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‘These four women have been identified for us as women who have already received the glad tidings of paradise, making them ideal role models.’
by SALEEMAH JAFFER
ANNUALLY, South Africa enjoys a public holiday on August 9, celebrating Women’s Day. As Muslim women, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on both our role as Muslim women in South Africa, and our role models.
We are reminded of the hadith where Rasulullah (SAW) drew four lines on the ground, then asked, ‘Do you know what this is?’. The Companions (RA) replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He then said: ‘The best of the women of Paradise are Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Maryam bint ‘Imran and Asiyah bint Muzahim, the wife of Pharaoh.’ (Musnad Ahmad)
The first woman Rasulullah (SAW) mentioned was his first wife, Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA). She was the first person to embrace Islam and supported him in his dawah mission until her very last breath.
Sayyidah Khadijah was a successful businesswoman who spent all her wealth and sacrificed her financial success for the sake of Islam. She was the mother of six of Rasulullah’s (SAW) children, about whom Rasulullah (SAW) said: ‘Maryam, the daughter of Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadijah is the best amongst the women (of this nation).’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The second woman Rasulullah (SAW) mentioned was his daughter, Sayyidah Fatimah bint Muhammad (RA). We know she was very dear to Rasulullah (SAW), and that he said, ‘Fatimah is a part of me, and he who makes her angry makes me angry.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Sayyidah Fatimah was a young child when her mother passed away, so she spent most of her time with her father, Rasulullah (SAW). She was fondly referred to as Umm Abihaa – ‘the mother of her father’, as she used to take care of her honourable father, serving him and fully devoted to him.
Sayyidah Fatimah is the only female of the Ahlul Kisa (the ‘people of the cloak’ mentioned in a hadith); and her sons, Imam Al Hasan and Imam Al Husayn are the leaders of the Youth of Jannah. Her husband, Sayyidina Ali (RA), was not only the cousin of Rasulullah (SAW), but he grew up under his guidance and love.
Sayyidah Maryam bint Imran (AS) is the third woman mentioned by Rasulullah (SAW). She is the mother of Nabi Isa (AS).
Sayyidah Maryam is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. In Surah Ali Imran, verse 42, Allah ta’ala says (which may be translated as): ‘And (remember) when the angels said, “O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world”.’
Sayyidah Maryam was a woman of impeccable character and spent her life in worship and servitude. Sayyidah Maryam’s miracle virgin pregnancy resulted in her being the object of scorn within her community. Despite this, Sayyidah Maryam held firmly onto her faith in Allah ta’ala, and relied solely on Him to set her affairs and protect her and her child.
The fourth woman mentioned by Rasulullah (SAW) is Sayyidah Asiyah bint Muzahim, the wife of Pharaoh.
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Her husband, the Pharoah (Fir’awn) was a tyrannical ruler who thought he was God. He had been told the offspring of Bani Israel would challenge his role and status and thus ordered the killing of all their baby boys. Nabi Musa’s biological mother feared for the life of her baby boy and was inspired to put him in a basket on the river. The basket ended up at the Pharaoh’s palace and was discovered by the servants of Sayyidah Asiyah. She did not have any children, and upon seeing Nabi Musa, fell in love with him. She begged her husband to allow her to keep the baby, and he agreed. Sayyidah Asiyah loved Nabi Musa unconditionally, and cared for him like he was her own.
These four women have been identified for us as women who have already received the glad tidings of paradise, making them ideal role models.
Looking at them broadly, we notice that they all have different roles, and the circumstances into which they were placed were quite different. This shows us that all women, regardless of their circumstances, roles, marital status, biological motherhood, financial status or family, have the potential to be women of virtue, piety and excellence.
These four women faced great personal challenges and difficult conditions, but each time, and in every circumstance, they chose to prioritise compassion, kindness, mercy and love. They chose obedience and devotion to Allah ta’ala in every difficulty, and they were elevated to the highest of ranks – the Queens of Jannah.
- Saleemah Jaffer holds an MA in Peace and Conflict studies and is a student of the Alawi Husayni Ninowy Zawiyah (Spiritual school).
This article was first published in the August 2, 2024 print edition of Muslim Views under Saleemah Jaffer’s monthly column, ‘The Road Well Travelled – exploring issues of social responsibility, spirituality and agency’.
