Monday, 16 November 2015
Umm Moosa: The Woman who Relied upon Allah The Almighty
Driven out by the screams of a mother whose son was slain, Ayaarkha (Jochebed), the wife of ‘Imraan (Amram), may Allah exalt his mention, opened the door, after the footsteps of Pharaoh’s soldiers died away and their savage bursts of laughter could no longer be heard. She went to her neighbor, who seemed to be more dead than alive, to alleviate her pain and console her in her grief.
The Children of Israa'eel experienced many terrors in Egypt. The Pharaoh subjected them to slavery and excruciating torment as a result of a dream that he saw, which he interpreted with the help of some soothsayers that he summoned. They said, “A child will be born from among the Children of Israa'eel, and he will deprive you of your power and assume authority in your place, consequently changing your religion, and the time marking his birth is near.”
Pharaoh’s utmost concern was to keep his sovereignty at all costs and in order to achieve that, he mercilessly killed all the male children and sent his soldiers everywhere to kill every male child that was born among the Children of Israa'eel.
Under the black clouds of murder, the mighty winds of terror and the cries of mourning mothers whose children were killed unjustly, the wife of ‘Imraan, may Allah exalt his mention, was terrified of being discovered, since she was due to give birth. Her child was to be born in the year when the newborns were killed by Pharaoh. She was engrossed in deep thought, and there was a struggle between her certainty of faith and her natural anxiety as a mother for her child, and the whispers of Satan who wanted to shake her certainty of faith. Therefore, she always asked for help from Allah The Almighty and sought refuge in Him from those evil whispers.
As Pharaoh’s soldiers killed hundreds of newborn infants from the children of Israa'eel mercilessly, it was suggested to Pharaoh that if the killing continued unabated, then the Bani Israa'eel would soon lose their workforce. Since the women of Bani Israa'eel were incapable of undertaking the strenuous labor in their service,,the Egyptians would end up undertaking it. Hence, Pharaoh ordered his soldiers to spare the male children one year and kill them the following year. Pharaoh’s men checked the women and if they saw any of them was pregnant, they would record her name. When the time was due for her to give birth, she would be helped only by midwives belonging to Pharaoh. If the woman gave birth to a female, they would spare the baby’s life; and if she gave birth to a male, those butchers would kill him and leave.
As a sign of Divine Wisdom, the signs of pregnancy did not show on the wife of ‘Imraan, may Allah exalt his mention, as they did on other women, and thus, the midwives did not discover her. No sooner had she given birth to Moosa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention, than she was extremely fearful that the soldiers of Pharaoh would kill her son. Her worries intensified and she cried until the divine revelation came to her, commanding her to put her child in a box and lay the box in the River Nile. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We inspired to the mother of Moosa (Moses), “Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers.”}[Quran 28:7]
Her house was located on the bank of the River Nile. Hence, she made a box, and then nursed her infant, so that if any of the people she feared entered upon her, she would put the child in the box, tie the box with a rope, and then release it in the river.
One day Pharaoh’s soldiers approached, and because she feared for the life of her child, she quickly put him in the box and released the box in the Nile, but she forgot to tie the box. Therefore, it was carried by the stream until it passed by Pharaoh’s palace. In front of the palace, the box stopped, and the maidservants immediately picked it and brought it to Pharaoh’s wife. When she unveiled Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, she loved him, since she was childless. The news of the infant spread in the palace where people talked about the baby until Pharaoh was informed about him. Hence, he along with his soldiers hastened to kill the baby, but his wife beseeched him to spare his life and said (what means):{And the wife of Pharaoh said, “[He will be] a comfort of the eye for me and for you. Do not kill him; he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceived not.} [Quran 28:9]
The heart of Moosa’s mother was about to stop in anxiety, for she saw her son floating inside a box in the middle of the river, but Allah The Almighty granted her patience and firmness. She asked her daughter to follow her brother to see what would happen to him without letting anyone notice her. The heart of Moosa’s mother was broken over the fate of her infant who was taken away by the water. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):{And the heart of Moosa’s (Moses) mother became empty [of all else]. She was about to disclose [the matter concerning] him had We not bound fast her heart that she would be of the believers. And she said to his sister, “Follow him”; so she watched him from a distance while they perceived not.} [Quran 28:10-11]
The Pharaoh’s wife was very happy with Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, but he cried all the time. Although he was hungry, he would not suckle from any woman. Therefore, they took him to the market looking for a suitable woman to suckle him. When his sister saw him, she recognized that he was her brother, but she did not make it obvious, and thus, they did not sense the truth. She told them that she knew a woman who could nurse him and took him to his mother. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We had prevented from him [all] wet nurses before, so she said, “Shall I direct you to a household that will be responsible for him for you while they are to him [for his upbringing] sincere?” So We restored him to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of the people do not know.} [Quran 28:12-13]
These were some glimpses of the divine fate for people to have full capable of doing anything: {And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know.} [Quran 12:21]
When Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, was brought to his mother, he immediately suckled from her, and this filled the maidservants with great joy. Someone brought the good news to the Pharaoh’s wife, who consequently summoned the mother of Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, treated her well, and gave her a lot of money, not knowing that she was the baby’s mother. Then, she asked her to stay with her to suckle the baby, but she refused, saying that she had a husband and children to look after, and that she could not stay with her. Hence, she took Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, to her house and Pharaoh’s wife provided all the expenses. Thus, the mother returned with her son fully satisfied and reassured. Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, and his mother lived under the protection of Pharaoh and his soldiers, and their conditions were thus, changed by virtue of the mother’s patience and faith.
Distress was followed with relief overnight. Exalted is Allah Who manages everything, and gives relief to everyone who fears Him and a way out of every trouble.
Umm Shurayk (May ALLAH Pleased with her)
Have you heard about the pearl whose name is Umm Shurayk, may Allaah be pleased with her? She was one of the early converts to Islam along with her husband. Come and attentively hear what she says. She relates her story by herself and says,
When I embraced Islam, I heard a Hadeeth (narration) from the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who does not talk from his own inclinations, in which he said: "A person who calls to something good or guidance will receive a reward equal to (the reward of) those who act accordingly, while nothing of their reward is diminished."
Therefore, she wanted to call many people to Islam so that her act would be added to the record of her righteous deeds. She wanted her scale to be heavy before the Lord of mankind. Therefore, she went into houses secretly and said to people, 'Bear witness that there is no God but Allah The Almighty and you will be successful.' She went to the house of so-and-so and said, 'Bear witness that there is no God but Allah The Almighty and you will be successful.'
After a few days she became well-known and people knew that she had changed her religion. She adds, 'My husband's family entered upon me with their eyes full of evil, angry and snarling. They said to me, "Have you embraced the religion of Muhammad?"'
Imagine a weak and submissive woman attacked by people who were threatening her in this terrible way. You may feel sympathy for her, but by Allaah The Almighty, we in fact need sympathy, not her. They said to her, "Have you embraced the religion of Muhammad?" She replied, "Yes. By Allah, I am a Muslim." She said so with all glory and steadfastness. They replied, "That is not a problem at all. We swear to make you forget this life's pleasure." They left and shortly thereafter they returned.
She added, "They tied me and carried me on a camel, which was the worst and harshest of their mounts. They led me to the desert. When the sun was very hot, they pitched their tents and shelters and left me on the camels' back, tied and suffering." She was expecting death at any time; however, she was patient to satisfy the Lord of The Worlds.
She added, "When the first day passed, I was certain that I would not remain alive until the following day. However, Allah The Almighty kept me alive. On the second day, they did the same. They prevented me from drinking any water. They presented me bread and honey but prevented me from having water. They continued in this way until my saliva had dried up and I saw death with my very eyes."
She turned around with her eyes and wished with her heart hoping a merciful hand would give her a sip of water to moisten her veins and quench her thirst. Feel free to say anything about her feelings and form any opinion about her, as you like. However, be certain that she was of a different status.
She said, "When the days passed, I started to lose my hearing, mind and sight. On the third day, I was absolutely certain that I would die and meet the Lord of The Worlds and that I would not live until the next day. While I was in this miserable state, my husband's family came to me and I did not understand what they said. Nevertheless, I heard them saying, 'Abandon Muhammad's religion and Islam and we will relieve your pain and suffering.'
She said, "I wanted to make my lips move but they could not move. I wanted to utter something with my tongue but it did not move. I wanted to raise my hand. I wanted to open my eyes. But none responded to me. When I wanted to lift my hand, it was as if mountains were upon it. Finally, it moved by strength and power from Allah The Almighty. I lifted it until I pointed to the sky signaling that there is no God but Allah and telling them to do whatever they wanted."
While she was in this state and was badly affected by thirst under the heat of the sun whose rays were enough to melt rocks, she was tied on a camel's back whose hump nearly broke her back. However, she knew that being merely dipped in Paradise would make her forget the suffering of many years.
She explained,
While I was in this state, I felt the coldness of a bucket of water on my chest. Shortly thereafter I had a drink of it and then it was taken away. No sooner were my veins wetted, than I started to revive again and some of my hearing and sight returned to me. I looked to see a cloud above my head. There was a bucket hanging between the heavens and the earth. It descended again, I had a drink from it and then it was taken away. Then, I had a drink, and it was taken away. Then cold water was poured on me as if it was Paradise. This wetted my head and clothes.
My husband's family then came and saw drops of water dribbling from the camel and wetting the ground, they said, "Woe unto you! O enemy of Allah! From where did you get this water?" Then my tongue moved and my lips uttered and said, "I am not the enemy of Allah The Almighty. The enemy of Allah The Almighty is he whom Allah The Almighty created, bestowed favor on and then he disobeys Him. The enemy of Allah The Almighty is he who associates others in worship beside Him."
They moved to their water skins to see who opened them and gave her water. There, however, they discovered the certain news. They found their skins firmly closed and had been neither opened nor touched. They returned counting their steps and mumbling. When they reached her, they said only one statement, "By Allah! Indeed The One who provided you with water in the very place where we deprived you of it is The True God, we bear witness that there is no God but Allah." Then their voices became higher and they repeated shouts of Allahu Akbar (Allah is The Greatest). Then, hands were lifted pointing out that there is no Creator but the One who lifted the heavens. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect.}[Quran 65: 2-3]
Glory be to Allah The Almighty! He only put her to trial to remove her suffering; He did not take from her, except to give to her. He tried her for three days and nights so that thousands of people would be added to the record of her righteous deeds. Do you know who were those who embraced Islam after that incident? They are from the Muhaajiroon (Emigrants) with whom Allah The Almighty was satisfied. Some of them were ostracized for the sake of Allah The Almighty, others fought for the sake of Allah The Almighty, others prostrated weeping out of fear of Allah The Almighty, others abundantly gave charity for the sake of Allah The Almighty, and others generously sacrificed for the sake of Allah The Almighty. By Allah, the reward of all their steps, movements and offspring will be added to the record of righteous deeds of Umm Shurayk, may Allaah be pleased with her. Allah The Exalted Says (what means):{Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good."} [Quran 12: 90]
How many women have been guided through you? How many times did you offer advice for the sake of this religion? How many times did you stand for the Lord of The Worlds? Many times we guide people to shops when there are sales, the most beautiful dresses and parks. But, how many times do we stand for this religion? Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good].} [Quran 41: 35]
Reflect on the situation of Umm Shurayk, may Allaah be pleased with her. Glory is to Allah The Almighty! How strong her personality was! What type of personalities were these? What type of women were they! By Allah, this is indeed the true life.
Maryam, the Mother of Jesus
As Muslims, we respect, honor and hold in high esteem Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, the daughter of Imraan who was a chaste virgin and is the best of the women of the world.
The Muslims respect and love her for many reasons, among which are the following:
• Allaah Almighty praised her and described her as being pure and chaste; Allaah Almighty Says (what means): {And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ‘Imraan, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel [i.e. Gabriel], and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.} [Quran 66:12]
Indeed, Allaah Almighty mentioned her and elaborated on the details of her story in many verses in the Quran.
• Allaah has chosen her as the best of the women of this world; Allaah Says (what means): {(And [mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allaah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.} [Quran 3:42]
• Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, was brought up in a pious and religious family like her mother, may Allaah be pleased with her, who vowed to Allaah to dedicate what was in her womb to His Services and to serve His Religion; Allaah Says (what means): {[Mention, O Muhammad], when the wife of Imraan said, “My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” But when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord I have delivered a female.” And Allaah was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allaah].”} [Quran 3: 35-36]
Indeed, Allaah accepted the supplication of the mother of Maryam as He appointed a Prophet to her care and service, who was the Prophet Zechariah, may Allaah exalt his mention, so that she would be brought up upon the Guidance of Allaah. Allaah Says (what means): {So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, “O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?” She said, “It is from Allaah. Indeed, Allaah provides for whom He wills without account.”} [Quran 3:37]
• Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, reached a status and an honorable level that no other women has reached; the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, mentioned this and clarified this in many Ahadeeth. For instance, we cite the following:
- “Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Maryam, the daughter of Imraan, and Asia, the wife of Pharaoh." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
- “The best of the women of her time was Maryam, daughter of Imraan, and the best of the women of her time was Khadeejah, Bint Khuwaylid.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
- “The best of the women of paradise after Maryam Bint ‘Imraan are: Faatimah [daughter of the Prophet], Khadeejah [Prophet’s wife] and Asia the wife of Pharaoh.”[As-Silsilah As-Saheehah]
- “The best of the women of the world are: “Maryam Bint ‘Imraan, Khadeejah Bint Khuwaylid, Faatimah Bint Muhammad, and Asia, the wife of Pharaoh.” [At-Tirmithi]
• All the Muslim nation agree that Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, was of great honor and high status and they consider her as an example regarding purity and chastity.
• A whole Chapter in the Quran was named after her name and she is the only woman who has won this honor (as no other Chapter is named after any other woman), and Allaah elaborated in details the story of her conceiving ‘Eesa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and her giving birth to him.
• Also, she is the only woman who was clearly mentioned by name in the Quran whereas other women of honor and great status were only mentioned by reference.
Indeed, her name was mentioned explicitly in the Quran 34 times in 32 verses, and it was mentioned 11 times without being linked to her son ‘Eesa (Jesus), may Allaah exalt his mention.
• Also, Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, was the one who was given as an example – along with Asia Bint Muzaahim [the wife of Pharaoh] –for the Muslim women, and for men as well. Allaah Says (what means): {And Allaah presents an example of those who believed: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, “My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the wrongdoing people.” And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ‘Imraan, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel [i.e. Gabriel], and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.} [Quran 66:11-12]
• Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention was known for her chastity and virginity even after giving birth to ‘Eesa (Jesus), the Messenger of Allaah, may Allaah exalt their mention. She sought refuge with Allaah when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to her in the form of a man in all respects, as she said: Allaah Says [on her tongue] (what means): {She said: “Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Merciful (i.e. Allaah) from you if you do fear Allaah”} [Quran 19:18]
• Allaah honored her by declaring her not guilty and by protecting her honor and dignity with a great miracle as He made her son –‘Eesa (Jesus) –speak while he was still in the cradle in order to declare her innocence and refute the accusation of the people of falsehood and corruption. Indeed, Allaah mentioned in details the story how she conceived her son and how she gave birth to him. Allaah Says (what means): {Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, ‘O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.” So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?” [Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allaah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and Zakaah as long as I remain alive. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.” That is Jesus, the son of Mary— the word of truth about which they are in dispute. It is not [befitting] for Allaah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.} [Quran 19:27-35]
• Allaah selected her to be a pious believing mother for one of the Prophets of great determination, who were the five great Prophets in the history of mankind, may Allaah exalt their mention.
• She conceived ‘Eesa (Jesus), may Allaah exalt his mention, in an unordinary human way, and in a miraculous manner as the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) breathed into her womb and she became pregnant, and then she gave birth to him.
• She was honored as Allaah attributed her great son to her; Jesus, son of Mary, as he was mentioned being attributed to her in the Quran 23 times out of 34 times.
• Allaah honored her with a number of miracles before her pregnancy and after she gave birth, such as the food which Allaah blessed her with when there was nobody to give her food or when she was lacking it. Allaah Says (what means): {…and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, “O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?” She said, “It is from Allaah. Indeed, Allaah provides for whom He wills without account.”} [Quran 3:37]
Allaah also blessed her with the stream and the palm tree, which Allaah created for her so that she would eat and drink from them in the lonely place where she was so that she will give birth far from the eyes of the people. Allaah Says (what means): {…But he called her from below her, “Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented…”} [Quran 19:24-26]
• She was strong in her religion. She endured much hardship and was steadfast to the last second of hardship, especially when she became pregnant, when she gave birth, and when she breastfed her son.
• Her name was widely spread among the Christians and the Muslims. Indeed, many Muslims like naming their daughters Maryam, and her name is absolutely the most wide-spread name for females around the world and in the Christian world. Her name is especially spread among the woman in Spanish speaking countries, such as the name of Mary Augustine, and Mary Asunción, Mary Antoinette, Miriam, Mary Carmen, and Mary Magdalene, Virginia, …etc.
Conclusion:
Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, is a role model for all Muslim women because she maintained her impeccable character throughout her life. Allaah raised her status and chose her from among the women of the entire world. Indeed, many verses and many Ahadeeth clarified her great status.
Allaah blessed her with some miracles, protected her and defended her against any accusations and blasphemy. On the other hand, Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, demonstrated her genuine devotion and loyalty to Allaah through her impeccable virtue and behavior. She also expressed her profound and genuine devotion to Him Almighty through her determination, devotion, and unconditional surrender to His Will. She placed all of her hope and trust only in Allaah.
As a result, Allaah supported her with His Grace and Help and turned all hardship into goodness and beauty.
She became pregnant and delivered her child all alone. She showed patience and complete faith in Allaah and endured the accusations of her people. Consequently, Allaah eased her burden, supported her and refuted any accusations against her.
Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention, had a superior and honorable position.
As Muslims, we should honor her, defend her dignity and chastity, and clarify to the people of the whole world the truth about her that she is the best example for all women around the world to follow. She was indeed the best woman ever in the whole world, may Allaah exalt her mention.
Bibi Aasiyah (The wife of Pharoah)
O sister, let us sail together on the seas of the Muslim women who enjoy a very great position in the sight of Allaah The Almighty, The Creator of the heavens and the earth. Let us sail on these seas and pick up a pearl from each age. As you know, pearls are few, but precious.
Let us come to the first pearl, who was honored by her Lord and Creator. Before we enter the palace of this jewel and pearl, let us hear what the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, says about the palace's owner. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Moosa Al-Ash‘ari, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Many men attained perfection (sound and wise minds), but only three women attained it: Aasiyah, Fir‘awn's (Pharaoh) wife….." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Why did she attain perfection? Because she owned the best dresses? Because she knew the names of singers? Because she raised her voice before men? No, this in no way entails perfection. Many of those who have weak minds have been deceived by male and female secularists and callers who say about observant women who abstain from wearing what is unlawful or listening to what is unlawful: If they could, they would have done [worn unlawful clothing] that; or if they had money, they would have disobeyed Allaah The Almighty. This is due to their imperfect and weak minds.
Here is the example of Fir‘awn's (Pharaoh) wife, for she was one of the richest women on earth. Come and enter her palace and see how amazing it is. There is beauty everywhere; cushions are lined up, couches are raised high and walls are decorated. Suddenly we look inside this palace to see a woman who is tied up and taken to be whipped. Look at her carefully. She is neither a bondmaid nor a thief. Rather, she is the queen! The queen? Yes, by Allaah! She is the queen! She is the owner of the palace. When she moved into her palace in the past, servants were at her service. Whenever she signaled with her hand, other hands would vie to give her whatever she desired of favors and pleasures. Her palace is the most beautiful on earth and her jewels are the most precious. However, Subhaan-Allaah! (glory be to Allaah), what a strong personality she had! Only The One Who bestowed these favors on her enabled her to forget and abandon all these blessings. Hence, she asked, and she was entitled to ask due to her perfect mind. She said, 'Until when will this pleasure last?'
She immediately received explicit answers, 'It could last for one hundred years or it could last for only a few moments!' Let the mind that received such clear answers rejoice. Thereupon, she thought and looked for an immortal palace, which will never move when she dies or when the earth is leveled, pounded and crushed. She looked for imperishable adornments and jewels, which are subject to neither change nor corrosion, bliss which lasts as the heavens and the earth last -- endless and imperishable. No sooner had she realized her goal, than she headed towards it like the one who is confident and never stops even if his heart bleeds. They threatened her with the deprivation of her palace and kingdom, but she remembered that her palace in heaven is eternal and that a space like that of a whip therein is better than this world with everything in it.
A woman who has been offered gold can never be deceived by toys! Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer.} [Quran 17: 19]
All of us desire the Hereafter but only a few exert effort. Let those who exert effort rejoice. When she made that decision and was determined to sacrifice for the sake of Allaah The Almighty, The Ever-Great, The Compeller, flowers were not spread out on the road for her. Rather, she was forced to give up all her jewels and adornments. Nonetheless, she found neither sadness nor fear in her heart. They tied her, dragged her on the floor, fettered her, dragged her on stones and flogged her. Nevertheless, they could never break her! She was not like us. When she was put to trial in her religion or informed that she would lose so-and-so, she sacrificed every worldly pleasure for the sake of Allaah The Almighty. She realized that the matter deserves more than her soul and, therefore, she made the sacrifice.
She was firm even though what she had been subjected to would shake mountains. May Allaah The Almighty reward her for her steadfastness and perseverance. When they beat her, tied her and tortured her until her skin was removed from the beating, Fir‘awn ordered them to ask her if she chose him, for her would be love and dignity, or her fate would be death! They asked, 'How do we kill her?'
He ordered, 'Take a rock, bigger than her in size, and then ask her. If she declines to give up her stance, then crush her with the rock.' They asked her, 'Do you want to give up your stance?'
This woman had ambitions and loved her palace. She did not abandon it because it had no value or worth in her eyes. Rather, she left it because she wanted what is greater. With all firmness and steadfastness, she said, 'I choose the Lord of the heavens and the earth.' She believed in the Lord of Moosa (Moses) and Haaroon (Aaron), may Allaah exalt their mention.
She looked for the reward of Allaah The Almighty. Just a few moments and these ropes would be cut and the rock would crush her. Before the rock touched her skin and body, Allaah The Almighty told us about her final words before death! Allaah The Exalted Says (what means) through her words: {"My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise.} [Quran 66: 12]
When her lips moved with these words, The Lord of the heavens and the earth immortalized her words. Allaah The Almighty mentioned her words immortalized in the Quran to be recited at all times and places. She said, "My Lord, Build for me near You..." She chose her neighbor first, and then she said, "A house in Paradise."Commenting on the verse, Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "Allaah revealed to her the unseen and commanded that screens should be removed for her. Thereupon, she saw a palace whose bricks were one of gold and another of silver. Rivers run out from beneath it and it was surrounded by angels. So, she smiled and then her soul was taken before the rock smashed her skull and bones and made her body the same level of the ground.
The story did not end with the conclusion of this situation; rather, Allaah The Almighty wanted to address all women and men in the Quran and therefore He Says (what means): {And Allaah presents an example of those who believed: the wife of Fir‘awn...} [Quran 66: 11]
She is an example for the believing women. She is an example for the believers in general, whether they are males or females. O women and men, if you want to enter Paradise then here you have the example. Who is the example? Is he a strong and obstinate man? No. She is a woman. O men and women, if you want to enter Paradise, here is the example before you. She is a woman!
O Jews, Christians and secularists, here is the woman's position in the sight of Allaah The Almighty when she is firm on her religion. Allaah The Almighty makes her a role model for all people throughout the ages.
O sister! When you admire your palace under which sewage water moves and where you have twenty or thirty servants, you should remember that for that woman there are thousands and millions of servants. Let her rejoice for her choice. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {[And it will be said], "Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated."} [Quran 76: 22]
Safiyyah bint Huyayy
Allaah The Almighty granted Muslims a great victory over the Jews in the Battle of Khaybar, and Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, was one of the captives in this battle.
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to her: "Your father remained the staunchest Jewish enemy to me until Allaah The Almighty killed him. O Safiyyah, if you choose Islam, I will keep you as my wife; if you choose Judaism, I may release you and let you join your people."
She replied, "O Messenger of Allaah, Allaah The Almighty Says [(what means)]: {And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.} [Quran 39:7] I appreciate Islam and I have believed in you even before I ended up in your custody. Moreover, I am in no need of Judaism, nor do I have a father or a brother under it. Since you have given me the option to choose between Islam and disbelief, I do prefer Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger to being freed and returned to my people." [Ibn Sa‘d]
When Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, wanted to ride a camel, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, bent his knees for her to climb on, but she refused to put her feet on his thigh out of reverence. Instead, she put her knee on his thigh and mounted the camel. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, rode beside her and put a veil over her. They traveled with the Muslim army until they were six miles from Khaybar, the home of the enemy where the battle had taken place, where they stopped to rest.
While they were resting, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, wanted to consummate the marriage with her, but Safiyyah refused, which upset him. Reaching As-Sahbaa', which is sixteen miles away from Khaybar, Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, obeyed him. He asked: "Why did you refuse during the first rest?"She replied, "O Messenger of Allaah, I was afraid for you because the Jews were too near.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, appreciated and respected her for that. [Ibn Sa‘d]
Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, came one day after she had heard ‘Aa'ishah and Hafsah, may Allaah be pleased with them, saying that they were more honored in the sight of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, than her, for they were his wives as well as from his tribe.
She narrates, "When I told him about that, he said: ‘You should tell them, 'How could you be better than me when my husband is Muhammad, my father is Haaroon (Aaron) and my uncle is Moosa (Moses)?'" [At-Tirmithi]
She also said,
I went to visit the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, while he was in the state of I‘tikaaf (seclusion in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan). After having spoken to him for an hour, I stood up to return. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also stood up with me. When we reached the gate of the mosque near the door of Umm Salamah, two men from the Ansaar (Helpers) passed by at a quickened pace and greeted the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to them: "Do not hurry. She is Safiyyah, daughter of Huyayy [my wife].''
They said, "Subhaan Allaah! (Glory be to Allaah)'' They showed astonishment at the Prophet’s telling them who I was. Therefore, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "The devil [circulates] like blood does in the son of Aadam. I apprehended that the devil might drop some evil thoughts into your minds.'' [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
When the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was suffering from the fatal sickness due to which he died, Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, "O Messenger of Allaah, by Allaah, I wish I were the one suffering instead of you." The other wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, looked at each other (as if they mocked what she said). The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, saw them and said: "Wash your mouths.” They said, “From what?” He said: "From ridiculing her with your looks to each other. By Allaah, she is truthful.” [Ibn Sa‘d]
Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, was always openhanded and generous. One day, she gave Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, and some of the Mothers of the Believers rings of gold and she gave the price of her house in charity before she died.
It was reported that once her slave-girl went to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allaah be pleased with him, and said, "Safiyyah loves the Sabbath and has good relations with the Jews." When ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, sent for her and asked her about that, she replied, "As for the Sabbath, I do not love it because Allaah The Almighty has given me a better day [i.e. Friday]. As for the Jews, I have kindred among them so I maintain kinship ties with them." After that, she asked the slave girl why she had behaved that way, and when the girl told her that the devil had tempted her into carrying tales, Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, set her free. [Ibn Abdul-Barr]
Such was the Mother of the Believers, Safiyyah bint Huyayy ibn Akhtab, a descendant of Prophet Haaroon, may Allaah exalt his mention. Her mother was called Barrah bint Samaw’al from Banu Quraythah. Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, married the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, at the age of 17, and, despite her young age, she had been married twice before that. She was first married to Salaam ibn Mishkam Al-Qurathi, the warrior of her tribe and one of its great poets. She then married Kinaanah ibn Ar-Rabee‘, the defender of the fort of Al-Qamoos, which was the strongest fort in Khaybar.
Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, related that when she married the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he saw a bruise near her eye. So, he asked: "What is this, Safiyyah?" She said, "I saw in my dreams that a moon fell into my lap. When I told my husband about that dream, he slapped me very hard, saying, ‘You desire to be under the king who comes from Madeenah (referring to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” [Ibn Sa‘d]
Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, supported the truth when the Commander of the Believers ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan, may Allaah be pleased with him, was put under siege in his home. She made a bridge between her house and that of ‘Uthmaan, may Allaah be pleased with him, with pieces of wood through which she transferred water and food to him.
Safiyyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, died in the month of Ramadan, 50 A.H. during the caliphate of Mu‘aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyaan. She was buried in the cemetery of Al-Baqee‘ at the side of the other Mothers of the Believers, may Allaah be pleased with them.
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Prophet Daniyal (Peace be upon him)
More than one hundred and twenty thousand prophets were sent to the world. Only twenty-five of them are mentioned in the Quran by their names.
Danyal b. Hizqil'ul 'asghar(1) was a descendant of prophets (2) and from the lineage of Sulayrnan b. Dawud. (3)
Hz. Danyal being a nabi, not a rasul:
Hz. Ali (ra) stated the following about the Prophet Danyal: "He is a nabi, not a rasul." (4)
Danyal is enslaved and taken to Babylon:
Danyal was among the children that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar distributed (5) to his commanders when he demolished Bayt al-Maqdis and enslaved Children of Israel. (6)
Danyal and his three friends are sent to prison:
The people of Babylon went to Nebuchadnezzar and said, "We asked you to give us the enslaved children from Children of Israel and you gave them to us.
We see that our wives have not been close to us and have been interested in them and tend toward them. Take those children from us or kill them." Nebuchadnezzar said,
"If you want to kill the children that were given to you, you can kill them."
Hz. Danyal, Hananya, Azarya and Mishayel (7) were taken out to be killed but they begged Allah to be saves and Nebuchadnezzar did not kill them; they were sent to the prison of Babylon. (8)
Meanwhile, Nebuchadnezzar saw a dream (9) but he forgot about the thing that astonished him in his dream. (10) Nebuchadnezzar was afraid of the dream he saw. He asked his magicians and astrologers to give him the interpretation of his dream but they could not interpret it.
Danyal heard about it when he was in prison with his friends.
The warden of the prison liked the way Danyal acted and spoke and he liked Danyal.
Danyal said to the warden,
"Do me a favor. Tell your king that I can interpret his dream."
The warden went to Nebuchadnezzar and told him about Danyal's request. (11) Thereupon, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Danyal who came from the lineage of prophets (12) and his three friends. (13)
Everybody had to prostrate before Nebuchadnezzar. However, Danyal stood and waited without prostrating.
Nebuchadnezzar asked him,
"What prevents you from prostrating before me?"
Danyal said,
"I have a Lord. He gave me knowledge and wisdom. He ordered me not to prostrate before anyone except Him. If I prostrate before anyone except him, I fear that He will withdraw the knowledge He gave to me and will destroy me."
Nebuchadnezzar was surprised by the answer Danyal gave. He said,
"Yes. Do not prostrate! Thus, you will keep your promise and protect the honor of the knowledge given to you." Then, he said, "Can you interpret the dream I had?"
Hz. Danyal said,"Yes, I can." (14) Nebuchadnezzar said:
"Inform me about the dream I had and then the part of the dream that astonished me and that I forgot due to something that hit me."
Hz. Danyal and his friends said,
"Tell us about your dream and we will interpret it for you."
Nebuchadnezzar said:
"I cannot interpret it.(15) If you do not interpret it, I will remove your shoulder bones."
Hz. Danyal and his three friends left Nebuchadnezzar's palace. They prayed and begged Allah. (16) They asked Him to help them (17) and to teach them about what was asked from them. Allah taught them about what was asked from them. They went into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar again. They said to him,
"You saw a sculpture."
Nebuchadnezzar said,
"You are right!"
Hz. Danyal and his friends said,
"The two feet and legs of that sculpture were made of ceramic; its two knees and calves were made of copper; its abdomen was made of silver; its chest was made of gold and its head was made of iron."(18)
Nebuchadnezzar said,
"You are right!"
Hz. Danyal and his friends said,
"While you were watching it in astonishment, Allah sent a rock from the sky and broke it into pieces. That was what made you forget your dream.
Nebuchadnezzar said,
"You are right! What is the interpretation of this dream?"
Hz. Danyal and his friends said,
"The interpretation of your dream is as follows: You were shown the states of the power and authority of kings. The power and authority of some of them were softer than the others. The power and authority of some of them were better. The power and authority of some of them were harsher than the others. The first power and authority was made of ceramic, which is the weakest one.
The one over it was copper, which is superior to and harder than ceramic. Above the copper, was silver, which is superior to and more beautiful than copper. Above silver, was gold, which is more beautiful than and superior to silver.
The iron, which is at the top, is your power and authority, which is the hardest of the kings and more powerful than the previous ones. (20)
The rock that fell from the sky in your dream and broke the sculpture into pieces is the messenger Allah will send with the Book from the sky at the end of time (21); he will demolish all of them; he will have the power and authority; everything will be subject to him."(22)
Hz. Danyal receives great respect and honor fromNebuchadnezzar:
When Hz. Danyal told (24) Nebuchadnezzar about his dream (23) and interpreted (25) it, Nebuchadnezzar showed honor to him and his friends and entertained them. Nebuchadnezzar often invited Hz. Danyal to his palace (26) consulted (29) him (27) and his friends (28). Nebuchadnezzar appointed him to high ranks. (30)
Hz. Danyal became the most honorable and beloved man in the eye of Nebuchadnezzar. (31)
The State of Hz. Danyal after Nebuchadnezzar:
According to a narration, when Nebuchadnezzar and his superior, the great king Luhrasp died, Bashtasp b. Luhrasp replaced him.
When Bashtasp heard that the land of Damascus was in a ruinous state (32) that wild animals increased in the land of Palestine (33) and that no people remained there, he had the following announcement made:
"Those from Children of Israel who live in Babylon and who want return to Damascus can return."He appointed a person from Sons of Dawud dynasty as their king and ordered him to restore Bayt al-Maqdis (34) and build Bayt al-Maqdis mosque (35).
According to another narration,
Bahman, the Iranian king, wrote a letter to the governor of Babylon, Ahshu Yarash, and asked him to treat Children of Israel mildly, to send them where they wanted, to allow them to go to their homeland and to allow them to choose their leader. (36)
Hz. Danyal, Hananya, Azarya and Mishayel asked permission from Ahshu Yarash to go to Bayt al-Maqdis but he did not give them permission (37) and said,
"If there were one thousands prophets like you with me, I would not allow even one of them to leave me." (38) He appointed Hz. Danyal as the head judge and as his assistant.
He also ordered everything that Nebuchadnezzar took from Bayt al-Maqdis and kept in the Treasury to be returned to Bayt al-Maqdis and he ordered these things to be used in the rebuilding and restoration of Bayt al-Maqdis. (39)
Death of Hz. Danyal, his dead body and grave:
Hz Danyal lived in Babylon for a while. (40) After he left Babylon, he lived in Huzistan (41) in the city called Sus (42) (43) He died there. (44) Peace be upon him and all of the prophets!
His dead body (45) and grave (46) are in Sus. (47)
During the caliphate of Hz. Umar, Allah allowed Abu Musa al-Ash'ari to conquer the city of Sus. Abu Musa killed Sabur, the king of Sus. He besieged the city of Sus. He took the things in the city and the property of Sabur as booty.
While checking the storehouses and collecting what was in them, he found a locked storehouse in the square. The lock of the storehouse was sealed.
Abu Musa asked the people of Sus,
"What is in this storehouse? I see that its lock is sealed."
The people of Sus said,
"O Amir! There is nothing good for you in it."
Abu Musa said,
"I must know what is in it. Open the door of the storehouse so that I will see what is in it."
They broke the lock and opened the door. When Abu Musa entered the storehouse, he saw a stone carved like a pool and a dead body that was enshrouded by fabric woven with golden thread; the head of the dead body was open.
Abu Musa and the people with him were astonished by the tallness of the dead person. Then, they measured his nose. They saw that it was longer than one span.
Abu Musa addressed the people of Sus:
"Shame on you! Who is this man?"
The people of Sus said,
"This man is from Iraq. When it did not rain in Iraq, the people of Iraq used to ask his intercession and received rain thanks to him. When Iraq had enough rain and we lacked rain, we asked the people of Iraq to send him to us in order to pray for rain. When they did not accept him, we left fifty of our men as hostage with them and asked him to pray for rain. Then, we had rain.
We decided not to return him to Iraqis. He stayed with us until he died. This is his story."
Thereupon, Abu Musa stayed in Sus for a while. He wrote a letter to Hz. Umar and informed him about the city of Sus, what Allah enabled them to obtain and about the dead man in the storehouse.
When Hz. Umar received the letter, he summoned the notables of the Companions. He asked them whether they knew anything about the dead man Abu Musa mentioned. Nobody knew anything about him. However, Hz.Ali said:
"This man is Danyal, the wise. He is a nabi that is not a rasul. He lived near the king Nebuchadnezzar and some of the kings after him." He told Hz. Umar about his life story. Then he said,
"Write Abu Musa and order him to pray his janazah prayer. Then, tell him to bury Hz. Danyal in a place where the people of Sus cannot access."
Hz. Umar wrote Abu Musa about him. (48) He wrote, "Enshroud him with white Qabati fabric and spread nice smells on it. Then, perform his janazah prayer. Then, bury him in the way the prophets are buried. Determine his property. Put his property in the Treasury of Muslims." (49)
Thereupon, Abu Musa ordered the people of Sus to change the course of the river. Then, he ordered the dead body of Hz. Danyal to be enshrouded by some different fabric.
After that, he performed his janazah prayer with the Muslims who were with him. He had a grave dug in the riverbed after the course was changed. After burying Hz. Danyal, he ordered the course of the river to be changed to its previous position. (50)
Footnotes:
1- Abulfida al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya Vol. 2, p.38,40, Ibn Khaldun-Tarikh Vol. 2, part 1, p.107,117
2- Tabari-Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289, Vol. 2, p. 15.
3- Ibn Habib - Kitabul-Muhabbar p. 390.
4- Thalabi - Arais p. 341.
5- Tabari - Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289.
6- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 22 - 23, Dinawari al-Ahbar P. 23 Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289, Thalabi Arais p. 335, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 265, Muhyiddin b. Arabi Muhadaratul-Abrar Vol. 1, p. 136.
7- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 290.
8- Thalabi -Arais p. 338.
9- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289, Thalabi Arais p. 338, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266.
10- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289, Esir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266.
11- Thalabi Arais p. 338.
12- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289.
13- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289, Ibn Athir Vol. 1, p. 266.
14- Thalabi Arais p. 338.
15- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289.
16- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289-290, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266.
17- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 289.
18- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 290, Ibn Athir, Vol. 1, p. 266.
19- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 290.
20- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 290, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266.
21- Thalabi Arais p. 339.
22- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1, p. 290, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266.
23- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 22, Thalabi Arais p. 339.
24- Thalabi Arais p. 339.
25- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 22, Thalabi Arais p. 339.
26- Thalabi Arais p. 339.
27- Thalabi Arais p. 339, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266-267.
28- Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266-267.
29- Thalabi Arais p. 339, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 266.
30- Ibn Qutayba-Maarif p. 23.
31- Thalabi Arais p. 339.
32- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 281, Ibn Athir Kamil, Vol. 1, p. 269, Abulfida al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya Vol. 2, p. 42.
33- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 281, Abulfida al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya Vol. 2, p. 42.
34- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 281, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 269, Abulfida al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya Vol. 2, p. 42.
35- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 281.
36- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 283, Ibn Haldun Tarikh Vol. 2, kp. 1, p. 109.
37- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 284, Ibn Athir Kamil, Vol. 1, p. 268, Ibn Haldun Tarikh Vol. 2, kp. 1, p. 108.
38- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 284, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 268.
39- Tabari Tarikh Vol. 1 p. 284, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 269, Ibn Haldun Tarikh Vol. 2, kp. 1, p. 108,109.
40- Thalabi Arais p. 340.
41- Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 268
42- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 23. Thalabi Arais p. 340, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 268
43- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 23
44- Dinawari al-Ahbar p. 23, Thalabi Arais p.340, Ibn Athir Kamil Vol. 1, p. 268.
45- Dinawari al-Ahbar p. 48.
46- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 23, Bayhaqi Dalailun-Nubuwwa Vol. 1, p. 292, Muhyiddin b. Arabi Muhadaratul-Abrar Vol. 1, p. 136.
47- Ibn Qutayba Maarif p. 23, Dineveri El'ahbar p. 49, Bayhaqi Dalail Vol. 1, p. 292, Muhyiddin b. Arabi Muhadaratul-Abrar Vol. 1, p. 136.
48- Thalabi Arais p. 340-341.
49- A. Aliyyul-Muttaqi Kanzul-Ummal Vol. 12, p. 482.
50- Thalabi Arais p. 341.
(M. Asım Köksal, Peygamberler Tarihi, Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Yayınları: 2/274-276.)
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
