Ummu Kulthoom, the daughter of Faatimah [radhiyallahu ‘anhuma] – Part Two

(Ummu Kulthoom, the daughter of Faatimah [radhiyallahu ‘anhuma] – Part Two) Every young girl longs and makes du‘aa for the day she’ll receive a good proposal. Imagine a girl who is proposed for by not only the ruler of the time, but a ruler who is also, without a doubt, the second best person to walk the surface of this earth after the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam). During his rule, ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) requested ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to give him the hand of his daughter, Ummu Kulthoom (radhiyallahu ‘anha), in marriage. ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) initially declined and excused himself saying that he had reserved his daughters for the sons of his brother, Ja’far (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), however, pleaded with him and explained that there was no one who would appreciate and value her nobility as much as he would. ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) therefore agreed and the nikaah was performed. After the nikaah, ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) went to a group of Muhaajireen and exclaimed in excitement, “Congratulate me!” They congratulated him and asked, “Who have you married?” He replied, “The daughter of ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). I had heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, ‘Every relationship will be severed (will be of no avail) on the Day of Qiyaamah besides my relationship.’ I had given my daughter (Hafsah [radhiyallahu ‘anha]) in marriage to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and so I wished to take one of his family in my marriage.” (Al-Isaabah vol. 8, pg. 465)  Lessons: 1. Although the main reason for her receiving this excellent proposal was her being the grand-daughter of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), which is not something that is within a person’s choice, we definitely have the choice of acquiring praise worthy qualities and habits that will be a reason for us receiving good proposals as well. 2. Very often, a bad picture is painted regarding the relationship between ‘Umar and ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) in an attempt to show that they were enemies who hated one another. The logical answer is that if ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) regarded ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to be his arch enemy, would he have ever handed his young daughter to him in marriage?  (to be continued insha-Allah)