WOMEN AS MOTHER, WIFE, AND DAUGHTER IN ISLAM

 

WOMEN AS MOTHER, WIFE, AND DAUGHTER IN ISLAM

 

Before Islam women were extremely mistreated. Newborn female babies were buried alive. They were sold just like other commodities. In this age of Darkness Islam was the first monotheistic religion to introduce the rights of women. It is the only religion that led the world to woman's rights.

The honor of Mother in Islam

The word "Mother" is not only the synonym of Love but also a relationship that is referred by Allah Almighty to discuss His love for a human. He says "I love my men more than 70 mothers." It raised the status of a woman as the mother to the greatest level and in Islam serving a mother is not only an act of generosity but is also rewarded in heaven. It is also mentioned in the Glorious Quran to behave well with our parents.

 

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنًاۚ إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَك

 ٱلۡكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا

 فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفّٖ وَلَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوۡلٗا كَرِيمٗ

"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them (so much as), "uff", and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." (QS. Al-Isra: 23).

Also in Hadith Book it is mentioned;

Once, a companion sought Prophet (SAW)'s permission to participate in the Jihaad. Prophet (PBUH) asked if his mother was still living. Getting the answer in the affirmative, Prophet (PBUH) advised him to look after and attend to his mother as Paradise is close to her feet. [Ibne Majah, Nisai]

 

The honor of Daughter in Islam

Allah Almighty announced the gift of heaven for every father who raises his daughters according to the rules of Islam, fulfills their basic needs, and hands them over to marry legally.

In Hadith it is mentioned;

"Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood - he and I will come (together) on the Day of Resurrection - and he interlaced his fingers (meaning in Paradise)." (Reported by Muslim).

 

So the position of daughters in Islam is great and also a kind of encouragement for them. As neither of Prophet Muhammad's (Peace be Upon Him) sons survived but he did not mourn at them. Instead, the love of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) for his daughter Fatima(R.A) reflects the love for daughters in Islam. As Islam does not give preference to sons over beautiful daughters. For the haters of the daughter, it's mentioned in Quran;

 

"If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good." (An-Nisa' 4:19)

 

The honor of Wife in Islam

A wife in Islam is also never to be put down or taken for granted and she has permission to balance her duties and goals without disappointing her husband. In English wife can be called a "housewife" but in Arabic, she is called as "Rabbaitul Bait" or the "Queen of the house". So this is a brief description of the honor of a woman in Islam. It is stated in Islam:

 

"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them, and He had put love and mercy between you; Verily, in that are signs for people who reflect."

 

The marriage is not only for a physical or emotional purpose but it is a sign from ALLAH Almighty. It is the mutual relationship between woman and man based on divine guidance. Islam gives the right of kind treatment to the wife. As Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said;

 

"The most perfect believers are the best in conduct. And the best of you are those who are best to their wives."

ALLAH Almighty stated in His glorious book that He created mates and tranquility, love and mercy between them. Islam gives the absolute right to a woman over Mahr/alimony. Islam also gives the charge to the husband as a guardian to his wife who can support his wife as a senior partner in life.

 

ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖ وَبِمَآ أَنفَقُواْ مِنۡ أَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡۚ

 فَٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ قَٰنِتَٰتٌ حَٰفِظَٰتٞ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ ٱللَّهُۚ وَٱلَّٰتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهۡجُرُوهُنَّ

 فِي ٱلۡمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضۡرِبُوهُنَّۖ فَإِنۡ أَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُواْ عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيلًاۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيّٗا كَبِيرٗا

"Husbands should take care of their wives with [the bounties] Allah has given to some more than others and with what they spend out of their own money. Righteous wives are devout and guard what Allah would have them guard in their husbands' absence." (Surah An-Nisa: 34).

 

To conclude all aforementioned things about Honor of Women in Islam, I would to create a question and that is how women should get benefit from this honor and maintains it for lifelong?

Many Muslims and non-Muslims argues about the restrictions for women in Islam, but Islam or its Creator cannot make mistakes. So, the rights that Islam gives to women are supreme and no doubt it gives the greatest honor to women being as Mother, daughter, sister or wife but in return women have great responsibility of nation, house, husband, and children.

"The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said: 'Women are the (equal) sisters of men'. Women make up half of society and they are responsible for the nurturing, guidance and reformation of the subsequent generations of men and women. It is the female who imbues principles and faith into the souls of the nation."

“It is the requirement of this age. The whole world is facing a lot of crises and being Muslim women, we can help them out through performing our duties under the rules of Islam as mother, daughter and wife.”

Why Non- Muslims who are more righteous than Muslims will go to Hell?

 

Why Non- Muslims who are more righteous than Muslims will go to Hell?

Is not Allah unjust to put non-Muslims who are more righteous into hell and just for the Muslims who are not righteous to put into heaven? Will Good righteous non-Muslims like Mother Teresa go to hell? Why only Muslims will go to Paradise and non-Muslims will go to hell? What are its references in the Glorious Quran?

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَظۡلِمُ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٖۖ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةٗ يُضَٰعِفۡهَا وَيُؤۡتِ مِن لَّدُنۡهُ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا

Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives Himself a great reward. (Surah An-Nisa: 40)

Allah is the justest, He will not do even a minute fraction of injustice. As far as the question is concerned, we have to understand what is the meaning of righteousness and who is the righteous person. I will give you some examples to understand the importance of Tauheed to get a place in Heaven. I hope you all know that in the education system, we have practical exams besides theory exams. To pass the subject you have to pass the practical exam as well, it is compulsory. If you fail the Practical exam and pass the theory exam of the same subject, it means you fail the theory exam as well. No matter how many good marks you achieve in the theory exam. If you want to pass the exam you have to pass the practical exam. You cannot argue because this is a rule set. So, in Islam, the compulsory paper is Tauheed, the first pillar of Islam. You should believe in only one God (Allah Almighty) and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) as a messenger of Allah. It is compulsory, if you fail in this you fail the test of righteousness. You may do as many good deeds but if you do not believe this you are not righteous.

 

If I say Allah Almighty sets the Five pillars of Islam in sequence according to their compulsion.  And this world is the exam for the hereafter. In this exam paper, you have 10 questions of hundred (100) marks. The first question is Tauheed and carries 51 marks. The other four questions are based on Salah, Zakat, Saum, and Hajj. These four questions carry 30 marks. The remaining 19 marks are for other small good deeds. To pass the exam you have to score 50 marks. And if you will get zero marks in the first question which is Tauheed and being a non-Muslim you do not believe in the oneness of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His messenger. You cannot pass this exam.

 Allah says in Holy Quran;

 

 ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ ٱلۡمَوۡتَ وَٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحۡسَنُ عَمَلٗاۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفُورُ

 [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving. (Surah Al-Mulk: 2)

 

Allah Almighty has sent us into this world as a test for the hereafter and the rules and regulations he laid down in the Quran as His last and final revelation. He kept on sending revelation, when the moment got more corrupted He sent a new revelation and His new messenger. There were many revelations sent on the face of the earth. But the last and final revelation is the glorious Quran and the last and final messenger is Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). So, sometimes these types of questions came into our mind like, this non-muslims is very honest, and what are the marks for his honesty? Answer: Maybe this honest person gets five marks on the paper of 100 marks. Or any other person who is more charitable, he maybe gets 10 marks. But out of 100 marks, these 5 or 10 marks will not make him pass the examination. The best would be a Muslim, who believed in Tauheed, offer Salah, give charity/Zakat, fast and does the Hajj, and does other good deeds like good to neighbors, love his parents, do not gamble, etc. He will get maybe more than 90 marks on paper and he would be the best Muslim. 

The main thing we need to understand is "what is righteousness?"

Allah says in Holy Quran;

 

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٖ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَٰكُمۡ شُعُوبٗا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ

 أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٞ 

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (Surah Al-Hujrat: 13)

 

This verse depicts the criteria of Judgement in the sight of Allah Almighty, it is not gender, not wealth, not color, not race, but it is TAQWA. It is righteousness and God's consciousness. So, Allah is not unjust to put No-Muslims into Hell. He has set all the rules and regulations for us to be more righteous with detailed explanations in the Glorious Quran. Refusing the oneness of Allah Almighty is the biggest sin in Islam. So, how the Non-Muslims who have been refusing oneness of Allah Almighty from the start of their lives till end, can go to heaven?

Importance of Charity in Islam and the Third pillar of Islam.

CHARITY IN ISLAM

Allah Almighty said,

"O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you."

(Narrated by Abu Huraira: Bukhari, 64)

Charity is called Sadaqah or Zakat in Islam and Muslims give voluntarily to poor people to please Allah Almighty. This act also describes an uncoerced charitable act towards other people through love, generosity, faith, and compassion. Even the simple kind deeds such as helping others, and smiling, are seen as Sadaqah.

Anyone can give sadaqah for any good purpose and amount. Many companions of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) were extremely bounteous in giving charity, often giving away big portions of wealth and keeping only small enough for their needs.

In Islam being caring and sympathetic to others is the central part of belief. At different points in the Quran, charity is mentioned several times and one can help being struck by them. Various references in the Quran about feeding the poor and needy, helping relatives, orphans, and travelers, and spending for the pleasure of Allah emphasize the importance of Sadaqah in Islam.

In addition to the undeniable benefits of charity, Islam mentioned the courage to spend your money selflessly with a strong belief that everything they have in life comes from Allah Almighty. We must not collect our money and blessings because we believe that He wishes for us to be sympathetic and share our blessings with others without pride.

 

Believers! Do not nullify your acts of charity by stressing your benevolence and causing hurt as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen by people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. (Al- Baqarah: 264)

Types of Charity in Islam

Zakat or charity is the third pillar of Islam. Spending wealth as charity for needy and poor people is the most important characteristic of Islam. Muslims should realize how their charity could build strong societies. It is necessary for the well-being of the poor as well as the ultimate pleasure of the giver. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) explained the forms of charity. One is Zakat and another is Sadaqah. Zakat is given to deserving people with a specific or standardized percentage of wealth. But sadaqah is not for specific people or in a standardized form, we can give it to anyone in different forms. The smile, true advice, or any good help is Sadaqah.

The Prophet said: "Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity." (Bukhari)

Awards on the day of Judgment

On the Final day of judgment when the sun will be too hot to bear and everyone lost shade and could not protect themselves from heat waves, Allah Almighty will save those under shade who spend money for the poor and give charity. The sacrifices of Muslims in this life will be the protection on the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said: "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." (Al-Tirmidhi)

Giving Sadaqah that is too easy can save you from the hellfire if Allah Almighty so wishes.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said:

 

"Guard yourself against the Hellfire, even with half of a date in Sadaqah. If he cannot find it, then with a kind word."  (Bukhari and Muslim)

Sometimes we consider the small acts are not enough and we avoid ourselves to do these acts but Allah Almighty reminds us repeatedly that they are much enough and that we should do the act of kindness even when we can not see the value in them.

Another power of Sadaqah is that it can protect you from difficulties, calamities, trials, and hardships.

"Give Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (At-Tirmidhi)

There are many reasons to give Sadaqah even when you are not particularly religious. You might help poor people and teach your children as an act of generosity or selflessness. But when you are Believer your reasons for spending money, care, and time for others are tied to the higher rank.

 

The question is: Will you act on this?

The basic principles of Religion Islam, 10 Commandments for Muslims

 

The basic principles of Religion Islam, Commandments and Prohibitions for Muslims

The Five Pillars of Islam

It is the need of time, to discuss the fundamental principles of this religion. The Five Pillars might be act as cornerstone of Religion Islam, even they explain the core concepts and regulations that every single Muslim has to accept and follow. 

1.     Shahadah (ٱلشَّهَادَةُ

The first and most basic pillar is called Shahadah. It describes the proclamation of one's faith in All-powerful and All-knowing Allah that is holding the existence of every living and nonliving thing. Furthermore, Shahadah makes the belief in worthiness of Prophets, angles and sanctities of Religious Books. Finally, believing in this pillar, Muslims must believe that Prophet Mohammad PBUH is the Marvelous Prophet of Allah. Shahadah is the key pillar of Islam. Every root of belief of Muslim grow from this pillar. 

لا الہ الا اللہ محمد رسول اللہ

There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger. 

2.     Salat (Salah)

The second Pillar of Islam is Salat. The word Salat means Prayer. For Muslim, it is the set of prayers that he has to offer 5 times a day. Allah commands more than 700 times in Quran to offer Salat.

Command to Pray

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

“And establish Salah and give Zakah, and bow down (in worship) along with those who bow down (in worship)” (Surah Baqarah 2:43)

 

3.     Zakat

The Third Pillar of Religion Islam is realted to Zakat. This principle compels every Muslim to help poor people. Every believer has the responsibility of alms-giving.

4.     Sawm

The fourth core tenet of Islam is fasting during the month of Ramadan. The fast is from dawn to dusk of the day and its purpose is to practice generosity, self-control or self-resistance and piety.

5.     Hajj

 It commands to every Muslim to make a Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca once on a whole life.

"And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations."

If any person, follow these principles, he has the strong pillars of his building of belief. Islam distinguishes from all other religions on the base of these five pillars. For example, Christians believe that, Jesus is the Son of God, and for Muslims Jesus was the great Prophet of Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is indivisible and only one (monotheistic). Muslims cannot agree with the statements of Jews, Christians or any non-Muslim who do not consider Muhammad PBUH and Jesus PBUH, the Prophets of Allah.

 

10           Most important Prohibitions and Commandments for Muslims

1. Do not Insult the Gods of others

“And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge” [al-An‘aam 6:108] 

2.     Do not lie"

Quran says about Liers

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in word and deeds).[Al-Tawbah 9:119]

3.      Grateful to your Parents, Respect your Parents

“Be grateful to me and both your parents...” (Sura Luqman: Ayat 14).

 4.            Do not you hate Guests?

5.     Control your anger

6.      Feed the poor

وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا

And they give food, out of their love for Him (Allah), to the needy, and the orphan, and the captive, (Surah Al-Insan) 

7.           Do not take bribes, it is a Sin

8.     Do not waste

9.    Do not harm others (Believers)

10.   Do not make Fun of others

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِنْ قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِنْهُمْ

O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former) (Surah Al-Hujarat verse: 11)

There are many other commandments are also mentioned in Quran. These commandments are the basic need of every Muslim and also the keys of his success. Success needs Act, regulations, limitations, boundaries, self reflection and connection. Islam teach all of these.