A Word for Women

A Word for Women
Shaykh Badi-ud-Deen Shah ar-Raashidee as-Sindhee
Taken from part of a Khutbah by Allaamah Shaykh Badi-ud-Deen ar-Raashidee as-Sindhee in Khutubaat Raashidiyyah, p.122-123.


The mother of the believers Aa’ishah, radiyallaahu anha, has narrated more than two thousand Ahaadeeth. She was the teacher of all in knowledge and jurisprudence. The Sahaabah used to turn to her (for solutions) for the biggest of the issues.

After the Ayah of Ahzaab [1] was revealed the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam asked her to consult with her father (Abu Bakr) and decide if she would prefer the splendour of this world or the hereafter(i.e. the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)? The mother of the believers, Aa’ishah radiyallaahu anha said in reply, ‘I need no consultation in this matter with my parents, I prefer the Aakhirah (i.e. the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) better than this world.

Asma’ bint Umais radiyallaahu anha, the wife of Abu Bakr radiyallaahu anhu was a very patient woman. When she learnt about the killing of her son, Muhammad bin Abee Bakr radiyallaahu anhu, then instead of crying and wailing, she took control over her anger and sat in the Masjid quietly. Due to which she bled.

The Taabi’iyyah, Ummus Suhba’ was a worshipping and abstentious woman. In her illness she was presented with a special kind of intoxicant in a cup. She supplicated to Allaah, ‘O Allaah! If You know that Your Messenger has indeed forbidden this intoxicant, then safeguard me from it and cure me without using it.’ (Then) the cup broke and the intoxicant flowed down and she was cured. [2] (She) [3] used to wake up in the night and say, that she was astonished about her eyes, that they knew that they had to sleep for a long time in the grave and in spite of that they want to sleep here! [4]

Umm ad-Darda’ as-Sugraa was told that someone is complaining (or mentioning something wrong) about you to the Khalifah Abdul Maalik. Then she replied that she did not care, if someone has illegally accused me then someone must have illegally praised me as well (which I may not deserve [5]). [6]

When Laila, the grandmother of Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Azeez, was a small child, one elderly lady from the household told her when the latter part of the night had set in that, ‘Add water to the milk as it is time for morning.’ She replied, ‘How can I add water to the milk when the Ameer ul-Mu’mineen (Umar radiyallaahu anhu) has forbidden it.’ The woman said, ‘O you foolish one! Is Ameer ul-Mu’mineed looking right now?’ The little girl replied, ‘But Allaah is watching me! I will not do such a thing.’ [7]

There are many such incidents from which my sisters can take a lesson. I would ask them that instead of other stories and novels they take up studying the translations of Qur’aan and Hadeeth. Due to which not only will they correct themselves but their children as well will gain benefit from it. Allaah Ta’ala commanded the Messenger’s sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam wives that the recitation of Qur’aan and Hadeeth should be done in their homes. [8]

And your homes should be like theirs, such that the Qur’aan and Hadeeth is recited and the translations are studied and they are memorized.

Footnotes:

[1] [Translators Footnote] "O Prophet (Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)! Say to your wives: If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, Then come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce)." (Soorah Al-Ahzab 33:28)
[2] Tahzeeb
[3] [Translators Footnote] There seems to be some words missing here. It is not clear if what follows is said about the Ummus Suhba’ or someone else.
[4] Summarized from Khazarji
[5] [Translators Footnote] This addition mentioned in the same story narrated on page 99
[6] Tahzeeb v.12 p.466
[7] Seerah Umar bin Abdil Azeez by Abdullah bin Abdil Hakim p.17-18
[8] [Translators Footnote] The author is referring to this Ayah. “And remember (O you the members of the Prophet's family, the Graces of your Lord), that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allaah and al-Hikmah (i.e. Prophet's Sunnah).” (Soorah Al-Ahzab 33:34)