11.04.2013 Views

Download - University of Salford Institutional Repository

Download - University of Salford Institutional Repository

Download - University of Salford Institutional Repository

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

"But if they strive to make thee Join in worship<br />

with Me. things to which thou hast no knowledge,<br />

obey them not; yet bear them company in this<br />

life with justice (and consideration), and follow<br />

the way <strong>of</strong> those who return to Me (in Love). 1<br />

This is illustrated by the visit <strong>of</strong>*Assmaa*BJ. nt Ablu- Bakr to the<br />

Prophet to consult him about her mother. 'She was an idolatress'<br />

"Assriaar asked the Prophet, 'May I do good to her? ' He said, 'Yes,<br />

do good to your mother0l<br />

Woman's position as a mother is unique in Muslim society. Many<br />

Prophetic traditions point to the fact that Islam has granted<br />

mothers a higher status than fathers, and has ordered honour to them<br />

first, in return for all the hardship they have to bear. It is<br />

reported by Abu Hurairah that a man asked the Prophet <strong>of</strong> God<br />

"Who is the most deseirving <strong>of</strong> care fro me V He replied, 'Your<br />

mother'. Again he asked who came next. and the Prophet replied,<br />

'Your Mother' again, asked who came next, the Prophet replied<br />

'Your Father', According to another tradition: 'Even Paradise<br />

lies beneath the feet <strong>of</strong> Mothers. ' The ordinary Prophetic tradition<br />

enjoined children to stay faithful to their Mothers and to obey<br />

them. The Prophet also said : God urges you to take care <strong>of</strong> your<br />

mothers, then urges you to take care <strong>of</strong> your mothers, then urges<br />

you to take care <strong>of</strong> your closest relatives.<br />

The tradition also indicated that an act <strong>of</strong> disobedience towards<br />

our parents is an act <strong>of</strong> ingratitude. Duties towards one's parents come<br />

after one's duties towards God and their rights follow one's obligations<br />

towards Godg 'be praised highly. ' The Qurfan made their disobedience<br />

a grave I sin that is second only to the sin <strong>of</strong> believing in another<br />

Godz<br />

1.31<br />

* 15<br />

"Say. Come I will rehearse what God hath (really prohibited<br />

you from: Join not anything as equal with Him. be good<br />

to your parents. " 4-<br />

2. Waddy. Sharis, Women In Muslim History, P. 22<br />

3, al'Vussaini, op. Cit.. P. 55<br />

4. Q. 6,151<br />

129

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!