a good person experiences this, it is considered to be good.

She used to spend the entire night in ‘ibâdah and fast all the time. She used to say: "When I hear the ’adhân, I think of the angel who will call out on the day of qiyâmah. When I look at the heat (hot weather), I think of the heat of qiyâmah." Her husband was also a very pious personality by the name of Ibn Abî al-Hiwârî. She used to say to him: "I love you just as one loves one's brother." What she meant was that her nafs did not have any desire. She used to say: "When a person occupies himself in the ‘ibâdah of Allah, then He makes the person aware of his faults and shortcomings. Once a person becomes aware of his shortcomings, he has no time to look at the faults and shortcomings of others." She used to say: "I can see the jinns moving around, and I can also see the hûrs."

Lesson: O women! This is what you call ‘ibâdah. See what a good cure she showed for the treatment of this sickness which you have, i.e. looking and searching for the faults of others. Look at your own faults and you will never see anyone else’s faults. We learn that she also used to get kashf. We have already mentioned this above.

She had great fear for Allah, used to engage in a lot of ‘ibâdah, and always used to eat dry bread. She used to say: "At the approach of night, my heart used to become very happy. But when day comes, I get very sad. I stay awake the entire night." She did not apply any oil to her hair for thirty years. However, when she used to open her hair, it used to be clean and shining. Once she came out of her house and heard a person telling another person: "Catch (seize)!" (Upon hearing this) the day of qiyâmah came to mind and she fell down unconscious. Once while she was in the forest, a lion confronted her. She said to it: "If I am your sustenance, eat me." This lion turned around and went away.

Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How intoxicated she was in His remembrance and how much she feared Him! As regards the incident with the lion, that could be considered to be her karâmat. O women! You should also create this remembrance and fear of Allah in your hearts. Qiyâmah is bound to come, so make some preparations for it.

She used to spend the entire night in ‘ibâdah. Towards the latter part of the night she used to say to her husband: "The caravan has moved on and you are still sleeping." Once her eyes began paining. Someone came to ask her about it, so she replied: "My heart is in even more pain."

Lesson: O women! Develop this type of pain of the love for Allah that all other types of pains are insignificant compared to this one.

She was a great ‘âbid and zâhid. Once, several pious persons were discussing the characteristics of a wali. Eventually they all decided to go and ask ’Amatul Jalîl. When they posed this question to her, she replied: "No minute of a wali passes without his being occupied with anything other than that which is connected to Allah. If anyone shows him something else to do (and he does it), he is an imposter."

Lesson: How great she must have been for other male sûfis to go and ask her such questions. What a good means of recognition she showed them! O women! You should also have an urge for this. Give preference to the remembrance of Allah over all your other pre-occupations.

Mâlik bin Dînâr was a very great sûfi. This woman used to come and see to his needs. Some sûfis consider her to be greater in status than Râbi'ah Basriyyah. Once she heard a person saying: "A person can only be a complete muttaqi when he considers going to Allah the most beloved of all things." Upon hearing this, she fainted.

Lesson: What a great desire and yearning she had to go to Allah that the moment His name was mentioned, she fainted. Today the situation is such that a person does not even like to hear about death. The only reason for this is that love for the world has entered the heart and the person does not even feel like going. Remove this from the heart, only then will you have a desire to go to Allah.

One day, many pious persons went to her and asked her to make du‘â for them. She replied: "I am such a great sinner that if a person becomes dumb on account of sinning, I will not be able to speak," (that is, I will become dumb). However, it is sunnah to make du‘â, therefore I will make du‘â." Thereafter she made du‘â for all of them.

Lesson: Despite her being a great ‘âbid and zâhid, she humbled herself and considered herself to be a sinner. Today the situation is such that a person reads a few tasbîhs and considers himself to be a saint. Allah does not like haughtiness. You should therefore consider yourself to be low and think to yourself that thousands of shortcomings continue to be filled into you. When you make any ‘ibâdah, think of these things as well and you will not consider yourself to be great anymore.

She used to cry profusely and say: "I want to cry to such an extent that I have no tears left. Thereafter, I must cry blood to such an extent that I have no blood left in my body." Her servant says: "Ever since I set eyes on her, I benefited to such an extent that I never had any desire for the world nor did I look down upon any Muslim." Fudayl bin ‘Iyâd is a very great and well known saint. He used to go to her and ask her for du‘âs.

Lesson: Being able to cry out of Allah's love or His fear is a very valuable gift. If you are unable to cry, at least adopt the expression of a crying person and Allah will have mercy on such humbleness. Look at the great benefit in sitting in the company of the pious - as mentioned by her servant. You should also seek pious company and keep away from evil persons.

There was a sûfi by the name of Bishr bin Hârith who used to come and visit her. Once Bishr fell ill, so she came to visit him. Imâm ’Ahmad bin Hambal also came to visit him. He heard that this ’Âminah came from Ramlah to visit Bishr, so he said to Bishr: "Tell her to make du‘â for me." Bishr asked her to do so. She made the following du‘â: "O Allah! Bishr and ’Ahmad are seeking refuge from jahannam. You grant refuge to both of them." Imâm ’Ahmad says that in the night, a piece of paper fell from above. On it, Bismillah was written and thereafter the following words were written: "We have accepted the du‘â and We have many other bounties in stock."

Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How her du‘â got accepted! O women! All these blessings are on account of obedience. The person who fulfills the commands of Allah, Allah fulfills his du‘âs. Therefore try to fulfil all His commands.

Whenever any child of hers used to pass away, she used to take the child into her lap and say: "Your going away before me is better than your staying after me." What she meant was that by the child passing away before her, he will be able to intercede on her behalf and he himself will gain salvation. If he lived after her, it is possible that he may commit thousands of sins and Allah knows best whether he will be eligible to intercede or not. She also used to say: "My patience is better than restlessness. Although there is remorse over your separation from me, there is more happiness over the reward."

Lesson: O women! If you console yourself in this way when anyone passes away, ’Inshâ’ Allah, it will be sufficient for you.

She is from the progeny of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam because she is the granddaughter of Zayd who is the grandson of ‘Alî radiyallâhu ‘anhu. She was born in Makkah in the year 145 A. H. She was brought up in ‘ibâdah. When Imâm Shâfi‘î went to Egypt, he used to visit her regularly.

Lesson: O women! Her knowledge and piety was the reason for such a great Imâm to visit her. You should also acquire knowledge of the Dîn, practice upon it, and thereby attain piety and greatness.

A sûfi by the name of ‘Abdul Wâhid bin Zaydân says: "I made the following du‘â: 'O Allah! Show me the person who is going to be my companion in jannah.' I was given a reply that my companion will be Maymûnah Saudâ’. I asked: 'Where is she?' I was given a reply that she is in Kûfah and belongs to a certain tribe. So I went there and inquired about her. The people replied that she is mad and that she tends to the sheep. I went into the jungle and saw her offering salât while the sheep and wolves were on one side. When she completed her salât, she turned to me and said: 'O ‘Abdul Wâhid! Go! The time to meet is in jannah (and not now).' I was very surprised that she knew my name? She replied: 'Don't you know that when the souls have already met over there (referring to the ‘âlam-e-arwâh), they become attached to each other and recognize each other?' I asked her: 'I see all the sheep and wolves together in one place. How did this happen?' She replied: 'Go and mind your own business. I have put my relationship with Allah in order, and He made the relationship between the sheep and wolves in order (both of them are living in harmony without the wolves attacking the sheep).'"

Lesson: This woman was given the power of kashf and karâmat as well. All this barakah was on account of total obedience to Allah. O women! Prepare yourselves for the obedience of Allah.

A sûfi by the name of Abû ar-Rabî‘ says: "Muhammad bin al-Munkadir, Thâbit Banânî, and I were guests at the house of Rayhânah. Before the expiry of half the night she woke up and said: 'The lover goes to his beloved, and the heart is filled with such joy that it seems that it would burst any moment. When half the night passed, she said: "One should not attach one's heart to such things which if you set your eyes on them, you perceive a difference (i.e. a decrease) in your remembrance of Allah. At night, one should strive very hard in ‘ibâdah, only then can one become His friend.' When the entire night passed, she screamed and said: 'Oh! It has been destroyed!' I asked her: 'What happened?' She replied: 'The night is gone in which one can concentrate fully in Allah.'"

Lesson: Look at how she valued the night. The person who experiences the sweetness of ‘ibâdah, will value the night greatly. O women! You should also set aside a certain portion of the night for your ‘ibâdah. Look at how well she explained the harm of directing your attention towards anything that distracts you from the remembrance of Allah. You too should not worry too much about money, possessions, clothes, jewellery, children, properties, utensils, houses, etc.

One of the murîds of this shaykh says: "My shaykh had a female murîd. She had a son who was studying in a madrasah. His teacher sent him somewhere on an errand. He fell into some water and drowned. When the teacher heard about this, he went to Hadrat Surî and informed him. Hadrat Surî got up and went to this female murîd's house. He then began speaking to her about patience, so she said: 'Why are you speaking on this subject to me?' He replied: 'Your son drowned and passed away.' She was very surprised and said: 'Are you sure it's my son?' He replied: 'Yes, your son.' She replied: 'It's impossible. My son did not drown.' Saying this, she went to the place where they claimed that he drowned. Upon reaching there, she called out: 'O Zâr!' Her son replied: 'Yes mother' and came out of the water alive. Hadrat Surî went to Hadrat Junayd and asked him to explain this incident to him. He replied: 'This woman has a special status and rank in that whatever calamity is to befall her, she comes to know of it before hand. She did not know of this drowning and therefore said that it did not happen.'"

Lesson: Each walî receives a different status and a different ranking. One should not think that this walî is higher than that walî who does not know what is going to happen to him before hand. Allah has the choice to deal with whomsoever He wishes in whichever way He wishes. Be that as it may, it is still a great karâmat. All this is through the barakah of obedience to Allah and Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. One should endeavour in this direction and thereafter if Allah wishes, He will grant such a person a status like this, or one even greater than this.

Hadrat Surî Saqtî says: "Once I went to a clinic. I saw a young girl tied in chains. She was crying and reciting love poems. I asked the guard about her. He informed me that she is mad. Upon hearing this, she cried out even louder and said: 'I am not mad, I am an ‘âshiq (lover).' I asked her: 'Whose lover are you?' She replied: 'I love the one who has given us all these bounties and who is present with us all the time.' That is, Allah. In the meantime her master came and asked: 'Where is Tuhfah?' The guard replied: 'She is inside and Hadrat Surî is with her.' He entered and showed me great respect. I said to him: 'This girl is worthy of more respect than me. Why have you reduced her to such a state?' He replied: 'All my wealth has been spent on her. I purchased her for 20 000 dirhams thinking that I will be able to sell her at a big profit. But she does not eat anything, does not drink anything; the only thing that she does is cry all day.' I said to him: 'Sell her to me.' He replied: 'You are a poor person, how will you pay for her?' I went home and made an earnest du‘â to Allah. After a little while, a person knocked on my door. When I opened the door, I saw a person standing there with many purses of money in his hand. I asked him: 'Who are you?' He replied: 'I am ’Ahmad bin al-Muthannâ. In a dream I was ordered to come and give you this money.' The following morning I went to the clinic. Co-incidentally, I saw the master crying. I told him not to be sad because I have brought the money. Even if he asks for double the amount, I will give it to him. He replied: 'Even if I get the entire world I will not sell her. I am freeing her for the sake of Allah.' I asked him: 'What's this all about?' He replied: 'I saw in a dream that Allah is displeased with me. You be a witness that I have left all my wealth in the path of Allah.' When I turned, I saw ’Ahmad bin al-Muthannâ crying as well. I asked him: 'What's the matter with you?' He replied: 'I am also giving all my wealth as charity in the path of Allah.' I said: 'Glory be to Allah! It is the barakah of Tuhfah that these persons have been guided.' Tuhfah got up crying from there and went out. We followed her but after a little while lost track of her. We all went towards Makkah. ’Ahmad al-Muthannâ passed away on the way. The master and I reached Makkah. While making tawâf, I heard a fearful sound. I went near the person and asked: 'Who are you?' The person replied: 'Glory be to Allah! Have you forgotten? I am Tuhfah.' I asked her: 'What did you receive?' She replied: 'I have attached my heart to myself and separated it from others.' I said to her: 'Ahmad bin al-Muthannâ has passed away.' She replied: 'He has received high stages.' I said to her; 'Your master is also with me.' She said something silently and when I looked carefully, I saw that she was dead. When the master saw this condition of hers, he fell down powerless. When I shook him, I saw that he was also dead. I enshrouded both of them and buried them."

Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How intense her love for Allah was! O women! You should also have this desire. My shaykh, Hâjî Imdâdullâh Sâhib Muhâjir Makkî, has written this incident in his book Tuhfatul ‘Ushshâq in greater detail.

She was the slave-girl of a king. He freed her. Upon seeing the great ‘ibâdah of the sûfi ’Abû ‘Abdullâh Turâbî, she married him and used to engage in ‘ibâdah as well. Once she saw beautiful tents in her dream. She asked for who these were. A reply came that they are for those who recite the Quran in tahajjud. After seeing this dream, she abandoned sleeping at night. She used to awaken her husband and tell him that the caravan is moving on.

Lesson: O women! You should engage in ‘ibâdah yourself and urge your husband as well.

This pious servant of Allah abandoned his kingship and adopted sûfism. He had a daughter. Another ruler proposed to her but the father refused. Upon seeing a poor, pious young man offering salât in a beautiful manner, he got her married to him. When she left her parents' home and came to her husband's home she saw a piece of dry bread which was hidden in a water-pot. Upon seeing this, she asked: "What is this?" The boy replied: "This is the left-over of last night. I have left it so that I may open my fast with it." Upon hearing this, she turned to go. The boy said: "I knew from the very outset that a king's daughter will not be happy with my poverty." She replied: "The king's daughter is not displeased with your poverty, instead, she is displeased that you do not have any trust in Allah. I am surprised at my father who told me that you are a virtuous young man. How can a person who does not place his trust in Allah be virtuous and pious?" This boy began apologizing. She said: "I don't want to hear any apologies. Either I remain in this house or this bread remains here." The boy immediately gave this bread in charity and she remained with him.

Lesson: O women! This girl was also a woman. You should also learn some patience and reduce your desire for wealth and possessions.

He was a great sûfi. Once a rich man was on his way when he felt thirsty. Hadrat Hâtim's house was on the way. He came and asked for water. After drinking the water, he threw some money and continued on his journey. His house folk were all very poor, so they became very happy when this money was given to them. He had a young daughter who started crying. When the house folk asked her the reason for her crying, she replied: "An insignificant person saw our condition and we became rich. How sad it is that Allah is aware of our condition all the time but our hearts are not happy."

Lesson: How intelligent this girl was! It is extremely sad that now even elderly women do not have the intelligence to have their trust in Allah. Instead, they depend on His creation by thinking that a certain person will benefit them or a certain person will help them. For the sake of Allah put your hearts in order.

She was from Arabia. All the ’auliyâ’ and ‘ulamâ’ of her time used to honour her. Once she went to visit Baytul Maqdis. At that time, a sûfi by the name of ‘Alî bin ‘Albas Yamânî was present over there. He says: "I was in the musjid when I saw a thread filled with nûr extending from the sky to the dome of the musjid. When I went to look, I saw this woman offering salât under the dome and the thread was attached to her."

Lesson: This nûr was the nûr of piety. It is formed in the heart of all pious persons. At times, Allah displays this nûr outside as well. But the actual place of this nûr is the heart. O women! Adopt piety, do good deeds and stay away from that which is prohibited.

He says: "I saw a slave-girl being sold at a very cheap price. She was pale in colour and her stomach and back were almost joined (describing how thin and skinny she was). Her hair had become stuck together due to the dirt that was on it. I felt sorry for her and purchased her. I said to her: 'Go to the market and purchase some goods for Ramadân.' She replied: 'All thanks is due to Allah that the entire year is equal in my eyes.' She used to fast during the day and engage in ‘ibâdah at night. When ‘îd approached, I intended purchasing something for her. She said: 'Your temperament is such that you are very attached to the world.' She then commenced offering salât. She recited a verse which made mention of hell. Upon reading this verse, she sneezed and fell down dead."

Lesson: This is what you call fear of Allah. Be that as it may, it is beyond us to adopt such fear. However, the minimum you can do is that you should abstain from sins irrespective of whether they be connected with the limbs, with the heart or with the tongue.

Note: We have now mentioned the lives of 100 women: 25 from the previous ummahs, 15 that were of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam family, 25 that were present in his time, 10 that came after him and who had great love for Dînî knowledge, and 25 that were inclined to sûfism. There are many other stories, but these will be sufficient in order to learn a lesson from them.