The Distinguishing Characteristics of Women from the Qur'an & Hadith

Up to now, we have mentioned the stories of 100 women. The purpose of
these stories was to show their good characteristics. We felt it
would be suitable to quote Quranic verses and Ahâdîth which mention
the characteristics of pious women, their praiseworthy mannerisms,
and their status. When women read these and realize that Allah and
His Rasûl sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam has specifically mentioned
them, their hearts will be filled with joy and they will have a
greater desire for good deeds and good characteristics, and even
difficult matters will become easy for them.

Quranic verses

Allah has said that those women who are Muslims, who put their îmân
in order, who are obedient, who give in charity, who fast, who
protect their honour and chastity, who remember Allah abundantly -
Allah has set aside forgiveness and a great reward for them.

Allah has said that pious women have the following qualities: they
are obedient, and they protect their honour even if the husband is
not at home. Allah has further stated that such women are good women,
who are steadfast on the Sharî`ah, whose beliefs are in order, who
are obedient, if they commit any act that is contrary to the Sharî`ah
they repent immediately, who occupy themselves in the `ibâdah of
Allah, and who fast.

Ahâdîth

1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah's mercy
descends on a woman who wakes up for tahajjud and awakens her husband
as well."

2. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who
passes away in her virginity, while delivering a child or while in
her nifâs shall receive the status of a martyr."

3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who loses
three of her children and exercises patience considering it to be an
act of reward, will be entered into jannah." A woman asked: "What if
she only loses two children in this way?" He replied: "The reward for
two is the same." Another narration mentions that a Sahâbî asked
about one child and Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam also
mentioned a great reward for such a mother.

4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who
miscarries, that child will draw its mother towards jannah as long as
she exercises patience hoping to be rewarded."

5. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The best possession
is a pious wife: when the husband looks at her he is pleased with
her, when he orders her to do something she obeys, when the husband
goes out, she protects her honour and chastity and remains in her
home."

6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Among the Arab
women, the women of the Quraysh surpass all other women in two
aspects: they are very compassionate to their children and they
protect the wealth of their husbands."

Lesson: We learn from this that women should possess these two
characteristics. These days, women spend the wealth of their husbands
very lavishly. They should display far more compassion and attention
to reforming their habits and mannerisms than what they display for
their children's food and clothing. If they do not do this, their
compassion and tenderness will be incomplete.

7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Marry virgin women
because their relationship with their husbands is soft and tender,
and they are pleased with the minimum that is spent on them."

Lesson: We learn from this that modesty, consideration and
contentment are good characteristics in a woman. This does not mean
that one should not marry widows. Instead, this is actually in praise
of virgin women. There are certain Ahâdîth in which Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam made du`â for a certain Sahâbî for
marrying a widow.

8. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman offers
her five times salât, keeps the fasts of Ramadân, safeguards her
honour, and obeys her husband; she can enter jannah from whichever
door she wishes."

Lesson: This means that if she is steadfast on the necessary forms
of `ibâdah, there is no need to engage in other forms of `ibâdah
which are very taxing. The status and reward that one receives for
engaging in the other forms of `ibâdah can be obtained by a woman by
merely obeying her husband, tending to her children, and fulfilling
her domestic tasks.

9. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who
passes away in such a state where her husband is pleased with her
will enter jannah."

10. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The person who has
been blessed with four things has in fact been blessed with the
treasures of this world and the hereafter. They are: a grateful
heart, a tongue that remembers Allah, a body that exercises patience
at the time of calamities and difficulties, a woman who does not
cause any taint or blemish with regard to her honour and her
husband's wealth."

Lesson: In other words, she should not lose her honour nor should she
spend her husband's wealth without obtaining his pleasure.

11. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "A noble and rich
woman who is widowed and yet becomes dirty on account of serving and
rearing her children to such an extent that they mature and live on
their own or pass away, shall be close to me in jannah just as the
index finger and middle finger are close to each other."

Lesson: This does not mean that there is more reward for a woman to
abstain from remarrying. What this means is that if a woman feels
that by her remarrying, her children will go astray and she has no
inclination towards beautifying herself and no desires, then this
will be her status.

12. A person said to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam: "O
Rasûlullâh! A certain woman offers plenty of nafl salâts, fasts
abundantly and gives a lot in charity. However she causes much verbal
harm to her neighbours." He replied: "She will go into jahannam." The
same person then said: "A certain woman does not offer many nafl
salâts, does not fast abundantly nor does she give a lot in charity;
she merely gives pieces of panîr (a type of cheese) in charity.
However she does not cause any harm to her neighbours." He
replied: "She will go into jannah."

13. A woman came to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam with two
children, one she was carrying and the other she was holding by the
hand. Upon seeing this scene, he said: "These women bear the children
in their wombs, thereafter they give birth to them, and thereafter
they display so much of love and compassion for them. Had their
relationship with their husbands not been bad, and had they offered
their salâts regularly, they would have went directly into jannah."

A selection of Ahâdîth from Kanzul `Ummâl

1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam addressed women and
said: "Aren't you pleased that when a woman falls pregnant through
her husband and he is happy with her falling pregnant, she will
receive a reward equal to a person fasting in the path of Allah and
engaging in `ibâdah at night in the path of Allah? When she
experiences labour pains, the things which are kept in store for her
and which will provide her with comfort are not known to all those in
the heavens and the earth. Thereafter when the child is born, for
every drop of milk that he drinks and each time that he sucks her
breast, one reward will be recorded in her favour. When the mother
has to wake up at night on account of the child, she will receive the
reward of freeing 70 slaves in the path of Allah. O Salâmat! Do you
know who these women are? They are those who, despite being pious and
delicately brought up, are obedient to their husbands and are not
ungrateful to them."

2. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman gives
anything in charity from her husband's house without destroying it,
she will be rewarded on account of her giving. The husband will also
be rewarded because it is his hard-earned money. The person who has
been entrusted to distribute the charity will also receive a similar
reward. No one's reward will decrease on account of the other."

Lesson: A woman should not be under the misconception that if the
income is the husband's she would not receive any reward.

3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! Your jihâd
is performing hajj."

Lesson: Look at the concession that he has given. That is, by
performing hajj, in which they do not have to bear the difficulties
of jihâd, they receive the reward of waging jihâd which is the most
difficult form of `ibâdah.

4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "There is no jihâd
on women, no jumu'ah, nor do they have to accompany the janâzah."

Lesson: Here again, look at the rewards that they receive by merely
staying at home.

5. When Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam took his wives on
hajj, he said to them: "This hajj is sufficient for you. Now you must
remain on your mats (i.e. in your homes)."

Lesson: This means that they should not undertake any journey without
any dire need to do so.

6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah loves the
woman who has love and affection for her husband and safeguards
herself from other men."

Lesson: This means that she should not consider it below her dignity
to express her love and adulation for her husband as is the habit of
certain proud and haughty women.

7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Women are also
parts of men."

Lesson: It is a well-known fact that Hawwâ was created from
Âdam `alayhimas salâm. The meaning of this Hadîth is that rules that
are applicable to men are applicable to women as well, except for
certain specific rules. Based on this, even if their virtues are not
mentioned separately, then too there is nothing to complain about.
The virtues for good deeds which are mentioned with regard to men are
applicable to women as well.

8. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah has
prescribed jealousy for women and jihâd for men. If a woman exercises
patience with îmân in the hope for reward on account of a certain
action which may cause her to be jealous, such as her husband
marrying a second wife, then she will receive the reward of a martyr."

Lesson: Look at the great reward that a woman receives on account of
a little self-control and patience as opposed to the man who has to
undergo so many difficulties to receive that reward (i.e. the reward
of a martyr).

9. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "By doing your
wife's work you will receive the reward of charity."

Lesson: Look at how the Sharî`ah has shown you the ways of providing
comfort to women. It has promised to reward you in such a way that
every Muslim will provide comfort to his wife in the hope for this
reward.

10. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The best woman is
the one whom when her husband looks at her he is pleased with her,
when he orders her to do something she obeys him, and she does not
displease him by doing anything contrary regarding his wealth and
honour."

11. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "May Allah have
mercy on women who wear izâr."

Lesson: On account of purdah, wearing the izâr is something that is
natural to women. Despite this, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa
sallam has made du`â for such women. This is a great form of
compassion towards women.

12. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The immorality of
one woman is equal to the immorality of 1000 men. The piety of one
pious woman is equal to the `ibâdah of 70 'auliyâ'."

Lesson: Look at the immense reward for a mere small act. If this is
not in consideration of women then what is it?

13. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The fulfilling of
domestic tasks by a woman can cause her to reach the stage of jihâd -
Inshâ' Allah."

Lesson: How marvellous! There is no end to the bounties of Allah
Ta`âlâ.

14. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The best woman
among you is the one who is untainted with regard to her honour and
chastity, and who loves her husband."

Lesson: To love the husband is actually happiness of the heart.
Despite this, there is virtue and reward in it.

15. A person said to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam: "O
Rasûlullâh! I have a wife. When I go to her, she says to me: 'Welcome
to my chief and the chief of my household.' When she sees me sad and
sorrowful, she says: 'Why are you worrying about the world? Your
hereafter is being made easy for you.'" Upon hearing this, Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Inform her that she is from among
all those who are working for Allah (i.e. doing good deeds) and she
is receiving half the reward of those waging jihâd."

Lesson: Look at the immense reward she received for this
insignificant gesture of hers (which caused comfort to her husband).

16. 'Asmâ' bint Yazîd Ansâriyyah relates that she addressed
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam saying: "O Rasûlullâh! I have
been sent as an envoy by other women. They are saying that men have
surpassed us on account of their attending the jumu'ah salât,
congregational salât, visiting the sick, attending the janâzah,
hajj, `umrah, and defending the borders of the Islamic state." He
replied: "Go back to these women and inform them that for them to
beautify themselves for their husbands or fulfil the marital
relationships with them, to search for those things which will cause
the husband to be pleased with them, and to be obedient to the
husband equals all the above actions (which are carried out by men)."

17. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The reward that a
woman receives from the time that she falls pregnant until she
delivers the child and commences breast-feeding is equal to the
person who is guarding the borders of the Islamic state and who has
to be ever ready to wage jihâd. If this woman dies in the course of
this period, she will receive the reward of a martyr."

18. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman
breast-feeds her child, the reward that she receives for every sip is
as if she has given life to a dead person. When she commences breast-
feeding, an angel taps her on her back (a form of congratulation) and
says to her: 'All your past sins are forgiven. Now whatever you do
will be recorded from the very beginning.'" That is, the sins that
you may commit will be written for the future. Minor sins are
referred to in this context. However, having one's minor sins
forgiven is no small feat.

19. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! Remember
that the pious among you will enter jannah before the pious men.
(Later when their husbands will enter jannah) they (the pious women)
will be given a bath, perfumed and then handed over to their husbands
on red and yellow conveyances. They will have children with them who
will be like scattered pearls."

Lesson: O women! What greater virtue do you wish to have? You have
already reached jannah before the men. Obviously, the prerequisite is
that you should become pious and this is not difficult.

20. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman whose
husband is not at home, and she safeguards her honour, abandons
beautifying herself, remains at home, abandons everything that is
considered to be a form of beautification and offers salât with
steadfastness will rise on the day of judgement as a virgin. If her
husband was a true believer, she will be his wife in jannah. If he
was not a true believer, e.g. if he passed away without îmân, Allah
will perform her nikâh with a martyr."

21. Abû Dardâ' radiyallâhu `anhu narrates: "My friend, Abul Qâsim
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam, made me a bequest. He said: 'Continue
spending on your house folk according to your ability.'"

Lesson: Those who act miserly when it comes to spending on their
wives despite being able to spend should ponder over this Hadith.

22. `Alî radiyallâhu `anhu says: "A person will not become a manager
over his house as long as he does not worry about how the house folk
clothed themselves or how they extinguished the fire of hunger."

Lesson: Those men who do not worry about their house folk due to
their (men) selfishness should take a lesson from these words of
Hadrat `Alî.

Additional Ahâdîth from Mishkât

23. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu `anhu narrates that Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Accept my advice of kindness
towards women because they have been created from a rib...."

Lesson: In other words, do not expect to straighten them completely.
Exercise patience over their lower understanding. Look at how we have
been commanded to take them into consideration and be lenient towards
them.

24. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu `anhu narrates that a believing man
should not despise a believing woman (i.e. his wife) because if he
does not like a certain habit or trait of hers, he is bound to like
some other habit of hers.

Lesson: In other words, he should think about this and thereby
exercise patience.

25. `Abdullâh bin Zam`ah narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi
wa sallam said: "Do not strike your wife as you would your slave and
thereafter engage in sexual intercourse with her at the end of the
day."

Lesson: In other words, if you do this, how will she show affection
towards you?

26. Hakîm bin Mu`âwiyah narrates from his father that he said: "O
Rasûlullâh! What rights do our wives have over us?" He replied: "When
you eat, you must also feed them. When you clothe yourself, you
should also clothe them. Do not strike them on their faces. If you
have any quarrel with her, it should be left in the house." In other
words, if you have any quarrel with her, this quarrel should not go
out of the house (or should not be mentioned to anyone).

27. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu `anhu narrates that Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The best among the believers is
he whose character is the best. And the best among you is the one who
is best with his wife."

ADVICES FROM THE QURAN AND HADITH CONCERNING CERTAIN SHORTCOMINGS OF
WOMEN

When we mentioned the good characteristics of women, one can deduce
that there are certain shortcomings which are also found in them.
These shortcomings cause a blemish on their piety and spirituality.
We will mention these shortcomings which have been referred to by
Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam and regarding which
they have advised against. In doing this, Inshâ' Allah, women will
adopt a repugnance for these evil habits and thereby attain total
piety.

Quranic verses

Allah says that the women regarding whom you know will not obey you
should first be advised. If they do not take heed, abstain from
sleeping, sitting, etc. with them. If they still do not take heed,
strike them. If they obey you thereafter, do not search for things in
order to cause harm to them.

Lesson: We learn from this that it is a very evil practice to disobey
the husband.

Allah says that when you walk, you should not stamp your feet on the
ground causing the jewellery to tinkle, whereby strangers may able to
deduce (who is walking, the age of the person, etc.).

Lesson: It is not permissible to wear tinkling jewellery at all. This
verse is in reference to those that do not tinkle on their own, but
do so when they touch other jewellery. One should understand well
that if one has to be so cautious with regard to the feet (which
constitute just a part of the body), how much more cautious a woman
will have to be with regard to her voice and the exposure of her body.

Ahâdîth

1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! I have
seen many of you in jahannam." They asked the reason for this. He
replied: "You curse too much, you are ungrateful to your husbands,
and when they give you anything, you despise it."

2. A woman who was in the presence of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi
wa sallam began cursing her fever (that she had contacted). He
said: "Do not speak ill of your fever because your sins are forgiven
because of this fever."

3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "If a woman who is
in the habit of crying in a shouting manner does not repent from this
action, she will rise on the day of judgement in such a state that
oil will be wrapped around her body just as a dress is wrapped around
her body. This oil will be such that it catches on fire very quickly
and the entire body will be afflicted by scabies. In other words, she
will receive two types of punishment - one is that her entire body
will be covered with scabies, and the other is that the fire of
jahannam will devour her."

4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! No
neighbour should despise anything that her neighbour sends to her
even though it may be the hoof of a sheep."

Lesson: Many women have this evil habit of despising anything that is
sent by their neighbours and cursing them as well.

5. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "A woman was
punished because of a cat. She had caught this cat and tied it up.
She neither fed it nor let it free. It died panting (out of hunger
and thirst)."

Lesson: Similarly, it is punishable for one to domesticate an animal
and thereafter be negligent in feeding it and tending to it.

6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Certain men and
women engage in the `ibâdah of Allah for sixty years. However, at the
time of death they make a bequest (wasîyyah) that is contrary to the
Sharî`ah and thereby become eligible for jahannam."

Lesson: For example, some people are in the habit of saying the
following at the time of death: "A certain item of mine should be
given to my grandson. Do not give it to my brother. The major portion
of a certain item should be given to a certain daughter, while the
other daughter should receive the lesser amount." All this is harâm.
The masâ'il related to bequests and inheritance should be found out
from an `âlim and acted upon. Never act contrary to that which the
Sharî`ah has prescribed.

7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "A woman should not
meet another woman in such a state that she describes her to her
husband in such a way as if he is looking at her."

8. Once, two of Rasûlullâh's sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam wives were
sitting with him. A blind Sahâbi was approaching so he asked his
wives to observe purdah. Out of surprise, both of them said: "He is
blind!" Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam replied: "But you are
not blind, you can see him."

9. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "When any woman
causes distress to her husband in this world, the hûr of jannah who
has been set aside for this person says: 'May Allah destroy you. He
is your guest, very soon he will leave you and come to us.'"

10. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "I have not seen
such women of jahannam who will be wearing clothes but will in fact
be naked, they will walk in a proud swaying manner, they will tie
their hair in such a way that it appears to be plenty - like the hump
of the camel - such women will not enter jannah, in fact they will
not even get the fragrance of jannah."

Lesson: This means that when the pious women will go into jannah,
these women will not go with them. It is possible for them to enter
jannah later, but only through the barakah of îmân.

11. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "If a woman wears
gold jewellery for show, she will be punished with the same
jewellery."

12. Once Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam was on a journey
when he heard the voice of someone cursing. He asked: "Who was that?"
The people replied: "A certain woman who is cursing the animal that
she is riding." Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Remove
her from her camel and also remove all her possessions that are on
it. According to her, this camel deserves to be cursed, so why is she
using it?"

Note: Thus far, we have mentioned 5 Quranic verses and 52 Ahâdîth. At
the beginning of this part, we mentioned many noble characteristics
of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam. It is necessary to adopt
them all the time. In the previous parts of Bahishti Zewar we
mentioned various pious acts and words of advice in great detail.
Bear all these in mind and practise them. 'Inshâ' Allah, you will
attain great stages on the day of judgement. If not, you will meet
the same fate as that of evil women. If at any time you are able to
understand the Quran and Hadith, you will read incidents of many
irreligious, evil-minded, disbelieving, and disobedient women. May
Allah guide you and I to live like the pious, die among them, and be
raised among them. 'Âmîn.

SUPPLEMENT (B) TO BAHISHTI ZEWAR

When the eighth part (seventh of the English translation) of Bahishti
Zewar was being written, I wrote stories of pious women and I had
also written a few stories of evil women and women who had repented
over their evil ways. However, on account of fearing that this book
will get too lengthy, I only included the stories of pious women and
at the end of the book I sufficed with writing on the shortcomings of
women and giving them advice in this regard. The stories of evil
women remained in their manuscript form and occasionally when I had
reason to look at this manuscript I awaited an opportunity to print
it. Coincidentally, a learned and experienced person of my village
wrote an article on the shortcomings and defects of women with the
intention of reforming their condition. Upon reading this article, I
realized the importance of those stories which I had written but did
not have the opportunity to print. I thought that it would be good to
gather all those stories and include them in the eighth part as a
supplement with the hope that such women will draw a lesson from
these stories and thereby get the guidance of making taubah. Because
the article that this person had written was a bit harsh and written
in an angry tone, and at places he was a bit general, I wrote a
balanced note in the beginning in order to compensate for this harsh
tone and generality, and then his article was included. I have
arranged this collection in the following manner: stories of evil
women, stories of evil women who repented, thereafter the
precautionary note, and then the article of that person. This
collection could be regarded as a commentary of this part of Bahishti
Zewar.

(Maulânâ) Ashraf `Alî Thânwî

15 Muharram 1330 A. H.

The story of `Unuq

This woman lived in the era of Âdam `alayhis salâm. She is the first
person to commit adultery and thereby disgrace herself. Allah
punished her in this world by sending huge snakes as big as
elephants, huge scorpions as big as camels, huge vultures as big as
donkeys from the unseen. They all came and ate her up together.

Lesson: Look at the consequence of this evil deed. No one should
think that it is not possible to be punished in this way anymore.
Remember that it is only because of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa
sallam that we are not punished so severely in this world. However,
we will get all the punishments in the hereafter. When there is no
doubt about the approach of the hereafter, how is it possible for us
to be so neglectful? Furthermore, no one should be under the
misconception that one is disgraced only because of adultery. In
fact, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam is reported to have
said that the eyes, the ears, the tongue, the hands, the feet and the
heart also commit adultery. If a woman peeps at a strange man, the
bride-groom or the marriage procession (in which there are men), this
will be considered to be the sinning of the eyes. If, without any
compelling reason, she freely converses with him, this will be
considered to be sinning of the tongue. If she listens to a male's
voice in order to satisfy her nafs or listens to him singing songs,
this will be the sinning of the ears. If she touches a person with
whom she was supposed to be observing purdah, or places her hand on
his shoulder or head, this will be the sinning of the hands. If she
walks in order to go and meet such a person or she walks in front of
him so that he may see her, this will be the sinning of the feet. If
she thinks about him or tries to remember him all the time, this will
be the sinning of the heart. The consequences and sin of adultery
will therefore also apply in these cases. One should fear the power
and anger of Allah and safeguard oneself from all these evils.

The story of Wâ`ilah

She is the wife of Nûh `alayhis salâm. However, she did not accept
îmân. When the flood commenced and water began gushing out of the
ground, Nûh `alayhis salâm asked the believers to board his ship. He
went to his wife and son and asked them to accept îmân and thereby
board the ship. However, they did not accept îmân, nor did they board
the ship. In fact, they did not even believe that the flood was
approaching and mocked at Nûh `alayhis salâm for holding such a
belief. When the flood came, both of them drowned.

Lesson: Mention of this woman has also been made in the Quran in the
same way that despite her being the wife of an accepted servant of
Allah (i.e. Nûh `alayhis salâm), but because she did not tread the
path of Dîn, her being his wife did not help her in any way and she
was sent to jahannam. O women! Understand this well and do not depend
on the piety of your husband, father, brother or son. As long as your
Dîn and îmân are not in order, the piety of any of your relatives
will be of no avail.

The wife of Lût `alayhis salâm

She was also a kâfir and she used to help the kuffâr in their evil
ways. When the time approached for Allah to send His punishment on
the kuffâr, He sent angels to inform Lût `alayhis salâm. They said to
him: "Leave your residence the following morning because the
punishment of Allah is about to descend on this village. Take the
believers with you and leave this village on this very night. No one
should look back at this village." Acting on the orders of Allah,
Lût `alayhis salâm left his village. This woman also joined them in
order to save her life. When the time came for the punishment of this
village, Allah caused stones to rain down on them and there was a
great uproar. All the believers lowered their heads out of fear and
continued on their way. No one looked around. However, this woman,
who had relatives among the kuffâr and whose way of life was just
like their's, looked around to see what is happening to those people.
The moment she turned around, a stone pelted her and she fell down
dead.

Lesson: The story of this woman has been related in the Quran in a
similar manner to that of Nûh's `alayhis salâm wife (whom we have
mentioned previously). That is, despite her being the wife of a
prophet, this did not help her in any way because she herself was not
on the path of Dîn. O women! Understand this well. It is only your
îmân and your Dîn that will be of any benefit to you. Some women
spoil their Dîn on account of their relatives by maintaining close
contact with their irreligious relatives. Look at this woman! On
account of her love for her relatives she was destroyed and she lost
her life and îmân as well. Had she accepted îmân and abstained from
looking back, she would have been saved from all calamities.
Remember, you should not maintain any close contact with those who do
not follow Allah and His Rasûl sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam.

The story of Sadûf

She was a kâfir woman in the time of Sâlih `alayhis salâm. Her ways
and habits were not good. There was another woman whose ways and
habits were similar to her's. She had many goats and other dairy
animals in her house. It was the miracle of Sâlih `alayhis salâm that
through the power of Allah, he took out a camel from a rock. A major
portion of the water of that village was obtained from a particular
well. All the animals were given water from this well. Ever since the
camel was created, acting upon the orders of Allah, the town people
specified turns for drawing water in such a way that one day all the
animals will receive water, and the following day this camel alone
will receive water from this well. The reason for this system was
that this camel was very powerful and used to consume a lot of water.
If it had to drink on one day, there would be nothing left for the
other animals. All the kuffâr did not like this system of
distribution. These two women whom we have mentioned above complained
to another two men who were of similar character by saying: "We have
the most number of animals but they have to remain without water for
one full day. You try and sort out this problem and we will be
pleased with you and obey you in whatever you say." These two
scoundrels rounded up a few friends of theirs, concealed themselves
on the path of the camel and awaited its arrival. This camel was on
its way to drink water. When it came in line with these scoundrels,
they pounced onto it with their swords. They chopped off its legs,
causing it to fall to the ground. Once it fell down, they killed it
with their swords. The moment this happened, the punishment of Allah
descended on these people. On the first day, all their faces turned
yellow, on the second day they turned red, and on the third day they
turned black. On the fourth day there was a gigantic earthquake and
fire began raining down from the skies. Thereafter, Jibra'îl uttered
a piercing scream whereby all their hearts burst open, they all died
and their bodies were reduced to ashes on account of the fire.

Lesson: Look! Because of the evil nature of two women, this calamity
descended on every one. These two women planned this whole conspiracy
because of their love for wealth.O women! Remove the love of wealth
and possessions from your hearts. May Allah save you because we don't
know from where the evil consequences of this (love) will cause a
calamity. As far as possible, you should have hatred for such evil
women in your hearts. If you have to converse with them or meet them,
do not adopt a soft attitude towards them. If you do so, there is a
fear of you also being afflicted if any calamity descends upon them.
If you display displeasure and hatred towards them, you will save
yourself from sin and the punishment of Allah.

The story of Arbîl

This woman was the wife of an idol-worshipping king during the time
of Ilyâs `alayhis salâm. She herself was an oppressive and merciless
woman. She had killed many prophets. She had a neighbour who was a
pious person. He had an orchard on which he was dependent for his
living. This orchard was very beautiful and all the people used to
speak in praise of it. This woman was very jealous of this and was
always planning to appropriate it and kill this pious person.
Coincidentally, her husband went on a journey and left her behind. It
was his habit of leaving her in charge of the affairs of the kingdom.
When he embarked on this journey, he handed over the affairs of the
kingdom to her. After he left, she rounded up a few persons and
instructed them to falsely testify in court that this pious person
had spoken against the king. It was the rule of the king that if
anyone spoke against him and was proven guilty, he would be killed.
This woman had this pious person arrested and brought to court. She
said to him: "I have heard that you have spoken against the king." He
denied this allegation. She called for those persons whom she had
trained before-hand to testify against him. They came and testified
that he had spoken against the king. This woman therefore had this
innocent person killed and seized his orchard. When the king returned
from his journey, Allah revealed to Ilyâs `alayhis salâm that he
should go to the king and inform him that an innocent Muslim has been
killed and his orchard has been seized. If the king and his wife
repent and return the orchard to the person's inheritors, well and
good. If not, Allah will destroy them. When Ilyâs `alayhis salâm went
and informed the king, he became very angry and instead of repenting,
he became an enemy of Ilyâs `alayhis salâm. Eventually,
Ilyâs `alayhis salâm left that place after Allah ordered him to do
so. A few days later, the king's son fell ill and passed away. Before
he could overcome this grief, another king invaded his kingdom,
captured it, and killed him and all the other kuffâr.

Lesson: Look at the consequences of this. O women! It is an act of
oppression to commit the following acts: to intend to take away
something that belongs to someone else, to say something to someone
wrongfully, to hit or harm someone wrongfully, to cause harm to
someone by taunting him, or to make ghîbah of a person. You have read
the consequences of all this. You should therefore safeguard yourself
from all this.

The story of Nâ'ilah

There was a tribe by the name of Jurhum which had settled down in
Makkah when Ismâ`îl `alayhis salâm was still a child. A woman by the
name of Nâ'ilah belonged to this tribe. She had the audacity of
committing adultery inside the Ka'bah. Allah's punishment descended
on her and the man who committed this evil act and they both turned
into stone. The name of this man was Isâf. The people carried them to
Safâ and Marwah and placed one of them on Safâ and the other on
Marwah. They did this so that the people will look at them and fear
the punishment of Allah. They remained there for a long time.
Eventually, a time came when ignorant persons began worshipping these
two statues out of stupidity. It is for this reason that when
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam came, he had them removed and
destroyed.

Lesson: May Allah save us from His anger. This is the consequence of
disobeying Him. If a person is saved in this world, how will he save
himself in the hereafter? We learn from this that it is more serious
to commit a sin in a holy place. In the same way, it is more serious
to commit a sin at a sacred time. Some people do not even give up
sinning in Ramadân and other holy months and days. The result of this
is that the punishment is greater irrespective of whether it is
ghîbah, oppression, spending money in prohibited things, etc.

The story of the wife of Bal`am Bâ`ûr

He was a very pious and abstinent person who lived in Syria. When the
Muslims who belonged to the tribe of Mûsâ `alayhis salâm joined
Yûsha` `alayhis salâm in order to free Baytul Maqdis from the hands
of the kuffâr, the people of that place went to Bal`am and asked him
to make a du`â against the Muslims so that they may be defeated.
However, he refused and said: "It is extremely evil for a person to
make du`â against a prophet and his followers. I will never do it."
The people then went to his wife with a lot of wealth and gold and
told her to contrive a plan to influence her husband in making the
du`â. Because of her greed for all that wealth, she went to her
husband and seduced him in such a way that he agreed to make the
du`â. The moment he decided to make the du`â, he became bereft of his
îmân and his tongue drooped up to his chest. When the Muslims gained
victory, Bal`am Bâ`ûr was also killed.

Lesson: Look at what an evil thing greed is. For the sake of wealth
and gold this woman destroyed her Dîn and her husband as well in that
he lost his îmân and his life. O women! Even today, women who are
overwhelmed by greed ask their husbands to receive bribes and are
extremely proud to say that they have a lot of jewellery and a lot of
money without even thinking for a moment that both husband and wife
are preparing themselves for hell.

The story of the woman who killed Yahyâ `alayhis salâm

There was a king who had a wife that had been married previously.
This woman had a daughter from her previous marriage. When this woman
became old, she felt that her husband (the king) will most probably
become attracted to another woman. She therefore decided to get this
daughter of hers married to her husband. She even got her daughter to
agree to this liaison. This daughter also began making plans to
attract the king towards her with various strategies. He also became
attracted towards her. When Yahyâ `alayhis salâm heard about this, he
tried to stop the king from this. However, all three of them became
his enemies and had him captured, brought before them, and be-headed.
After this, the king decided to commit the prohibited act with this
step-daughter of his. Yahyâ's severed head began speaking and
said: "O you fool, she is not halâl for you!" But this wicked king
paid no heed. Upon this, the blood from the head of Yahyâ `alayhis
salâm began to boil and overflow and did not subside. The `ulamâ of
that time said that as long as the blood of his killer is not made to
flow (i.e. as long as they are not killed), this blood will not
subside. There was a king of another neighbouring land. When he heard
about this, he invaded this place and killed all the killers of
Yahyâ `alayhis salâm and 70 000 other kuffâr. Only then did the
flowing of that blood subside.

Lesson: May Allah save us from satanic acts. Can you see the
consequences of following one's nafs: a prophet is killed, a sinful
act is committed, even then the nafs was not satisfied, soon
thereafter they were punished for this tyranny and all those people
who had remained silent and did not express their displeasure at the
actions of the king were all punished. We learn from this that
following one's nafs, oppressing someone, and not expressing one's
displeasure at seeing actions that are contrary to the Sharî`ah are
actions that are extremely serious. One should safeguard oneself from
all this. When the nafs prompts you to do something contrary to the
Sharî`ah, don't ever obey it and don't ever abandon the Sharî`ah.
Don't oppress anyone in any way irrespective of whether it is by
causing him psychological harm, disgracing him or causing him
financial harm - all this is considered to be oppression. If a person
does anything contrary to the Sharî`ah, hate his action in your
heart. If he cannot harm you in any way, show your dislike outwardly
as well. By your liking such a person and maintaining contact with
him, there is a fear that you will also be afflicted when he is
punished.

The story of Shamsûn's Wife

When `Îsâ `alayhis salâm was raised to the heavens, this Shamsûn was
a very pious and abstinent person. Allah had blessed him with a lot
of power. There was a kâfir king who was his enemy. He sent a message
to Shamsûn's wife informing her that if she can capture Shamsûn and
bring him to him, he will take her into his marriage. When Shamsûn
fell asleep, this wretched woman fastened his hands and feet and
handed him over to the kuffâr. They took him to the king. The king
made an announcement that Shamsûn will be suspended on a cross and
whoever wishes to see him may do so. Thousands of people gathered to
watch this spectacle. It was at this time that Shamsûn made a du`â,
the king's palace collapsed onto him, and he died. All the people
rushed to remove the king's body from underneath the rubble. In the
meantime, Shamsûn freed himself and reached safely home. Upon
reaching home, he divorced his wife.

Lesson: Greed had completely overpowered this woman to the extent
that she was even disloyal to such a good and pious husband. Despite
this, she did not get what she desired for and even lost this good
husband. This is how one is always punished for evil deeds. One
should protect oneself from greed.

The story of the woman who accused Jurayj

In the time between the era of `Îsâ `alayhis salâm and Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam, there was a pious person by the name of
Jurayj. He occupied himself in the ibaadah of Allah at a young age.
He distanced himself from society and built a house for his `ibâdah
in a jungle. Once he was busy offering nafl salât when his mother
came and called for him. Because he was occupied in his salât, he
could not reply to her call. However, his mother did not know that he
was busy in salât. She therefore became angry and said: "O Allah!
Make it such that he sees the face of a prostitute." Since parents
have a great right over the children, the ruling is that when they
call for you while you are engaged in nafl salât and they do not know
that you are busy in this nafl salât, you should break your salât and
answer their call. However, Jurayj did not know this rule and
therefore did not reply. In this way, he displayed a shortcoming in
fulfilling the right of his mother. And it was for this reason that
she cursed him. On account of this, a few jealous persons went to a
prostitute and asked her to disgrace Jurayj in some way or the other.
She fell pregnant on account of an illicit relationship with someone
and alleged that Jurayj is the father of the child. The people went
to his house and completely destroyed it. They harassed Jurayj and
informed him that this woman claims that you are the father of this
child. Jurayj addressed this small breast-fed child by saying: "Who
is your father?" This small child (who had not yet reached the age
where he could speak) spoke and gave the name of a certain shepherd.
Upon hearing this, all the people became staunch adherents of Jurayj.
They began embracing him and told him that they will rebuild his
house with gold. He replied: "No, make it with mud, just as it was
previously." Eventually, they made him a house as it had been
previously.

Lesson: Look at how that woman was disgraced by accusing a pious
person and how Allah humiliated her. Don't ever accuse an innocent
person. Some women have the habit of accusing another woman of
adultery or stealing on the slightest suspicion. These are all sinful
acts. We also learn that it is not good to curse the children all the
time because we do not know when it will be accepted. Thereafter, the
children are put into difficulty and on seeing this, the parents are
also distressed. We also learn that parents have great rights over
their children. These days, many people are neglectful in this
regard. O women! Don't ever be neglectful in this regard, nor should
you display any shortcoming in this regard.

A merciless woman from the Banû Isrâ'îl

It is mentioned in Bukhârî that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa
sallam mentioned a story from the Banû Isrâ'îl. There was a woman who
had caught a cat and kept it enclosed without feeding it, giving it
anything to drink, or leaving it open so that it could catch rats and
thereby fend for itself. This cat soon died out of extreme hunger.
Allah admitted her into jahannam. It is mentioned in another
narration that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam saw this cat
walking on this woman's chest and scratching her with its nails and
claws.

Lesson: You have read the consequences of mercilessness. Do not be
merciless irrespective of whether it be a human or an animal.
However, if a dog or cat troubles you a lot, it will be permissible
to strike it. But it is a great sin to tease it. Some hard-hearted
persons domesticate parrots, mynahs, and other animals - they encage
such animals and do not even worry about their food and drink.
Furthermore, they have no concern over their need to be in the sun or
in the shade, nor do they even worry about freeing them. The
consequence of teasing an animal in this manner is also disastrous in
this world. Such persons are prone to various difficulties and have
no peace of mind. As for punishment in the hereafter, you have
already read what happened to this woman. O women! Safeguard yourself
from mercilessness.

An immoral woman from the previous Ummahs

`Uthmân radiyallâhu `anhu narrates that there was a pious and
abstinent person in the previous ummahs. An immoral woman desired
him, so she sent her slave-girl to him with the following message: "I
have engaged in a major financial transaction with someone. I need a
witness for this purpose. There is a great reward in becoming a
witness for the pleasure of Allah. Please come and make yourself a
witness." This person was a simple-minded person. He therefore went
to her house. The moment he entered her house, the slave-girl locked
all the doors. When he went further, he saw that immoral woman
sitting down with a bottle of alcohol at her side and a small boy
next to her. When she saw him she said: "I did not call you to be a
witness but to break your piety. Either engage in sexual intercourse
with me, drink this alcohol or kill this boy." This poor pious
servant was at a total loss, not knowing what to do in order to save
his life. After pondering over the matter, he came to the conclusion
that drinking the alcohol is the lightest of all the sins. The moment
he drank the alcohol, he lost his senses and thereby committed the
other two sins as well.

Lesson: Sins have a special relationship in the sense that once a
person commits one sin, it leads him to other sins as well. It is for
this reason that one should abstain from all sins irrespective of
whether they be minor or major. If not, the doors of all other sins
are opened. It has been noticed that a woman wishes to marry her
children according to the norms and customs of that place or her
family thinking that although it is contrary to the Sharî`ah, it is
not such a serious thing. She also has the money which she had
estimated that it would cost her to have this wedding. After thinking
over all these matters, she commenced with the preparations. Upon
embarking on the preparations, she encounters so many complications,
that many major sins are also committed. At times, the expenses go
beyond the actual estimation and she has to take loans on interest.
At times, she may mix her money with that of her orphan children and
spend it without differentiating between the two. It is harâm for her
to spend their wealth. That very harâm wealth is used to feed her
guests. Look at how one sin led to another. In the same way, all
other sins lead to many other sins.

A deceitful woman from the Banû Isrâ'îl

Mûsû `alayhis salâm filled a well with water and made such a du`â
that the water had such an effect that if an immoral woman had to
drink that water, her face would turn black in colour and she would
die immediately. The effect of this water remained even after the
demise of Mûsâ `alayhis salâm. Once, a person suspected his wife of
adultery. This suspicion of his was true. When the husband began
talking about this and mentioned it to the judges of that time, they
gave a ruling that she should drink the water from that well and
summoned for her. She had another sister who looked very much like
her. It was extremely difficult to distinguish the two. This woman
deluded her sister into going on her behalf. She went and drank the
water in the presence of everyone. Since she was pure, nothing
happened to her and all the people were surprised. When she went home
and met her impure sister, the moment her breath touched her, her
entire face turned black. She died there and then, and everyone came
to know of her treachery.

Lesson: Treachery and concealing something does not last for long.
Allah definitely disgraces the person. O women! You should keep your
heart pure in your speech and dealings, and your tongue (speech) true.

The story of Umme Jamîl

She is the wife of the kâfir Abu Lahab. She is mentioned in the Quran
in Sûrah al-Masad (chapter 111). She bore so much of hatred towards
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam that she used to go into the
jungle, bring thorny twigs and throw them at night on the path which
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam would take so that they may
prick his feet. Once she was walking with the bundle of twigs on her
head with the rope of the bundle under her chin so that the bundle
does not open up. All of a sudden, the bundle fell backwards and the
rope that was under her chin slipped to her throat. It strangled her
and she died.

Lesson: May Allah save us. The consequences of hatred and malice
towards the Dîn and pious people are terrible in this world and in
the hereafter as well. Some women are in the habit of rejecting the
masâ'il that are taught by the `ulamâ. They mock at those who act on
these masâ'il. This specifically happens when they act upon the
masâ'il that are connected to weddings and funerals or advices in
this regard. They do not like this advice and feel insulted. This is
also regarded as bearing hatred towards the Dîn. You have already
read the consequences of this in this world and in the hereafter.
Repent from such actions and abstain from them in the future.

The story of the women who were killed on the day that Makkah was
conquered

Makkah was under the control of the kuffâr. Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam expelled them and took control over
Makkah. This incident is known as the conquest of Makkah. There were
many women among these kuffâr who used to sing poems and songs
denouncing Islam. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam issued an
order to have such women killed wherever they are found. Among them,
these four women were killed: Qarîbah, Fartanah, Arît, and Umme Sa`d.

Lesson: Our Rasûl sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam was extremely merciful
and noble. He also prohibited the Muslims from killing the kuffâr
women who participated in the battles. However, the evils of these
four women were so extensive that it became the order of Allah that
they be killed because Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam did
not do anything without the order of Allah. The crime that they
committed was that they denounced Islam and combined this with poetry
and singing. Even today, some women have this sickness of saying
whatever they wish against the Sharî`ah. Some women even sing songs
against the `ulamâ. They should fear the consequences of this.

The story of Zaynab bint Hârith

There was a place by the name of Khaybar which was inhabited by Jews.
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallamhad waged a war against them
and defeated them. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam remained
behind after the victory. A Jewish woman by the name of Zaynab came
to him and gave him some food as a gift. This wretched woman had
mixed some poison in that food. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa
sallam and a few of his Sahâbah began eating it. Through the power of
Allah, he realized that this food had been poisoned. He immediately
withdrew his hand and ordered his Sahâbah to stop eating. However,
one Sahâbî had already died because of this poisoning. The effect of
this poison remained with Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam and
eventually became the cause of his death as well. It is mentioned in
some books of Hadith that after the Sahâbî died, this woman was
questioned and she admitted to poisoning the food. She was therefore
killed.

Lesson: The enmity of this woman towards Islam led her to this
treacherous act. O women! Don't ever have evil thoughts about Islam
and the Sharî`ah. You should accept it happily.

The story of Labîd's (a Jew) daughters

They all agreed to practice black magic in order to kill Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam. He was saved from being killed but the
effect of this was that his memory became weak - not in Dînî matters
but with regard to eating, drinking, sitting, walking, etc.
Thereafter, Allah revealed Sûrah al-Falaq (chapter 113) and Sûrah an-
Nâs (chapter 114). Through the barakah of these two sûrahs, the
effect of this black magic disappeared completely.

Lesson: The enmity of these people towards Dîn debased them to the
extent that they even planned to kill Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi
wa sallam. Don't ever bear any hatred towards the Dîn and the pious.

The story of Salmâ bint Mâlik

This woman had become a Muslim in the era of Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam. He had predicted that she will not
remain a Muslim. After the demise of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa
sallam she became crazed in establishing her own government and
turned away from Islam. Many other kuffâr joined her. Eventually, the
Muslim armies invaded her place and killed her together with her
followers.

Lesson: Just as love for wealth can lead one astray, so can the
desire to become a leader. Look at this woman who destroyed her
religious and worldly life. O women! Consider yourself to be the
lowest and adopt humility. Through this, Allah will bless you with
honour in both the worlds.

The story of Qatâmah

There is a heretical group which is known as the Kharijites.
Kharijites claim to be Muslims but many of their beliefs are contrary
to the Dîn. This group sprung up during the caliphate of `Alî
radiyallâhu `anhu. He fought many battles against these Kharijites.
They were his great enemies. Once, three members of this group got
together in Makkah. At that time, `Alî radiyallâhu `anhu was living
in Kûfah. They made a plan to kill him and two other Sahâbah. One
person by the name of `Abdur Rahmân bin Muljim volunteered to
kill `Alî radiyallâhu `anhu. He went to Kûfah for this purpose. On
reaching there, he met this wretched woman. After seeing her, he
proposed to her. She replied: "If you can pay me my dowry, I will
accept." He asked: "What do you want as dowry?" She replied: "You
will have to kill `Alî." This woman was a Kharijite. Her father,
brother, uncle and husband were killed by `Alî radiyallâhu `anhu in
battle. They were all Kharijites as well. It was for this reason that
she had made this request. This person accepted her request, went to
the musjid before the fajr salât, and concealed himself behind the
door. When `Alî radiyallâhu `anhu entered the musjid, this person
came out, struck him with his sword and escaped. `Alî
radiyallâhu `anhu passed away on account of this wound. Later, this
person was caught and killed.

Lesson: If this woman had any love for her Dîn, she would not have
had any animosity towards `Alî radiyallâhu `anhu on account of the
irreligiousness of her relatives. However, she herself was
irreligious and therefore committed this crime. O women! Create love
for the Dîn in your hearts. If not, major sins will be committed out
of irreligiousness.

The story of Ju`dah bint Ash`ab

She is the wife of Hasan radiyallâhu `anhu. She destroyed herself in
the following way: Yazîd who was an enemy of Hasan deluded her into
poisoning her pious husband. Yazîd had deluded this wretched woman by
promising to marry her and giving her 100 000 dirhams. The strength
of the poison cut his intestines and liver in such a way that they
were excreted from his anus. He bore this difficulty for forty days
and passed away. Thereafter, this woman sent a message to Yazîd
asking him to fulfil his promise. He sent a clear reply that he is
unable to keep her with him. In short, apart from committing the sin,
this unfortunate woman was not even able to fulfil her worldly dreams.

Lesson: O women! All these evils took place because of love for the
world. Whatever one acquires out of greed is always considered to be
little (i.e. one is never satisfied). Remove this sickness from the
heart and cleanse your heart from the desire of wealth, possessions,
jewellery, clothing, etc.

Note: Thus far we have mentioned the stories of 20 evil women. We
will now mention the stories of women who were evil in the beginning
but reformed their ways later in life.

The story of Zulaykhâ

She was first married to the governor of Egypt. The governor had
purchased Yûsuf `alayhis salâm and handed him over to her, asking her
to rear him as she would her own child. She began having evil
thoughts but Allah saved Yûsuf `alayhis salâm. Thereafter, the
governor felt it would be better to imprison Yûsuf `alayhis salâm.
Later, when the king of Egypt released him, the latter sent a message
to the king asking him to ask the woman about him. When the king
asked her, she replied that Yûsuf was innocent and that it was she
who was at fault. Eventually, when Yûsuf `alayhis salâm became the
king and the governor had died by then, he married Zulaykhâ. Two
daughters by the name of Ifrâ'îm and Mîshâ'îm were born to them.

Lesson: Look at what a great quality honesty is that when she had
falsely accused Yûsuf `alayhis salâm, her difficulties and problems
continued to increase daily. When she spoke the truth, Allah cut off
all her difficulties and opened the doors for her success in the
following way: her husband passed away, Yûsuf `alayhis salâm became
the king, and he married her. O women! Always speak the truth. If you
make a mistake or commit a wrong, repent immediately. Do not be
persistent in the mistake and do not be proud to admit your fault.

The story of a woman who was deluded by Qârûn

In the time of Mûsâ alayhis salaam there was a very rich and miserly
person by the name of Qârûn. When Mûsâ `alayhis salâm asked him to
pay his zakât, he became angry and displayed animosity towards him.
This wretched man went to the extent of trying to taint the honour of
Mûsâ `alayhis salâm. He got hold of an immoral woman, gave her a lot
of money and jewellery and deluded her into accusing Mûsâ `alayhis
salâm of committing adultery with her. She agreed to this plan. Once
Mûsâ `alayhis salâm was delivering a lecture and explained that one
is punished in a certain way for a certain sin. Qârûn stood up from
his place and shouted: "If you commit such a sin, what will happen?"
Mûsâ `alayhis salâm replied: "I will receive the same punishment."
Upon this he said: "A certain woman accuses you of the same thing."
This woman was also present. Mûsâ `alayhis salâm addressed her saying
that she should take an oath and speak the truth. She began fearing
Allah and said: "O prophet of Allah! You are pure and innocent. He
had given me so much of money and jewellery and prompted me to accuse
you. I repent and become a Muslim now." Mûsâ `alayhis salâm became
very angry at him and made a du`â to Allah against Qârûn. Qârûn was
devoured by the earth together with his wealth and was despatched to
jahannam.

Lesson: When Allah guides a person towards taubah and adopting the
straight path, the means to fulfil this are provided there and then.
The fear of Allah is the root of guidance and repentance. O women!
Develop this in your hearts and everything will be made easy for you.

The story of a woman who admitted her sin

A woman came to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam and said that
she was deluded by shaytân into committing adultery. The ruling of
the Sharî`ah in this regard is that if a husband or wife commit
adultery, he or she should be stoned to death. This woman knew this
ruling and also understood that although she will lose her life by
admitting to this sin, her fear of the punishment of the hereafter
prompted her to come to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam. She
related the entire incident to him so that he may mete out the
punishment and thereby purify herself. Another ruling of the Sharî`ah
is that if someone admits to committing a sin, the person should be
deferred. Based on this, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam
deferred this woman. However, she was so courageous that she came
again and again admitting her sin and asking him to mete out the
punishment. This woman was pregnant at that time so she was given a
respite until the child is born and weaned. Once the child was
weaned, she presented herself to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa
sallam out of her own accord so that he may mete out the punishment.
At this stage, the punishment of stoning till death was meted out to
her. When she died, someone uttered a few bad words about her.
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam replied: "Do not utter any
evil about her. Her taubah is so great in the sight of Allah that if
it were to be distributed among 70 people it would have been
sufficient for their salvation. What can be greater than the fact
that she gave her life for the sake of Allah Ta'ala."

Lesson: The fear of Allah is a very great bounty. Allâhu Akbar! What
a great burden this woman bore. May Allah also give us the good
fortune of abandoning sins and making taubah. Now there are no
standard bearers of the Sharî`ah. One should repent over the sins
that are committed against Allah. We also learn from this story that
we should not look down upon someone who has made taubah, nor should
we criticize the person. This is a major sin.

The story of a woman who repented for stealing

`Â'ishah radiyallâhu `anhâ narrates that Rasûlullâh
sallallâhu `alayhi wa sallam had chopped off the hand of a woman who
had stolen something. Thereafter, this woman used to come to my
house. Whenever she wished to say anything to Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam, she used to say it to me and I used to pass over
her message to him. In other words, she had made a good taubah from
the bottom of her heart.

Lesson: Look at how clean-hearted she was that despite bearing such a
great difficulty from

Home - Quran & Hadith – Charity - Family & Health – Islam – Miscellaneous – Matrimonials

Human Rights - Women – Newscenter – Boycott – Chechnya – Palestine - Links