إجازة الشيخ أحمد بن محمد بن أحمد لبن بقراءة الإمام عاصم

موضوع: Women in Da'wah الجمعة 24 مارس 2017, 11:34 pm

Women in Da'wah
'Abdul Latif M. Al-Hassan
and
Sumayyah Bint Joan
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From the very beginning, women have played vital roles in the propagation of the fundamental truths of Islamic Da'wah. From the sacrifices of Sumayyah, to the collected Ahadith of Ayshah, women have been instrumental in the flourishing and spreading of this deen. Unfortunately during these times, the Islamic revival suffers from weaknesses in its properly qualified personnel, which limits its spreading and restricts the Da'wah work to an elitist group of activists, with finite and limited efforts of Da'wah and tarbiyah being focused on women.

Da'wah amongst women deserves, and should get, far more attention than it does. So far, except in a few instances, women have been distanced from the field of Da'wah work. If we look at the reality, and the situation of Islamic Da'wah work, and the position of women in it today, we can easily find the following problems: Deficiency in Da'wah capabilities among and by women.

The ill use of existing limited-resources in combination with a lack of personal initiative on the part of women.

A neglect or omission of women's issues in the planning of Islamic Da'wah.

Absence of strong tarbiyah and the lack of fundamental Islamic knowledge in the da'iyat (female callers) in the field of Da'wah. Only a few of the wives and daughters of dou'at (male callers) have any worthwhile Islamic knowledge.

Most women do not possess a proper understanding the role of Da'wah made incumbent on their husbands.

Because of this, they may not understand the importance of time given to projects outside the home, which in turn may, become a source of tension within the home.

The level of general Islamic knowledge among most women is low.

Women's Da'wah programs, as well as overall Da'wah programs and institutions are rare, and not well organized.

Roots Of The Problem
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Many obstacles and restraints have been the causes behind the weakness and neglect of Da'wah work amongst women. Once they have been recognized and analyzed, viable solutions can be sought and implemented.

One major reason, is that many men are not convinced about the importance of women's role and responsibilities in the field of Da'wah.

The Quranic verse
"...remain at your homes..." [Noble Quran 33:33]

has been misinterpreted by many, and so has the right of stewardship or Qawama. In many instances we see men objecting to women's participation in Da'wah and thus preventing them from fulfilling their role toward their fellow Muslims and to the larger society in general.

Spreading Islam has been made incumbent on all Muslims, men and women.

"It is vital that husbands encourage their wives to participate in Da'wah work," said Dr. Ayshah Hamdan, Director of the Islamic Education Foundation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in child and family issues. She teaches at a private university in the Twin Cities.

The IEF is a two-year-old organization, with one of its goals being, to increase the level of awareness and to provide training in giving Da'wah, amongst Muslim women and men. "They should encourage them to spread the message of this deen, perhaps by taking them along when they go out, and by instructing them on the proper ways of giving presentations about Islam."

A more particular reason is the absence or confusion of priorities in the minds of dou'at. Many of them have been overwhelmed and distracted by the state of the Ummah, even to the extent of ignoring to give proper attention to their homes and families. Their energies having been exhausted in the work outside the home, leaving them with nothing left for their families. This imbalance hurts not only the families, but also the community as a whole.

The level of women's education and awareness of their position and responsibility plays an important role.

As education and awareness decline, women become disinterested, their level of giving and sense of sacrifice weakens. Unfortunately, not a lot of Muslim women feel that they know enough about Islam to share it with others. They need to realize that it is their responsibility to obtain that knowledge and then share it with others. Many women also feel uncomfortable presenting to groups of people due to various reasons." Dr. Hamdan said. "This is why we are conducting training sessions here, about how to conduct Da'wah. We are committed to trying to arm women with the necessary skills, that will give them the confidence to take up this very important, and often neglected role in their lives as Muslims."

Indulgence in luxuries, even if they are Halal things, usually force women to devote more time to them and less time to doing Da'wah. This also happens when they find it difficult to balance rights with duties. Sometimes women lose perspective, forgetting that the work inside the home is the core of their mission. By neglecting this role, or when they fail to arrange their priorities, and get tied to a job that distracts them, they ultimately fail at fulfilling their Da'wah roles both inside and outside the home.

"For many women, their jobs as wife, mother, cook, and teacher, inside their homes, are so time consuming, that the main barrier to engaging in Da'wah work is oftentimes, a lack of time itself," said Dr. Hamdan. "This is why it is so important for husbands to be supportive to their wives in fulfilling their obligations both within and outside the home."

Another unfortunate reality is that most Da'wah organizations have failed to absorb and utilize the energies of women, and have also failed to adjust their plans and programs in a way that would incorporate women as core assets in their Da'wah work.

The media, and many other elements of the promiscuous society we live in, have had major impacts on the psyche of Muslim women. This psychic crippling has kept many women away from their mission and distorted the image of Islam in the minds of most of them.

A Desired Role for the Muslim Women
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A Crucial Role:
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According to recent data, there are more women accepting Islam in this country, than any other group. The same can be said of Canada, England and many other places. A recent survey Al Jumuah magazine have conducted in the Dominican Republic, showed that about 75% of those who accepted Islam among the natives were women. Because of this, there is a tremendous need for Muslim women to participate in the field of Da'wah.

"The role of calling to this deen, does not stop at the pronunciation of the Shahadah,"

Dr. Hamdan said. "Women are needed to help other women come to Islam, and are needed to instruct them after they become Muslims."

The reasons women's participation is important are various and diverse:
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Women are more capable than men are in communicating with other women. Women are usually more affected by word, deed, and conduct of other women, more so than by men.

Women are more capable of recognizing the particularities and problems associated with women's education and tarbiyah.

Women can better comprehend the direction in which women's Da'wah work should be geared. They can best discern the order of priorities, because they are more familiar with this sphere.

Women are more free than men in communicating with other women, either individually for Da'wah activities, or in women's learning and other forums and places of meeting.

Many Muslim women who are in need of guidance, education, and direction lack the presence of men-folk who can provide this service, therefore it makes sense that qualified women in the community should offer this.

The educational and the tarbiyah need of women are greater than that of men. They get pregnant, give birth, and nurse children. The children are more tied to them than they are to their fathers. Women stay at home with their sons and daughters, and thus can bring them up as they please.

If they are not allowed to share in the Da'wah efforts of their husbands, a lot of the much-needed results may not be attained.

Women have a great effect on their husbands. If they have strong Iman and character, they have a very good chance at helping their husbands become strong as well.

Women have a lot of characteristics that stress the importance of their Da'wah role. They should also be taken into account whenever any Da'wah work is planned.

Some are:
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- Women have the innate ability to communicate strongly what they believe to be true in their hearts.

Dr. Hamdan also points out that, "Women are also generally stronger in terms of verbal abilities and emotionality."

- Women sometimes lack will power and a sense of direction, and therefore need the assistance of other women to give strength and motivation.

موضوع: رد: Women in Da'wah الجمعة 24 مارس 2017, 11:39 pm

A Definite Role:
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The work of the Muslim woman in the field of Da'wah strengthens the man's work, and it expand it into areas where her effectiveness supersedes that of the man. It is sad that this role is so grossly overlooked and underestimated. By her nature as a spiritual and psychological comforter of man, the woman can play an important role in Da'wah, for a man cannot -if his mind is preoccupied with works and goals- cope with his own problems, let alone undertake the burdens of giving Da'wah. Many have failed on the path of Da'wah for this very reason. Khadijah's comfort, help, and support of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) offer the greatest proof of the vital importance of this role. The Prophet's companions who left their homes to go places that were thousands of miles away to take the new religion to people also had the support and the backing of their wives.

Very few women today understand or are aware of such a role, let alone carry it out. A woman may think that the marriage home is a place of rest and easy. They have yet to realize that marriage is the starting point of struggle, sacrifice, giving and responsibility.

The woman's role does not end at door. She can be greatly effective by being a good example to others, by being good-hearted, kindly spoken, and of friendly conduct. She can offer assistance, and share concerns as well as joys. She can also use all appropriate opportunities to educate, guide and call others though observing the conditions of those whom she addresses.

Examples Are Needed:
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Women, who understood their role, started educating themselves and achieving their rights to education and tarbiyah. Look at the Hadith narrated by Abu Sa'i that the women said to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "The men are keeping you busy and we do not get enough attention from you. Would you specify a day for us, women? He promised them a day to meet them and educate and admonish them." (Bukhari) The fruits of this understanding and concern by the women companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the attention he gave them, are shining examples and a source of pride for Muslim women.

Here are a few more to ponder:
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Here is Umm Sulaim teaching her son Anas Ibn Malik about Islam, even though her husband rejected Islam.

When Abu Talha proposed to her (before accepting Islam) she told him that her dowry was Islam, he in-turn embraced Islam and she married him.

She made her son Anas the servant of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Umm Hakim was the reason behind her husband embracing Islam, and the aunt of Adi ibn Hatem led him to Islam. Amra, the wife of Habib Al-Ajami would wake up her husband to make salah at night.

Asma', the daughter of Abu Bakr, forbade her son, Abdullah ibn Az-Zubair, to accept a demeaning way out to escape death although she was very old and needed him beside her.

If we move to a wider circle, we will find that Muslim women played a great role in sacrifice and service for the religion of Allah. Sumayyah gave up her life when Abu Jahl killed her for becoming a Muslim. She was the first Muslim, and woman, killed in Islam. Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet, who was very rich, spent of her money to support the Da'wah.

Umm Salamah left her husband and saw her children persecuted when she migrated. Umm 'Imarah fought in defense of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Uhud battle. Tending the wounded in battles was the role Muslim Women played throughout history.

Building Successful Da'wah Programs
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There are conditions that must be met for women's Da'wah work to succeed and achieve its expected outcome.

Many of the items in the following discussion are good to consider at all time, but it is always important to be in touch with the specific environment one is working with, study it and design all programs to fit the specific reality and needs.

First: Important Guidelines:
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The fact that we stress the importance of women's role in Islamic Da'wah should not lead us away from keeping the women's creation, nature and priorities clear in mind.

There are important points that should be used as guidelines when planning or doing Da'wah work:
Typically, the woman's main role and job is at home. This is clearly stated in Quran and Hadith. Allah says, "And stay in your houses." [Noble Quran 33:33]

Of course women can go out for salah in the masjid, participate in any other activities she may need and to do Da'wah. However, none of these activities should conflict with her essential duties at home as wife and mother.

In many cases, it is this balance between the woman's essential duties and the requirements of Da'wah work, that have caused problems and misunderstandings in families and communities. "Women may find ways to fulfill their Da'wah obligations at home, such as engaging in office work for an Islamic organization, answering telephones, or any other number of possibilities, depending on the skills and interest of each woman, " she said.

There are special injunctions regarding women, and the mixing of men and women, that must be observed in any Da'wah activity and under any circumstances:
Proper Hijab between men and women must be observed at all times.

Women cannot travel without a male companion who is her Mahram.

Women cannot intermix freely with men who are not directly related to her.

Women cannot exit from their homes except by permission of those who are in charge of them and care for them, i.e. their husbands or fathers.

The enemies of Islam usually exploit these injunctions and use them to defame Islam as demeaning to women.

Some dou'at get affected by these allegations and they are thereby led to be lax and unmindful. The true dou'at guided by the Sunnah must watch out, lest they be affected by the lusts and whims of society.

Men have the original right in Da'wah activities to take the lead as was the case in the age at the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the excellent generations that followed.

Women's role in Da'wah work is undeniable, provided the appropriate guidelines are adhered to.

Second: Objectives of the Program:
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As the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a need to set aside a specific time to address the needs of women in his community, so organizations should try to tailor their Da'wah work to the women and issues of the communities.

Any Da'wah program directed towards women should strive to, at least, serve the following ends:
Strengthening the Iman: This comes about by increasing worship, remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), and reflection on Allah's names, and His power and creation in ourselves and in the universe. There is great power in reflection. And its positive impact on one's heart and Iman is almost limitless. This however, would not be possible without the inculcation of the right understanding of certain issues related to our 'Aqidah; the emphasis has to be on Tawhid.

Increasing knowledge: Without it one cannot achieve much. Special emphasis has to be put on the basics of Islam and on subjects that the da'iyah needs in her environments.

Knowledge should be spread about deviant thoughts, ideas, groups and sects. Awareness must be raised concerning those who do not like to see the spreading of Islam and who are gaining grounds in the hearts and minds of people.

Building of the Da'wah personality:
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Da'wah requires sacrifices and therefore women must be prepared to bear the burdens of calling to Islam.

This comes through awakening them to the conditions of the Muslims and the endeavors of the enemies of Islam.

Leadership, responsibility and individual initiative should be taught.

Theoretical and practical educational faculties must be nurtured. The da'iyah must be taught the necessary social skills and the importance of Da'wah through good example and conduct. They also must be taught the value of time, its management and how to use Halal fun activity during their times of leisure.

Building up immunity to sin: This includes recognizing the ills of sins, particularly those relating to women, and blocking the way to them by shunning the means leading to them and the places where they exist.

Third: Training:
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A- On the theoretical side of this step, preparation may need to consider these aspects:
Educational preparation through providing a good presentation of appropriates materials. Islam gave women the rights to education.

The knowledge meant to be attained, is that which is helpful to women in Da'wah, like the Shari'ah branches and the disciplines leading to understanding them. But seeking knowledge should not be a barrier to giving Da'wah, as is the case with many today. Balance must be maintained.

Psychological preparation by ensuring that the women callers have faith in Allah sincerity, hopefulness, coverage in truth, pride in Islam, patience, and knowledge of the conditions and environments of those they are addressing.

This is a very important aspect of preparedness, because the preacher is tied to the people, who have different characters and inclinations.

Social preparation by having the women da'iyat live an Islamic life in the family and society in a practical application of Islam. They should abide by the ethics of Islam and of the Da'wah. Capping the elements of social preparation is the feeling that the Da'wah is a right to all people that must reach them with sincerity, generality, honesty, gentleness and meekness.

موضوع: رد: Women in Da'wah الجمعة 24 مارس 2017, 11:44 pm

B- Adequate practical training and preparation is must:
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This involves training female callers in speaking and writing to be able to bring Allah's religion to the people through speeches, lessons, lectures, and writing. These are the methods of addressing people with the Da'wah and they complete the theoretical preparation and ensure that it bears fruit. This aspect has largely been neglected resulting in severe shortcomings in the Da'wah.

Da'iyat delivering lectures, seminars, sermons, etc. should be able to persuade the listeners by addressing their minds through proofs and evidence. They should also be able to arouse their passions, emotions, and feelings. Those making speeches and addresses must be well versed in the art and its importance, and should also practice delivering speeches to women in mosques, schools, or other places where women gather. They should also watch over and guide women trainees, and gently correct their mistakes.

Writing and publishing must not be neglected in an age when people are easily reached by and engrossed in all sorts of books, booklets, newspapers, and articles. Writings should both be eloquent and convincing, through sincere, sound and documented arguments. Writing is the form of Da'wah which is in many ways one of the most appropriate and important means for women. They can write at home and thus make use of their spare time.

They can in this way reach all classes of society.

Areas of Da'wah for Women
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The educational field:
These are related to the ennoblement of the spirit and the purification of the soul through faith. The minds and souls can thus be touched. These fields are to be found in mosques, schools, associations, Da'wah groups, and others.

The social field:
These relate to bodily and psychological health as well as to social development and interaction between people that reflect positively on the realization of spiritual education and the formation of Muslim character.

Both sides, spiritual and physical, are tied together and they should both be fulfilled in balance. To give the upper hand to the soul would be asceticism, and to the body would be hedonism.

Fulfilling the physical needs has often been cause for many people embracing the guidance of Islam.

Preachers of Christianity today, concentrate on this approach. It is difficult for the hungry, the naked, or the sick and homeless to listen to sermons.

More specific example of what women can take part in as Da'wah are:
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The Home:
This is surely the most fertile and most effective channel. Allah has ordained both husbands and wives as nurtures for each other and the family. The mother shares with the father the responsibilities of educating and nurturing in all physical, moral, psychological, social, and external aspects each other and their children.

Members of the family are gathered together in the home for many hours and this creates harmony among them as well as affords an opportunity for presenting good examples and guidance.

The Muslim Community:
Charity, advice, and direction can be offered to relatives, neighbors, and the needy.

The Islamic School:
Educational activities and curriculums can be used for the guidance of girl students as well as women teachers and staff.

The Masjid:
Women should be allowed to go to the masajid to benefit from the lessons held there. The masjid is a suitable place for some of the women activities like Quran study groups and other training.

Hospitals, Prisons, and Social Welfare Institutions, Women's Colleges or Universities. "Women-only conferences can also be incorporated into already scheduled major conferences, thus providing them with someone to travel with,"

Dr. Hamdan says.
"Also, Da'wah work can be done on an individual level; such as with friends, families, peers, particularly those who are not Muslims, "said Dr. Hamdan. "Many women who have converted to Islam have families who are non-Muslim and this is a prime, although challenging, opportunity to do Da'wah work."

What the Quran and Sunnah Said:
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Muslim Women, Callers and Called:
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Certainly, the injunctions of Islam, from the Quran and the Sunnah, cover and apply to both males and females. Male pronouns were usually used mostly, only because that is the custom of the language. Nevertheless, there are certain injunctions that are exclusively meant for men. And at the same time, Allah has enjoined things upon women only. This shows that they have a character and a personality independent of men. This stresses the need to address women with the Da'wah, education, reform, and guidance, in a way that is specific to them. They should not be ignored.

It was on account of this that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed women specifically, especially after addressing men, and that he fixed a special day of the week on which he taught them alone.

Quran tells us that man is responsible for his home and family, "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are angel stern and severe" [Noble Quran 66:6]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, "The man is a shepherd of his family and he is responsible for his guardianship." (Bukhari and Muslim) In another Hadith, the Prophet's told of a double reward for the man who teaches well, cultivates and then frees any female-slave he has. (Bukhari) This surely stresses the need for the education of and care for women. On the other hand, there are many evidences from the Quran and the Sunnah that testify to the fact that women are also obligated to do Da'wah work:

There many verses in the Quran that obligate Muslim men and women to do Da'wah, and enjoin good and forbid evil.

For example, Allah says,
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"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining good and forbidding evil. And it is they who are the successful." [Noble Quran 3:104]

Women have been expressly addressed with the duty of the Da'wah because Allah says, "O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah) then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but say that which is Ma'uf (good)." [Noble Quran 33:32]

Ibn Abbas understood Allah's injunction to the Prophet's wives, to "say good," to mean that they have to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. This can be taken as a general address to all Muslim women.

Allah also says,
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"He believers, men and women are Auliya (helpers, protectors) of one another, they enjoin the good and forbid the evil, they perform salah and give away zakah and obey Allah." [Noble Quran 9:71]

It is clear in this verse that women are addressed with this task, just as men, whenever they are capable of discharging it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The woman is a steward of her husband's home and children and she is responsible for them." A steward here is a person entrusted with what has been put in his charge, cherishing and preserving it.

Furthermore, the following points, when properly put into perspective, also lead to the understanding that women are as responsible for carrying out Da'wah as men are: Because Islam prohibits the free intermingling of men and women, and the maintenance of Hijab, it becomes vital, as well as practical, to have qualified women to do Da'wah work among women in the community.

Some of the Shari'ah rulings were reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only through women companions.

Sometimes, it is difficult for the male-dou'at to carry out all that the Da'wah among women requires because women have some private conditions that they may not feel comfortable revealing to men, and would rather convey them only to other women.

موضوع: رد: Women in Da'wah الجمعة 24 مارس 2017, 11:48 pm

What We Sow We Reap
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Banishing ignorance, increasing intellectual broad-mindedness, and the creation of qualified women Da'wah cadres. These results have a lasting and beneficial influence, not only on women and the Muslim community, but also on the whole society at large.

Rectifying conduct and restitution of many erroneous practices that have come to be social phenomenon in many societies.

Da'iyat will develop maturity and show more disciplined characters.

This in turn will result in stronger relationships between men and women.

Women's place and status in Islam would be highlighted and Muslim women would attain a better awareness of their rights and duties.

Efforts would be geared toward the cultivating of our young people, in order to ensure the Ummah, virtuous Muslims in the generations to come.

A sense of belonging to Islam would be fostered, and the key Muslim rite of enjoining good and forbidding the evil would be upheld.

An important financial tributary for Da'wah work would be secured; i.e., women's charitable spending.

It is time that Muslims who profess to follow the Sunnah rethink the issue of da'wah among women and by women.

We should remember Khadijah, 'Ayshah, Sumayyah, and many other Muslim women throughout our history, and what they did for Islam and learn from it. We also have to realize that mere talk and emotionalism are useless. We need to do something about our immediate situation now.

Education, preparation, and qualification of women will be the key to our future success. Throughout history, the yardstick used to measure the well being of any society has been the condition of its women. Let us therefore, strive to improve the intellectual, spiritual and emotional condition of the Muslim woman by allowing her to fulfill all the God-given abilities and responsibilities made incumbent on her.

Words to My Muslim Sister
My Dear Sister,
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Know, my dear Muslim sister, that you are man's sister and half of humanity. You are a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grand daughter or grand mother. The Prophet said, what translated means, Women are, indeed, men's partners. [Abu Dawud]

You are a member of the great nation of Islam, the best nation ever produced for mankind. No other nation on earth has more great men, leaders and conquerors than this nation. It is the nation of guidance and the straight religion, and it leads humanity to righteousness and truth.

It transforms people from worshippers of slaves to worshippers of the Lord of slaves, from life's pressures to the pleasures of the Life after, and from the injustice of other religions to the justice of Islam.

Your ancestors, great women of Islam, were one of the main reasons for this great nation to take this great place among all nations. Allah, Who granted Islam to this nation, made a high place for Muslim women, and decreed that they share in the responsibilities of enjoining truth, forbidding evil and raising the flag of Islam. He said, what translated means,

"The believers, men and women, are loyalists of one another, they enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, they offer their prayers perfectly and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will leave His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." [Noble Quran 9:71]

Allah has given Muslim women what they can bare of orders and duties. He is the God Who knows His creation, "Should He not know what He created? And He is the Most Kind, All-Aware (of everything)." [Noble Quran 67:14]

My dear sister, you are called upon today to truly become an active member of the Muslim nation, strive to establish victory for Allah's Word, implement the Quran and help build the generation of Iman.

What Do Your Enemies Want From You?
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There are those who want to distract you from doing your duty. They want to distract you from meeting your noble obligation, that is, to defend the religion of Allah and raise His Word high.

Those enemies use many methods:
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First:
They distract you from what Allah created you to perform of worship, belief and Da'wah (propagating Islam). They use this worldly life as their bate: Jewelry stores, fashions that originate in non-Muslim countries, new models all the time, desires raised, hunger that can never be satisfied, pleasures and competition for them and endless ways for joy.

Allah did not create us for this.

Indulging in these matters is usually accompanied by wasting time and money and igniting enmity and competition between the rich and the poor.

Second:
They ignite enmity between you and man. To those sinners, you are a daughter that is put down, a humiliated mother, an abused wife and an oppressed sister! Men are always unjust, hypocrites, dictators, freedom- preventers and suppressers, according to them. There is a fabricated war that those evil ones are starting for no reason other than to direct you to rebel against your father, be arrogant with your brother and disobedient to your husband. They do not call for justice, mercy and unity.

They call for hatred, arrogance and destruction.

Third:
They do not stop at their call for rebellion against parents, brothers and husbands, rather, they plot against Islam. They call upon you to rebel against the obligations of Islam and the decrees of the All-Knowing King.

Islam, to them, is unjust and Islamic laws are imperfect and restrictive.

They call upon you, day and night, to rebel and insist on the disobedience of this religion. They try to rid you of your religion. They try to rid you of comfort and safety under generous parenthood, happy marriage and good brotherly relations.

Those devils portray piety and honor as chains on freedom. To them, Hijab does not cover the head, but also covers the mind; prayer, fasting and Zakat are a waste of time and effort; and obedience to husbands is slavery and a return to the stone age. They distorted all facts and changed all truths, all to serve their evil goals.

My Dear Sister,
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The goals that your enemies and the enemies of your= religion are seeking to achieve are well known. They want you to be available for them to fulfill their evil desires whenever they wish.

They want you to be a mistress that has no honor. They want you to be found everywhere, on roads and in places of sin, without honor, religion or manners. They seek for you only what they want you to do.

The Western world has gone through this all. Women of the West are the part of society that is facing injustice and dishonor. They strive to please men who keep changing partners and seek pleasures but with no responsibility and no consideration of the evil consequences of their sinful actions.

O Muslim sister, read and know about those women who discarded shyness and honor and followed their desires, what was the result of their deeds?

Was their end honorable and desirable, or was it a shameful and hated end?

Advice For My Sister In Islam
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Be proud of your religion and the religion of your ancestors. Be a good example for your sons and daughters and sincere in your belonging to this mighty nation.

Know that honor is an honor to all wise people, and that adultery is dishonorable to all nations, even if some called it freedom. Know that adultery is also done with the eyes by seeing, with the ears by listening, and with the mouth by kissing, as was mentioned in a Hadith related by Imam Muslim.

Your happiness is in being an obedient and believing daughter, a loyal and generous wife and a pious and merciful mother.

Know that prayer is the cornerstone of Islam. Fasting one day, for the sake of Allah, takes your face seventy years away from Hellfire, as the Hadith, related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, states.

Charity is a major cause for gaining forgiveness and for repentance to be accepted.

Those women who are showing parts of their bodies to men, will not enter Paradise or smell its fragrance and are cursed, as in the Hadith related by Imam Muslim.

Hijab is an honor and protection for you. Hijab must be modest in color and not exotic, wide and thick and not revealing, different from the dress of non-Muslim women and men.

My Dear Sister,
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These are words from the heart. These are words of good and sincere advice.

Beware of the loyalists of Satan who want to lead you astray.

Be a slave of Allah, righteous and descendent of righteous women and know your role in building this great nation.

Perform your duty and do not be a cause for destruction. Be a maker of righteous generation that will lead mankind, again, to what is right and proper, to the great religion of Islam.

This article appeared in a recent issue of the "Muslim Creed" [Vol. 3 No. 2, February 1995] a free of charge Islamic Magazine meant for the dissemination of the Islamic creed, knowledge and Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah in the light of the Quran and the Authentic Sunnah as understood and practiced by the Salaf. It is published by "The Dear of Islamic Heritage."

موضوع: رد: Women in Da'wah الجمعة 24 مارس 2017, 11:53 pm

On the Imamate of Women
=======================
Sheikh Abu at-Tayyib Adhimabadi Awn al-Ma'bud [2/300-301], the commentary to Abu Dawud Translation by Abu Rumaysah

Umm Waraqah, the daughter of Nawfal reported, "When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) proceeded for Badr I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah allow me to accompany you in the battle. I shall act as a nurse for your patients and maybe Allah will bestow martyrdom upon me.' He replied, 'stay at your home and Allah the Exalted will bestow martyrdom upon you.' [The narrator said: hence she was called a martyr.] She read the Quran and sought permission from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to have a mu'adhdhin in her house. He therefore permitted her to do so.

She announced that her slave and slave girl would be free after her death so one night they strangled her with a sheet of cloth until she died and ran away. The next day ‘Umar announced that anyone who has knowledge of them or has seen them should bring them to him. (After they were caught) ‘Umar ordered that they be crucified and this was the first crucifixion at Madinah."

From Umm Waraqah, the daughter of Abdullah bin al-Harith, "the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to visit her at her house. He appointed a mu'adhdhin to call Adhan for her and he commanded her to lead the inmates of her house in prayer."

Abdurrahman said, "I saw that her mu'adhdhin was an old man." [Abu Dawud (Eng. Trans. #591 & 592)]

This Hadith establishes that the Imamate of women and their praying in congregation is correct and affirmed by means of the order of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Ayshah and Umm Salamah led the women in prayer for the obligatory prayers and the prayer of Tarawih.

Al-Hafidh said in ‘Talkhis al-Habir',
=============================
"The Hadith of Ayshah that she led the women in prayer by standing in the middle (of their first row) was reported by 'Abdur-Razzaq and via his route, ad-Daruqutni and al-Bayhaqi from the Hadith of Abu Hazim from Ra'ita al-Hanafiyyah from 'A'ishah that 'she led them in an obligatory prayer standing amongst them.'

Ibn Abi Shaybah and al-Hakim report via the route of ibn Abi Laylah from Ata from Ayshah 'that she used lead the women in prayer and stand in the middle of their (first row).'

The Hadith of Umm Salamah that she led the women in prayer and stood in the middle of them was reported by ash-Shafi'i, ibn Abi Shaybah and 'Abdur-Razzaq all from ibn Uyaynah from 'Ammar ad-Dahni from a woman of his people who was called Hajirah from Umm Salamah 'that she led them in prayer and stood in the middle (of the first row).'

The wording of 'Abdur-Razzaq has: "Umm Salamah led us in the 'Asr prayer and stood in the middle of us.'"

Al-Hafidh also said in 'ad-Dirayah',
=============================
"Muhammad bin al-Hasan reports from Ibrahim an-Nakha'i from Ayshah 'that she used to lead the women in prayer during the month of Ramadan and stood in the middle (of their first row).'"

I say: it is clear from these ahadith that when a woman leads other women then she stands in the middle (of their first row) amongst them and not in front of them (as a man does).

as-Sana'ani said in 'Subul as-Salam',
===============================
"The Hadith lends proof for the correctness of a woman leading the people of her household, even if their be a man amongst them - and in this case he was her mu'adhdhin and an old man. The literal sense of the Hadith shows that she used to lead him, her servant and her slave-girl.

Abu Thawr, al-Muzani and at-Tabari took to the opinion that this was correct while the majority were of the opposite opinion."

...'Abdur Razzaq reports in his Musannaf from Ikrimah from ibn Abbas that he said, "when a woman leads women in prayer then she should stand in the middle of them."

Paradise is for Believing Men and Women
=====================================
We often hear speakers in Friday prayer or in admonitions talking about Paradise and all of us find our hearts, minds and thoughts tuned on to that 'frequency'. However, majority of the speakers talk about Paradise as if it were a house for men only. Reality is not like that. Paradise is for the believing men and women. The only price for it is sound belief in Allah, love of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and obedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

In what follows are the glad tidings given by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), to some of the women among his companions.

Narrated 'Ayshah:
I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet as much as I did of Khadijah (although) she died before he married me, for I often heard him mentioning her, and Allah had told him to give her the good tidings that she would have a palace of Qasab (i.e. pipes of precious stones and pearls in Paradise), and whenever he slaughtered a sheep, he would send her women-friends a good share of it. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Anas reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), said: 'The best women of mankind are four: Mariam daughter of 'Imran, Assiya wife of Pharaoh, Khadijah daughter of Khuwailid, and Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allah.' [Bukhari and Muslim]

Narrated Abu Hurayrah:
Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet and said, 'O Allah's Apostle! This is Khadijah coming to you with a dish having meat soup (or some food or drink). When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord (i.e. Allah) and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a Qasab (palace in Paradise) wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble).' [al-Bukhari]

Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah:
Ibn 'Abbas said to me, 'Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?' I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'This black woman came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allah for me.' The Prophet said (to her), 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allah for her.' [al-Bukhari]

The aforementioned ahadith clearly state the stature of some of the women given the glad tidings of Jannah (Paradise). What can the women of today do in order to achieve that pinnacle of success, Paradise?

To do so one MUST learn how these women lived, how they behaved, how they spoke, how they dressed, how they walked, etc. In this issue of al-Mu'minah we will try to learn from the black woman mentioned in the last Hadith, insha'Allah. The black woman is not even known by her name, or her exact whereabouts, rather she is known by her deeds, her faith, her modesty, her chastity, and for her being an inmate of Paradise.

And, in the end, that is what matters most. When Abdullah Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said 'this black woman', he did not mean to point at her race or to belittle her in any way. Indeed, he but meant to teach the people around him a great principle of Islam which is mentioned in the verse, [in the meaning of]:

'O people! We have created you from a man and a woman and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know each other, verily the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah are the most pious.' [Noble Quran 49:13]

The same principle is mentioned in the Hadith:
=========================================
'Allah does not look at your pictures (shapes) and bodies but He looks at your hearts (and your deeds).' [Muslim]

She (the black woman) was physically sick, yet she sought cure in the Du'a of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). She knew that the one who cures, ash-Shafi, is Allah, and Allah would answer the Du'a of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). We conclude from this that Du'a heals all diseases be they of the body or of the heart. When commenting on this Hadith, al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar said: 'It is inferred from this Hadith that the cure of diseases through Du'a and supplication to Allah (wa al-iltija' ila Allah) is the most successful way of healing, but this cannot be fulfilled unless two conditions are satisfied: pure intention and sincere trust in the effectiveness of the Du'a, and righteousness and reliance on Allah.

The fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise' is a proof for the virtue and reward of patience during sickness. In another Hadith, he (peace and blessings be upon him), says: 'Whenever a hardship affects the Muslim, he will be forgiven for it even when he is picked by a spike.' [Muslim]

And in another Hadith, also narrated by Muslim, Ummu as-Sa'ib cursed fever, to which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told her: 'Do not curse fever, for it takes away the sins like the blaze [fire] takes away the impurities of iron.' The black woman preferred the suffering of this world to get the eternal reward of Paradise!

She suffered from sickness, yet her pain and discomfort did not force her to forego pleasing Allah!

And no matter who one is, if one is in the path of Allah, one will encounter difficulties, because Paradise is rounded by hardships. If things are easy and life is rosy, then one must check oneself; are we following the true Islam? Especially in this western environment it may be difficult for a young woman to wear the dress of modesty, the Hijab (even though it is mandatory), not to talk to men and keep away from them (which is also mandatory), except if necessary.

All these may be difficult to achieve for some in the beginning, but when one overcomes herself for the sake of Allah, then all the other obstacles become baseless. So, how to overcome oneself? By knowing Allah by His names and attributes; by loving and obeying Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him); and then the help of Allah will come, insha'Allah.

She (the black woman) preferred being patient, but could not tolerate that her honor, her modesty and her chastity be damaged or even touched, nor that any part of her body be uncovered, though she had no control over it.

Indeed she was a real slave and servant of Allah; she was a faithful, a believer, a Muslimah, a righteous and pious woman, a truthful woman, and she was loyal to Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Not only having these awe-inspiring qualities, she was also a wise and a great woman, as her memorable words rang ...: '... but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.'

موضوع: رد: Women in Da'wah السبت 25 مارس 2017, 12:02 am

If words are to be written in gold, these words should be written in gold ... Remember this simple equation:
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Iman + Suffering + Patience = Paradise
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It can also be inferred that the righteous Muslim woman inherently loves to be covered, loves modesty and chastity and hates revealing her body and her beauty. The black woman could sustain being so sick but could not bear to be uncovered in front of people.

The issue, one must understand, is not of black or white or Arab or non-Arab, rich or poor, noble [with lineage] or not, it is rather of a creed so deeply rooted in the hearts of Muslims like blood flows in the arteries and veins of people. They are those who are totally committed to Islam.

Fourteen hundred years of history showed that Muslim women could sustain hunger, poverty, sickness but could never sustain disobeying Allah.

The wife would tell her husband when leaving for work: 'Fear Allah in us, for we can sustain hunger and thirst but we cannot sustain Hell fire [i.e. do not acquire unlawful earning].'

Dear sisters, ask yourself what made Khadijah be greeted by Allah and by Jibril. Ask yourself what made Khadijah be rewarded a Palace in Jannah as no one can imagine.

Reading the biography of Khadijah and others like her in greatness, one would wish to be at their service; to carry their shoes, wash their clothes, to serve them in any possible way and get Du'a from them. It is sad that we just don't know the great personalities of this Ummah. If only we strive to study the lives of the righteous that preceded us, we would find in them immense guidance for our existence, and if we know them and follow them we could be in the forefront of mankind ...

It is said, 'Iman (faith) is not by hope, it is rather what occurs in the heart and is proved by the deeds [maa waqa'a fil qalbi wa saddaqahul-'amal].'

We leave you to think about this and pray to Allah to make us all among the dwellers of Paradise and to bestow upon us the faith and the patience that lead us to Paradise. And to bless the present Muslim Ummah with many women like the black woman, who help us focus on the straight path...

Acknowledgment: Some of the ideas were expressed in an article written by Haled Abu Sail which appeared in the Da'wah magazine, Iss. 1514, page 32.

Asma' bint Abi Bakr
=================
In the first issue, we learned about the black woman and her love for Allah.

Once again we will take a trip back in time and visit another great woman, Asma' bint Abi Bakr, one of the Sahabah (female Companions) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This journey requires that we free our minds from the ideas of modernists and pay special attention to the life this blessed companion led, and compare it to our own lives. As always, we will make this trip through the authentic narration from the Scholars of Hadith. Brace yourselves as we now journey back in time to the golden era at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Asma' daughter of Abu Bakr said:
"az-Zubair (Ibn al-'Awwam, the cousin of the Prophet, through his aunt) married me. He had neither wealth, slave or anything else like it, except a camel (to get water) and a horse. I used to graze his horse, [provide fodder to it and look after it, and ground dates for his camel.

Besides this, I grazed the camel], made arrangements for providing [it with] water and patched up [his] leather bucket and kneaded the flour.

But I was not proficient in baking the bread, so my female neighbors used to bake bread for me [and they were sincere women]. And I used to carry on my head the stones (seeds) of the dates from az-Zubair's land which Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) had endowed him, and it was at a distance of two miles (from Madinah).

"As I was one day carrying the stones of dates upon my head I happened to meet Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) along with a group of his Companions. He called me and said to the camel to sit down so that he should make me ride behind him. I felt shy to go with men and I remembered az-Zubair and his ghirah(1), and he was the man having the most ghirah. When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) understood my shyness, he left. I came to az-Zubair and said: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) met me as I was carrying the stones of the dates on my head, and there was with him a group of his Companions, he said to the camel to sit down so that I mount it, I felt shy from him, and remembered your ghirah.'

Whereupon he (az-Zubair) said:
'By Allah, the carrying of dates' stone upon your head is more severe a burden on me than riding with him.' [And I led this life of hardship] until Abu Bakr sent afterwards a female servant who took upon herself the responsibility of looking after the horse and I felt as if she had emancipated me(2)." Remember that Asma' was the sister in law of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)!

Asma' reported: "I performed the household duties of az-Zubair and he had a horse, I used to look after it.

Nothing was (more) for me than looking after the horse. I used to bring grass for it and looked after it, then I got a servant as Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) had some prisoners of war in his possession. He gave me a female servant. She then began to look after the horse and thus relieved me of this burden. A person came and he said: 'Mother of Abdullah, I am a destitute person and I intend that I should start business under the shadow of your house.'

I (Asma') said:
'If I grant you permission, az Zubair may not agree to that, so you come and make a demand of it when az-Zubair is also present there.'"

He came accordingly and said:
'Mother of Abdullah, I am a destitute person. I intend to start small business in the shadow of your house. I said: 'Is there not in Madinah (any place for starting the business) except my house?' Az-Zubair said: 'Why is it that you prohibit the destitute man to start business here?' So he started business and he (earned so much) that we sold our slave-girl to him.

Az-Zubair came to me while the money was in my lap. He said: 'Give this to me.' I said: '(I intend) to spend it in charity.'" [Muslim]

Notice how Asma' had been in favor of allowing that person to start business under the shadow of their house, but she did not like to do anything which could be a source of annoyance or disgust to her husband.

She, therefore, posed a question in order to solicit the opinion of her husband and when his reaction was found favorable, she agreed to this proposal.

Dear Sister, Allah has made you a protected jewel in Islam whom the liberalists are trying to make an object of trade, and the modernists [among Muslims] are trying to strip you of your modesty and shyness.

Read these ahadith carefully, over and over, and ponder on them very deeply.

They contain a gold mine for both women and men

Asma' had the following credits to her personality (among others):
=========================================================
She was one of the most noble women of Arabia at that time.

The daughter of the pure and the noble Abu Bakr, the leader of his tribe, and the first Caliph of Islam.

The sister-in-law of the best of mankind. Muhammad, who named her "Thatun-Nitaqayn" (the one with two belts), for her heroic act during the Hijrah [migration] of the Prophet and Abu Bakr, from Makkah to Madinah.

The sister of the most knowledgeable woman, 'Aishah who is among the only seven Companions of the Prophet who narrated more than a thousand ahadith.

The wife of az-Zubair Ibn al-'Awwaam, one of the ten people promised Paradise by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Az-Zubair was brave, courageous and defended the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with his sword.

The mother of amirul-mu'minin 'Abdullah Ibn az-Zubair who was given bay'a in Hijaz and was killed by al-Hajjaaj(3): and The mother of 'Urwah, who when he entered in prayer he would forget about this life.

It was 'Urwah who when his leg had to be cut, was told to drink wine as an anesthesia but refused to drink wine and instead, gave instructions to cut it while he was in prayer. They did, and he did not feel anything until he woke up.

Asma' was one of the most noble personalities, yet was veiled and shy in front of men. She refused to be with men, mingle with them, ride among them or go with them - and by Allah, the men being talked about were no ordinary men! They were the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions. She served her husband as a true wife should, staying at home to take care of her household. She was very careful at guarding and preserving her honor, and the honor of her husband. Did she ever pressure az-Zubair by reminding him of her honorable lineage as the daughter of the noble Abu Bakr? She was patient for the hardship she went through, and was loving and respectful towards her husband. Can a woman be richer than Asma'?

Her father, Abu Bakr, was a rich merchant. Yet, she carried stones of dates on her head, and walked miles to get water and date seeds. She also dealt with horses and camels [which she did not do in her father' s house], baked bread, pleased her husband, yet would not take decisions without him, even if it were an obvious decision for the pleasure of Allah.

Dear sister, wake up! Realize that the modernists and liberalists are leading you to a path other than the path of the Believers.

موضوع: رد: Women in Da'wah السبت 25 مارس 2017, 12:10 am

Every mother has to go through the problems of pregnancy and severe pains of delivery. As against this, it is not necessary for a father that he suffers any hardship in bringing up and educating the child, if he can afford to pay somebody else for these services. This is why the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has given more rights to the mother than anybody else.

According to a hadîth he has said, "Do good to and serve your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then the near relatives and then those who come after them."[Mazhari] "And his carrying and his weaning is in thirty months"[Noble Quran 46:15]

This sentence too describes the hardships suffered by the mother for her baby. It points out that even after suffering hardships during pregnancy and the severe labor pains, the mother does not get respite from toils, because the natural food of the infants is in her breasts, and she has to suckle them. (Shafy, Ma'âriful Qur'ân [Eng. trans.], vol. 7, pp. 795-796)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) continually used to remind his followers of the status of the mother and the obligation of being good to one's parents.

The following narration is a beautiful example of the noble position of the mother:
A man came to the Prophet and said:
O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me?

He replied:

"Your mother." The man asked: Then who? So he replied: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: "Then your father." (Sahîh Bukhârî 5971 and Sahîh Muslim 7/2)

Commenting on this hadith, Shaykh Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi notes:
This hadith confirms that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave precedence to kind treatment of one's mother over kind treatment of one's father (Al-Hashimi, The Ideal Muslimah, IIPH 2005, p. 165)

Likewise, the late Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Abdul-Azîz Ibn Bâz (d. 1999) comments on this hadith saying:
So this necessitates that the mother is given three times the like of kindness and good treatment than the father. (Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi'ah)

He also writes:
The secret of her importance lies in the tremendous burden and responsibility that is placed upon her, and the difficulties that she has to shoulder - responsibilities and difficulties some of which not even a man bears. This is why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show gratitude to the mother, and kindness and good companionship with her. And in this matter, she is to be given precedence over and above the father.[...] And I have no doubt that my mother - may Allah shower His mercy upon her - had a tremendous effect upon me, in encouraging me to study; and she assisted me in it. May Allah greatly increase her reward and reward her with the best of rewards for what she did for me. (Majmoo' Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi'ah)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also said in a famous narration:
'Paradise lies at the feet of your mother' [Musnad Ahmad, Sunan An-Nasâ’i, Sunan Ibn Mâjah]

What can be greater evidence of honoring women than this? Islam has effectively placed the ultimate reward for human beings in their devotion to their mothers.

Shaykh Ibrahîm Ibn Sâlih Al-Mahmud writes:
Treat your mother with the best companionship, then your father; because paradise is under the mother's feet. Never disobey your parents, nor make them angry, otherwise you will live a miserable life in this world and the hereafter, and your children will treat you likewise.

Ask your parents gently if you need something. Always thank them if they give it to you, and excuse them if they do not, and never insist on a matter if they refuse to give you something. (Al-Mahmoud, How to be kind to your Parents, p.40)

It is related from Talhah ibn Mu'âwiyah as-Salamî who said:
I came to the Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I want to perform Jihad in the way of Allah. He asked, "Is your mother alive?" I replied, "Yes." The Prophet then said: "Cling to her feet, because paradise is there." (at-Tabarânî).

Shaykh Nidhaam Sakkijihaa comments:
Cling to her feet means to submit yourself to her, be close to her, protect her, serve her because in this is Paradise and with her satisfaction you will enjoy the good blessings of Allah. (Sakkijihaa, Honoring the Parents, p. 52)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) showed us the importance of serving one's parents in the following narration reported by Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud:
I asked the Prophet, 'O Messenger of Allah, what is the best deed?' He replied 'Prayer offered on time.' I asked, 'What is next in goodness?' He replied, 'To be dutiful and kind to one's parents.' I further asked, 'What is next in goodness?' He replied, 'Jihad in the Allah's cause. [Sahîh Bukhârî, Sahîh Muslim]

Just as the Prophet said that kindness to one's parents was of the best deeds, he also said that disobedience to them was amongst the major sins: "The greatest sins are to associate partners in worship with Allah, to be undutiful or unkind to one's parents, to kill a soul forbidden by Allah and to bear false witness." [Sahîh Bukhârî]

Even after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the Muslim scholars continued to stress the importance of being dutiful to one's mother. By examining the conduct and teachings of the early Muslim scholars, one may see how the direct recipients of the Islamic message understood the command to be dutiful to one's parents. Their behavior towards their parents shows Muslims how one is to implement the teachings of the Prophet on honoring parents.

Abdullah Ibn Abbâs (d. 687CE), a companions of the Prophet and a great scholar of Islam, considered kind treatment of one's mother to be the best deed for strengthening or rectifying one's relation with God.

He said:
I know of no other deed that brings people closer to Allah than kind treatment and respect towards one's mother. [Al-Adab al-Mufrad Bukhârî 1/45]

An even more powerful example is found in the statement of another one of the Prophet's companions, Abdullah Ibn 'Umar (d. 692CE), who was also a great scholar of Islam.

It has been related that:
Abdullah Ibn 'Umar saw a Yemeni man performing Tawâf (circumambulating the Ka'bah) while carrying his mother on his back. This man said to Abdullah Ibn 'Umar, "I am like a tame camel for her! I have carried her more than she carried me.

Do you think I have paid her back, O Ibn 'Umar?" Abdullah Ibn 'Umar replied, "No, not even one contraction!!" [Al-Adab al-Mufrad Bukhârî 1/62]

SubhânAllah (Glory be to God)!
The efforts of a man who carries his mother on his back while performing tawâf cannot even repay his mother for a single contraction that she went through for him. Wise indeed was Ibn 'Umar's reply to this man to show him how massively indebted he was to his mother. This is the tremendous value and prestigious position of mothers in Islam!

Yet another example is found in the following prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him):
There will come to you with reinforcements from Yemen a man called Uways ibn 'Amir of the clan of Murâd from the tribe of Qaran. He had leprosy but has been cured of it except for a spot the size of a coin. He has a mother and he has always treated her with kindness and respect.

If he prays to Allah, Allah will fulfill his wish. If you can ask him to pray for forgiveness for you, then do so. [Sahîh Muslim 16/95]

Indeed, later on 'Umar ibn al-Khattâb met Uways who was exactly as the Prophet described, and upon 'Umar's request Uways prayed for him.

Commenting on this narration, Shaykh Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimî writes:
What a high status Uways reached by virtue of his kindness and respect towards his mother, so that the Prophet recommended his Sahabah [companions] to seek him out and ask him to pray for them!

All of this indicates the high status to which Islam has raised the position of motherhood, and given the mother precedence over the father. At the same time, Islam has given importance to both parents, and has enjoined kindness and respect to both. (Al-Hashimi, The Ideal Muslimah, IIPH 2005, p. 167)

So great was the Islamic emphasis on parents, that the Muslims considered a great opportunity to attain paradise in service to one's mother. Iyâs Ibn Mu'âwiyah was a famous Islamic scholar from the second generation of Muslims. When his mother died, Iyâs Ibn Mu'âwiyah cried. He was asked, "Why do you cry?" He said, "I used to have two gates open to Paradise, now one of them is closed."

Zayn al-'Abidîn (d. 713CE) was the great grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and also a renowned scholar. He used to treat his mother with so much kindness and love as seen in the following narration:
Once he was asked, 'You are the most kind person to his mother, yet we have never seen you eating with her from a single dish.' He replied, 'I fear that my hand would take the what her eyes have already seen in the dish, and then I would be disobeying her'. [At-Tartushi, Birr al-Wâlidayn]

In other words, he was so careful not to disobey his mother that he would even avoid eating out of the same plate as her; He thought that she would see a morsel and intend to take it, but before she did he might unknowingly take that same morsel and eat it. This is how careful he was to obey his mother in the most minute details.

Another early Islamic scholar, Sa'îd Ibn Al-Musayyib (d. 709CE), was asked about the meaning of the verse "but address them in terms of honor" (17:23). Sa'îd Ibn Al-Musayyib replied:

It means that you should address them as a servant addresses his master.

Muhammad Ibn Sirîn (d. 729CE) used to speak to his mother in a very soft voice, out of respect for her. He was also often seen in the company of his mother and looking after her. (Ibn al-Jawzî, Birr al-Wâlidayn).

All that has preceded shows how the status of mothers - and consequently that of women - is elevated to the highest position in Islam. The honor Islam has given to mothers is beyond that found in any other religion, ideology or culture. This is clear proof of the lofty status of Muslim Women.
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