The life of the Holy Prophet of Islam — Page 10
“Paradise lies under the feet of your mothers. ” This indicates the outstanding status of woman in Islam far superior than granted by any other religion of the world. No other religion comes close to the prominence given to women by the Holy Prophet of Islam. To strive for caring for one’s parents is considered an honor and a blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that not only we pray for our parents, but also act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us over themselves. Mothers are particularly honored. In Islam, serving one’s parents is one of the greatest duties. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old age becomes difficult for them. The Quran says: Thy Lord has commanded that ye worship none but Him, and that ye show kindness to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, never say to them as much as ugh nor reproach them, but always address them with kindly speech. And lower them the wing of humility out of tenderness. And say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me when I was a little child. ’ (Holy Quran, 17:24-25) Once a Companion of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked, “O Apostle of Allah! To whom should I show kindness?” He replied, “Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then comes your father, and then your relatives in order of relationship. ” (Abu Dawud) Woman as a wife Woman as a wife has also a very special status in Islam as it is described in the teachings of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of Islam. Holy Quran says: And of His Signs is that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that, surely, are Signs for a people who reflect. (Holy Quran, 30:22) Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Best of you is one who is best in his treatment of his wife and I am the best of you in this treatment. ” (Tirmidhi) In his farewell address, after the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had glorified and praised Allah, he drew special attention of men towards their wives in the following words: “Be ever mindful of the duty you owe to Allah in respect of your wives. You have married them with the guarantee of Allah’s name, and you have made them lawful for yourselves in accordance with Allah’s word. So be mindful of your covenant. They owe you fidelity; for any default on their part you may correct them gently. You owe them suitable maintenance. ” (Tirmidhi) Woman as a daughter To take care of a daughter tenderly is much emphasized in the sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of Islam. For example, Hadrat ‘Aisha, the wife of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), said: A woman came with her two daughters, asking charity but she did not find with me anything except a date. I gave it to her and she divided it between her two daughters, and did not eat it herself. Then she got up and went out, and the Prophet of Islam entered on us, and I informed him about it. So the Prophet said: Whoever is thrown into trial on account of these daughters, they (the daughters) are a screen for him from Hell fire.