The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Eight

The Recipe to Raise Pious Offspring

(Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Eight)

When Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was confronted by the people and accused of being unchaste, she gestured towards Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) who was an infant. As a miracle, Allah Ta‘ala allowed Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) to speak. He thus raised his index finger and addressed the people.

The very first thing that Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) told them was, “I am the slave of Allah Ta‘ala.” In this way, he clearly declared that he was the slave of Allah Ta‘ala and not the son of Allah Ta‘ala. He then told the people that Allah Ta‘ala would reveal a divine kitaab to him and make him a Nabi. By telling the people that he would become the Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala, the people understood that his mother was innocent of unchaste behaviour and her name was thus cleared of all accusations.

Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) then declared, “Allah Ta‘ala has made me blessed, wherever I may be.” In this context, when Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) mentioned ‘blessed’, it referred to the blessing of encouraging people towards righteous works and preventing them from committing evil deeds.

Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) next said, “Allah Ta‘ala has enjoined on me salaah and zakaat as long as I am alive.” Zakaat refers to ‘purity’ – of both wealth (through discharging zakaat and giving optional charity) and of the soul through purifying one’s character of evil habits and traits.

Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) finally mentioned to the people that Allah Ta‘ala had made him obedient and kind to his mother, and Allah Ta‘ala had not made him harsh and rude, and he would not break the commands of Allah Ta‘ala in any way.

(Tafseerul Madaarik vol. 2, pg. 38, Tafseer Ibnu Katheer vol. 5, pg. 225, Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2, pg. 79)

Lesson:

The qualities that Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) mentioned as a child are the same qualities that we should all strive to instil in our children, which are:

1. Complete submission before Allah Ta‘ala and His commands, as we are all His slaves.

2. The effort to engage them in works of righteousness such as inviting people towards good and preventing them from evil, as this, in reality, is a great blessing and favour of Allah Ta‘ala.

3. To instil the importance of salaah in their hearts so that they never neglect any salaah, and to ensure that they strive for purity in all facets of life, financial as well as in character.

4. The children must be taught to respect, honour and serve their parents and seniors, must be raised to be civilized and dignified and to behave respectably, not in a harsh and rude manner.

In order to instil these qualities within their children, the parents will have to first acquire the qualities themselves. Thereafter, they will become practical role models and examples for their children to emulate. Additionally, we should all make du‘aa on a regular basis that Allah Ta‘ala bless us with pious, obedient offspring who will please us as well as Allah Ta‘ala, Aameen

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Seven

Maintaining Modesty

(Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Seven)

Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) bore Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) for the normal period of pregnancy. Thereafter, when the labour pains commenced, she went to the jungle, far away from people, to give birth to her child. As it was difficult for her to sit and stand, due to the labour pains, she went to a date palm and used it for support.

This was indeed a great test for Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam). She was all alone with nobody to assist her. She was in pain, she had no food or drink with her, and she anticipated that people would accuse her of being unchaste and committing zina. In this state of desperation, she exclaimed, “If only I had died before this and was totally forgotten!” In order to console her, Allah Ta‘ala sent Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) to her. He stood away from her, on an area that was lower than the place she was standing on and said, “Do not grieve! Allah Ta‘ala has provided a small river below you. And shake the trunk of the date palm, it will drop fresh dates for you.”

In this manner, Allah Ta‘ala made divine arrangements for Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam). On her command, the small river would flow, and on her command, it would cease. Similarly, it was a miracle that the date palm bore fruit for her to eat, as it was not the season for dates.

After the period of nifaas (postnatal bleeding) terminated, approximately forty days later, Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) returned to the people carrying Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam). As soon as they saw her, they began to rebuke and chastise her, as she had born a child without being married. They asked her how she could have stooped to such behaviour, whereas she hailed from the most pious of families.

Placing her complete reliance on Allah Ta‘ala, Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) remained silent and gestured towards the infant child. The people thought that she was mocking them, as a child cannot speak. However, as a miracle, Allah Ta‘ala allowed Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) to speak. He informed the people that he was the Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala, and in this manner, the name and reputation of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was preserved.

(Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2, pg. 74-78, Tafseerul Madaarik vol. 2, pg. 37 and Ma‘aariful Quraan vol. 6, pg. 22-28)

Lessons:

1. When people still possessed shame and modesty, they frowned on immodest behaviour. Today, with the surge of immodesty, people regard dating and other illicit relationships to be the norm. This shows how far we have drifted from the values of Islam. Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) preferred to be dead than to be accused of indecent and unchaste behaviour.

2. When a believer leads a life of piety and chastity, has a strong link and relationship with Allah Ta‘ala and places his reliance and trust in Him, then Allah Ta‘ala assists him in his hour of need and comes to his rescue.

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Six

Pleased with His Decree

(Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Six)

Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) realized that in conceiving Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam), there was a test for her, as people would notice that she was expecting and would ask who had fathered the child. However, she placed her trust in Allah Ta‘ala and accepted that this was His decision.

The first person to notice that Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was expecting was her cousin, Yusuf bin Ya’qoob Najjaar. Since he was well aware of the piety and chastity of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), and everyone knew that she was unmarried, he was extremely surprised to see that she was expecting a child.

He thus asked her, “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! Is it possible for a plant to grow without a seed first being planted?” She replied, “Yes! After all, who created the very first plant?” He next asked her, “Is it possible for a tree to grow without water and rain?” She replied, “Yes! After all, who created the first tree?” Finally, he asked, “Can a child be born without a father?” She replied, “Yes! Allah Ta‘ala created Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) without a mother or a father.” She then informed him that Allah Ta‘ala had given her the glad tidings of being the mother of Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) without the intermediary of any father.

When Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) would be in solitude, Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) would converse with her and speak to her from within the womb, and when she would be among people, he would engage in reciting tasbeeh.

(Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2 pgs. 73 to 75)

Lesson:

We should never desire or ask to be tested by Allah Ta‘ala. However, if He has decreed a certain test for us, be it an illness, financial difficulty or any other test, then we should place our trust in Him and be happy with His decision. We should never question Allah Ta‘ala, and we should turn to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa saying, “O Allah! Since you have given me this test, and I am weak, You assist me to pass this test and secure Your happiness.”

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Five

The Preparation of Piety

Allah Ta‘ala instructed the angels to give Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) the glad tidings that she would give birth to a son named ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) without the medium of a father. The angels also gave her the glad tidings that this son would be the Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala who would invite people towards Him while still a child. However, Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was instructed to exert herself in ‘ibaadah so that she would become worthy of this great favour and bounty of Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, she exerted herself in ‘ibaadah and performing salaah to such an extent that her legs would become swollen.

Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) would only leave Musjidul Aqsa when she was impure or when she had a need to fulfill. Once, while she was out, Allah Ta‘ala sent Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) to her in the form of a man. As soon as she saw him, out of her extreme purity, chastity and shame, she exclaimed, “I seek the protection of the Most Merciful from you! If you possess taqwa (then do not come close to me)!” Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) assured her that he was an angel sent to her by Allah Ta‘ala to bless her with a child. She asked, “How will I give birth to a son whereas no man has touched me (I am unmarried) and I am not unchaste?” Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) replied, “So it will be. Your Lord has said, ‘It is easy for me.’” Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) then blew into her collar through which Allah Ta‘ala caused Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) to be conceived.

References: Surah Aal ‘Imraan v45-46, Surah Maryam v16-21, Tafseer Ibni Katheer vol. 2, pg. 346 and Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2, pgs. 67, 73 and 74.

Lessons:

1. Allah Ta‘ala had honoured Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) above all the women of the world to be the mother of Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) without the medium of a father. However, in order to become worthy of this bounty, she was instructed to exert herself in ‘ibaadah. Similarly, Allah Ta‘ala loves all His servants and wishes to bless them and shower His favours upon them. However, the general system of Allah Ta‘ala is that He blesses His servants when they strive and show that they are eager for His blessings. Hence, together with making du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala for Him to bless us, we have to exert ourselves in His ‘ibaadah and in acquiring His pleasure.

2. As soon as a strange man had come close to Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), she sought the protection of Allah Ta‘ala and reminded the man to adopt taqwa. This is the automatic, spontaneous reaction of a person who possesses hayaa (shame and modesty) – that they are always on their guard and are wary of non-mahrams coming close to them or approaching them.

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Four

The ‘Produce’ of Piety

(Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Four)

Allah Ta‘ala bestowed Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) with His divine acceptance and blessed her to receive an upbringing that was excellent and outstanding. In regard to her upbringing, Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Quraan Majeed, “And her Lord accepted her graciously and made her grow excellently.”

One aspect of “making her grow excellently” is that she received an excellent upbringing of piety and righteousness. Hence, from a young age, she would remain engaged in the worship and obedience of Allah Ta‘ala.

It is on account of this very piety and purity with which Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her that Allah Ta‘ala instructed the angels to announce to her, “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! Indeed Allah Ta‘ala has selected you, purified you and chosen you above all women.”

As she was in the care of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam), he would often enter the special area in which Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) would remain and engage in the worship of Allah Ta‘ala. To the surprise of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam), whenever he would enter, he would find that she had fruit that was out of season! In winter, she would be enjoying the fruit of summer, and in summer, she would be enjoying the fruit of winter. Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) asked her, “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! From where does this come to you?” She replied, “It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.”

At that moment, although Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) was advanced in age, he desired to be blessed with a child. Hence, he turned to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa and supplicated saying, “O the One who blessed Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) with fruit that was out of season, bless me with a child, even though I have passed the ‘season’ (age) of fatherhood.”

Allah Ta‘ala accepted the du‘aa of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) and eventually blessed him with a son who was Nabi Yahya (‘alaihis salaam).

(Surah Aal ‘Imraan v37-39 and v42, Bayaanul Quraan vol. 1 pg. 223, Tafseer Ibni Katheer vol. 2 pg. 344 and Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2 pg. 65)

Lessons:

1. Just as every parent wishes that their child will have good and healthy physical development, they should have an even greater concern for the Deeni and imaani upbringing and development of their children. In this regard, it is incumbent for them to constantly make du‘aa for their children’s Deen and imaan – if not after every salaah, then at least once a day. Additionally, they must ensure that their children attend a good maktab madrasah and daily ta’leem is conducted in the home.

2. Allah Ta‘ala alone is the sole Sustainer of every creation. When we have firm imaan and conviction in this, we will turn to Allah Ta‘ala and believe that it is only in obeying Him and pleasing Him that we will gain barakah (blessings) in our sustenance. Furthermore, just as Allah Ta‘ala sent fruit that was out of season for Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) while she was within her chamber, Allah Ta‘ala can easily arrange and see to our sustenance while we remain within our homes seeking His pleasure.

3. The power of du‘aa should never be forgotten or overlooked. Allah Ta‘ala, in the blink of an eye, can literally make our dreams come true. Remain in the obedience of Allah Ta‘ala and turn to Him for your every need.

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Three

(Sayyidah Maryam ‘alaihas salaam – Part Three)

After Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was weaned, her mother, Hannah, wrapped her in blankets and proceeded with her to the musjid. As she had dedicated this child to the worship of Allah Ta‘ala, she made her over to the devout worshippers who resided in the musjid so that she could dedicate herself to worshipping Allah Ta‘ala as well. When Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was brought to the musjid, all the worshippers wished to have the honour of raising her.

Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) was the prophet of the time, and he also wished to have the honour of raising Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), especially as she was his niece (his wife was the sister of Hannah). Hence, to decide who would have the honour of raising her, they decided to draw lots.

To draw lots, they all put their pens together. Thereafter, the pens were left in a certain place, after which a young boy was instructed to draw one pen from the lot. When this was done, it was the pen of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) that was drawn.

The worshippers asked Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) to draw lots for a second time, and he agreed. On this occasion, they all cast their pens into the river, agreeing that the decision would be in favour of the pen which miraculously flowed against the current. When this was done, it was the pen of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) which flowed against the current, while all the other pens flowed with the current.

Finally, the worshippers asked Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) to draw lots for a third time, and he agreed. On this instance, they cast their pens into the river, agreeing that the decision would be in favour of the pen which flowed with the current, while the other pens flow against the current. When this was done, it was the pen of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) which flowed with the current, while the other pens flowed against the current. In this manner, due to Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) being the most worthy of raising her, on account of being the Nabi and also because his wife was the aunt of Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), Allah Ta‘ala allowed him to raise Maryam (‘alaihas salaam).

Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) then arranged a special area which was exclusive for Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam). She would remain in this area and engage in worshipping Allah Ta‘ala throughout the day and night. She exerted herself in worship to such an extent that her worship was regarded as proverbial among the Banu Israaeel.

(Surah Aal ‘Imraan v44 and Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2 pg. 65)

Lessons:

1. When Allah Ta‘ala decrees that a person will receive something, he will most definitely receive it. Be it a child, sustenance or anything else, everything is in the control of Allah Ta‘ala. If we secure His help, we will be able to overcome any challenge.

2. In raising Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) ensured that she was in seclusion, as solitude is conducive to worshipping Allah Ta‘ala. Since the objective of solitude is to allow a person to achieve peace of mind and remain focused, we should try to achieve the same result through ‘cutting off’ from anything and everything that is not necessary in our lives and will distract us. At present, perhaps the most destructive distractions are social media, novels, etc., all of which are made available through the internet. Hence, our seclusion and the seclusion of our children lies in disconnecting from unnecessary usage of the internet so that we may connect with Allah Ta‘ala.

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Two

The mother and father of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) were ‘Imraan and Hannah. Before the birth of Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), Hannah was unable to bear a child.

One day, Hannah observed a bird feeding its chick. Seeing this spectacle of love and compassion, her heart was overcome by the desire to have a child. She thus turned to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa, begging him to bless her with a child, until her du‘aa was answered. Soon thereafter, when she conceived, she vowed to Allah Ta‘ala that she would dedicate her child to worshipping Him and serving Musjidul Aqsa. (Surah Aal ‘Imraan v35, Tafseer Ibnu Katheer vol. 2 pg. 337)

When the child was born, Hannah noticed that it was a girl! However, normally only a male child would be dedicated for serving in the musjid and worshipping Allah Ta‘ala. Nevertheless, Hannah understood that Allah Ta‘ala knew best, and it was in His infinite wisdom that He had blessed her with a daughter, instead of a son. (Surah Aal ‘Imraan v36, Tafseer Qurtubi vol. 5 pg. 101 and Tafseerul Madaarik vol. 1 pg. 172)

Hannah then named her daughter ‘Maryam’ which meant ‘worshipper’ in the language of the time. In doing so, her intention was that although her daughter cannot serve in the musjid, on account of being a female, she will still dedicate her to worshipping Allah Ta‘ala. (Surah Aal ‘Imraan v36, Tafseerul Madaarik vol. 1 pg. 173 and Bayaanul Quraan vol. 1 pg. 222)

Hannah then made a special du‘aa saying, “I seek Your protection (O Allah) for her and her progeny from Shaitaan the rejected.”

Whenever a child is born, Shaitaan interferes with the child and pokes it, causing it to cry out aloud. However, through the blessing of this du‘aa of Hannah, Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) and her son, Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam), were both safeguarded from Shaitaan and thus did not cry when they were born. (Surah Aal ‘Imraan v36 and Saheeh Bukhaari #3286 and #4548)

Lessons:

1. Every person has unfulfilled wishes, desires and aspirations. Sometimes, a person desires to be blessed with a child. Regardless of what the desire may be, the only One who can fulfill our ambition is Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, even though we adopt the means, we believe, from our hearts, that only Allah Ta‘ala can make the means effective. After all, there are so many people who undergo fertility treatment, yet still fail to conceive.

2. The ambition of Hannah was not to merely have a child, but rather to dedicate her child to the worship of Allah Ta‘ala and serving the musjid. There are many parents who even before the birth of their children, plan their career path, whether in medicine, law, engineering, etc. However, how many parents plan for their children to be the worshippers of Allah Ta‘ala and their sons to be devotees of the musjid? How many parents take steps to ensure that their children attend the best madrasahs and acquire the best Deeni upbringing and education? These are the ultimate ‘careers’ as these ‘professions’ bear profits in the Hereafter.

3. We all plan and hope for our lives to work out in a certain way. However, Allah Ta‘ala knows what is best for us and blesses us accordingly. On our part, we should always be happy and content with the decree of Allah Ta‘ala and should be appreciative of His favour upon us, as we do not even deserve any of His bounties.

4. When her child was born, the concern of Hannah was for her children to be protected from Shaitaan. Hence, every parent, from before their child is even born, should worry for the safety of their child’s imaan and take the appropriate steps to safeguard their Deen. Together with putting the necessary measures into place, we have to make constant du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala to safeguard them from all evil and sin.

(to be continued insha-Allah)

The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part One

Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was a woman who was honoured by Allah Ta‘ala in a unique manner – an entire surah of the Quraan Majeed is named after her, and she is the only woman whose name is mentioned, not once, but repeatedly in the Quraan Majeed.

In Surah Aal ‘Imraan (v42), Allah Ta‘ala mentions how He instructed the angles to announce to Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! Indeed Allah Ta‘ala has selected you, purified you and chosen you above all women.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) similarly attested to the great virtue of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) is superior in virtue to all the women of my Ummah, just as Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was superior in virtue to all the women of the other eras.” (Tabraani and Bazzaar - Majma‘uz Zawaaid #15260)​

The life of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was entirely unique and has many important and beneficial lessons to teach us. By studying her life, we will identify the qualities and attributes which Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her with, for which He and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) praised her in these glowing words. After identifying these qualities, we will strive to inculcate them so that we too may gain the acceptance of Allah Ta‘ala ~ Aameen

In the parts to follow, we will insha Allah discuss the life of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam).