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Women in distress - Muslimah - 07-24-2008
<b>Bismillah</b>
Praise be Allah the All Hearing, Wise, Merciful Creator of all Creations, and prayer and peace be upon His final Messenger Mohamed Ibn Abdullah and all prophets and messengers.
Thinking to myself a couple of days ago, I kept reviewing in my mind many female models that have been mentioned in Quran specially for a given hard situation. As we are all aware, Quran is not a novel book just to read and spend time, but rather all the stories and situations contained within are for us human beings so that we can measure according and apply the same methodology as described in the given story.
The first one that came to my mind was Aesha and her situation that is why I will Insh a Allah start with her.
<b>Who is Aesah radiya Allah u a`nha and how was she brought up?</b>
Daughter of Abu Bakr, companion of the prophet salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam , one of the ten who are brought glad tidings to be admitted to Jannah.
In general, let us examine how Allah describes companions of the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam in Quran, Allah say:
“Rather, the Prophet and those who believe with him fought with their property and their lives for these are all good things, they are the successful ones and Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever and that is the great success” [ (9): 88-89]
“And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun and Ansar and all those who followed them exactly (in faith). Allah is well pleased with them and they are pleased with Him and Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever and that is the great success.” [soorah at-Tawbah (9): 100]
"(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say);- And those who, before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful." (Quran 59:8-9)
There are several other Ayahs that convey the same meaning, however, just for the sake of logical sequence and introduction; I will just keep those two.
How did the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam classify Abu Bakr?
Narrated Amr bin Al-Aas (radiallahu anhu): “The Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) deputed me to lead the army of Dat as-Salasil. I came to him and said: “Who is the most beloved person to you?' He said: “Aa'isha” I asked “Amongst men?” He said: “Her father (Abu Bakr)...” [saheeh Al-Bukharee v.5, no.14].
Abu Bakr's Kunia (nick name if I would say) was Assediq radiya Allah u a`nhu. This adjective means the excessively believing. He was the first, among men, to accept Islam, needless to mention how loving was he to the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam, when the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam went into the Israa and Miraj trip (the night journey to Baytul Maqdes).Quraishis thought that they finally put their hands on a proof against the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam. They went to Abu Bakr mocking and telling him the story. He replied if Mohamed says he went on this journey, then he is telling the truth. Then he went personally to verify the information from the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam, and as soon as he heard it from him, he said I believe you, you tell nothing but truth. At this moment the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam named him Assediqs (excessively believing the truth).
This is the man who brought up Aesha radiya Allah u a`naha till the age of 9 when she got married.
<b>How was she brought up?</b>
As the reader can see, she was brought up by the first man who embraced Islam, the man whom Allah nominated to accompany the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam during his Hijra trip. Other members of the household had similar notable situations indicating how devoted they are to Islam. For example, her older sister was entrusted, among very a few number of people, who knew about the Hijra plan to Medina. She planned to offer food and a water container to the two travelers. But found nothing to tie the containers with, she decided to use her waistband. Her father suggested that she tears it into two. And she did. From this time on, the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam who commended her action, called her Dhat enataqayn (One of two waistbands). This is the man who brought her up during her childhood; this is the household with which Aaesha grew. This is where she learnt her first steps, physical steps, as well as those towards Islam.
<b>Her marriage?</b>[/color]
But Allah, over and above, Willed a better future and higher position in terms of knowledge, manner,,,,only to name a few. She would learn, first hand, from the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam who both raised her up further and taught her, even daily life details, that she carried on and became scholar of this Ummah. As it was previously mentioned, she got married to the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam at the age of 9.
Was this marriage just out of his own desire? Even in her marriage, she was also honored. In a hadeeth, narrated Aaesha may Allah be pleased with her, she said: The Messenger of Allah salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam said: I saw you in my sleep for three nights, the angle brought you wrapped in a silk piece of cloth, and he says: this is your woman, and I uncover your face to find you in it. I say: if this is from Allah may Allah Fulfill it (agreed up with consensus).
<b>The major trial?</b>
This same woman, with this type of background, faced a grave and serious accusation. She was accused of Zina (sexual intercourse outside of the wedlock). Who is accused? Aesha the wife of the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam, so she is also accused of being an unfaithful wife, unfaithful to who, who is the husband? The final Messenger of Allah, the seal of the prophets Mohamed salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam. Daughter of Assediq was accused of unfaithfulness and Zina.
<b></b>
How did this happen? How did this unjust befell her?
Coming back with the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam and the Muslim army to Medina from Bani Al Mustaleq battle, the army was ordered to camp for rest. Aaesha had to respond to the call of nature, so she disembarked. Unexpectedly, the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam ordered the army to continue the trip. They left. When Aaesha was coming back, she noticed that she lost her onyx necklace; she decided to retrace her steps looking for it. As soon as she did, she returned back only to find the camp has left. Her litter was veiled and no one noticed her absence. Patiently, she waited for them to realize her absence and come back to her. Alhamdulelah young companion called Safwan, radiya Allah u a`nahu had fallen behind the camp while taking a rest came back to the site, he recognized Aesha who was sleeping with her face uncovered but because he knew her before Allah Commanded wives of the Messenger radiya Allah u a`naha to fully conceal themselves. He quietly offered her his ride and escorted her back to the Messenger's location.
Hypocrites found this an incomparable opportunity to work towards destroying the coherent construction of Muslims. They started spreading gossips about Aaesha after seeing her arrive with Safwan radiya Allah u a`nahuma alone. The talk spread among Muslims who felt they encounter a serious situation. The Messenger as both a leader and husband was over burdened. Muslims were sure of her innocence but the hypocrites spared no effort to further ignite the situation. The Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam consulted his companions, Osama Ibn Zaid immediately told him, this is your family and I know nothing but good about her. Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, told him Allah Did not restrict you, there are other women, however, if you ask her slave girl, she will certainly tell you the truth. The Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam called in Barira may Allah be pleased with her and asked her, did you see any suspicious behaviour from Aaesha? She said I saw nothing about which I should close my eyes, only she is a young girl who sleeps after preparing the dough for her family, thus, chicken come and eat it.
<b> But how did she feel? How the victim felt about all of this? How did she handle it?
</b>
Amidst all this, the young chaste well bred very loving wife fell ill for one month, however, she was unaware of the falsehood talk. She only observed a change in the Messenger's usual kind behaviour during her illness During her convalescence, she went out, at night, with Umm Mustah to respond to the call of nature. Umm Mustah tripped in her clothes, so she supplicated against her son. Aaesha blamed her for this. At this point, Umm Mustah informed her about the whole situation. In response, she asked for the Messenger's salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam permission to move to her parents home to verify the information.
But before we continue, take in consideration that Bani Al Mustaliq battle was on 6 H. and the marriage was on 2 H. In other words, she was among the prophet's household for four years and also she was about 13 years old. Only 13 years, a child still.
However, let us get back to the sequence of incidents and see how she handled the test. Hardest test for a Muslim chaste woman is to be accused in her chastity. She found out from her parents that the information is true. She cried and cried for two continuous nights and a day, never slept nor her tears dried. She almost felt dying of crying. The Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam came when she was in this condition. He pronounced Shahada (ash had u ana la ilaha ila Allah= I testify that there no Deity but Allah) and continued saying:" O Aaesha, I was informed about you of this and that, if you are innocent, Allah Shall prove your innocence, otherwise, if you committed a sin, ask for Allah's forgiveness and repent, when a devotee confesses his guilt and repents, Allah Shall Grant him repentance".
At this point, asking her parents to respond, her tears stopped. But they had nothing to say. So she said: Wallahi I found out that you already heard about this issue till you became confident about it deep inside you and believed it. In case I would tell you I m innocent – Allah Knows I m innocent – you will not believe me. And in case I confessed to you with an issue – and Allah Knows I m innocent of this issue – you will believe me. Wallahi I find no other example for me and you to follow except what Abi Yusuf said. He said: " So (for me) patience is most fitting. And it is Allah (Alone) Whose help can be sought against that which you assert."(Quran 12:18).
She turned and lied down. At this very moment, when she reached the peak of her distress, when she had no way out, when she was accused even in the eyes of her closest people, her parents those who raised her and know her quite well and her loving husband. The Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam received revelation. As soon as it was completed, the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam was laughing and first word he uttered was: " O Aaesha, as for Allah, Allah Proved your innocence".
Her mother told her get up for him (she means the Messenger)? What was the young woman's reaction??? Aaesha, stressing clearing up the accusation and proving her innocence and trusting the love of the Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam, said: Wallahi I will not get up to him and will not thank and praise no one but Allah.
" Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you. Unto every man among them will be paid that which he had earned of the sin, and as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be a great torment.* Why then, did not the believers, men and women, when you heard it (the slander) think good of their own people and say: "This (charge) is an obvious lie* Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they (the slanderers) have not produced witnesses! Then with Allah they are the liars.?* Had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy unto you in this world and in the Hereafter, a great torment would have touched you for that whereof you had spoken.* When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allah it was very great.* And why did you not, when you heard it, say? "It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allah) this is a great lie * Allah forbids you from it and warns you not to repeat the like of it forever, if you are believers* And Allah makes the Signs plain to you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise* Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not* And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, (Allah would have hastened the punishment upon you). And that Allah is full of kindness, Most Merciful. ". (Quran 24:11-20)
This is how Allah the Merciful responded to this distressed, helpless, and young victim of slander. This is how Allah Responded to her wise, prudent position. Sobhan Allah.
<b>Lessons learnt:
</b>
1. She did not try to defend herself against this serious and unbearable test and accusation.
2. She knew that everyone including her own parents and husband almost believed it.
3. She preferred not to argue.
4. Very wisely she presented her case to them and patiently waited for Allah to settle the issue.
5. The output was immense. Allah Responded to her lifting up the distress and trial. Sobhan Allah.
Ahamdulelah who has Guided us for this and if it was not for Him we wouldnt have been guided.
Women in distress - Muslimah - 07-26-2008
Bismillah
Insh a Allah this is intended to be an informative thread, but of course my muslim sisters are allowed to contribute. I closed it after a johndoe post was deleted. We really dont want this thread to be hijacked or abused. So for my Muslim sisters who want to contribute, pls as soon as u prepare the content, alert me with a pm. I will open the thread for u to post your piece. And of course, we can always easily delet unwanted posts.
Jazakum Allah khairan.
Women in distress - Muslimah - 08-03-2008
Bismillah
Praise be Allah the All Hearing, Wise, Merciful Creator of all Creations, and prayer and peace be upon His final Messenger Mohamed Ibn Abdullah and all prophets and messengers.
Because of the test similarity, I thought to introduce Mariam's case may Allah be Pleased with her.
<b>Who is Mariam radiya Allahu a`naha?</b>
Mariam is the daughter of Imran
"Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of 'Imraan above the humankind and jinns (of their times).* Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower.* (Remember) when the wife of 'Imraan said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing."* Then when she delivered her [child Mary], she said: "O my Lord! I have delivered a female child," - and Allah knew better what she delivered, - "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaytan (Satan), the outcast." (Quran 3: 33-36).
According to the above mentioned noble Ayah, she is the daughter of Imran, but Allah before introducing her lineage explained how Allah chose Adam, Noah and the families of Ibraheem and Imran to place them in a higher rank than other human beings. In other words, those families and their descendants are different in terms of piety. It is even proved from how her mother, in advance, dedicated what is in her womb to Allah. In other words, to serve only in the work related to Allah and the place of worship nothing else. But to the mother's disappointment, she gave birth to a girl. Girls were not allowed to assume this position of serving in the Masjed. Yet again, she had to fulfill her vow and dedication.
<b>How was she brought up?</b>
In response to the sincere intention of her mother, Allah accepted her to His service and even granted her good upbringing.
"So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zachariya" (Quran 3: 37)
Because Mariam was born an orphan, her aunt's (mother's sister) husband Zakaria became in charge of bringing her up. But was this his decision? No it was still from Allah according to the Ayah saying:
"This is a part of the news of the unseen with which We inspire
you. You were not with them, <b>when they cast lots with </b>their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary; nor were you with them when they disputed." (Quran 3:44) <b>(my comment: I would not use inspire but rather reveal to you, Quran is a revelation from Allah and not inspiration)
," </b>(Quran 3:44).
The underlined part explains how many men were competing to be in charge of bringing up Mariam, they disputed as to who takes care of her. In order to solve the dispute, they decided to cast lots enabling a fair chance and choice. Zakaria was selected according to the lots.
For the sake of sequencing the events, I will just use the Ayahs as they relate to the given situation. I m aware that this is not how they were placed in Quran. This is the man who brought her up, Zakaria. He did fulfill Allah's Command in being careful to bring this girl up the way she is supposed to be brought up. At a certain point, she was always in her worship silo, in obedience to Allah's Command brought to her by the angles as the Quran say:
" And (remember) when the angels said: "O Mary! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the worlds (of her lifetime).* O Mary! "Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with those who bow." (Quran 3:42-43).
As the reader can understand from this Ayah, that angles conveyed the command to Mariam. In other words, angles did speak to her bringing her what Allah Commanded for her. If it means anything, it reflects a rank, a special one that some of the Mufasereen (those who explained the Quran) argued that she is placed in the prophets' rank because of the angles speaking to her. Leave alone of course the statement that Allah physically Told her she is :"And (remember) when the angels said: "O Mary! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the worlds (of her lifetime)." (Quran 3:42).
As we can clearly see how Allah actually prepared Mariam quite ahead for this particular incomparable trial and test. Hadn't she been well trained and prepared, hadn’t she been taught by Allah how to contact and maintain close relation with Allah, personally I don’t think she would have been able to endure the situation. Certainly Allah Does not befell or put a human being in a test haphazardly.
Due to all the above mentioned, she was no ordinary woman, as we can realize from what Zakaria observed:
"Every time he entered the private place of prayer to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! From where have you got this?" She said, "This is from Allah." Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit." (Quran 3:37).
Zakaria noticed how different she was in terms of her relation with Allah, he was surprised for seeing food at her place of worship, that according to Mufasereen, is not in season. Upon asking her for the source, easily and confidently she replies from Allah Who Sustain whomever Allah Wishes.
For the sake of being short, we will just introduce one hadeeth supporting the same sense:
Narrated under the authority of Anas Ibn Malek that the Messenger salla Allah a`lyehee wa sallam said: Best women among mankind are four: Mariam Bin E`mran, Khadija Bin Khowalyed, Fatima Bin Mohamed and Asiyah the wife of Pharon" (reported by Musnad Ahmed).
<b>The major trial:</b>
Given this background and upbringing, while she was also in her worship silo, just as angles brought her glad tidings of how Allah has chosen and purified her, they also conveyed to her a message of glad tiding from Allah telling her: "(Remember) when the angels said: "O Mary! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be the [b]Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary[/b], held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah." (Quran 3:45).
<b></b>
How did she react? How did she respond to this? Was it easy on her, even though she was informed through angles?
"She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be!" and it is." (!Quran 3:47)
Even though we are not there, I mean we are not attending the incident, but we can hear her voice broken and weakened, terrified not knowing what to do. The O my Lord on its own shows how overwhelmed she was till she reached the peak of her test and felt extremely depressed and distressed as it is well expressed in her saying:
<b>How did she feel and handle the test? </b>
Angles did not stop at this point, just telling her she is going to expect a baby, but rather explained who would he be, not only this but also foretold her his name and further description of how he would be honored and ..to the end of the Ayah 3: 45 .
""He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous." (Quran 3:47)
The baby speaking in his cradle is how Allah Equipped her to be capable of handling the whole situation.
But before that, let us again take the situation in sequence:
"And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad, the story of) Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.* She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Spirit [angel Gabriel], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.* She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah." (Quran 19:16-19)
Just a note here, in the previous set of Ayahs, the angles as a preparation informed her before hand that Allah Is going to bless her with a child. That was the preparatory stage. But at this point, this is when Gabriel came down fulfilling Allah's command of granting her the baby. Because someone might be confused and say how come the previous Ayah says angles told her, and here one angle only is speaking to her.
Let us continue this serious stressful situation, remember when she was told by the angles, she spoke to Allah like she wants to invoke that she would not be put in this situation. She said O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me. But in a manner adequate to Allah's Majesty. I mean she didn’t say no don’t do this to me, or why would I be in this situation, or what did I do to deserve this fate?
What did she say here, she said:
" She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" (Quran 19:20)
Again to explain to her how easy this is to Allah, the angle replied:
" He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: 'That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to humankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).' " (Quran 19;21)
<b></b>
How did this go?
"So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem)." (Quran 19:22).
Was this easy on her? Did she take it lightly? How was her feeling deep inside? Come on let us see:
"And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" (Quran 19:23).
What can you sense of this statement? Are you able to note her status? She was in a serious level of depression that she wished she was dead before facing this destiny.
Was it her who handled the situation? Was it her who came up with a solution? No it was not her. Allah soothed her and calmed down her fears by having either the baby or Gabriel tell her what to do.
"Then [the babe Jesus or Gabriel] cried unto her from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you;" (Quran 19:24)
Thus the solution given to her by Allah of course, either the baby or Gabriel were not but means to communicate the message, is to focus on what Allah provided for her of a water stream.
"And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." (Quran: 19:25)
Who is helping her here? Allah. He prescribed for her to shake the palm tree and eat dates. Can you believe this? A woman in labor shaking the palm tree trunk? Sobhan Allah, but of course this is to keep her steadfast and assure her that this whole situation is nothing ordinary. It is just one miraculous coherent situation with all of its components well fixed to each other. According to modern tests made on dates, they stabilize the hormones, which she certainly needed to stand both labor pain and overcome depression.
Further instructions were given in dealing with people because eventually she had to face her people with this baby.
"So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'" (Quran 19:26).
After all this training, now she was ready to meet her people, don’t forget Allah knows what will they say:
"And because of their (Jews) disbelief and uttering against Mary a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse);" (Quran 4:156).
Now she arrived to the peak of the situation and was ready to face the grave problem:
"Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: "O Mary! Indeed you have brought a shocking, unheard thing." (Quran 19:27).
What was their reaction? It was very harsh:
" O sister (i.e. the like) of Aaron [not the brother of Moses, but he was another pious man at the time of Mary]! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman." (Quran 19:28)
Now comes her using the weapon granted by Allah:
"Then she pointed to him." (Quran 19:29).
As you can realize, she didn’t even speak, as she intended a fast according to the previous Ayah. So she just signed. She strictly adhered to what Allah Commanded her.
They were certainly astonished saying:
"They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?"" (Quran 19:29).
At this point, he was the one who spoke, he was the one who explained not her saying:
"He [Jesus] said: Verily! I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet;* And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me prayer, and Zakat, as long as I live*And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest*And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive*Such is Jesus, son of Mary. (it is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute)" (Quran 19: 30-33)
He further continued explaining:
[Jesus said]: "And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets)." (Quran 19:36)
What kind of a test she went through to attain this prominent outstanding position. What an honor she attained to be the mother of this Messenger and Prophet. In her age, she was trained gradually, well prepared ahead, provided with all types of equipment she might need to face the test. But a full Surah in Quran was revealed in her name. She has been mentioned in several other positions by name. Mentioning her name was a means from Allah to sooth and elevate her rank till the Day After as we are going to continue reading Quran till the Day After.
<b>Learnt lessons:</b>
1. <b>Allah prepared and trained her quite ahead for the test, which means that Allah Does not befell a test unless according to the given person's capability which Allah Decides and Provides.</b>
2. For the preparation, she underwent several stages starting with Quran 3:45 to be mentally prepared for Quran 19: 16-19.
3. Although not like any other ordinary human being, she was still terrified and unable to comprehend the incident.
4. Allah Supported her with her evidence of innocence.
5. Allah Taught her how to handle the situation (saying she is fasting, shaking the palm tree, eating dates and asking them to talk to Eassa).
6. She strictly implemented the divine orders in details.
7. The fruit was immense, a full Surah in Quran in her name and she is the only woman who had this position, according to Mufasereen, she is elevated to prophets' rank, because Angle Jebreel communicated with only prophets and Messengers, and she is the mother of Eassa blessing and peace be upon him.
Women in distress - Muslimah - 08-07-2008
Bismillah
Before I continue or anyone else starts contributing to this really important topic, I like to share some of my feeling when I m doing this. Sobhan Allah, when I start searching one of those remarkable women, reading about them, reciting the Ayahs of Quran telling their story, my heart becomes over filled with emotions that sometimes I feel my fingers are not quick enough to cope with the accelerated pace of words roaming around my heart. Sobhan Allah, I feel I want to start speaking them out, that this might be quicker than typing them. Alhamdulelah for One Who Inspired me to start this thread, and may Allah Assist me much, and watch closely over me till Insh a Allah I put their stories and analysis for all of us to ponder and learn.
Women in distress - Muslimah - 09-12-2008
Bismillah
Praise be Allah the All Hearing, Wise, Merciful Creator of all Creations, and prayer and peace be upon His final Messenger Mohamed Ibn Abdullah and all prophets and messengers.
Insh a Allah, we are intending to present Umm Mussa's situation and associated test.
<b>Who is Umm Musa blessings and peace be upon him?
</b>
According to Quran, her name was not mentioned, as in such cases the focal point is not the name but rather the identity as being Mussa's mother and the associated situation that was clearly stated in Quran. Thus, Mufasereen (scholars who explained and interpreted meanings of Quran) came up with several names but they are all taken from Israiliat sources. For this purpose, we will not give much regard to this point. But of course we have enough information that tells us she was married to Emran and that she was from the ancestors of Israel (Jacob blessings and peace be upon him).
Because her type of test is totally different from that to which both Aesha and Mariam were exposed, Allah Did not stress her upbringing, neither Gave us really determinant factors about her background, even the name, scholars differed about it according to Tafseer (Qurtobi, Ibn Katheer). Ahadeeth involving her only elaborate on the focal point which we are going to highlight Insh aAllah. The most important is that she was a believer according to the dogma of Israel as she and her husband E`mran's lineage goes back to Israel (Yaqoub=Jacob).
<b>The major test:
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During the reign of Pharos in Egypt, Pharaoh saw a vision (Ruia) that a fire came from the direction of Jerusalem, burnt all the houses in Egypt and all Copts (native Egyptians), but it did not harm Beni Israel. He called in secrecies and clergymen to inquire about it. They explained that a boy will be born from the lineage of Bani Israel who will be the cause of Egyptian people's destruction, demolish his kingdom, drive him out and changes the religion he established in Eygpt. They also told him, that his time was due.
Pharaoh grew extremely concerned, certainly fearing for his kingdom and glory. He thought of a way to handle and overcome the problem.
Quran introduced this information in 2:49:
<b>"And (remember) when We delivered you from Pharaoh's people, who were afflicting you with a horrible torment, killing your sons and sparing your women, and therein was a mighty trial from your Lord."
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Coming to a decision on how to handle, he gave his orders to kill all newly born boys of Beni Israel. For this purpose, he assigned midwives to monitor pregnant women and record their delivery dates. In case the newly born was a boy, they kill him other wise girls were kept alive. At that time, Beni Israel were into servitude for Pharaoh and the Copts. Observing the decline in males due to constant killing of newly borns, Copts grew concerned to loose the source of servants, and consequently start carrying out all the tasks that were charged for Beni Israel. They complained to Pharaoh about this issue. In response, he commanded to carry out the killing one year after the other. Harun Ibn E`mran was born during the year of exemption. But on the alternate execution year, Umm Mussa was pregnant with him. She was very fearful. However, as she was a believer, she took shield in her deep faith seeking Allah's close guidance and support, while thinking how to save and rescue her expected infant.
<b>How did she feel and handle the test?
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How did she feel, let us examine how Allah Describe her status in Quran to try and have a close feeling, I said try, because non of us sitting comfortably reading on the screen can really sense, feel, realize how did this woman feel.
Before we delve more into the incidents, see how initially Allah Supported this woman, the same woman whom Allah Inflicted with a hard test. Pregnancy signs were not apparent on her. Thus, she was not supervised by Pharaoh's mid wives or spies.
"And the heart of the mother of Moses became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Moses]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers." (Quran 28:10)
She delivered with no Pharaoh's supervision. No one realized she got a son. Her heart was empty of any usually logical feelings that might have her handle it the normal way, thus, she was prepared to simply execute what Allah Inspired her with.
If we look at the Tafseer of the above mentioned Ayah, the translator explained it as indicated, Sheikh Sha`rawy, may Allah bestow mercy on his soul, explained as her heart became empty of any behavioural control that might lead her to think on how to handle her situation. That is why she easily accepted Allah's inspiration as we will introduce later on. But from a simple viewpoint of a native Arabic speaker, when I read this Ayah, her heart became empty, like turned into vacuum, and note that in this position Allah Used the Arabic word Fouad, not Qalb or lub. Those three words in Arabic refer to the heart. However, because Allah may He be Glorified Is The All Knowing, and because Quran language is incomparable, Allah Does not use a word haphazardly, but rather one word and only one can really serve multiple purposes and convey very deep meaning. Like in this case. The Fouad is the part of the heart that is responsible for feelings, emotions, tension, fear..etc. Unlike Lub or Qalb, when those two expressions are used in Quran, they usually refer to understanding, comprehending, realizing, and so forth. Saying that her Fouad became empty, to me communicates the utmost fear, loss of control, inability to handle, think, take action, to the extend that because she was totally out of control, she almost revealed her case of having a son.
She was in a state of mind that can not be described as an expecting mother who is facing a serious potential danger. For this, she constantly sought Allah's Assistance, took refuge in her faith to overcome shaytan's inspirations. But her fears grew even more and became aggrevating as she gave birth to Mussa blessing and peace be upon him. At this stage, Allah quickly supported her with the answer to her crisis saying:
<b>"And We inspired the mother of Moses, (saying): "Suckle him [Moses], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." (Quran 28:7)
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<b>"Saying: 'Put him (the child) into the Tabut (a box or a case or a chest) and put it into the river (Nile), then the river shall cast it up on the bank, and there, an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his shall take him.' And I endued you with love from Me, in order that you may be brought up under My Eye, (Quran 20:38-39)</b>
Both above mentioned noble Ayahs explain the solution Allah introduced to her, inspiring her (it is not our core of interest to discuss the issue of her inspiration, however, Allah Sends Messages to whomever Allah Wills in different ways and according to ranks of course). The inspiration was that if she grows concerned and fearful for her child, to throw him into the Nile. Umm Mussa lived by the river bank. Immediately, she took the devine advice, as she realized it was from Allah, and made a coffin like box, placed the infant into it and tied it with a robe to her house. She used to suckle the baby and put him back quickly if she felt someone coming. Till the big time, she had to release the rob as sensed someone approaching, but this time, she forgot to re tie it again. And the box floated to a destination where she has no clue about. But again 28:7 was a determinant factor. That is when she ordered his sister to go looking for him. But deep inside she was sure and certain because Allah inspired her that Allah Is going to bring him back to her.
She didn’t hesitate for a minute to submit to Allah's command of throwing her own baby into the water in a box. She had not doubt for a moment that Allah Is Going to rescure him and comfort her with reunion with her baby which was the case.
Let us for the sake of sequence put the full situation together:
Allah Say:
And We inspired the mother of Moses, (saying): "Suckle him [Moses], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve
. Verily! <b><i>We shall bring him back to you</i>, </b>and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers.* Then the household of Pharaoh picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts were sinners.* And the wife of Pharaoh said: "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceive not (the result of that).* And the heart of the mother of Moses became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Moses]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers.* And she said to his [Moses'] sister: "Follow him." So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not.* And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and) said: "Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and sincerely they will look after him in a good manner?"<b> So did We restore him to his mother, that she might be delighted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allah is true. But most of them know not." Quran 28:7-13
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<b>Lessons learnt:</b>
1. She faced a serious threat and was helpless.
2. She sought remedy from Allah holding on strongly on her faith.
3. She received inspiration from Allah that was even harder to implement.
4. But she accepted Allah's Will and instructions.
5. Because she accepted, resorted to Sabr (patience) and faith Allah miraculously compensated.
Women in distress - Muslimah - 09-15-2008
Bismillah
Praise be Allah the All Hearing, Wise, Merciful Creator of all Creations, and prayer and peace be upon His final Messenger Mohamed Ibn Abdullah and all prophets and messengers.
Because of similarity also of the type of test, we are Insh a Allah introducing Hajar may Allah be Pleased with her. Mother of Muslims and mother of Prophet Ismail blessing and peace be upon him. Both her and Umm Mussa endured a child related trial.
<b>Who is Hajar may Allah be pleased with her?</b>
Hajar was an Egyptian prettey women who grew up in a poor Egyptian family. Because of her well noted beauty, good manner and intelligence, the royal family liked and recruited her to be among the female slaves and servants working in the royal palace. She and her family were pleased with this social status improvement.
However, during her sincere and devoted service, she observed how the king was a tyrant who is infatuated with women. She hated the king for that and wished that she can have a way out of his service. He spares no opportunity to assault and transgress against women no matter who they are. At that time, Ibraheem blessing and peace be upon him arrived to Egypt. He was married with Sara who was known to be very pretty. Ibraheem had already learnt about this tyrant king and his deep love for women, that he does not care about their marital status. Thus, as soon as they landed Egypt, the tyrant king's court officers informed him about the newly arrived very pretty woman. He sent his soldiers to bring her in so that he can have sex with her. Concurrently, Hajar learnt from women around the palace about the pretty righteous woman who landed Egypt with a stranger. Actually, she also heard how the unjust king had learnt about this pretty woman and that king sent his soldiers to get her. When Sara arrived to the palace, Hajar realized signs of piety on her face, she felt sorry for her and wished that Allah would rescue her from the hands of this unjust and protect her against illegal relation with him. However, residents of the palace heard the king screaming as Sara came into his room. What happened is that he tried to approach her three times and in those three times, his hand was paralyzed , he couldn’t even touch her. He screamed calling his soldiers telling them how they got him a devil not a woman. He commanded her out of his land. But he also ordered them to give her one of the palace's slave girls to be her servant in return for Sara invoking upon Allah to release the king's hand which Allah Fulfilled. Hajar wished that she would be the one given to Sara. Her wish became true and she was given to Sara. Hajar was very happy for this. When three of them: Ibraheem blessing and peace be upon him, Sara and Hajar went back to Palestine, Hajar demonstrated utmost devotion in serving Sara. She observed how different Ibraheem and Sara are in all aspects. She also learnt that Ibraheem was Allah's Messenger and for that her happiness was immense. Ibraheem blessing and peace be upon him called her for Islam and she accepted.
Sara was infertile, and knowing how much her husband was longing for a child, she communicated to her dear slave girl and friend her decision. She decided to grant her to Ibraheem for marriage. They got married and Allah Willed for Hajar to become pregnant. But as a human being, after giving birth to Ishaq, Sara grew jealous and requested that Ibraheem blessing and peace be upon him takes Hajar away.
<b>The first major test:
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We said first, because Hajar in particular encountered two major trials that no mother would endure unless she is special in the way she perceives issues. In response to his first wife's wish, Ibraheem was thinking how to handle this situation. Allah Revealed an order to take both the wife and son to the desert of Mecca.
<b>" O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka'bah at Makkah); in order, O our Lord, that they may perform the prayers, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks. (Quran 14:37)
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We are not going to elaborate on the wisdom behind Allah's Command since we need to focus on the condition of this young mother being taken to a desert. Not only this, but left alone together with her infant with no other companions. All what Ibraheem did was immediately submit to Allah's command, order his wife to prepare for a long trip. She landed with him in the desert. To her surprise, he left her with her still suckling infant with nothing but some dates and pour of water. He turned around and started walking back. She looked around to find no sign of life. Scared and shocked, she asked where are you going, he didn’t reply. She repeated her question three times with the same reaction from Ibraheem. At this point, she felt that her prophet husband is fulfilling a devine command. So she asked him, did your Lord command you with this, still without turning his back towards her, he replied yes.
<b>How did she handle the test?</b>
What did the pious young wife do, what did she say? Did she scream and kicked the ground? Did she accuse her husband of insanity?? No. Rather she said with deep certainity, thus, Allah Shall never abandon us. She went back to her infant. Ibraheem blessing and peace be upon him continued his trip and at this point he raised his hands to the sky and make the supplication as above mentioned in the noble Ayah. That is all he did.
After two days Hajar ran out of the supply of dates and water Ibraheem left before going back. Her infant started crying badly out of hunger and thirst. The lonely mother was helplessly looking at the infant not knowing what to do. Did she despair of Allah's mercy? Did she complain about her husband's behaviour? No. what did she do. She looked around for a sign of humans, but could see nothing. So she placed her infant on the sand and mounted on the close by mountain trying to look for any sign. But nothing, so she ran to the other side and did the same with the same result. She shuttled between the two mountains 7 times. Till she was totally helpless and distressed. She went back to the infant looking at him almost dying of dire hunger and thirst. At this point, Allah's Mercy clearly manifested. Allah Sent Archangel Gabriel who stroke the ground with his wing. A water spring was opened just next to the infant to the relief of Hajar who ran towards it with a heart fully feeling grateful to Allah, praising Allah with heart and tongue. She started taking out of the water and trying to control its flowing telling it Zimmi Zimmi meaning tight together tight together.
Insh a Allah we are going to tackle the second test on another post.
<b>Lessons learnt:</b>
1. She grew up to be a pious, honest, and watchful woman.
2. Allah Blessed her with Islam, marriage to a Messenger and prophet.
3. She maintained a level of faith that allowed her not to depend on her mental abilities to overcome her test but rather only her faith and trust in Allah.
4. She endured a hard test manifested in her infant life jeopardy.
5. She accepted Allah's Will and Command communicated by her husband.
6. She submitted herself to Allah and had definite feeling that Allah Shall protect her and her child.
7. Allah not only manifested His mercy, but also established her behaviour as a ritual that we apply and will continue to apply as part of Haj and Ummrah till the day after in order for Muslims to be always mindful of how Allah rewards those who practice patience and accept Allah's Will without an argument.