Upbringing of Children

nothing for herself. This kind treatment of hers really impressed me,
and I related it to Ras[lull\h r. Upon which he stated: “All\h I has
guaranteed her Jannah because of her kindness.” (In another narration
the words, “All\h I has rescued her from the fire of Jahannam,” are
used).
Muslim
From almost prehistoric times the birth of a boy meant honour and
respect for a family, whereas the birth of a girl meant shame and
disgrace. This discriminating view is absolutely un-Isl\mic as can be
read below.
The following incident is concerning the ordeal of an innocent girl who
was buried alive. The people of the tribe of Ban[ Tam|m in pre-Isl\mic
Arabia were most prone towards this inhuman practice. The reason for
this stance was that they considered it a matter of shame to become
fathers-in-law. The chief of the tribe, Qays Ibn `¬]im, after embracing
Isl\m confessed to Ras[lull\h r the following incident:
“O Messenger of All\h r! A daughter was born to me when I was away
from home on a journey. In my absence, her mother out of natural urge
nursed her for a few days. After some days fearing that I would kill her
or bury her alive, she sent the child to her sister to be looked after.
When I returned from my journey I was told that my wife had given
birth to a dead child, thus the matter was shelved. The child remained
in the care of her aunt for a few years.
“Once I went out of the house for the whole day. Thinking that I would
be out for a long time, my wife called her daughter to enjoy her
company during my absence.
“I changed my mind and returned home much sooner than expected.
When I entered the home my eyes fell upon a very beautiful, little girl
playing in the house. When I looked at her I was suddenly
overwhelmed by a strong and spontaneous urge of affection for her
within me. My wife also sensed it and became sure that my blood had
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