BAHISHTI ZEWAR-PIOUS WOMEN-3

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She is the wife of Âdam ‘alayhis salâm and the mother of all mankind. Allah, with His absolute power, created her from the left rib of Âdam. Thereafter, He got her married to him and made them stay in heaven. There was a tree in heaven from which they were prohibited to eat. Shaytân deluded her into eating it mistakenly. Upon this, Allah commanded them to leave heaven and go to the world. When she came to this world, she cried abundantly on account of her mistake. Allah forgave her and made her stay with Âdam, from whom she had separated prior to this. Thereafter, numerous children were born to them.

Lesson: O women! See how Hawwâ admitted her mistake and repented. Some women try to defend their actions and do not admit their mistakes. There are many other women who continue sinning throughout their lives without even worrying about giving them up - this is more so when it comes to making ghîbah and holding on to baseless customs. O women! Abandon this habit. If you err or commit any sin, give it up immediately and repent.

It is mentioned in the Quran that Nûh had made du‘â for his mother as well. It is mentioned in the books of tafsîr that his parents were also Muslims.

Lesson: The benefit of îmân is that the prophets also make du‘â for those who have brought îmân. O women! Hold firmly on to your îmân.

She is the wife of Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm and the mother of Is'hâq ‘alayhis salâm. Her speaking to the angels and the angels informing her that she is a source of Allah's mercy and blessings on all families is mentioned in the Quran.

A story concerning her piety and acceptance of her du‘âs has been mentioned in a Hadîth. When Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm migrated towards Syria, she also accompanied him. On the way they approached the village of an oppressive king. Someone went and informed him that a very beautiful woman has come to your state. He sent for Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm and asked him: "Who is the woman that is accompanying you?" He replied: "My sister in Dîn." He did not say that she is his wife because if he did so, the king would have killed him. When he returned to Sârah, he said to her: "Do not deny what I said (to the king) because you are my sister in Dîn." Thereafter, the king had her captured and brought to him. When she realized that he had evil intentions, she made wudû, offered her salât, and made du‘â to Allah saying: "O Allah! If I have brought îmân on your prophet (i.e. Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm) and have always protected my respect and honour, then do not allow this kâfir to gain control over me." The result of this du‘â was that the moment he tried to touch her, he was overpowered (by Allah), he choked and began striking the ground with his feet (in agony). He said to her: Pray to Allah for me and I will do you no harm." She thought to herself that if he dies, people will say that she killed him. She therefore made a du‘â and he immediately recovered. He tried to touch her again, but she made another du‘â (and he was overpowered once again). He repeated his promise, but broke it once more. She therefore made another du‘â. In short, this incident took place three times. Eventually he shouted to his servants asking them: "What is this calamity that you have brought to me. Take her away and let her go." Hâjirah ‘alayhas salâm who was from the Qibtî tribe was also wrongfully enslaved by him. Allah had protected her honour as well. He handed her over to Sârah for her service. They both went back to Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm with respect and honour.

Lesson: O women! Look what a great thing piety is and how Allah safeguards such people. We also learn that salât removes calamities and du‘âs are accepted. If one experiences any problems and difficulties, one should immediately occupy oneself in optional salâts and du‘âs.

The oppressive king who was mentioned in the above story had enslaved Hâjirah. This king handed her over to Sârah who in turn handed her over to Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm. Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm was born to her. Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm was still being breast-fed when Allah wished to inhabit Makkah with his progeny. At that time, Makkah was not inhabited nor was the Ka'bah built. Allah ordered Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm to take Ismâ‘îl and his mother, Hâjirah, to Makkah and to leave them there. Allah will safeguard them.

Acting on the order of Allah, Ibrâhîm took them and left them at that deserted place which is today known as Makkah. He also left behind a water-skin and a bag of dates. When he left them and began departing, Hâjirah rushed behind him and asked him: "Are you leaving us alone and going away?" To this, he did not give any reply. She then asked: "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" He replied: "Yes." She said: "(If He has commanded) there is nothing to worry about. He will take care of us."

She went back to where she was sitting. She began eating the dates, drinking the water, and breastfeeding Ismâ‘îl. When the water was exhausted, she began worrying over her child who began crying and became angry out of thirst. The mother could not bear seeing her child in such a state. She climbed Mt. Safâ and looked all around her in the hope of spotting some water somewhere. However, she could not see any water. She therefore climbed down and went towards the mountain Marwah. In the open field between Safâ and Marwah there was a small stretch of land which was slightly lower. As long as she was on the flat open field, she could see Ismâ‘îl. The moment she had to traverse the lower stretch of land, he was out of her range. She therefore ran swiftly across this lower stretch of land and came to the flat open field. Eventually she reached Marwah, climbed it and looked all around her for water. However, she could not spot any water. Out of helplessness she climbed down and ran towards Safâ again. In this way she ran seven times between Safâ and Marwah and whenever she reached the lower stretch of land, she crossed it very swiftly. Allah liked this action of hers very much and therefore prescribed it for those who go on Hajj. That is, they have to run seven times between these two mountains and also run swiftly once they reach the lower stretch of land. This lower stretch of land has now been flattened.

When she was on Marwah during her last round, she heard a voice. She turned in the direction of the sound and heard it again. However, she could not see anyone. She therefore shouted and said: "I have heard a sound. If anyone can help me, please do so." Immediately thereafter, an angel appeared at the place where the well of zamzam is presently found. The angel struck the ground and water began gushing forth from there. She surrounded the water from all round with sand, filled the water skin, drank some water herself, and gave some to the child as well. The angel then said: "Do not fear anything. The house of Allah (i.e. the Ka'bah) is here. This child will help his father in constructing this house and many people will come and inhabit this place."

Within a few days, everything came to life. A caravan was passing by. When the people saw the water, they stopped over and settled down over there. Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm got married. Acting under the command of Allah, Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm also arrived. The father and son got together and built the Ka'bah. The spring of zamzam had also subsided. After some time, a well was built from which the zamzam water used to be drawn out.

Lesson: Look at the total trust that Hâjirah ‘alayhas salâm had in Allah. When she learnt that her being left behind alone in this deserted place was the order of Allah, she became assured that nothing will happen to her. Look at all the things with which she was blessed on account of her trust in Allah.

O women! You should also have trust in Allah just like this. Inshâ Allah, all your tasks and wishes will be fulfilled. Look at her great status that she was actually running in search of water but Allah liked this act of hers to such an extent that He prescribed it as an act of ‘ibâdah for those performing the Hajj. His relationship with His accepted servants is of a different level. O women! Try and fulfil the commands of Allah so that you are also accepted by Him. If you do this, even your worldly matters will be considered to be Dînî.

Prior to building the Ka'bah, Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm had come to Makkah on two occasions. However, on both occasions he did not find Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm at home. Neither was he (Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm) commanded to stay over in Makkah for very long (whereby he could have met his son). When he came to Makkah on the first of such occasions, the wife of Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm was at home. He asked her how she was managing. She replied: "I am in great difficulty." He replied: "When your husband returns, convey my salâm to him and tell him to change his door-frame." When Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm returned home and learnt everything, he replied: "That was my father and the door-frame that he was referring to is actually you. He wants me to leave you." He therefore divorced her and married another woman.

When Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm came a second time, he met the second wife of his son. She welcomed him and was very hospitable to him. He also asked her how she was managing. She replied: "Thanks to Allah, I am experiencing a lot of comfort." He made du‘â for her and said to her: "When your husband returns home, convey my salâm to him and tell him to maintain his door-frame." When Ismâ‘îl ‘alayhis salâm returned home, he was informed of what transpired. He remarked: "That was my father. He asked me to keep you with me."

Lesson: See the consequences of being ungrateful. One prophet became displeased with her, while the other prophet divorced her. The fruit of gratitude and patience was that one prophet made du‘â for her and she was blessed with the opportunity of staying in the company of another prophet. O women! Don't ever be ungrateful. You must exercise patience and express gratitude irrespective of the situation in which you are.

Namrûd is the oppressive king who threw Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm into the fire. His daughter, Ru‘dah, was watching the scene from above. She noticed that the fire was having no effect on Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm. She shouted and asked him the reason for this. Ibrâhîm ‘alayhis salâm replied: "Allah has saved me from this calamity through the blessing of îmân." She replied: "If you permit me, I will also come into the fire." He replied: "Recite Lâ ilâha illallâhu Ibrâhîm khalîlullâh (translation: There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Ibrâhîm is the close friend of Allah). She recited this kalimah and immediately dived into the fire. The fire had no effect on her as well. She then came out of the fire and went and rebuked and censured her father. He subjected her to great difficulties but she remained steadfast on her îmân.

Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How courageous she was that she did not abandon her îmân even when in difficulty! O women! You should also be strong-willed at the time of difficulties and do not act contrary to the Dîn even if it equals a hair's breadth.

When Allah sent the angels to Lût ‘alayhis salâm informing him that He is going to send a punishment to those who did not accept him (i.e. Lût ‘alayhis salâm), He also ordered Lût to leave that place on that very night together with all those who were Muslims. His daughters were also Muslims. They were also saved from that punishment.

Lesson: Look at the blessing of îmân that when Allah's punishment descends at a place, îmân saves one from that punishment. O women! Strengthen your îmân by following all His commands and abstaining from all sins.

Her name is Rahmat. When Ayyûb ‘alayhis salâm fell ill and his entire body was engulfed with sickness, everyone stayed aloof from him. No one came near him. However, his wife remained in his service and bore all the difficulties in tending to him. One day, she was delayed in coming to him. Out of anger, Ayyûb ‘alayhis salâm took an oath that when he recovers he will give her 100 strikes with a stick. When he recovered, he decided to fulfil his oath. Out of His mercy, Allah ordered him to take a broom which has 100 bristles and to strike her once. (In this way he will fulfil his oath).

Lesson: See how patient she was that despite her husband's critical condition she remained in his service. From the oath which he took when he was ill we can deduce that his temperament had become a bit sensitive. However, she used to overlook this as well. On account of her service and patience Allah saved her from those 100 strikes. From this we can deduce that she was very much liked by Allah in that He lightened this punishment for her.

This mas'ala does not apply any longer. If anyone takes such an oath, by his striking with a broom the oath will not be fulfilled. Instead, the person will have to break this oath and pay compensation (kaffârah). O women! Be obedient to your husbands and endure their sensitive temperaments, you will also be beloved in the sight of Allah.

It is mentioned in the Quran that when Yûsuf ‘alayhis salâm became the king of Egypt and there was a drought, all his brothers came to him asking for food. (At that time they did not know that he was in fact their brother whom they had thrown into the well). He then revealed his true identity to them and gave them his shirt asking them to pass it over their father's, Ya‘qûb's ‘alayhis salâm, eyes. He also told them to return with everyone. As a result of passing his shirt over his father's eyes, his eyesight returned to him. They then left their country and went to Egypt to meet Yûsuf ‘alayhis salâm. When they came to him, Yûsuf ‘alayhis salâm seated his father and his aunt onto his royal throne. He did this out of respect for them. It was at that time that the two of them and all his brothers fell into prostration before Yûsuf ‘alayhis salâm. In those days, such a prostration in place of salâm was permissible. This is no longer permissible.

As for the Quran mentioning this woman to be his mother - the actual fact is that his mother had passed away and Ya‘qûb ‘alayhis salâm had married this woman. Other scholars have stated that this incident is in regard to his mother whose name was Râhîl. When they prostrated to him, Yûsuf ‘alayhis salâm remarked: "This is the realization of my childhood dream." He had seen a dream wherein the sun, the moon and 11 stars were prostrating to him.

Lesson: How pious this woman must have been for a prophet to pay his respects to her.

Her name is Yûkhând. When the priests had informed Pharaoh that a boy will be born from among the Banû Isrâ'îl and will fight against his kingdom, Pharaoh issued an order whereby he instructed that all boys who are born to the tribe of Banû Isrâ'îl should be killed. Thousands of such boys were killed. Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm was born in this volatile situation. Allah informed his mother by way of inspiration that she should continue breast-feeding him and that when she fears over his life, she should place him in a box and set him afloat in the river. And when We decide, We will send him back to you. Eventually, this is what she did and Allah also fulfilled all His promises.

Lesson: O women! Look at the high level of trust and conviction that she had in Allah and how the blessings of this trust manifested themselves.

Some scholars have stated that her name is Maryam, while others say that it is Kulthûm. When Mûsâ's ‘alayhis salâm mother placed him in the river, she said to her daughter to keep a watch on him to see the outcome of this. The box floated down the river and landed at the palace of Pharaoh. When it was taken out of the river, they saw a beautiful child in it. Pharaoh wanted to kill this child. However, his wife who was a pious woman and who believed in Allah, saved the child's life. The husband (Pharaoh) and wife decided to adopt the child for themselves. They needed a wet-nurse who would breast-feed Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm. However, he refused to drink the milk of all the wet-nurses who offered their services. Everyone was at a loss as to what could be done. It was at this time that Mûsâ's ‘alayhis salâm sister went there and said: "I will show you a wet-nurse who is very good and kind. Her milk is also very good." Eventually, she directed them to Mûsâ's ‘alayhis salâm mother. His mother was called, and he was handed over to her. Allah's promise of returning him to her was thereby fulfilled.

Lesson: Look at how intelligent she was: she found him and risked her life in obedience to her mother without the enemy coming to know about it. O women! Obedience to one's parents, intelligence and prudence are great virtues.

Her name is Safûrâ. She is the eldest daughter of Shu‘ayb ‘alayhis salâm. When a kâfir was unintentionally killed by Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm in Egypt, Pharaoh learnt of this. He therefore informed his ministers that Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm should be killed. When Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm heard about this plan, he escaped secretly to Madyan. When he reached the boundary of this city, he noticed many shepherds drawing water from a well and giving it to their flock to drink. He also noticed two women sitting aloof from all the shepherds. (Later, the elder of the two was his wife and the other was his sister-in-law). Upon seeing this, he asked them the reason for their not being able to give water to their flock. They replied: "We have no male at home. We therefore have to fulfil this task on our own. Because we are women, we are waiting for all these men to go away. Once they all leave, we draw out the water for our flock." He felt sorry for them, drew the water all by himself and gave it to the sheep. When they went home, they related the entire incident to their old father. He sent his elder daughter to go and call this noble person. She came to Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm with full modesty and shyness and informed him that her father is calling him. He accompanied her and went and met Shu‘ayb ‘alayhis salâm. The latter consoled him and informed him that he wished to give one of his daughters to him in marriage. However, the condition is that he will have to tend to his sheep for eight or ten years. Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm accepted the offer and married the elder sister. After the completion of ten years, he returned home (to Egypt) with her. Because of the cold during the course of their journey, they needed some fire. He spotted a fire on the Mt. Tur so he went towards it. When he reached there, he saw the nûr of Allah. It was at this place that he received prophethood.

Lesson: Look at how hard she worked in order to fulfil her domestic tasks. And when she had to speak to a stranger, how modestly and nervously she spoke. O women! You should also abstain from seeking comfort and abstain from laziness with regard to domestic tasks and duties. Furthermore, consider modesty and bashfulness to be necessary at all times.

She has been mentioned above. Her name is Safîrâ. She also used to fulfil the domestic tasks with her sister. She used to obey her father and serve him.

Lesson: O women! You should also serve your parents in this way and fulfil all the domestic tasks just as poor people do. Do not consider these tasks to be below your dignity. It is obvious that your status is not higher than that of the prophets' daughters.

She is the wife of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt who had claimed to be god. Look at the power of Allah that the husband was a shaytân while the wife was so pious that the Quran praises her and our Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam has spoken about her in the following terms: "There are many men who have reached stages of excellence. However, from among the women, no one reached a stage of excellence except Maryam and Âsiyah. It was Âsiyah who had saved the life of Mûsâ from the tyrant, Pharaoh."

As mentioned in the story of Mûsâ's ‘alayhis salâm sister's story, it was already written in her (Âsiyah's) favour that she will bring îmân on Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm. She had a natural love for him since his infancy. When Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm received prophethood, Pharaoh did not bring îmân on him. However, she brought îmân on him. When Pharaoh heard about this, he became extremely harsh to her and imposed many punishments on her. However, she did not relinquish her îmân and left the world in this state.

Lesson: Look at how firm she was on her îmân. Despite her kâfir husband imposing severe difficulties on her, she did not succumb to him. Today, when one experiences minor difficulties, one begins uttering words of kufr. O women! îmân is a very great gift. Irrespective of the nature of difficulty, never ever do anything contrary to the Dîn. If the husband does anything irreligious, don't ever support or join him. In those days, marriage with a kâfir husband was valid. However, the rule in our Sharî‘ah is that if the husband is a kâfir, the marriage is not valid. And if he becomes a kâfir after marriage, the marriage will be annulled.

It is mentioned in the book Raudatus Safâ that Pharaoh's daughter had a maid who was under her command and who used to comb her hair, etc. She had believed in Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm. However, she did not expose her îmân out of fear for Pharaoh. Once while she was combing her (Pharaoh's daughter's) hair, the comb fell from her hand. When she bent down to pick it up, she recited Bismillah. The daughter asked her: "What was it that you recited just now? Whose name is that?" She replied: "It is the name of the one who created your father and also gave him a kingdom." She became astonished and remarked: "Is there anyone greater than my father!" Saying this, she ran out to her father and related the entire incident to her. Pharaoh became extremely angry, called for the maid, and threatened her. However, she unhesitatingly said: "Do whatever you wish, I will not leave my îmân." Nails were fastened to her hands and feet and thereafter hot ash and embers were placed on her. When this had no effect on her, a child who was in her lap was taken and thrown into the fire. While the child was in the fire, it said: "Mother! Be patient and don't ever leave your îmân." She remained steadfast on her îmân until she was also thrown into that fire. In Sûrah al-Burûj, mention is made of a trench. In that story a similar incident took place between a mother and her child.

Lesson: Look at how firm she remained on her îmân. O women! îmân is a very great bounty. Do not allow any shortcoming or defect in your îmân and Dîn on account of your desires, any motive or any difficulty. Don't ever do anything contrary to the commands of Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

When Pharaoh began persecuting the Banû Isrâ'îl in Egypt, compelling them into labour, beating them and oppressing them, Allah commanded Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm to leave Egypt together with the Banû Isrâ'îl on that very night so that they may be saved from the oppression of Pharaoh. Consequently, Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm left with the Banû Isrâ'îl. When they reached the Nile river, they forgot the road. No one could recognize the road. He became surprised and shouted out: "Whoever is acquainted with this area should please come forward and show us the way." Upon this an old woman came forward and said: "When Yûsuf was about to leave this world, he made a bequest to his brothers and nephews that if at any time you have to leave Egypt, you must carry my coffin, in which my body will be, together with you to wherever you are going. As long as you do not take the coffin, you will not find your way." Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm asked the whereabouts of the coffin. No one knew the place except for that very same old woman. When he asked her, she replied: "I will not show you the place until you guarantee me one thing." He asked: "What is that? She replied: "You must guarantee me that I will die on îmân and that I will be wherever you are in jannah." Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm raised his hands and said: "O Allah! That which she is asking me for is not in my power." Upon this he was ordered: "You give the guarantee, I will fulfil it." He therefore gave her the guarantee and she showed him the place where the coffin could be found buried in the centre of the river. The moment the coffin was removed, they found the road.

Lesson: Look at how pious this old woman was in that she did not ask for any of the treasures of the world. Instead, she successfully organized the hereafter for herself. O women! You also abandon your lust and desire for this world. You will receive (of this world) whatever has been written for you. Instead, put your Dîn in order.

In the story of Mûsâ and Khidr ‘alayhimas salâm it is mentioned that the latter killed a young boy in fulfilment of Allah’s command. Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm became alarmed and asked: "What did this innocent child do that you had to kill him?" Khidr ‘alayhis salâm replied: "When this child would have grown, he would have been a kâfir. His parents were Muslims. There was the possibility of their also going astray out of love for him. It was therefore felt that it would be good if he was killed. In place of this boy, Allah will give a daughter to these parents who will be pure from all evil and will be of more benefit to her parents." It is written in other books that this is exactly what happened. This girl married a prophet and from her progeny 70 prophets were born. The name of the boy is Haysûr and this girl is his sister.

Lesson: When Allah praises a woman by saying that she is pure from all evil and of great benefit to her parents, how great such a woman must be! What a beloved and noble feat it is to be pure from all evil and to provide comfort and peace to one's parents! The result of this is that such a person is praised by Allah. O women! Strive hard in acquiring these qualities.

Haysûr is the same boy who has been mentioned above. You have also read that the Quran has mentioned his parents as believers. The person whom Allah refers to as a believer cannot be any ordinary believer who does not have strong îmân. It is obvious that such a person must be very strong in his îmân. We can therefore deduce that Haysûr's mother must have been very pious as well.

Lesson: Look! Having strong îmân is such a great thing that Allah praised such persons. O women! Strengthen your îmân. This can be only done by following the orders of Allah and abstaining from sins.

It is mentioned in the Quran that when Sulaymân made a du‘â to Allah, he also included the following words: "O Allah! You have favoured my mother and father." We learn from this that his mother was also a pious woman because the greatest favour is îmân and Dîn.

Lesson: Îmân is such a great thing that it is even mentioned by the prophets in a good way. O women! Give beauty and elegance to your îmân.

She was the queen of Saba. An animal by the name of Hudhud informed Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm that he came across a queen who worships the sun. Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm wrote a letter and asked Hudhud to hand it over to her. The following was written in the letter: "Accept Islam and come to me." She consulted her ministers and governors and eventually made the following decision: "I will send many rare gifts to him. If he accepts them, I will conclude that he is a worldly king. If he does not accept them, I will conclude that he is a prophet." When these gifts were given to Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm, he returned them and sent a message that if you do not become Muslims, I will come with my army to fight you. When she received this message, she was convinced that he is a prophet. She left her city with the intention of becoming a Muslim.

After she departed, Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm had her valuable royal throne brought to him in a miraculous way. He called for it so that Bilqîs will see the miracle. He removed the pearls and other gems that were on it and had them embedded in another way (different from the way they had been originally embedded). When Bilqîs reached his place, he decided to test her intelligence. He therefore asked her: "Isn't this your throne?" She looked at it carefully and said: "It looks like it. It seems that its appearance has changed slightly." From her answer he deduced that she is very intelligent.

Thereafter, Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm wanted to show her that his kingdom that was given by Allah is far better than her worldly kingdom. In order to demonstrate this to her, he ordered a pond to be filled with water and that a crystal clear glass be placed on top of it in such a way that it cannot be seen. He then went and sat at such a place that if anyone wished to go to him, that pond will be in the way and he will therefore have to walk through the pond. Bilqîs was then summoned to him. When Bilqîs reached the pond, she did not notice the glass and felt that she will have to walk through the pond. She began lifting her pants (so that it will not get wet when she walks through the pond). Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm immediately informed her that it has been laid with glass and that she should merely walk on it.

When Bilqîs saw the miracle of her throne (being brought here) and this great piece of architecture (i.e. the glass on top of the pond), and that he has royal possessions far better than hers, she immediately recited the kalimah and became a Muslim. Some scholars have written that Sulaymân ‘alayhis salâm married her soon thereafter. Others have written that she married the king of Yemen. Allah knows best.

Lesson: Look at how selfless she was that despite being a queen and very rich, the moment she learnt the truth of Dîn, she immediately accepted it. She did not display any pride in accepting it nor did she hold on to the beliefs and customs of her forefathers. O women! You should also adopt this attitude. When you hear anything of the Dîn, do not consider it to be a blemish or something to be ashamed of. Nor should you hold on to the customs of your family. None of this will help you. Only your Dîn will help you.

It is mentioned in a Hadîth that a woman from the Banû Isrâ'îl was breast-feeding her child when a richly adorned caravan passed by. This woman made a du‘â: "O Allah! Make my child (rich) just like this." Upon hearing this, the child left her breast and said: "O Allah! Do not make me like this." Thereafter the child continued drinking her milk. After a little while a group of people passed by taking a slave-woman with them in a disgraceful and oppressive manner. Upon seeing this spectacle, the mother made the following du‘â: "O Allah! Do not make my child like this." Again the child left her breast and said: "O Allah! Make me just like this." The mother asked: "What is this you are saying?" He replied: "The person who was at the head of the caravan was a tyrant. The slave-woman was being accused of being a thief and being immoral when in fact she is pure from all these accusations."

Lesson: The meaning of this is that people value the person at the head of the caravan while in Allah's sight he has no value. This slave-woman has no value in the eyes of the people while in Allah's sight she has great value. One should therefore try to acquire the value of Allah irrespective of what people may think. If a person is of no value in Allah's sight, what benefit is there in acquiring the value and respect of the people? Look! It was the miracle of that slave-woman that a breast-fed child began speaking in order to attest to her purity and chastity. O women! It is the habit of some women to despise and look down upon poor people. On the slightest doubt, they take out faults with them and accuse them of stealing. This is an evil practice. It is possible that such poor people are better than you in the sight of Allah.

Muhammad bin Ka‘b relates that there was a great ‘âlim and ‘âbid in the Banû Isrâ'îl. He loved his wife very much. Co-incidentally, she passed away. This person was so grieved by this that he locked his door and abstained from meeting and conversing with people. A woman from the Banû Isrâ'îl heard about this so she went to him. She informed those who were guarding the entrance to his house that she wants to ask him a mas'ala and that it can only be asked directly to him. Saying this, she sat down stubbornly by the door. The person was informed of this and eventually permitted her to enter. She said: "I want to ask you a mas'ala." He replied: "Go ahead." She said: "I have a neighbour from whom I borrowed some jewellery. I am wearing it for quite some time now. Thereafter she sent a person asking for her jewellery. The question I want to ask you is that do I have to give it back to her?" The ‘âlim replied: "Yes, you have to give it back to her." The woman replied: "That jewellery was with me for a very long time. How can I give it?" The ‘âlim replied: "In such a case, you should give it even more happily because it was out of her kindness that she allowed you to use it for such a long time." When he said this, the woman replied: "May Allah have mercy on you? Why, then, are you so sad? Allah had loaned you something and when He wished, He took it back. (Because) it belongs to Him." Upon hearing this, the ‘âlim realized his mistake and benefited tremendously from this conversation.

Lesson: Look at how this woman put some sense into this man who was a great ‘âlim. O women! You should also bear this in mind when you have to encounter any difficulty or calamity. You should also explain this to others.

Her name is Hannah. Her husband's name is ‘Imrân who is the father of Maryam. When she fell pregnant, she took a vow that when she gives birth to the child she will keep him free for the service of the musjid. That is, she will not allow him to get involved in any worldly activity. She was under the impression that she will give birth to a boy because only a boy can be of service to the musjid. At that time, vows of this nature were permissible. When the time of delivery of the child came, she gave birth to a girl. Out of sadness she said: "O Allah! I have given birth to a girl." She was informed that this girl will be better than boys and that Allah has accepted her. She kept the name of this child Maryam and made a du‘â to Allah that He should protect her and her progeny from shaytân. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said that shaytân torments every child that is born. However, he was unable to torment Maryam and ‘Îsâ ‘alayhimas salâm.

Lesson: Look at the blessing of her pure intention in that Allah blessed her with a pious child and accepted her du‘â as well. We learn that Allah favoured her greatly. O women! This is the blessing of pure intentions. Keep your intentions pure all the time. If you do any good act, do it for Allah alone. In this way, you will also be valued by Allah.

The story of her birth has been mentioned above. After she was born, her mother took her to Baytul Maqdis in fulfilment of her vow. When she reached the musjid, she informed the pious servants over there to take her because she had vowed this child for the musjid. Because she was from a pious family, all the pious persons who were based in the musjid wanted to rear her and bring her up. Zakariyya was also amongst them. He was the uncle of Maryam. He therefore had a greater right of taking care of her. But because all the others were clamouring to take care of her, they all agreed upon a certain system to determine who will take care of her. Eventually, the lot fell in the name of Zakariyya ‘alayhis salâm. He took her and began looking after her. She began growing very quickly - much faster than other children of her age and very soon she appeared to be a grown up. From a young age she was very pious. Allah has referred to her as a walî in the Quran. It has also mentioned that she used to miraculously receive different types of fruit when it was not even the season to receive such fruit. Zakariyya ‘alayhis salâm used to ask her: "From where are you receiving all this fruit?" She used to reply: "From Allah." In short, her entire life was something to marvel about. When she became mature, solely through the power of Allah, she fell pregnant without any man touching her. It was from this pregnancy that ‘Îsâ ‘alayhis salâm was born. On seeing that she gave birth without a man, the Jews began accusing her of adultery. In order to prove them wrong, Allah gave ‘Îsâ ‘alayhis salâm the power to speak while he was still a baby. He spoke of such great things that all those who possessed a just and open mind agreed that this is an example of Allah's power; that he was in fact born without a father and that his mother was pure and innocent. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam has mentioned her piety by saying that from among the women, no one reached a stage of excellence except Maryam and Âsiyah. We had quoted this Hadîth in full when mentioning the life of Âsiyah.

Lesson: Her mother had devoted her to Allah. She became very pious. She remained obedient to Allah to the extent that she became a walî. The blessing of this was that Allah saved her from the accusations of people. O women! Continue obeying Allah and you will be protected from all calamities. Pay more attention to the Dînî affairs of your children and do not make them slaves of this world.

Her name is Îshâ‘. She is the sister of Hannah and the aunt of Maryam ‘alayhas salâm. Referring to her, Allah says in the Quran: "We made his (Zakariyya's) wife fit for him." Some of the scholars have interpreted this as We have mended and corrected her ways. Yahyâ ‘alayhis salâm was born to her while she was in her old age. Based on this, ‘Îsâ ‘alayhis salâm is the daughter's son of Yahyâ's ‘alayhis salâm aunt. The daughter's son is often referred to as a son. It is for this reason that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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.

She is the first wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Great feats have been attributed to her. Once Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam informed her that Jibra'îl ‘alayhis salâm has conveyed the salâms of Allah to you. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said that the following four women are the best in the world: Maryam, Âsiyah (the wife of Pharaoh), Khadîjah, and Fâtimah.

Whenever Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to encounter any difficulties from the kuffâr, he used to come and inform Khadîjah 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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam had for her was because of her Îmân 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.

She is also the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She had given her day which he used to spend with her to ‘Â'ishah. ‘Â'ishah says: "I 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 ‘Â'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.

She is a very beloved wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam: "Whom do you like the most?" He replied: "‘Â'ishah." This Sahâbi then asked: "And from among the men?" He replied: "Her father." That is, ’Abû Bakr radiyallâhu ‘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 ‘ulamâ 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.

She is the wife of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the daughter of ‘Umar radiyallâhu ‘anhu. On one occasion, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘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 ‘Abdullâh 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.

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.