Tuesday 24 May 2011

Women's contribution in Islam


Among the many services that one can render to Islam is to fight in the battlefields. Few, if any, examples of such zeal, determination, perseverance and courage can be found in history. When the disbelievers attacked the Muslims during the battle of Uhud, only a few devoted followers were left to fight with Rasul’Allah (SAW). At this critical stage the sahabiyah, Umm Ammarah (RA) shielded Rasul’Allah (SAW) with her body and warded off the enemy with her sword and arrows when Qaniah tried to strike Rasul’Allah (SAW) at a distance. It was she who had a deep wound on her shoulder but yet she continued to protect Rasul’Allah (SAW) and attacked Qaniah with her sword! Against Mussailmah Kahthab she fought so courageously that she suffered dozen wounds and even lost an arm.

In the battle of Yarmuk, Asma’ bint Abu bakr, Umm Abban, Umm Hakeem, Khawlah, Hind and Umm Juwairiah (RA) displayed extraordinary valor. Asma’ bint Yazid (RA) killed nine enemy soldiers. In the year 28th after Hijrah, Umm Haram (RA) took part in the attack on Cyprus. A’isha, Umm Salim and Umm Salit (RA) were among those who were very proficient at nursing the wounded.

Umm Atiyah (RA) took part in seven battles, and fought during the rule of Khalifah Umar (RA).

The Sahabiyat (RA) usually accompanied Rasul’Allah (SAW) on his military expeditions and took part in battles both on land and at sea. Besides taking an active part in the war, there were many other services that the Sahabiyat (RA) performed i.e. giving medical aid to the soldiers, nursing the wounded at the battlefields, providing food and water to them, they also helped to carry the martyred and the wounded back to Al Madina and generally kept the morale of the army!

They spread the message of the new religion and through example converted many of the disbelievers to Islam. It was Fatimah bint Khattab (RA) who converted her brother, Khalifah Umar (RA) - it was he who was to become one of the bravest and most faithful of the Sahabah. It was Umm Salim (RA) who influenced Abu Talhah (RA) and it was Umm Hakim (RA) who convinced her husband, Ikrimah, to accept Islam. Umm Shareek Dosiah (RA) worked discreetly amongst the women of the tribe of Quraish to spread Islam.

Another aspect of missionary work is to preserve the religion in its pristine form, and protect it from any modifications, impurities and innovations that may creep in because of cultural practices already prevalent in society. The preservation of keeping the purity of Islam was performed by many of the Sahabiyat (RA); the most prominent being Umm A’isha (RA). During the martyrdom of Khalifah Uthman (RA) it was Umm A’isha (RA) who brought unity into the ranks by influencing the Muslims of Basra and Makkah.

Leading the prayers and calling the adhan is another important aspect of religious life. Although women cannot lead men on prayers, they can do so with assemblies of women. Many women contemporaries of Rasul’Allah (SAW) performed this task. Umm A’isha, Umm Salim, Umm Waraqah and Sa’dah bint Qamamah (RA) were some of the most prominent amongst them. In fact, Umm Waraqah (RA) turned her house into a place of prayer for women; the adhan was given there by a Mu’aththin for the women congregation, and Umm Waraqah (RA) performed the duties of the Imam in leading the prayers.

With that said, may Allah open the gate of Janah for them.<span> </span>Among the many services that one can render to Islam is to fight in the battlefields. Few, if any, examples of such zeal, determination, perseverance and courage can be found in history. When the disbelievers attacked the Muslims during the battle of Uhud, only a few devoted followers were left to fight with Rasul’Allah (SAW). At this critical stage the sahabiyah, Umm Ammarah (RA) shielded Rasul’Allah (SAW) with her body and warded off the enemy with her sword and arrows when Qaniah tried to strike Rasul’Allah (SAW) at a distance. It was she who had a deep wound on her shoulder but yet she continued to protect Rasul’Allah (SAW) and attacked Qaniah with her sword! Against Mussailmah Kahthab she fought so courageously that she suffered dozen wounds and even lost an arm.In the battle of Yarmuk, Asma’ bint Abu bakr, Umm Abban, Umm Hakeem, Khawlah, Hind and Umm Juwairiah (RA) displayed extraordinary valor. Asma’ bint Yazid (RA) killed nine enemy soldiers. In the year 28th after Hijrah, Umm Haram (RA) took part in the attack on Cyprus. A’isha, Umm Salim and Umm Salit (RA) were among those who were very proficient at nursing the wounded.Umm Atiyah (RA) took part in seven battles, and fought during the rule of Khalifah Umar (RA).The Sahabiyat (RA) usually accompanied Rasul’Allah (SAW) on his military expeditions and took part in battles both on land and at sea. Besides taking an active part in the war, there were many other services that the Sahabiyat (RA) performed i.e. giving medical aid to the soldiers, nursing the wounded at the battlefields, providing food and water to them, they also helped to carry the martyred and the wounded back to Al Madina and generally kept the morale of the army!They spread the message of the new religion and through example converted many of the disbelievers to Islam. It was Fatimah bint Khattab (RA) who converted her brother, Khalifah Umar (RA) - it was he who was to become one of the bravest and most faithful of the Sahabah. It was Umm Salim (RA) who influenced Abu Talhah (RA) and it was Umm Hakim (RA) who convinced her husband, Ikrimah, to accept Islam. Umm Shareek Dosiah (RA) worked discreetly amongst the women of the tribe of Quraish to spread Islam.Another aspect of missionary work is to preserve the religion in its pristine form, and protect it from any modifications, impurities and innovations that may creep in because of cultural practices already prevalent in society. The preservation of keeping the purity of Islam was performed by many of the Sahabiyat (RA); the most prominent being Umm A’isha (RA). During the martyrdom of Khalifah Uthman (RA) it was Umm A’isha (RA) who brought unity into the ranks by influencing the Muslims of Basra and Makkah.Leading the prayers and calling the adhan is another important aspect of religious life. Although women cannot lead men on prayers, they can do so with assemblies of women. Many women contemporaries of Rasul’Allah (SAW) performed this task. Umm A’isha, Umm Salim, Umm Waraqah and Sa’dah bint Qamamah (RA) were some of the most prominent amongst them. In fact, Umm Waraqah (RA) turned her house into a place of prayer for women; the adhan was given there by a Mu’aththin for the women congregation, and Umm Waraqah (RA) performed the duties of the Imam in leading the prayers.With that said, may Allah open the gate of Janah for them.AAMEEN.

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