A Unique Nikaah (Pious Woman) ~ Part Five

Prepared to Depart (Sayyidah Ummu Habeebah radhiyallahu ‘anha – Part Five) Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) passed away in the year 44 A.H. during the rule of her brother, Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Shortly before her demise she called ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) and said, “It is possible that misunderstandings could have occurred between us which sometimes occur between co-wives. May Allah Ta‘ala forgive us and overlook anything that may have happened. On my part, I forgive you for anything that might have transpired.” ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) responded by making a similar du‘aa for Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) and also forgiving her. Hearing this, Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was delighted and exclaimed, “You have made me happy, may Allah Ta‘ala make you happy as well!” Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) also asked her other co-wife Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) for forgiveness in a similar manner. (Reference: Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 100 and Mustadrak Haakim #6773)  Lessons: 1. As humans, we are all prone to making mistakes. However, the manner in which we respond to the mistake is crucial. If we attempt to justify our behaviour, ‘pass the buck’ (blame the next person) or flat-out refuse to acknowledge that we erred, we will never progress as we are hindered by the unwanted baggage of pride. For a person to honestly admit his mistake and beg forgiveness, he needs humility. Hence, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had such humility and sincerity that even if there was a possibility that they had hurt some person, they begged that person for forgiveness. 2. When crossing the siraat (bridge to Jannah that crosses over Jahannum), it is those who have no burden to carry who will move with the most ease and speed. Hence, we should ensure that we get rid of all our unwanted baggage (sins committed against Allah Ta‘ala and against other people) before we leave this world. As none of us know our date of departure to the Hereafter, we should waste not even a single moment in repenting to Allah Ta‘ala and begging forgiveness from those whom we have hurt and wronged.