Nusaybah bint Ka'b

Nusaybah's life and example as a Muslimah, wife and mother can be surpassed only by a few other women in the history of Islam.

She was one of only two women who traveled with seventy-three men to Makkah, and pledged allegiance to the Prophet  to believe in Allah Alone and not to associate others with Him. They also pledged themselves to Jihaad in complete obedience to the Prophet  in ease and hardship and harsh circumstances. That historical meeting is known as the second pledge of Al-Aqabah.

Nusaybah, may Allah be pleased with her, known as Um Imarah, was a rare kind of Muslim. A pious and noble woman, Um Imarah was also a daring courageous fighter in the cause of Allah, and she proved more than once to be truthful to her pledge.

Hearing that the Makkan pagans were preparing for a great battle to take revenge for their heavy losses during the battle of Badr, and that they were moving towards Uhud, the Prophet  mobilized the Muslim men in Madeenah. Um Imarah went out with her husband and her two sons, `Abdullaah and Habeeb, may Allah be pleased with them, to join the fighters. In the beginning she brought water to the wounded and tended to their needs, but as the battle raged, and the Muslims were being defeated, she saw that some were fleeing the enemy leaving the Prophet  without protection. She tied her belt around her waist so that she would not trip, brandishing a sword at times and throwing arrows at others, she cut through the ranks of the enemy and took sides with the Prophet . She fought fiercely that day, striking fatal blows to her opponents until she suffered many wounds, one of them left a deep gash in her shoulder, which took a whole year to heal. She herself related some of what had happened during that battle. "I realized that people fled leaving the Prophet exposed," she said: "So less than ten men remained to protect him, while the others were passing by, defeated. The Prophet  saw me without a shield and saw a man leaving the battlefield carrying his shield, he said: ‘Surrender your shield to the one who is fighting.' He surrendered it and I picked it up and used it to shield the Messenger of Allah. But those who gave us the hardest time were the horsemen, if they were on foot like us; we would have defeated them Inshaa` Allah. A cavalier came towards me, but he was unable to strike at me because I protected myself with the shield. As he was turning back I dealt a blow to his horse's hamstring and he fell on his back. The Prophet  cried out, `O son of Um Imarah, your mother, your mother!’ So he helped me kill the horseman.”

Her own son related later more of her heroic behavior during the battle. He said: “I was wounded during the battle of Uhud, and the blood would not stop. The Prophet  said: “Bandage your wound.” My mother was busy fighting the enemy, but when she heard the Prophet  she came toward me carrying bandages tied to her side, she bandaged my wound while the Prophet  was standing by. She then told me, `Get up my son, and fight.' The Prophet  said: “Who can endure what you are enduring, Um Imarah!” A short time later, the man who hit me was coming our way, so the Prophet  said, “Here is the man who hit your son, O Um Imarah.”  She went up to him and hit him in the leg; she left him kneeling on the ground. The Prophet  smiled at what she has done so broadly that his molar teeth were showing and said: `You avenged yourself, Um Imarah.' Then more men came and struck the man and killed him. The Prophet said to her: `Praise is due to Allah Who gave you victory over your enemy and satisfied you by showing you his death'."

A few months later when the call was announced to prepare for the battle of Hamra-ul-Asad, Um Imarah got ready but she was not able to continue in her way because her wound got worse and she was bleeding profusely.

The battle of Uhud was not the only occasion when Um Imarah showed her bravery. She was among those who gave the pledge of Ar-Ridhwaan, to fight until martyrdom. She also witnessed the battle of Hunayn.

When the Prophet  passed away, some of the Arab tribes apostatized, at their head was Musaylimah The Liar. Khaleefah Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, rallied the Muslims to fight the renegades. Um Imarah asked permission from Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, to join the army, accompanied by her two sons. "We knew your bravery during the war," he said: "Come on in the name of Allah."

This battle was a great test for Um Imarah. The fight was hard and the two parties adamantly set to win it. She held her grounds, always advancing. Now she heard that her son Habeeb fell prisoner to Musaylimah the liar. He asked him: "Do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?" When he said that he did, he went on, "And do you testify that I am the messenger of Allah?" he answered: "I do not hear." So Musaylimah began to cut him to pieces, organ by organ until he died. He asked him the same questions over and over, but he could not get a different answer. Um Imarah went to Al-Yamamah with the Muslims and took part in the war against Musaylimah. She was eager to see the end of Musaylimah, and it was the will of Allah that he be slain by her other son `Abdullaah, and another companion. Um Imarah returned from the war having suffered twelve wounds inflicted by spear and sword, and having lost an arm, and her beloved son.

Um Imarah, Nusaybah bint Ka'b, may Allah be pleased with her, was a woman who was true to her words, a woman who occupies a special place in the history of Islam. -islamweb.net

Shall I Show You a Woman from the People of Paradise?

‘Ataa’ ibn Abu Rabaah  narrated that he said,

Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said to me, “Shall I show you a woman from the people of Paradise?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “A black woman came to the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and said, ‘I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please supplicate to Allah for me.’’ The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said (to her): “If you wish, be patient and you will have (i.e., enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will supplicate to Allah to cure you.” She said, “I will remain patient,” and added, “But I become uncovered, so please supplicate to Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.” So, he supplicated to Allah for her. [Al-Bukhari]

Dear Muslim woman, you should reflect on this woman's stance. She suffered from attacks of epilepsy and during these attacks her body unintentionally became uncovered. Thus, she was careful to be covered even though she was blameless. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {There is not upon the blind any guilt or upon the lame any guilt or upon the ill any guilt.} [Quran 48: 17]

This is instinctual natural bashfulness and also indicates that faith is something that can fill the heart. Reflect on the meaning of the Hadeeth in which the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Bashfulness and faith are inseparable; if one of them is missing, the other will be missing as well.” [Al-Haakim]

Chastity and bashfulness are the noblest, the most beautiful and the most sublime characteristics with which a righteous woman beautifies herself. Femininity is a composition of bashfulness and chastity. The Muslim woman is chaste and bashful, and these are her essential characteristics.

It was narrated in another Hadeeth that bashfulness is part of faith, and faith is the most important thing in the Muslim woman's life. The Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Faith has over seventy or sixty branches, the best of which is the testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is harmful from the way; bashfulness is also a branch of faith.” [Muslim]

Why is bashfulness a branch of faith?

Bashfulness is a branch of faith because each branch advocates goodness and turns a person away from evil. Faith urges the believer to do acts of obedience and avoid acts of disobedience. Similarly, bashfulness prevents one from being negligent in thanking the Bestower for his favors or denying the rights of others. Bashfulness also prevents one from doing or saying immoral things to avoid dispraise and blame. Hence, bashfulness is good and brings only goodness. In a Hadeeth, the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Bashfulness brings only goodness.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The wording of another narration reads: “Bashfulness is all good.” [Muslim]

It was narrated that once the Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, passed by a man who was admonishing his brother who seemed to have suffered harm due to his (excessive bashfulness), so the Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him: “Leave him for bashfulness is a part of faith.” [Saheeh (Authentic)]

One of the two women came to him walking with bashfulness:

The noble Quran refers to the characteristics of chastity and bashfulness in a real-life scenario when it describes one of the two women that Moosa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention, met when he came to the well of Madyan and he watered their flocks for them. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {Then one of the two women came to him walking with bashfulness.} [Quran 28: 25]

Commenting on the verse, Sayyid Qutb  said in Fee Thilaal Al-Quran,

The invitation was delivered by “one of the two” who came “walking with bashfulness,” as a chaste, virtuous and pure woman should walk, displaying no adornment and attempting no temptation. She delivered the invitation in the briefest and clearest manner that the Quran expressed as: “Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having given water to our sheep for us.” With bashfulness, she spoke clearly and precisely, without hesitation, and delivered her message in full. This is, again, a reflection of a pure and sound nature which the young woman displays as she feels bashful when meeting men and talking to them. Yet, her bashfulness does not overcome her, because she is confident of her chastity and uprightness. Rather, she talks clearly and as much as is required.

What bashfulness should not prevent one from:

Bashfulness should not prevent the Muslim woman from saying the truth, seeking knowledge, enjoining good or forbidding evil. Here are some examples:

* Bashfulness did not prevent Umm Sulaym Al-Ansaariyyah, may Allah be pleased with her, from saying, “O Messenger of Allah, Allah is not bashful of the truth. If a woman has a wet dream, is it essential for her to make Ghusl (ritual bathing)?” To which he replied: “Yes, if she sees a discharge.” [Al-Bukhari]

* Once ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, delivered a Khutbah (sermon) and objected to giving expensive dowries. Thereupon, a woman said, “What Allah gave us, will you prevent us from, O ‘Umar? Did not Allah The Almighty not say (what means): {But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in injustice and manifest sin?} [Quran 4: 20]” Bashfulness did not prevent this woman from defending the rights of women. Likewise, bashfulness did not prevent ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, from apologizing and saying, “Everyone is more knowledgeable than ‘Umar. The woman is right and ‘Umar is mistaken.”

Advice:

The Muslim woman's role model in bashfulness is the Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he said, “The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was more bashful than a virgin in her room. If he saw a thing which he disliked, we would recognize that (feeling) in his face.” [Al-Bukhari]

To sum up:

When a wise person hears the word “woman”, he immediately thinks of the fine morals of bashfulness and chastity. The Muslim woman indeed enjoys bashfulness and chastity. The scholars of Sharee‘ah define bashfulness as a moral characteristic which urges avoiding evil matters and preventing negligence of the others’ rights. Bashfulness is also defined as forbidding the self from doing evil things (what displeases Allah The Almighty). Abu Al-Qaasim Al-Junayd  said, “Bashfulness is the recognition of favors as well as of negligence and this creates a moderate position which is bashfulness.” In a Hadeeth, the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Allah is indeed Haleem (which implies tolerance and forbearance), Hayyiy (which implies bashfulness) and Sitteer (which implies concealing sins). He loves bashfulness and concealment.” [An-Nasaa’i]

This means that when there is bashfulness, there is covering and chastity. On the contrary, when one is not bashful of doing evil things, this leads to uncovering and scandal.

Just as the Muslim woman feels bashful of people, she also feels bashful of Allah The Almighty and therefore she shows neither negligence in obeying Him, nor in thanking Him for His countless favors. It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, once said to his companions, may Allah be pleased with them all: “Be truly bashful of Allah. The one who is truly bashful of Allah should preserve his head as well as what it contains (his hearing his sight and his words) and his abdomen and what it includes (i.e., should eat and drink only what is unlawful) and should constantly remember death and perishing.”

In another Hadeeth, the Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Allah is worthier that one is bashful of Him more than of the people.” [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi]

May Allah The Almighty grant the Muslim woman the success to be bashful in order to win His satisfaction and His Paradise. -islamweb.net

A Woman Is Married for Four Reasons

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “A woman is married for four (reasons): her wealth, noble ancestry, beauty and religion. Choose the religious woman lest your hand is stuck to dust (because of destitution).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Noble ancestry results from the good deeds of a man and his forefathers. However, it is construed as wealth in a Marfoo‘ Hadeeth (a narration that is directly attributed to the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, including his words, acts, or explicit approval, regardless of the condition of its chain of narrators). It was narrated by At-Tirmithi who classified it as Hasan (good) on the authority of Samurah, may Allah be pleased with him: “Noble ancestry results from wealth, and honor from piety.”
However, wealth is not the intended meaning in this particular Hadeeth (narration), for it is mentioned separately along with it, and this indicates that the former meaning is intended.
The saying: “…lest your hand is stuck to dust (because of destitution)”, is customary speech; thereby the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did not intend a supplication.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, "A marriageable woman should have these two merits; I mean the woman who is characterized by both physical and spiritual beauty."
Physical beauty means the perfection of features, for the more the woman appears beautiful and articulate, the more the eye is comforted by looking at her, and the ear pays attention to her speech, causing the heart to open to her, the breast to expand for her, and the soul to find tranquility in her, in realization of the statement of Allah, The Almighty, (which means): {And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.} [Quran 30:21]
On the other hand, spiritual beauty means the perfection of religion and moral character. The more the woman is religious and perfect in moral character, the lovelier she becomes, and the safer the expected outcome is (in case of marriage). A religious woman always complies with the commands of Allah The Almighty, guards her husband’s rights, honor, children and wealth, and helps him obey Allah, The Almighty, whenever she reminds him; and whenever he slackens (in worship), she motivates him, and whenever he grows angry, she pleases him.
Furthermore, a righteous woman always shows affection and respect for her husband, does not delay what he likes her to hasten to, nor hastens what he does not like her to do. When the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was asked about which woman is good, he said: “She who pleases her husband whenever he looks at her, obeys him whenever he orders her, and does not oppose him in herself and his property with what he dislikes.” [Ahmad and An-Nasaa’i]
The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, further said: “Marry an affectionate woman who gives birth to many children, for I will vie in glory with the prophets (or he said with the other nations) because of your number (on the Day of Judgment).” [Abu Daawood and An-Nasaa’i]
If it were possible to have a woman who combines both external and internal beauty, that is the perfect combination that brings about happiness and felicity, by the help of Allah, The Almighty. [Kitaab Az-Zawaaj]
The Hadeeth indicates that what leads men to marry a woman is one of those four things, with religion being the last in their priorities. Thus, the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, commanded them not to turn from the religious woman once they find her.
Al-Qaadhi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It is the nature of men to have desire for women, and choose such of them as has one of those characteristics, although it is fitting for those with chivalry and religion to make religion the center of their attention in what they get and leave, particularly in such permanent and serious matters (as marriage).” [Tuhfat Al-Ahwathi]
The Hadeeth also indicates that enjoying the company of religious people is preferable in all things, for the one who does so, benefits from their good morals, blessings, and manners. Special emphasis is placed here on the wife, as she is more entitled to be given priority on the basis of her piety, for she is the person with whom he spends most of his time at home, the mother of his children and the trustworthy curator of his property, house and honor. -islamweb.net

Diligence is the Way to Success

There are norms and laws in the universe that man is not permitted to contradict. Instead, he should abide by them so as to enjoy a good life and eternal happiness in the Hereafter. One such norm is that if one works hard, he will find results; if one exhausts oneself a little bit, he can enjoy a long rest. Indeed reaping noble benefits depends on experiencing difficulties.
Pleasure and perfect qualities cannot be gained except with some difficulty. If it were not for difficulties, all people would be leaders.
A Person who Prefers Comfort has Scarce Potential for Success 
Work in the worldly life relies upon diligence. Therefore, man is required to work hard and actively, leaving behind laziness. The Quran and Sunnah direct us towards this understanding.
Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means):
{And say, “Work, for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers.”} [Quran 9:105]
{It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.} [Quran 67:15]
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, educated the Ummah (Muslim Nation) in different ways on how to be diligent. For instance, he urged Muslims to earn a living and provide from their own work, saying: “Nobody has ever eaten a meal better than that which he has earned from working with his own hands. The prophet of Allah, Daawood [David], would eat from the work of his own hands.” [Al-Bukhari]
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also advised us to work hard without giving in to feelings of frustration, saying: “Cherish that which gives you benefit [in the Hereafter], seek help from Allah and do not lose heart.”[Muslim]
He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also said: “If the Hour comes while one of you has a shoot that he is able to plant, then he should plant it.” [Ahmad, Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]
Moreover, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, assured people of the assistance of Allah, The Almighty, that He further increases the high motivation and ambition of people according to the sublimity of their ambition, saying: “Help from Allah comes to the servant according to his diligence.” [Al-Bazzaar]
Of course hard work is exhausting, but it has great pleasure, especially when the diligent person reaps the outcome of his work.
Ibn Ul-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
The sages of every nation agree that welfare cannot be obtained through welfare, that anyone who prefers comfort will miss it, and that joy and pleasure depend on the level of risks and difficulties that are experienced when getting them. There is no joy for a person who has no resolve; no pleasure for a person who lacks patience; no bliss for a person who endures no hardships; and no comfort for a person who has no hard work. If a person is exhausted for a short time, he will relax for longer. If he endures difficulties for a short while, this will lead him to eternal welfare. People who will receive eternal delight [the people of Paradise] earned this status due to their patience in this very short worldly life. Truly, Allah alone gives help, and there is no power except in Him.
The loftier one's own self is and the higher his aspirations are, the more a person’s body is exhausted and the less his comfort is. Yahya ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy upon him, said. “Knowledge cannot be acquired when the body is in comfort.” [Muslim]
“All those who are sensible undoubtedly believe that perfect comfort depends on the level of exhaustion, and perfect bliss relies on the level of difficulties that are endured when achieving it. Comfort, pleasure and bliss are free of exhaustion only in Paradise, not in this worldly life. [Quoted from ‘Uluww Al-Himmah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Isma‘il]
A person who takes diligence to be a slogan in life does not depend on his ancestors or family background, nor does he rely on boasting of his fathers and forefathers. Instead he builds his own glory, adding it to that of his forefathers'.
Quotations from Sages and Scholars
Some sages have said, “Utilize your diligence as long as you are in good health, and take the opportunity to work while you are at leisure, for time will not be always on your side, nor will you be able to restore what you have lost.”
A scholar once said, “Work is like an armor that protects a person against afflictions, and diligence is like a sword that wards off misfortune.”
Another said, “Nothing is better than having a reason that is adorned with forbearance, a deed that is adorned with knowledge, and forbearance that is adorned with truthfulness!"
Some scholars have said, “Could it be true and logical that crops are harvested without prior sowing of seeds, fruits are reaped without the planting of trees, fire comes from two stones without striking them together, or that money yields without effort?”
It was also said, “There is a cause for every provision and whoever diligently seeks something, finds it.”
Indeed, what a great saying was that of the Commander of Believers, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, “Do not stop pursuing livelihood and supplicating, ‘O Allah, provide for me!’ You know that the sky does not rain gold or silver. Allah, The Almighty, provides for people by virtue of their interaction.”
Therefore, work hard and do not be indolent. Your Muslim nation is waiting for a push from you like that of ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, a push that illuminates the torch of enthusiasm in its heart, amidst the darkness of this gloomy state of obliviousness. It is also waiting for a cry from you like that of Salah Ad-Deen Al-Ayyoobi (Saladin), may Allah have mercy upon him, a cry that plants hope in the desert of despair. Help from Allah comes in accordance with diligence, therefore, seek help from Allah and do not lose heart! -islamweb.net

WHY LOVE GOD (PART 2 OF 2)

Mercy

It is said that another word for love is mercy. One of God’s names is The-Merciful; the Arabic word used is Ar-Rahmaan. This English translation does not fully represent the depth and intensity that the meaning this word carries. The name Ar-Rahmaan has three major connotations: the first is that God’s mercy is an intense mercy; the second is that His mercy is an immediate mercy; and the third is a mercy so powerful that nothing can stop it. God’s mercy encompasses all things and He prefers guidance for people. In God’s book, the Qur’an, He says,

"… but My mercy encompasses all things…." (Quran 7:156)

"It is the Lord of Mercy who taught the Qur’an." (Quran 55:1-2)

In the above verse, God says He is The-Merciful, which can be understood as the "Lord of Mercy", and that He taught the Qur’an. This is a linguistic indication to highlight that the Qur’an was revealed as a manifestation of God’s mercy. In other words, the Qur’an is like one big love-letter to humanity. Just like with true love, the one who loves wants good for the beloved, and warns them of pitfalls and obstacles, and shows them the way to happiness. The Qur’an is not different: it calls out to humanity, and it also warns and expresses glad tidings.

Special Mercy

Connected to Ar-Rahmaan, is Ar-Raheem.  This name shares the same root as the previous, which comes from the Arabic word for womb. The difference in meaning however is significant. Ar-Raheem refers to a special mercy for those who want to embrace it. Whoever chooses to accept God’s guidance has essentially accepted His special mercy. This special mercy is for the believers and it is manifested in paradise; unending blissful peace with God.

Special Love

According to the Qur’an, God is The-Loving. The Arabic name is Al-Wadood. This refers to a special love that is apparent. It comes from the word wud, which means expressing love through the act of giving: "And He is the Forgiving, the Loving." (Quran 85:14)

God’s love transcends all of the different types of love. His love is greater than all worldly forms of love. For example, a mother’s love, although selfless, is based on her internal need to love her child. It completes her, and through her sacrifices she feels whole and fulfilled. God is an independent Being who is self-sufficient and perfect; He does not require anything. God’s love is not based on a need or want; it is therefore the purest form of love, because He gains absolutely nothing from loving us.

In this light, how can we not love the One who is more loving than anything we can imagine? The Prophet Muhammad (may God’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, "God is more affectionate to His servants than a mother to her children."[1]

If God is the most loving, and His love is greater than the greatest worldly love we have experienced, this should instil in us a deeper love for God. Significantly, this should make us want to love Him by being one of His servants. Al-Ghazali aptly said, "For those endowed with insight there is in reality no object of love but God, nor does anyone but He deserve love."[2]

From a spiritual perspective, God’s love is the greatest blessing anyone can ever achieve, as it is a source of internal tranquillity, serenity, and eternal bliss in the hereafter. Not loving God is not only a form of ingratitude, but the greatest form of hate. Not loving the One who is the source of love is a rejection of that which enables love to occur and fill our hearts.

God does not force His special love on us. Although, by His mercy, He lovingly gives us every moment of our lives, to fully embrace God’s love and be recipients of His special love, one must enter into a relationship with Him. It is as if God’s love is waiting for us to embrace it. However, we have closed the door and put up the shutters. We have kept the door shut by denying, ignoring and rejecting God. If God were to force His special love on us, love would lose all meaning. We have the choice: to follow the right path and thereby gain God’s special love and mercy, or reject His guidance and face the spiritual consequences.

The most loving Being loves you, but in order for you to fully embrace that special love, and for it to be meaningful, you have to choose to love Him and follow the path that leads to His love. This path is the Prophetic path of the Prophet Muhammad (may God’s peace and blessings be upon him):

"Say, [O Muhammad]: ‘If you love God, then follow me, [so] God will love you and forgive your sins. And God is Forgiving and Merciful’." (Quran 3:31)

An important question that follows from this is: I know why I must love God, but how do I love Him? I hope to address this in another piece. However, to conclude, I leave you with the words of the 14th century theologian, Ibn Al-Qayyim:

"There is no doubt that perfect servitude to God is part of perfect love, and perfect love is connected to the perfection of the Beloved in and of Himself, for God, may He be glorified, is completely and absolutely perfect in all aspects, and could not possibly have any imperfections whatsoever. For one who is like this, nothing can be dearer to people’s hearts than Him; so long as their basic nature and reason are sound, it is inevitable that He will be the dearest of all things to their hearts. Undoubtedly love of Him leads to submission and obedience to Him, seeking His pleasure, doing one’s utmost in worship of Him and turning to Him. This is the best and strongest motive to do acts of worship."[3]

        Last updated 5 April 2017. Taken and adapted from my book "The Divine Reality: God, Islam & The Mirage of Atheism". - islamreligion.com

---

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Abu Dawud

[2]Al-Ghazali. (2011) Al-Ghazali on Love, Longing, Intimacy & Contentment, p. 23.

[3]Miftaah Daar al-Sa‘aadah, 2/88-90.

Rufaydah Al-Aslamiyyah

Rufaydah Al-Aslamiyyah, may Allah be pleased with her, was one of the great female companions. She, may Allah be pleased with her, was one of the residents of Madeenah, and was known for her generosity and sacrifice. She, may Allah be pleased with her, was loyal to her belief and loved her Lord and His Messenger .
She, may Allah be pleased with her, had dedicated herself to her Lord and His Messenger . She, may Allah be pleased with her, had famous positions in defense of the Islamic creed, protection of Islam and fighting for the sake of Allah.

She, may Allah be pleased with her, used to treat the injured on the battle field during the fights and would fulfill her duties towards the Muslims in a perfect manner which granted her a distinct status with the Prophet .

This great female companion, may Allah be pleased with her, devoted herself to Allah and His messenger  and had many famous cases where she defended Islam and struggled for the sake of the religion. She, may Allah be pleased with her, used to treat injured men during the battles and would fulfill her duties towards all Muslims in a perfect manner.

She, may Allah be pleased with her, had a special status with the Prophet  who would honor and respect her a lot. "When Sa'd ibn Mu'aath, may Allah be pleased with him, got injured during the battle of The Trench, the Prophet  commanded that he be treated in her tent so that he would be close to him and could check on his situation. Rufaydah Al-Aslamiyyah, may Allah be pleased with her, used to treat injured people during the battles, and would serve them herself. The Prophet  would pass by Sa'd ibn Mu'aath, may Allah be pleased with him, daily and ask how he was doing, and the later would inform him." [Ibn Al-Atheer]

History books reflect a bright biography of this noble female companion, may Allah be pleased with her, and her sacrifice and struggle for the sake of Islam asking nothing in return except the promised reward from Allah Almighty.

Undoubtedly, she, may Allah be pleased with her, has set a lofty example for our wives, daughters and sisters, who need to follow her footsteps. -islamweb.net