Islam

Islam

Tuesday 19 March 2024

First 10 Days of Ramadan: Simple Ways to Show Mercy

 

Surau Kuarters Guru, Kampong Jawa, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia a few days ago.

Muslims are blessed with Ramadan: a month filled with spiritual opportunities to seek mercy, forgiveness, and emancipation from hellfire.

One of Allah’s 99 names is also Ar Rahman, which means “The Most Merciful.” There’s no surprise that mercy manifests itself in the month of Ramadan.

Fasting Itself Is a Mercy


Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which itself is an act of mercy.

When we fast, we experience a healthy detox from foods that don’t benefit us. It also gives many of our organs a chance to rest and recuperate.

Fasting recharges us spiritually and makes us more desirous of leaving distractions that don’t benefit us.

Fasting also helps us appreciate whatever we have and think of those who have even less; for example, families with children in war-torn countries.

Allah SWT promises another reward for fasting in Surah Baqarah:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” [Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183].

Being considered amongst the most pious Muslims is the most merciful gift that Allah SWT can give His servants. A title easily achieved by making full use of Ramadan’s first 10 days.

Implementing Mercy

As Muslims, we have the opportunity to show more mercy to ourselves and others and gain the rewards.

As a matter of fact, mercy manifests itself through our humanity in many ways, and all of this can be achieved by cultivating a Ramadan filled with implementing mercy in our daily lives.

There are a few ways that Muslims can show mercy to others in their homes and communities in the first 10 days of Ramadan:

Lighten the Load

For many families, Ramadan brings the expectation that all members of the household need to maintain their pre-Ramadan duties.


Some even expect others to perform extra household duties, like cooking, baking, cleaning, and entertaining, even while fasting and performing their extra worship activities.

Instead of demanding that family members do more, show mercy by understanding that they will instead be doing much less.

Be content to eat simple meals and help with household chores you don’t usually do. Give others a break and take a load off them this month.

Show Extra Love to Children and Family Members

Part of Allah’s mercy is the love we feel for our parents, children, siblings, cousins, and other extended family. Make time in Ramadan to just be with your family.

This does not need to be a worship-focused time.

Family time can include reading books together, crafting, cooking, taking family outings, or walking in the evenings before iftar. Give extra cuddles, snuggles, and kisses this month.

The love and mercy you can show others will multiply the love and mercy that Allah will have for you.

Forgive Debts

Ramadan is the perfect time to forgive any outstanding debts that are more than a year old – or any others that you can afford to give up.

When you forgive others’ debts, you ease the stress they’re enduring over repaying your loans. Show them the mercy for their financial situation that you also hope to also see on the Day of Judgment.

Let Go of Grudges

Holding hatred and grudges against others speaks more to the nature of your own soul than it does theirs. First, recognize that we are all humans and that we all make mistakes.


Next, take the first ten days of Ramadan to let go of any feelings of hate or anger towards others in your life that you feel have wronged you in some way.

This is actually a mercy not to others but to your own soul and self.

The rewards accrue throughout Ramadan for those who sincerely repent and occupy themselves with good actions for the sake of pleasing and worshiping Allah SWT.

The mercy of Allah SWT washes over everyone busy in worship and good deeds. Bask in Allah SWT’s mercy during the first ten days of Ramadan. 

- aboutislam.net

Monday 18 March 2024

Can You Use Toothpaste While Fasting?

 


You cannot swallow toothpaste while fasting because swallowing toothpaste or saliva affected by toothpaste would break your fast.

But the use of toothpaste does not in itself invalidate the fast unless you swallow the toothpaste itself or saliva affected by it.

Anything that could reasonably break your fast, deliberately choosing to do so in general is disliked. Because breaking your fast is prohibited.

That which comes close to something, takes something of its rulings.

So deliberately choosing to put anything in your mouth that you could end up swallowing, and thereby invalidating your fast, would be disliked if it’s without reason.

So, toothpaste, in general, will take that ruling as well. After the fast begins, one would avoid it.

But there are circumstances, particularly if someone’s going to work, etc and if your breath is affected, then if you are to use toothpaste and when there’s a need–and it’s disliked–it’s not prohibition. If there’s a need, then just use very little toothpaste and rinse your mouth.

And if you rinse out once you’re considered to have rinsed out the toothpaste any residual taste after that is excused.

So, if there’s no need, you’re just, it’s Saturday, you’re at home, and if you take care of your oral hygiene and you brush before the day starts, it, you should make it to the end of the day.

Don’t have garlic at sahoor time.

The Ruling of Miswak

But and also, it’s useful to learn how to use a tooth stick, sewak, because the tooth stick, right, this sewak or the miswak does not require any external agent in order for you to brush your teeth.

Alright, so if you keep a tooth stick, learn how to use it.

And it’s very useful. You can use it all day. Now you keep it moist so that the ends don’t come off.

But again, you use it once and then you rinse your mouth out once and that that’s enough.

And you can use the tooth stick in the Hanifi school, all day: in the Shafi’i school, only up till the midday.

- aboutislam.net

Sunday 17 March 2024

Breaking Fast and Maghrib prayers during the Ramadhan month

 






Eating meal after breaking fast at Surau Kuarters Guru, Kg Jawa, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia yesterday.

Riyad as-Salihin 1234 (Book 8, Hadith 244) #37723
Hastening to Break Fast and Pray

SUMMARY: This hadith is about the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companion 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, who would hasten to break their fast and perform the Maghrib prayer.

Abu Atiyyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Masruq and I visited 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) and said: "O Mother of the Believers! There are two Companions of Muhammad  and neither of them holds back from doing good acts; but one of them hastens to break Saum (fasting) and hastens to perform the Maghrib prayer, while the other delays breaking Saum and delays performing Salat (prayer)". She asked, "Who is the one who hastens to break Saum and perform the Maghrib prayer?" Masruq said, "It is 'Abdullah (meaning 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud)". She said, "The Messenger of Allah  used to do so". Muslim.
وعن أبي عطية قال‏:‏ دخلت أنا ومسروق على عائشة رضي الله عنها فقال لها مسروق‏:‏ رجلان من أصحاب محمد ﷺ كلاهما لا يألو عن الخير‏:‏ أحدهما يعجل المغرب والإفطار، والآخر يؤخر المغرب والإفطار‏؟‏ فقالت‏:‏ من يعجل المغرب والإفطار‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ عبد الله - يعني ابن مسعود- فقالت‏:‏ هكذا كان رسول الله ﷺ يصنع‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏


QUICK LESSONS:
Be mindful when it comes to fasting during Ramadan or any other time throughout the year; strive towards doing good deeds quickly without hesitation or procrastination; reap rewards from Allah SWT both in this world and hereafter by doing good deeds quickly .

EXPLANATIONS:
This hadith is about two companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abu Atiyyah and Masruq. They visited Aishah, one of the wives of the prophet ﷺ, and asked her about a companion who was known for hastening to break his fast at sunset and performing Maghrib prayer afterwards. Aishah replied that this was something that the prophet himself used to do as well. This hadith teaches us that it is important for Muslims to be mindful when it comes to fasting during Ramadan or any other time throughout the year; we should not delay breaking our fast or performing our prayers but rather strive to do them in a timely manner so as not to miss out on any blessings from Allah SWT. Additionally, this hadith also serves as an example for us on how we should live our lives; just like how 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud strived towards doing good deeds quickly without hesitation or procrastination, we too should strive towards doing good deeds with haste in order to reap its rewards in both worlds - this world and hereafter.

- IslamiCity

Saturday 16 March 2024

Why No Water While Fasting?

 



Fasting is a topic that fascinates many who are not Muslim.

It is also one of the questions most often on the minds of those who are new to Islam, because they have not fasted before and they don't know what to expect.

I remember the first time I fasted during Ramadan. Actually, I wasn't Muslim at the time, but I fasted with my pupils in school.

It was the least thing I thought I could do to show my solidarity and support for them.

Little did I know that the following year, I would be Muslim myself, fasting as a Muslim during Ramadan during the hours of daylight.

What did it feel like to fast for the first time?

Well, in fact, you hit the nail on the head by asking about water, because I found that it was not the lack of food that was a problem, but the desire for something to drink.

Muslims read in the Quran what means:

{And we send down water from the sky according to (due) measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease). With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines; in them have you abundant fruits: and of them you eat (and have enjoyment)} (Al-Mu'minun 23:18-19)

Water is just one of the many gifts we take for granted in this life. Just think how many times we have recourse to water during the day. 

One of the effects of fasting during Ramadan is that it brings all of these things into focus, helping us to remember all the many blessings we receive and take for granted, such as food and water, and the love of the people who are dear to us.

In Ramadan, we give thanks for these things. We can even thank Allah Almighty for the rain, which is so often a nuisance to us, yet which during those fasting days of Ramadan, would be most welcome to trickle down our faces. 

We also remember all of those in this world who do not have the good fortune that we have of being able to drink or eat whenever we wish.

There are many people who will not end the days of Ramadan with a special meal of celebration, but will go hungry because they have neither food nor drink.

All of this, though, is just a prelude to telling you about why Muslims fast. They don't do it to feel good, or to soar to great heights of spirituality, or for any other reason than the fact that Allah Almighty has commanded them to do so.

It is one of the five "pillars" of Islam, which are required of all Muslims.

These five pillars help us to live as Muslims.

We read in the Quran:

{Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, and also clear signs for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting.} (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

By the way, despite what anyone may claim, Islam is eminently sensible and practical.

It is also very reasonable, so you will see that fasting is for those who are at their homes.

In other words, those who are travelling are not required to fast.

So what, then, is the fast about?

Why do Muslims fast at all? Again, we have recourse to the Quran:

{O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.} (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Pleasing Allah


Muslims fast because Allah has commanded them to do so. Why else would anyone choose to do such a thing?

They fast to please Allah.

In fasting, they give up not only food and drink. In fact, the fast is total. Between the hours of daylight, Muslim men and women refrain from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouse.

They also refrain from such things as smoking, bad language, and even bad thoughts.

What use would it be to fast all day if a person was thinking ill about others?

The only thing he would gain by doing this, according to our Prophet, is that at the end of the day he would be hungry and thirsty.

So, yes, water is included in the fast. For some it is easy. For others (like myself) this is the most difficult part of the fast.

The lack of water means that towards the end of the day, about one or two hours before it is time to break the fast, I tend to get a headache or feel drowsy.

However, knowing that we do this for Allah and by doing so we please Him, is enough for any Muslim to carry on the fast willingly.

When we consider the terrible sufferings which have just been undergone by our brothers and sisters in countries under attack and in apartheid as we see in Gaza, who have not only lost their homes and their own limbs, but also their children and family members, it is nothing to go without water for a few hours.

When we see how heroically they endured this suffering, giving thanks to Allah even while the bombs were falling around them, it encourages all Muslims to do this small thing in giving up food and water for Allah's sake.

When the day's fast is over, all Muslims will join with their family and friends, to break the fast and to give thanks for the gift of food and water, which we so often take from the hand of Allah without even a thought.

It feels good to have fasted during the days of Ramadan, most importantly because it has reminded us that we have been called to be Muslim and that we have carried out this fast for Allah's sake.

- aboutislam.net

Friday 15 March 2024

How to Make Fasting in Hot Months Easier?

 

Fasting in the hot summer months, with long daylight hours and soaring temperatures, can become a challenge.

Stay Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated is the key to making it easier for the body to endure the daily fasting routine during a hot summer Ramadan. Drinking adequate water throughout the night-time hours is essential.

The minimum amount of water that doctors recommend (excluding any other drinks, such as tea, coffee, or carbonated beverages) is 8 to 10, 8-ounce glasses per 24-hour period.

However, some people might require more, depending on the nature of the work they do during the day, and the state of their overall health e.g. elderly people or professionals/those whose daily routine takes them in the sun might require more water.

You can also take a quick shower/bath with cold water during the daylight hours to cool off because even the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pour water over his head while fasting in the heat. Taking even two such cold-water baths per day is recommended. Just remember not to waste water.

Take Afternoon Siesta

All praises to Allah that in Pakistan everyone gets off work or school by 3:00 PM during weekdays in Ramadan. For those whose routines allow it, they should lie down for a couple of hours indoors, during Dhuhr and Asr prayers.

This siesta (nap) during the long, hot afternoons helps keep fatigue and dehydration at bay by allowing the body to wind down, rest, and recharge for night-time prayers.

Make Chores Easier

We should make some changes to our daily routines and chores during Ramadan in order to not add more fatigue to our bodies while we are in the state of fasting. For example, if someone washes their laundry during the afternoons as a norm, then they should change the routine to right after Fajr prayer or just before sleeping at night.

If affordable, it is better to purchase an automatic washer for this purpose. The same applies to using blenders to chop vegetables, air fryers to roast/fry food (instead of frying 5 kinds of food for iftar by standing in front of a hot wok), and air-conditioners to cool off during the daytime.

I know that this will seem to inflate “expenses”, but sister, we should consider every paisa, or cent, that we spend during Ramadan, as sadaqah, even if it is spent in making our worldly chores easier.

This is because using the help of machines to tackle worldly chores will give us more energy and time to focus on acts of worship during Ramadan.

It will also give us rewards for reducing the burden of work not just on ourselves, but also upon our domestic helpers. In Pakistan, it is the norm for most families to burden domestic helpers with even more work during Ramadan. While, in fact, we should do the opposite.

Avoid Unnecessary Outings During the Day

Muslims should avoid going out during the day just for those worldly chores, like shopping, which is not even necessary. Try to get all your Eid shopping done before Ramadan, and keep it simple when it comes to clothes, food, and decor.

Try to pay all your bills online, using Internet banking services, to avoid going out in the sun. And try not to roam around in air-conditioned shopping malls to while away the hot, daylight hours. Focus on worship.

Get Sleep at Night

Since Ramadan has been commencing during the annual summer vacation from school, many Muslim families stay awake all night during the month and sleep daily between Fajr and Dhuhr. This sleep schedule works against the brain’s and body’s natural clock.

The best rest that the human body can have is during the night hours, as Allah has stated in the Qur’an. So try to get at least a couple of hours of night sleep, in order to energize the body for daylight fasting.

Allah knows best. I hope that these tips answer your question. May Allah grant you, us, and all Muslims the blessings of the coming Ramadan. Aamin.

- aboutislam.net

About Sadaf Farooqi
Sadaf Farooqi is an author, blogger and freelance writer based in Karachi, Pakistan. To date, Sadaf has authored over 300 original articles, most of which can be accessed on her blog, "Sadaf's Space" (sadaffarooqi.wordpress.com). She has recently started self-publishing her past articles as non-fiction Islamic books, which are available on Amazon and Kindle (www.amazon.com/author/sadaffarooqi)

Thursday 14 March 2024

Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa: The Cause of Every Muslim

 

 Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa: The Cause of Every Muslim

Author: IslamWeb

Today’s discussion revolves around Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa, focusing on the plight of our Muslim brothers and sisters there. They endure atrocities such as killings, missile strikes, house demolitions, and displacement amidst daily obstinacy, insults, abuses, aggressions, and betrayal.

Based on the principle that those who do not concern themselves with the affairs of Muslims are not counted among them, and the principle that all Muslims are brothers who do not betray or abandon one another, it is incumbent upon us to support our oppressed Muslim brethren in Palestine. We must stand in solidarity with them, offer our assistance, and unite in advocating for their cause.

This duty is even more significant considering that their suffering is inflicted by the usurping Jews, the tyrannical occupiers who are enemies of both Allah the Almighty and humanity. They are the killers of Prophets and Messengers, and are the most hostile towards believers.

The Cause of Every Muslim

Some Muslims may feel disconnected from the ongoing events in the Occupied Land. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness, educate the uninformed, awaken the indifferent, and remind the forgetful.

The responsibility of a Muslim towards any cause is magnified by its sanctity and significance. The cause of Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa is among the most critical issues, intricately tied to principles of loyalty and disavowal (al-wala’ wa’l-bara’), the rights of brotherhood and solidarity among believers, and the defense of the oppressed.

Hence, the cause of Palestine, Al-Aqsa, and Jerusalem is not solely the cause of Palestinians, though they are most directly affected. Nor is it exclusively the cause of Arabs, though they have a rightful claim to defend and support it. Rather, it is the cause of every Muslim, regardless of their geographical location, whether in the east or west of the world, and irrespective of their status, whether they are rulers or subjects, affluent or impoverished, knowledgeable or uninformed, male or female.

Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque: Their Significance to Muslims

To Muslims, Jerusalem holds a special place as the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque, not only revered as one of the houses of Allah the Almighty but also recognized as the first mosque established on Earth after the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which mosque was established first?’ He replied: ‘The Sacred Mosque.’ I inquired: ‘Then which?’ He said: ‘Then Al-Aqsa Mosque.’ I asked: ‘How long was there between them?’ He said: ‘Forty years” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].

Al-Aqsa Mosque carries immense significance for Muslims as it served as our initial Qiblah (direction of prayer) before the Ka’bah. The Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) and the Muslim community prayed towards it for seventeen full months until Allah the Almighty decreed the change of Qiblah towards the Ka’bah. Allah the Almighty revealed: “We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased” [Quran 2:144].

Jerusalem's Significance to Muslims

Jerusalem is the site of Al-Isra and Mi’raj (the Miraculous Night Journey and Ascension). It is the place where the earthly journey of the Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) concluded, marking the beginning of his heavenly ascension, where the Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) met with other prophets, leading them in prayer, symbolizing the transfer of spiritual leadership to him and his nation. This is a responsibility entrusted to us by Allah the Almighty.

To us, Jerusalem is revered as the third holiest city in Islam, following Mecca and Medina. Its mosque holds a position of great virtue, ranking after the Sacred Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. After these two mosques, Al-Aqsa Mosque is the only destination to which long journeys may be undertaken by worshippers. Allah has designated the reward for prayers offered in Jerusalem to be equivalent to 500 prayers offered elsewhere.

To us, Jerusalem is the land of prophethood and divine messages. It was home to numerous prophets, including Zakariyya (Zechariah), Yahya (John), ‘Isa (Jesus), Dawood (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Maryam (Mary), and the family of ‘Imran. Ibrahim (Abraham) and Lut (Lot) migrated to Jerusalem, and Musa (Moses) was commanded to enter it. Our Prophet Muhammad ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) also visited Jerusalem during his miraculous Night Journey (Israa’) and prayed in its Mosque.

It is the blessed and holy land, as described by Allah the Almighty in the Quran: “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed” [Quran 17:1]. Regarding His prophet Ibrahim, Allah, the Exalted, says: “And We delivered him and Lot to the land which We had blessed for the worlds” [Quran 21:71]. Further, Musa said to his people: “O my people, enter the Holy Land” [Quran 5:21]. Allah the Almighty also says: “And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed” [Quran 7:73].

To us, Jerusalem is the land of steadfastness until the Day of Judgment. In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, Abu Umamah narrated that the Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) said: “There will always be a group from my Ummah manifest upon the truth, prevailing over their enemies, unaffected by those who oppose them, until the command of Allah comes while they are in this state.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, where are they?” He replied, “In Jerusalem and its surroundings” [Also reported by At-Tabarani. Al-Haythami stated in Majma’ Al-Zawa'id that its narrators are trustworthy].

Jerusalem is the land of assembly and resurrection on the Last Day. The Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) stated that the Levant (Al-Sham) is the place of resurrection.

From all that has been mentioned above and beyond, it becomes clear to us that the conflict between the usurping, occupying Jews and our believing Muslim brothers is distinctly a religious battle. This is underscored by the Israeli government instilling this awareness in the minds of its citizens and by some attempting to erase it from the consciousness of Muslims, reducing it to merely a battle between two groups over a piece of land.

One confirmation of the religious nature of this battle is that the West stands with the Jews and supports them against the Muslims. Without their assistance and collusion, Israel would not have arisen at all. This was evident in the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the UN Partition Plan of 1947, which were the greatest gifts to the Jews, granting them the right to establish a homeland in Palestine. This unjust decision wrongfully transferred land from its rightful owners to those undeserving. Subsequently, the Nakba (Catastrophe) occurred, followed by the setback in 1967 when Israel occupied Jerusalem. Since then, it has persistently pursued Judaization efforts and the displacement of its indigenous population, with the ultimate goal of demolishing the Al-Aqsa Mosque to construct the purported Temple Mount. Despite these egregious actions, the world remains passive and indifferent, turning a blind eye to the injustice unfolding before them.

Our Duty towards Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem

First: Having proper understanding of the Cause and awareness of its religious nature, recognizing it as a matter concerning every Muslim.

Second: Spreading awareness among people of the fact that it is a matter between an occupying, criminal usurper and an oppressed people defending their rights and land.

Third: Educating our children and the next generation to love Palestine and Al-Aqsa and to stand up for this cause.

Fourth: Exposing the practices of the Jews, highlighting their injustice, racism, and oppression of the oppressed people before the international public opinion.

Fifth: Boycotting any party that supports the Jews. Every penny spent on them turns into a bullet aimed at the chest of our Muslim brothers.

Sixth: Providing all possible support to our brothers financially, intellectually, and morally. If we are unable to do so, we must not neglect to supplicate to Allah, asking Him to grant them victory over their enemy, who is also His enemy.

Wednesday 13 March 2024

Celebrating Womanhood: Diversity of Women in the Quran

I’m single. So what?’

She was clearly irritated. It was the gazillionth time she had to answer the same question, and hear that judgmental tone.

What is so wrong with not getting married? Is life all about marriage and having kids? Is she incomplete just being herself?

Deep inside, she was unsure. She felt vulnerable. Everyone she met hinted at marriage. There must be something wrong with her.


In most traditional societies, a woman is generally and most commonly seen as a mother and wife. Her value, status, and reputation are often defined by marital affiliation, family ties, and motherhood.

As the majority of men and women, to a large extent, embrace the path of marriage and raising children, being different in that sense can be rather painful.

The rule, however, does not apply to men in the same way as it does to women. Single men are more readily accepted, but single, unmarried women are constantly questioned and judged.

On the other hand, society tends to make generalized statements and oversimplify the subject, which in reality can be more complex than it superficially appears.

As a consequence, women who are unmarried or are still in search of marriage partners often feel like they are under constant scrutiny and that they owe people around them an explanation.

These result in a lot of unnecessary mental torture and embarrassment, which sometimes end up in broken friendships and damaged family ties.

Women and Diversity

Just as the human race is diverse, so are women. While it is true that many women choose to be mothers and wives, it is wrong to impose a similar expectation on all women.

Even among mothers and wives themselves, they can be very different from each other and might play many roles other than those of a mother or a wife.

The problem arises when society and cultural norms hastily conclude that a woman is incomplete, less worthy, or abnormal until she is married.

Even marriage at times does not solve things for her, as she is expected to embrace motherhood and then to give birth to children of both genders.


Women have been mothers throughout history without doubt, for men can almost never contribute to childbirth and motherhood.

However, with modernization, women’s traditional roles as mothers and wives are increasingly being challenged. Two groups have emerged as a result, each with its own extreme ideas and beliefs.

The first group resists any kind of change; they insist that women have to remain mothers and wives or this world will be corrupted. They tend to deny the existence of other roles and functions that women can play.

The second group, on the other hand, is desperate to renounce the idea of marriage and motherhood completely, for they see these two as impediments to women’s liberty and advancement.

The Qur’anic Approach

The narratives in the Quran are the best evidence of how God himself acknowledges and celebrates the diversity of women and their roles.

Contrary to what many contemporary Muslim societies often culturally dictate, Qur’anic verses debunk those myths.

The Quran has taken a delicately balanced approach as it narrates a number of stories in which women are not depicted as mainly mothers or wives but as free individuals whose merits are not related to the two traditional roles.

Maryam was described as a devout, obedient, and chaste person who dedicated her whole life to the worship of God.

Pharaoh’s wife was an influential figure in her husband’s administrative affairs who later challenged his authority.

Aziz’s wife was portrayed as a clever and cunning individual who knew how to plot and convince people. Hajar (Ibrahim’s wife), though not mentioned directly, was the founder of Makkah. 


The Queen of Sheba was characterized by her political capabilities, intellect, and grace. The two daughters of Shuaib were the caretakers of their father and performed duties, which at that time were dominated by men.

Khadijah’s story, though not explicitly narrated in the Qur’an, is widely known. She was a successful businesswoman and merchant. Khaulah (the Prophet’s companion) was a warrior who fought in battles.

While some female figures in the holy book and history were indeed described as wives and mothers, others were described in such a manner that gave little attention to their personal lives or domestic identities; rather, the real focus was on themselves as independent humans who act freely and are not bound by conventional gender stereotypes.

Evidence 1: The Story of Maryam

Maryam (Mary) is inarguably one of the most revered women in history. In the chapter of Maryam, God ascertains her high status and praiseworthiness.

Interestingly, her prominence and special place were not a result of her getting pregnant and giving birth to Jesus. The repeated mention of her high rank is attributed solely to her devotion, faith, purity, and chastity.

Even though there is a mention of her parents (Imran and his wife) and her son Jesus, the actual gist of her story revolves around her faith and perseverance.

Maryam was not defined by her parents, Jesus, or the need for a spouse. In fact, the Quran completely omits any historical accounts of her marital life (which are debated by some historians) to show that what really matters is her beliefs and actions, not her marital or social status.

Evidence 2: The Story of Pharaoh’s Wife (Asiyah)

Asiyah’s name is not mentioned in the Qur’an, but her story is so powerful that it has triggered fierce debates among scholars and historians to this day.

The Qur’anic narration of her journey conveys a clear message of how a woman is not defined by her husband’s faith and practices.

Asiyah was portrayed as an independent and free woman because, despite her marriage to Pharaoh, she wholeheartedly rejected his claims and authority. Pharaoh’s love and wealth could not buy her heart.

She became a hero in the story for two reasons: first, she saved Moses’ life after he was thrown into the river and persuaded Pharaoh to adopt him.

Unlike the stereotypical image of Muslim women, who are often perceived as passive and submissive to their husbands’ will and orders, Asiyah proved exactly the opposite.

She took the first step to adopt Moses, cared for him, and later rejected her husband’s tyranny and blasphemy.

She sought liberty from being affiliated to her husband through her famous supplication, which was beautifully carved in the Qur’an (66: 11).

Evidence 3: The Queen of Sheba

Chapter 27 of the Qur’an wonderfully illustrates the story of the Queen of Sheba.

She was a great sovereign ruler who led her people and was engaged in political negotiations in her time.

Her huge empire was confirmed by verse 23 when the hudhud bird reported to Prophet Sulayman:

‘I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne’. (Qur’an 27:24)

It is interesting to note here that there was no mention of her personal life: whether she had children or a husband, obviously because that carries no importance.

Similarly, the Qur’anic narration of the relationship between her and Prophet Sulayman revolves around their discussion on the oneness of God and how Sulayman refused to be bribed by her lavish gifts.

In the end, her unique status was reaffirmed when she displayed extraordinary humility, grace, and intellect by accepting Sulayman’s call to submit to God.

Although some historians claimed that they later got married, the Qur’an chooses not to discuss it, perhaps, to show that the marriage, whether it happened or not did not matter much.

The queen’s real worth lied within her conscience, deeds, and readiness to accept the truth. Besides, if Islam is really against women’s active participation in public life and leadership, Sulayman perhaps would have commented on that.

He did not question the fact that she was a political leader; what drew his attention were her faith and principles.

Evidence 4: Aziz’s Wife

In the gripping tale of Yusuf, Aziz’s wife attempted to seduce him, and because of Yusuf’s resistance and her failure, he was imprisoned.

The interesting part however, was how the story eventually ended with her confession and repentance.

Aziz’s wife was mentioned several times throughout the Chapter of Yusuf, as she was one of the main characters.


Her husband, however, received much less attention. The Qur’an chooses not to explain about her marital life or whether she was childless or not.

It becomes even more interesting as historians later debate whether Yusuf married her or not.

The Qur’an again took a brilliant stand by refusing to prove or disprove the theory.

The reason is clear: Such an issue is not important. A woman’s marriage and personal love life do not carry as much significance as her conscience or conviction does.

This shows that a woman’s worth has nothing to do with her spouse or child. She by herself is complete, free, and valuable.

The entire focus was on her initial evil intention, which later turned into defeat and repentance.

She had acted independently, both when she committed the crime and when she courageously announced her guilt.

Her status in the beginning of the chronicle was low while her husband’s was high, and towards the end she actually attained a higher rank through her honesty and remorse, independent of her husband.

Conclusion

There are many other female figures mentioned in the Qur’an but only a few are discussed here. It is evident that the holy book recognizes and celebrates women as having diversified roles, functions, identities, and circumstances.

Women therefore should not be looked at from merely and ultimately the lens of motherhood and wifehood.

It is undeniable however, to note that the role of mothers and wives receive huge and special emphasis in various verses.

This is because such paths are taken by the majority of women.

However, some exceptions are clearly singled out in God’s verses to convey the correct message to humanity, and remove any forms of prejudice against those who follow different life paths, either voluntarily or due to specific circumstances.

- aboutislam.net

About Raudah Mohd Yunus
Raudah Mohd Yunus is a researcher, writer and social activist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her research interests include aging, elder abuse, human trafficking and refugees health. She is the editor of two books; ‘Tales of Mothers: Of courage and love’ and ‘Displaced and Forgotten: Memoirs of refugees.’