In preparation

I begin in the name of Allah, The Merciful, The Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

InshaAllah the first of the series on ‘The Mothers of the Believers’ will begin on Sunday 24^th February 2008 by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq. Reading about the Mothers of the Believers has always been very inspirational for me and I feel this series will therefore be of an enormous benefit to me and many others. Throughout our journey of life we meet many people, some we look up to, some inspire us and some become our role-models. However, sometimes we become trapped in our own small worlds and we learn from only those within our vision. This series will inshaAllah enable us to go beyond our vision and learn from those who we never got to meet but who were open-hearted, courageous and strong in adversity; the mothers of the believers, the mothers of the faithful; our mothers from whom we can learn many great lessons. I would like to begin this blog by a summary of the lives of ‘Our Mothers’ in preparation, and in order to encourage us to learn more.

The lives of the Mothers of the Believers and the Pious Muslim Women at the time of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم should be an inspiration and stimulation for the hearts of Muslims today. Excelling in religious, social and political activities many received the glad tidings on this world that their destination would be paradise. They left for us the gift of example; integrity, loyalty, honesty and modesty. They are our example to show humanity the unique status of Muslim women in Islam.

Here I have written briefly about the pious characteristics and achievements of the Mothers of the Believers and pray the readers will be genuinely inspired to learn more about the lives of these great Muslim women and strive to reach such purity, serenity, tranquility and unity of heart.

Khadijah رضى الله عنها

The first wife of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. She was the first to accept Islam and supported the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم emotionally and financially. A successful businesswoman who endured economic hardship for Islam. Thus she was courageous, patient and supportive. She was the perfect wife who stood by her husband, was understanding, devoted, truthful and sacrificed her all for her imaan.

Saudah رضى الله عنها

When she entered the household of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم she provided support and love for the daughters of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. She was a generous, selfless lady of pure heart, free from envy and jealousy. Thus due to her humility and kindness when she became old she gave A’ishah رضى الله عنها the time allotted to her by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم .

A’ishah رضى الله عنها

She was one of the favourite wives of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. She was a kind and generous lady. A’ishah رضى الله عنها had a brilliant memory and was also very knowledgeable and wise. Many ahadeeth have been contributed by her and she was excellent in the commentary and interpretation of the Qur’an. Thus after the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم passed away the companions would often consult her on issues.

Hafsah رضى الله عنها

She spent her time in fasting and praying. She meticulously memorized every ayat of the Qur’an as and when they were revealed and was an excellent writer and orator.

Zainab رضى الله عنها

One of the first to accept Islam she devoted most of her time to prayer. Even before the advent of Islam she was a very generous lady and thus when she accepted Islam her contributions to charity increased.

Umm Salamah رضى الله عنها

She was also one of the first to accept Islam. Whilst emigrating to al-Madinah her family separated her from her husband and children and she bore this separation with great patience. She was always kind to neighbours and to the needy.

Zainab bint Jahash رضى الله عنها

She was a very modest and sympathetic lady who was devoted to prayer. She made all her decisions by turning to supplication and she was the most charitable.

Juveriah رضى الله عنها

Due to her acceptance of Islam her whole tribe was liberated from slavery and thus many consequently also accepted Islam. She also spent most of her time in prayer.

Saffiyyah رضى الله عنها

She was an intelligent and God fearing lady who was very generous and amicable. She spent most of her time in reading the Qur’an