Sultan Raziya was India's first Muslim ruler and a brave warrior. She had already shown her capability of managing the sultanate. When her father left for business or campaigning affairs, she took charges as a competent regent with the assistance of the Sultan’s trusted minister. She had become a well-educated woman, both in formal education as in the Qu’ran. Moreover, she was skilled in martial arts and, thus, an excellent trained warrior, rode both horses and elephants with an exquisite accomplishment and exercised authority with great dignity.

As a woman, Raziya was not given full support from the noblemen. She only managed to secure her control over the throne by dividing the opposition. After her official accession, many nobles opposed her. Ultimately, she won the majority over and the kingdom slumbered into peace again. She could extend the power of the state widely through the obedience and submission of maliks (i.e. kings) and amirs (i.e. state leaders).

By building a system of roads, she could easily inform herself of the affairs in the distant parts of the empire. She linked towns up with villages and built small forts as guard posts around these routes. In addition, she established schools, academics, research centers and public libraries where both Islamic tradition manuscripts and Hindu works shared places. Only one of the many examples that showed that Raziya considered the Muslim community and the Hindu community on an equal footing.

Raziya was clearly a devoted leader for her empire and subjects. She listened to her people’s complaints and demands, trying to reserve herself as a guiding hand among them instead of an indifferent ruler. By stating her title to be officially Raziya Sultan, rather than Raziya Sultana, she underlined her rightful credibility as a powerful sovereign leader of the Sultanate of Delhi. As her desire was to keep close relations with her people, Raziya Sultan substituted her female attire with that of a man’s head-dress and tunic, abandoned the veil and rode out on elephant without purdah (i.e. covering of the face). 

Not much is known about the cause of her death. Some believe she fought as a valiant warrior on the battlefield until an arrow struck her. Others say she was defeated and fled where her survival was depending on a man who gave her bread and a place to sleep. During her sleep, the man saw a tunic of gold and pearls under her male army garment and realized that the man he had helped was a woman. He killed her, buried her body and took her valuables to sell on the market.

Reference: https://mvslim.com/raziya-was-indias-first-female-muslim-ruler-and-a-brave-warrior/

Ruqayyah bint Muhammad (ra) was born three years after the birth of Zainab (Radiallah-hu-Anha). Initially, Ruqayyah was married to Utbah ibn Abu Lahab, the son of Arch enemy of Muhammad (saw). When Islam was declared, Abu Lahab called his sons, Utbah and Utybah to divorce their wives, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum respectively.

Later on in life, Allah gave Hadhrat Ruqayyah better partner in form of Uthman ibn Affan (ra). When the cruelty of Quraysh increased, Prophet Muhammad (saw) permitted some of his companions to migrate to Abyssinia. Among them were Ruqayyah (ra) and her husband Uthman (ra). While they were living in Abyssinia, they were blessed with a son, whom they named, Abdullah. Unfortunately, he died at the tender age of six.

Later on, they came back to Mecca and eventually migrated to Medina. Owing to her travels she is often called as “the lady with two Migrations.” During the battle of Badr she fell sick and therefore Uthman (ra) had to stay back with his ailing wife on the advice of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Narrated by Ibn Umar (ra): Uthman did not join the Badr battle because he was married to one of the daughters of Allah’s Apostle (saw) and she was ill. So, the Prophet (saw) said to him, “You will get a reward and a share (from the war booty) similar to the reward and the share of one who has taken part in the Badr battle.” 

Hadith Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 53, Number 359

Hadhrat Ruqayyah passed away on the same day that the battle of Badr was won, i.e. two years after her migration in 2AH. Since Prophet Muhammad (saw) was still at the battle ground he could not attend the funeral of his daughter. Hadhrat Ruqayyah (ra) was buried in the al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina. She was the first of Prophet’s beloved daughters to depart from this world.

Reference: https://www.islamicpreacher.org/2017/11/today-we-will-be-talking-about-ruqayyah.html

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was still an infant, a group of ladies visited Makkah to take the new born babies to the open desert environment as per custom of the town. Halimatus Saadiah, from Banu Saad tribe, was that fortunate lady who took Muhammad (peace be upon him), then just an-eight-day-old, for foster care. She realised it was not just a normal baby, but an angel of blessings.

The other ladies of the group could get babies of rich families, but Halimatus opted for this orphan as his father, Abdullah, had died before his birth. Her companions were apparently happy with their findings but nobody knew that Halimatus was carrying a baby that was to become arguably the greatest personality in human history. He was gifted with blessings from Almighty Allah. And it occurred instantly. Her breast was filled with milk; her mule got strength and ran ahead of the caravan.

Halimatus Saadiah was daughter of Abdullah bin Harith and wife of Harith Abu Zowaib. When she brought the blessed child home, she had a daughter named Shaima and her sucking son, Abdullah. Shaima was about five years old and she used to help her mother take care of Mohammed. She would bath him and take him for walks and always embraced him with love. Shaima witnessed a change that happened in her family from poverty to comfort because of the blessing of this child. She used to sing songs about him and say: “Our Lord! Keep Muhammad (peace be upon him) alive for us so that I can see him become an adolescent, then a leader. Suppress his enemies and those who are envious of him, and give him everlasting glory!”

The time of 24 months passed swiftly and the occasion came when young Muhammad (peace be upon him) was to depart from Halimatus. Shaima was also shocked and very sad to see him go. Halimatus brought the child back to Makkah but she wept while separating him from her breast. Mother Aminah was moved by her love and gave the child back to Halimatus to be raised in Banu Saad region near Taif. It is said that Muhammad (peace be upon him) returned to Makkah when he was about five years of age. He lived in the loving arms of his real mother Aminah only for one more year. She took him to Madinah to show him his parental relations with Bani Najjar and died on her return journey at a place called Abwa. Muhammad (peace be upon him) later on grew under the care of his grandfather, and then his uncle, Abu Talib. He became a man of dignity.

Halimatus once returned to Muhammad (peace be upon him) at Makkah and Khadijah, Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave her 40 sheep as gift. It is said that Halimatus Saadiah once again came to the holy city of Madinah in her last days. She died there and was buried in Jannatul Baqi. A grave in her name is marked in the blessed cemetery.

During the Battle of Hunain, 6000 war captives were released merely on account of the Prophet being in milk-relation with many of his captives. It so happened that when the tribe of Hawazen planned an attack on Makkah, it was swiftly defeated with great losses at the Battle of Hunain. There were 6,000 captives, both male and female, with 24,000 camels and 40,000 goats at Jairanah, in Muslim hands.

It was on this occasion when an old lady, in her 60’s, appeared from among the captives and claimed that she was the sister of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She was taken to him with high esteem. She told him, “O, messenger of Allah, I am Shaima, your foster sister, daughter of Abu Kabsha and Halimatus Saadiah bint Zuwaib.” Prophet (peace be upon him) welcomed her and spread his shawl and asked her to sit near him. She told that when he were young he bit on her shoulder, which left a scar on her body. Prophet (peace be upon him) recognised that and tears rolled down upon his cheeks remembering those olden days. Shaima embraced Islam and consented to go back to her tribe. Prophet (peace be upon him) gave a maid, a few camels and goats as gift and she returned to her tribe happily.

After waiting for few days, Prophet (peace be upon him) distributed the booty lavishly among both the Muslim and non-Muslim leaders of Makkah. Later a delegation of 14 Muslims from Banu Saad and Hawazen came to Prophet (peace be upon him) under Zuhair ibn Surad and Abu Barqan (foster uncle of the Prophet). They pleaded for the release of their captives, in heart touching appeal. They said: “There in those huts among the prisoners are your foster mother and sister (referring to Halimatus Saadiah and Shaima); they that have nursed thee and fondled thee in their bosoms. We have known thee a suckling, a weaning child, youth generous and noble. And now thou hast risen to this dignity, be gracious unto us, even as the Lord hath been gracious unto thee.”

Prophet (peace be upon him) was so moved with these words that he arranged for the release of all the 6,000 prisoners, and every one of them was given a shawl as a gift which was unprecedented in the history of tribal wars. This gesture won the hearts of the people and they embraced Islam in thousands. Thus was the benevolence of Halimatus Saadiah and her daughter Shaima bint Harith for their native tribe.

The place of Halimatus’s house is still located in the valley of Bani Saad near Taif. The name of Halimatus Saadiah and Shaima are very popular among Muslim ladies. Many institutions were named after including Halimatus Saadiah College Rabat (Morocco), Halimatus Saadiah Orphanage & Relief Organization Leicester (UK) and Halimatus Saadiah Grand Mosque Attok (Pakistan).

Islam develops cohesion in society for the general benefit of the mankind. It promotes strong bonds between parents and the children. It expands relationship to even the wet nurses, serving the infants. If a child is reared and suckled by a woman other than the real mother, she is accorded the status of an additional mother called Umm Ridah (foster mother, or milk mother); her husband is treated as the father of the child, and her children real brothers and sisters prohibiting marriages with them. Thus, a woman who nurses a child (more than five times before the age of two years), becomes mother by milk-relation with special rights under Islamic law. The suckled child is considered as a full sibling to the foster-mother’s other children, and as mahram to the woman. No other religion accords such a status to the suckling mothers.

Reference:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/525516

This is the love story between Zainab bint Muhammad and Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee'; Zainab was the daughter of the Prophet (PBUH) and her cousin Abu El'Ass, was Khadeeja's (RA) nephew. He was one of the nobles of the Quraish, and the Prophet (SAW) loved him very much.

One day Abu El'Ass went to the Prophet (SAW) before he had received his mission of Prophethood and said: "I want to marry your eldest daughter". So the Prophet replied: "I must ask her first". He (SAW) went to Zainab and asked her: "Your cousin came to me and he wishes to marry you, do you accept him as your husband?" Her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

So Zainab married Abu El'Ass, the beginning of a great love story. They had two children; Ali and Omama.

Then Muhammad became a Prophet while Abu El'Ass was away from Makkah. Abu El'Ass returned to find his wife a Muslim. When he first came back, his wife said "I have great news for you". He stood up and left her. Zainab was surprised and followed him as she said, "My father became a Prophet and I have become a Muslim". He replied, "Why didn't you tell me first?" Hence a big problem began between the two; a problem of religion and belief.

She told him, "I wasn't going to disbelieve in my father and his message, he is not a liar, and he is "The Honest and Trustworthy". I'm not the only believer; my mother and my sisters became Muslims, my cousin Ali ibn Abi Taleb became a Muslim, your cousin Othman ibn Affan became a Muslim, and your friend, Abu Bakr, became a Muslim".

He replied, "Well, as for me, I don't want people to say, 'he let down his people and his forefathers to please his wife'. And I am not accusing your father of anything". Then he said, "So will you excuse me and understand?" She replied, "Who will excuse and understand you if I don't? I will stay beside you and help you until you reach the truth." And she kept her word for 20 years.

Abu El'Ass remained an unbeliever, and then came the migration. Zainab went to her father and asked him for the permission to stay with her husband. The Prophet (SAW) replied, "Stay with your husband and children".

So Zainab stayed in Makkah, until the battle of Badr occurred. Abu El'Ass was to fight in the army of Quraish against the Muslims. For Zainab, it meant that her husband will be fighting her father, a time Zainab had always feared. She kept crying out: "O Allah, I fear one day the sun may rise and my children become orphans or I lose my father".

So the battle started, and ended in victory for the Muslims. Abu El'Ass was captured by the Muslims, and news of this reached Makkah. Zainab asked, "What did my father do?" They told her, "The Muslims won". So she prayed to Allah, thanking Him. Then she asked: "What did my husband do?" They said: "He was captured". She said, "I'll send a payment to release him". She didn't own anything of much value, so she took off her mother's necklace, and sent it with Abu El'Ass's brother to the Prophet.

While the Prophet (SAW) was sitting, taking payments and releasing captives, he saw Khadeeja's necklace. He held it up and asked: "Whose payment is this?" They said: "Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee". He cried and said "This is Khadeeja's necklace". As soon as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw that necklace, he had a feeling of extreme compassion and his heart palpitated for the great memory. The Companions who were present there gazed in amazement having being captivated by the magnificence of the situation.

After a long silence, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) stood up and said "People, this man is my in-law, should I release him? And do you accept the return of this necklace to my daughter?" They answered in unison "Yes, Messenger of Allah".

The Prophet (SAW) gave the necklace to Abu El'Ass and said to him: "Tell Zainab not to give away Khadeeja's necklace". Then he (SAW) said, "Abu El'Ass, Can we speak privately?" He took him aside and said, "Allah has ordered me to separate between a Muslim and a disbeliever, so could you return my daughter to me?" Abu El'Ass reluctantly agreed.

Zainab stood on the gates of Makkah waiting for the arrival of Abu El'Ass. When he finally came he said, "I am going away". She asked, "Where to?" He replied, "It is not me who is going, it is you. You are going to your father. We must separate because you are a Muslim". She implored him, "Will you become a Muslim and come with me?" But he refused.

So Zainab took her son and daughter and traveled to Madinah, and for 6 years she refused to remarry, hoping that one day Abu El'Ass would come.

After 6 years, Abu El'Ass was traveling in a caravan from Makkah to Syria. During the journey, he was intercepted by some of the Prophet's companions. He escaped and asked for Zainab's home. He knocked on her door shortly before the dawn prayer. She opened the door and asked him "Did you become a Muslim?" He whispered "No, I come as a fugitive". She implored him once more "Can you become a Muslim?" Again his answer was a negative. "Do not worry." She said, "Welcome my cousin, welcome, the father of Ali and Omama".

After the Prophet (SAW) prayed the dawn prayer in congregation with the people, they heard a voice from the back of the mosque, "I have freed Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee". Zainab had granted Abu El'Ass' freedom. The Prophet (SAW)asked, "Have you heard what I heard?" They all said, "Yes, Messenger of Allah". Zainab said, "He is my cousin and the father of my children and I have freed him". The Prophet (SAW) stood up and said, "O people, I declare that this man was a very good son-in-law, he never broke his promise, and neither did he tell lies. So if you accept, I will return his money back and let him go. If you refuse it's your decision and I will not blame you for it." The companions agreed, "We will give him his money". So the Prophet (SAW) said to Zainab, "We have freed the one you have freed, O Zainab." Then he (SAW) went to her and told her "be generous to him, he is your cousin and the father of your children, but don't let him get near you, he is prohibited for you." She replied, "Sure, father, I'll do as you say".

She went in and told her husband, "O Abu El'Ass, didn't you miss us at all? Won't you become a Muslim and stay with us?" But he refused. Abu El'Ass then took the money and returned to Makkah. Once he returned he stood up and announced, "O people, here is your money. Is there anything left?" They replied, "No, Abu El'Ass, there is nothing left, thanks a lot." So Abu El'Ass said, "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammed is His Messenger." Then he went back to Madinah and ran to the Prophet (SAW) as he said, "Dear Prophet, you freed me yesterday, and today I say that I testify there is no god but Allah and you are His Messenger." He asked the Prophet, "Will you give me the permission to go back to Zainab?" The Prophet (SAW) smiled and said, "Come with me"; he took him to Zainab's house and knocked on her door. The Prophet (SAW) said, "O Zainab, your cousin came to me and asked if he can return to you". Just like 20 years before, her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

The sad thing was, a year after this incident, Zainab died. Abu El'Ass shed hot tears because of her death and drove those who were around him to tears. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) came with eyes full of tears and a heart full of sorrow. Zainab's death reminded him of the death of his wife, Khadeejah. He told the women, who gathered around Zainab's corpse, "Wash her three times and use camphor in the third wash." He performed funeral prayers on her and followed her final resting place. Abu El'Ass returned to his children, Ali and Omama. Kissing them and wetting them with his tears, he remembered the face of his departed darling.

May Allah be pleased with Zainab, the Prophet's daughter! May He reward her with Paradise for her patience, endurance and struggle!

Abu El'Ass would cry so profusely that the people saw the Prophet himself weeping and calming him down. Abu El'Ass would say, "By Allah, I can't stand life anymore without Zainab". He died one year after Zainab's death.

Reference:
http://www.islamicbulletin.org/newsletters/issue_24/love.aspx

Umm Rooman, she was the wife of Abu Bakr Siddiq and the mother of 'Ayshah. Thus she was the Prophet's mother-in-law. Her son, 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr Siddiq was an excellent horseman, and a master strategist in war. She taught him the meaning of valor and courage. Her real name was Zaynab, but she came to be known by her family name. She was a patient and tolerant woman who did not jump to hasty conclusions, but gave matters deep thought. This was evident in the way she handled the incident when people of loose tongues and small minds accused 'Ayshah of adultery.

When her husband explained to her the teachings of Islam, she did not linger with doubts about giving up the religion of her ancestors. She immediately saw the greatness of Islam and accepted it. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw her attributes - physical and spiritual - he likened her to a celestial spirit of Paradise.

It is written in Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd that Umm Rooman accepted Islam in the very early days in Makkah. She swore allegiance at the hand of the Prophet himself and then migrated with the blessed group of emigrants.

When she witnessed the terrible atrocities committed by the Quraysh against the Muslims, she would suffer and weep for the innocent victims; but she gained courage when she saw the moral strength and exemplary sacrifice of her husband for the cause of Islam. She drew inspiration from him and found peace in his presence.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also used to exhort his faithful followers not to waver, but to be patient and hold steadfast to their faith, for they would surely in the Hereafter be rewarded with Paradise. The companions were the faithful who did not recant even when their bodies were cut in two with a saw. When he saw the suffering of the family of Yasir, he said to them,

'O family of Yasir! Be patient, for your final destination and resting place will be Paradise.'

During this long period, Umm Rooman remained an image of patience, forbearance courage and bravery. She spent most of her time in earnest supplications and prayers to Allah. When she saw her husband's devoted efforts for the propagation of Islam she expressed her admiration and gave him moral support. She devoted her time to the nurturing of her children in the traditions of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) often used to visit the house of his illustrious follower and friend, Abu Bakr Siddiq. He would advise Umm Rooman to keep encouraging and instilling the love of goodness in 'Ayshah.

Khadijah passed away three years before the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Al-Madinah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent a year as unmarried person. He then married 'Ayshah at the command of Allah as delivered by the Angel Jibril. Thus, Umm Rooman had the honor of becoming his mother-in-law. She expressed great happiness at the thought that her daughter would be one of those who joined the ranks of the blessed Mothers of the Believers. What other greater honor could she want for her family?

When Allah ordered the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to migrate to Al-Madinah he went to the house of his closest friend and Companion, Abu Bakr Siddiq. Without any questions or hesitation, he prepared to accompany the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He packed a few things and took all the cash there was in the house. He left his father, wife and children in the trust and care of Allah and set off for an unknown and unseen destination.

It was a very tough time for Umm Rooman; as she was separated from her husband; and there was a lack of money for household expenses, since he had taken all the available cash with him. However, what predominated all other thoughts in her mind were supplications to Allah for the safe arrival of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and her husband in Al Madinah. On reaching their destination safely, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Zayd bin Harithah and Abu Rafi' to bring his family, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq sent 'Abdullah bin Ariqat and wrote to his son 'Abdullah to bring his family. Umm Rooman and 'Ayshah got on one camel's back. On the way, the camel suddenly seemed out of control, started to jump, and almost threw its riders. Umm Rooman was worried about her beloved daughter 'Ayshah and started calling out, 'O my daughter, O my dear little bride!' Just then, someone called out that she should let go of the reins, and this made the camel calmed down and stood still. Therefore, the mother and daughter were saved from the impending danger.

One day both Abu Bakr Siddiq and his wife, Umm Rooman, went to visit the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He asked them the purpose of the visit. They both simultaneously requested him to offer supplications to Allah for 'Ayshah.

Then he prayed to Allah to forgive 'Ayshah bint Abu Bakr both inside and outside, such a forgiveness that would leave no sin. Both her parents looked very happy with this perfect supplication.

Then he told them that this was his prayer for all those who accepted Islam after his being named Messenger of Allah, and remained steadfast in their belief.

Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) respected Umm Rooman very much, and she in turn gave first priority to doing things that pleased him. Therefore, life was very pleasant, and everyone was happy fulfilling his or her obligations to man and his Creator. One day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) praised Khadijah at great length extolling her many virtues. 'Ayshah felt a very strong twinge of feminine jealousy; involuntarily she said that he was talking of Khadijah ' as if there was no other woman on earth but she. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not like this at all, and his face reddened with a terrible anger. When Umm Rooman heard of this she went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and tried to apologize for 'Ayshah telling him that she was still very young that he should not take her seriously. Very curtly, addressing 'Ayshah he asked her if she had not said that there was no other woman on the face of the earth besides Khadijah. He swore by Allah that this great woman had believed him when the tribe of 'Ayshah had denied that he was the Messenger and Prophet of Allah. She gave him the great gift of children, which was not the case with 'Ayshah.

Umm Rooman listened in complete silence because she knew that all that he spoke was by the command and revelation of Allah. He did not speak of his own accord; his words were always based on revelations of Allah.

Tradition has it that Umm Rooman passed away in the year 6th after Hijrah. During her burial, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Allah to forgive her. Doubtless, this was a great honor for her. It was on this occasion that he said that if any person wanted to see a beautiful celestial virgin of Paradise, he could see Umm Rooman . Thus these words are an indication that she will, Allah Willing, be in Paradise in the Hereafter. May Allah fill her grave with radiance. Another tradition regarding the death of Umm Rooman, is however more reliable. It says that she died after the passing away of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Verily the words of Allah are true,

"Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and humble themselves before their Lord, they will be dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever." (Noble Quran 11:23)

Reference:
http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/umm_rooman.php

When we talk about love, we must recognise that love is endless, and the love story of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) with Siti Khadijah, Radhiallahu ‘anha, is always an impressive to read. The Prophet Muhammad never stopped loving Khadijah, and although he married several more wives after Siti Khadijah passed away in later years and loved them all, it is clear that Khadijah always had a special place in his heart. Once Aisha, (the Prophet's beloved wife) asked him if Khadijah had been the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet Muhammad replied:

“She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand.”

The Prophet always mentioned the name of Khadijah and the favoured friends of Khadijah, until Khadijah died. This is the story of Khadijah, the Prophet’s true love. It is a shining example of what an ideal marriage is.

Reference:
https://www.amuslima.com/the-beauty-of-love-and-dating-an-islamic-perspective/

Prophet Sulaiman (as), was a king, a military leader and a Prophet. He had been given by Allah (swt) the ability to communicate with and command the birds and animals, and they were among his battalions of human and jinn. He was a strong, decisive leader of the people and animals and a great Prophet of Allah which came first and foremost over his kingship and the power and riches bestowed upon him by Allah (swt). He had good command over his armies and good knowledge of them so that when one bird, the Hudhud was missing he was able to notice his absence.

He inspected the birds, and said: “What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?". (20)

“I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason.” (21)

The Hudhud eventually returned telling Sulaiman that he had important information about Queen of Sheba, knowledge which Sulaiman did not have. Saba was ruled by a wealthy queen but that the queen and her people worshipped the sun; the Hudhud bird brought many fine details about the queen of Saba (the queen of Sheba) and her people. Note that the Hudhud bird mentions the greatness of the throne of the queen.

But the Hudhud stayed not long, he (came up and) said: “I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news. (22)

“I found a woman ruling over them”, she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. (23)

However, the bird did not judge the queen and her people according to the dunya things that they possessed but rather he judged them according to their kufr - he stated that he found the queen and her people worshipping the sun. Having mentioned the greatness of the throne of the queen, he goes on to praise Allah (swt) stating that Allah is the Owner of the Supreme Throne and none has the right to be worshipped but Him:

“I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allâh, and Shaitân (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allâh’s) Way, so they have no guidance,” (24)

As Shaitân (Satan) has barred them from Allâh's Way, so they do not worship (prostrate themselves before) Allah who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. (Tafsir At-Tabarî) (25)

Allâh, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! (26)

Sulaiman listened to the information given by the Hudhud bird and then sent the bird back to Saba with a letter to deliver.

Sulaiman said: “We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars." (27)

“Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return.” (28)

The letter was simple, beginning in the name of Allah (swt), telling the queen she should not consider herself exalted against Sulaiman, that is to say that she was not equal to him and that she should come to Sulaiman in submission. She was not equal in the sense that that Sulaiman was a Prophet and had greatness bestowed upon him by Allah. The command to come to Sulaiman as muslims has been explained by the mufassireen in two ways. It can mean ‘come as Muslims’ or ‘come in submission’ since the words islam and muslim mean ’submission’.

She said: “O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter, (29)

“Verily, It is from Sulaimân, and verily, It (reads): In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; (30)

“Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allâh with full submission)’ ” (31)

The Queen of Saba was a wise woman who used ’shura’ (consultation) in her dealings. Allah guided her to Islam through her hikmah that she had before Islam, so after reading the letter she told her chiefs, I never make a decision without first consulting you so give me your advice:

She said: “O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me (and give me your opinions).” (32)

The chiefs saw the letter of Sulaiman as a threat of invasion and they reminded her of their great military might and encouraged her to meet Sulaiman’s threat and go to war but as a wise woman she told those chiefs that whenever there is war, those who are victorious enter the country and it’s towns and bring humiliation and slavery. She realised that if Sulaiman were to win a war against her, her country would be reduced to the lowest, so she decided to send some of her men on a reconnaissance mission, taking with them gifts:

They said: “We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command.” (33)

She said: “Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most honourable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do. (34)

“But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return.” (35)

The messengers of the queen entered the palace of Sulaiman with their gifts and saw the riches upon riches that he already had and the powerful armies present, those armies consisting of humans, animals and birds. Instead of accepting the gifts he rebuffed the messengers telling them that he already had prophethood, wealth and a kingdom and his only interest was to bring the people to Tawhid (believing in and submitting to the One which is Allah). He sent the emissaries away back to Saba, they delivered the message of Sulaiman and told her about the riches and the armies they had seen and she decided to visit Sulaiman herself.

So when (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaimân (Solomon), he said: “Will you help me in wealth? What Allâh has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!” (36)

Then Sulaimân said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present]: “Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased.” (37)

After the emissaries from Saba had left Sulaiman spoke to his armies, including the jinns among them and asked who could bring to him the throne of the queen. One jinn offered to bring the throne but obviously Sulaiman wanted the throne much quicker than what was offered, so another jinn offered to bring it in the twinkling of an eye:

He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?” (38)

An Ifrît (strong one) from the jinn said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work.” (39)

One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!” Then when Sulaiman saw it placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own self). Certainly! my Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful.” (40)

The next step was to disguise the throne a little, to keep the main essence of the throne but make some changes to see if the queen would recognise it. When she arrived and was asked if this was like her throne, she looked at it and could see the striking similarities but as far as she knew her own throne was in her palace in Yemen so she cleverly stayed in between the two answers of yes or no saying, “It is as though it were the same.” Sulaiman noted that she was a diplomatic woman.

He said: “Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognise her throne), or she will be one of those not guided.” (41)

So when she came, it was said (to her): “Is your throne like this?” She said: “(It is) as though it were the very same.” And Sulaiman said: “Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her).” (42)

And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was of a disbelieving people. (43)

The final test for her and show of Sulaiman’s greatness was when she entered the part of the palace which was floored with glass under which water flowed. Glass was something unknown at that time so when she entered she thought there was only water and she would get wet so she lifted her clothes as she prepared to walk through the water. This was a show of ignorance on her part and she finally realised that she was in the company of one on whom Allah had bestowed many great things and she submitted to Allah:

It was said to her: “Enter As-Sarh” [(a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace], but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs, Sulaiman said: “Verily, it is Sarh [(a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace].” She said: “My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam, together with Sulaiman , to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (44)


(Surah An-Naml: ayah 20-44)

Reference:

http://religion4humanity.blogspot.com/2013/10/tafseer-story-of-sulaiman-queen-of-sheba.html

It is important to look to the lives of the honorable and honored wives of the Prophet (PBUH) to understand that they too were human beings who lived, ate, laughed and struggled to please Allah (SWT). After the Prophet, can there be a better example for us than the mothers of the believers who were all promised paradise?

Continuing in our journey to find out if our mothers were funny, sensitive, outgoing, Introspective, self-doubting, or fearless, we take a look at Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife, Hafsah bin Uma. She was known for being studious, trustworthy, tough, and very devout.

She is studious:
In a time when most men and women were illiterate, Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) could read and write. Hafsa devoted herself to learning the literary arts when it was not a necessity of life and was very rare indeed especially for women to have this knowledge.

But her studious habits went further than reading and writing. When she migrated from Mecca to Medina, Hafsa made special arrangements to memorize the verses of the Qur’an as they were revealed. After memorizing each verse, she would think deeply about them, paying special attention to its meaning, implications, and interpretations.

Hafsa’s  devotion to knowledge went above and beyond what was required of her. She worked tirelessly to acquire knowledge and to preserve that knowledge for future generations.

She is inquisitive:
Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) never shied away from questioning. She was often discussing the finer points of Islamic law or asking the Prophet (PBUH) for clarification. Once, Hafsa, another female companion, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were sitting and chatting together.

During this chat, the Prophet (PBUH) told his wife and this companion that everyone who had given the pledge of loyalty at Hudaybiyah would enter Paradise. She asked how that was possible. Hafsa could see that The Prophet became piqued, but she did not give up her line of questioning. She quoted a verse from Surah Maryam, “There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell)” (19:71), as her reason why she was curious about his statement.

In response, the Prophet (PBUH) quoted the very next verse from Surah Maryam as clarification to her question, “Then We shall save those who use to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him. And We shall leave the wrongdoers therein to their knees (in Hell)” (19:72)

She was never at a loss for words, and was not afraid to contend with the Prophet (PBUH). But she never questioned the Prophet out of defiance. Hafsa just needed to know. Whether or not it was aggravating, she just truly felt a strong urge to satisfy her inquisitive nature.

She is trustworthy:
After her arrangement in Medina to memorize each verse as it came down, Hafsa naturally became hafiz of the Qur’an (someone who has memorized the Quran in its entirety). Because she was literate, hafiz, and a part of the Prophet’s household, she was entrusted with the palm branches, slates, and other materials upon which the revealed Qur’an had been written.

Hafsa protected the documentation of the revelation of the Quran during the Prophet’s life “until the time of ‘Uthmaan when he (may Allah be pleased with him) decided to compile the Qur’an into a single book form”.

The Qur’an is the most important and treasured thing the world could ever contain. And Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) was entrusted with its verbal and written forms. She was considered the custodian of the Quran and the primary source in both verbal and textual forms. If she had not been of the utmost trustworthiness, the Prophet (PBUH) and the Companions would not have given her this momentous task of safekeeping the Qur’an.

She is tough:
Hafsa’s personality reflected her father’s, who was renowned for his toughness, and her namesake. Hafsa, meaning “young lioness” in Arabic, meaning strong and tough.

One day, while speaking to Hafsa’s mother, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I think I shall so and so”. Whereupon his wife replied, “But it would be better if you did such and such”.  “Are you arguing with me, woman?” said Umar. “Why not?” she answered. “Your daughter keeps arguing with the Messenger of Allah until she upsets him for the whole day.”

Umar immediately put on his cloak and went directly to his daughter’s house. “Is it true that you argue with the Messenger of Allah?” he asked. “Indeed I do,” She replied.

Umar was just about to chastise her for what he considered were bad manners, when the Prophet (PBUH) came into the room and would not allow him to touch her.

So Umar went around to visit Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), […] in order to try and influence Hafsa’s behavior through her. “I wonder at you, Ibn Khattab [Umar],” she [Umm Salama] said, after she had listened to him. “You have interfered in everything. Will you now interfere between the Messenger of Allah and his wives?”.

Umar, when relating this incident, continued, “And she kept after me until she made me give up much of what I thought proper.”

Hafsa stood her ground when it came to her right to discuss issues with her husband and even argue with him. She was brave and tough even in the face of her father’s anger. But she didn’t back down and maintained that not everything her father thought proper should or could happen in her own marriage.

She is devout:
Angel Gabriel described her to the Prophet (PBUH) as frequently performing (voluntary) fasting and night prayers, and that she was to be one of his wives in Paradise.

Hafsa had her flaws, but she was also a strong woman, who knew her own mind, and would not allow anyone to convince her of something without evidence. She was a true slave of Allah and follower of the messenger of Allah (PBUH). She stands out in history as a truly great and dynamic woman.

Reference:
http://aboutislam.net/family-society/husbands-wives/discovering-the-personality-of-hafsa-bint-umar/

One of the important Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) that not many known for, is the woman he described as his "mother after my own mother. She is the rest of my family."

Barakah or Umm Ayman was the name of the woman whom the noble Prophet esteemed so highly. She was the first person to hold him in her arms when he was born and the only person who knew him from that point until his death. She was one of the few Muslims who the Prophet assured of a place in Paradise.

"Be a mother to him, Barakah. And don't ever leave him," Amina instructed her about her son as she lay dying. Barakah did not fail in her responsibility.

Her beginnings were more than humble. In her youth, the Abyssinian girl was put up for sale in Makkah as a slave. In pre-Islamic Arabia, slavery was no shame, and slaves were treated like animals. But Barakah was blessed to be treated with kindness. She was bought by a noble and gentle man: Abdullah, the son of Abdul Muttalib. The father of the Prophet.

Barakah not only took care of Abdullah's affairs as a servant in his home, but after he married the Prophet's mother, she looked after Amina as well. It was Barakah who slept at the foot of Amina's bed and comforted her when, only two weeks after her wedding, her husband was instructed to leave for that journey to Syria, after which he never came back. It was Barakah who took care of Amina during her pregnancy. It was also Barakah who gave Amina the news of her husband's death at Yathrib, what was later to be known as Madinah.

As the Prophet faced tragedy upon tragedy, Brakah was there for him. From the time when his mother died when he was six, to when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died when he was eight, Barakah stayed with the Prophet. It was only after the Prophet married Khadija (as) that she married, and that too, on their insistence. She married Ubayd ibn Zayd from the Khazraj tribe of Yathrib and they had a son named Ayman, thus her name Umm Ayman.

When the Prophet received the prophethood, Barakah was among the first Muslims, and like the others, bravely faced the punishments of the Quraish for those who dared to believe in La ilaha illa Allah Muhammadur Rasool ullah. She and Zayd ibn Harithah, another companion who lived in the Prophet's household, put their lives on the line to find out about the plots and conspiracies of the pagan Makkans against the Prophet and the Muslims.

During the Battle of Uhud she gave out water to the thirsty soldiers and took care of the wounded. She accompanied the Prophet on some expeditions. She tied her well-being to that of Islam. During a visit from the Prophet, he asked: "Ya Ummi! Are you well?" and she would reply: "I am well, O Messenger of Allah so long as Islam is."

Barakah's husband died not very long after their marriage. When she was in about her 50s, the Prophet, when speaking to his companions said, "Should one of you desire to marry a woman from the people of Paradise, let him marry Barakah." It was Zayd who stepped forward and agreed to marry her. They had a son named Usamah who was described as "the beloved son of the beloved." In other words, the Prophet loved both he and his father.

One example of Barakah's dedication to Islam and the Prophet was when she trekked across the burning desert through sandstorms on foot from Makkah to Madinah to join the Prophet. Despite the harshness of the journey though, she persisted, and was given good news when she reached her destination. When she got to Madinah, swollen feet, dust-covered face and all, the Prophet said to her, "Ya Barakah! Ya Ummi! Indeed for you is a place in Paradise!"

She became a widow again, after Zayd was killed during the Battle of Mutah in Syria. She also lived to see her son's martyrdom at the Battle of Hunayn. Barakah lived to see her other "son" died as well: the Prophet. But it was not for him she cried. When asked, she said, "By Allah, I knew that the Messenger of Allah would die but I cry now because the revelation from on high has come to an end for us."

Barakah died when Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was Khalifa.

Resources: https://www.soundvision.com/article/umm-ayman-barakah-may-allah-be-pleased-with-her

Khawlah bint al-Azwar was born sometime in the 7th century, and she and her family were among the first followers of Islam. It is said that Khawlah initially joined Muslim armies as a nurse, providing care to wounded soldiers fighting in present-day Syria, Jordan and Israel/Palestine. She was the daughter of one of the chiefs of Bani Assad tribe, and her family embraced Islam in its first days. Her father's name is either Malik or Tareq Bin Awse. Al Azwar was his nickname. 

Her brother, Derar, was the knight and poet of his tribe, and was well known as well for his wisdom. His love for his sister and confidence in her capabilities were legendary. In fact, the brother and sister were so attached to each other that she was his companion wherever he went. He trained her in all arts of swordsmanship and she also became a knight. Besides that, Khawla was a poet who mastered that noble art. She was a brunette, tall, slim and of great beauty. 

After her brother Dirar was captured, Khawlah donned men’s armour, including a face mask, and charged into action. Other soldiers assumed that the brave young fighter single-handedly taking on scores of Roman soldiers was the general Khalid ibn Walid, until he himself appeared.

Rather than being angry with Khawlah for taking a man’s place in battle, her fellow soldiers recognised her tremendous prowess, and had her lead them into battle. She was a remarkable fighter, but the real proof of her bravery was to come when she and other women were captured by enemy forces. The women were taken to the tents of Roman soldiers to be kept in sexual slavery, with Khawlah to be kept as a Roman general’s personal sex slave. Rather than submit to sexual assault and enslavement, she got the women to join her in fighting their captors. It is said that Khawlah had the women form a circle, and using the poles from the camp’s tents, they successfully defeated their captors.

It is time for Muslim women to reclaim the female warrior, and Khawlah bint al-Azwar’s legacy. This is not a call to arms, but a call to remember, honour and live the spirit of a woman who refused to be enslaved and refused to allow her sisters to be enslaved. She became a legend during her life and remains a legend to this day. Khawla set an example to men and women alike that one should fight for what he or she believes in, and never accept defeat.

Taken from: https://www.aquila-style.com/focus-points/mightymuslimah/woman-warrior-khawlah-bint-al-azwar/76659/

http://www.siddiqi.org/khawla/khawla_bint_alazwar.htm

A Strong Woman vs A Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything,
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear of Allah.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her,
but a woman of strength gives the best of her own to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future,
but a woman of strength realises life's mistakes can also be Allah's blessings and capitalizies on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly,
but a woman of strength knows Allah will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face,
but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey,
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Taken from: http://thebeautyof-islam.blogspot.sg/2008/07/strong-woman-vs-woman-of-strength.html

Umm Salamah, also known as Hind bint Abi Umayya was one of the Prophet Muhammad's wives. She heard him sayys, "Whoever drags his garment out of pride, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection." Umm Salamah then asked, "What should women do with their hems?". He then replied, "Lengthen them by a handspan." "She said, "But then their feet will show." "Lengthen them by a cubit, but no more than that."

What a good example Umm Salamah was she's not one of those who show off and are arrogant. Muslim women should be modest and chaste, pure and noble. Their feet should not show and their clothes should have long hemlines that drag along the ground behind them so that men will not see anything of them. But women nowadays - except those whom Allah have mercy - raise their hemlines as much as they can, for fear of getting wet or dirty, and in imitation of the disbelieving women who appear virtually naked. They make a thousand excuses for appearing as if naked and for behaving in an immoral manner - there is no strength and no power except Allah. Their menfolk are men only in name, walking at their side and not caring about the loss of modesty.

Reference: The Happiest Woman in the World by A'id al-Qarni (page 155)

The best thing in Islam is that it appreciates everything good whether it is after its arrival or before it was proclaimed to the world. In Islam, the earlier Prophets are accepted as Prophets of Allah and thus, they and everyone else associated with them is also revered and respected. One of them is Maryam (ra), the mother of Prophet Isa AS.

For Muslim women who think that life is tough for them or they cannot go through the turmoil that Allah has given them should look at the history of Maryam (RA). Who had to deliver a child all by herself and who later on had to face the accusations and blaming of the people. Despite all the vileness of the people and the trouble she had to face, she remained resolute and her faith on Allah did not flinch a little. By, we can easily judge her personality. Quran says about her in the following way:

وَمَرۡيَمَ ابۡنَتَ عِمۡرٰنَ الَّتِىۡۤ اَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِيۡهِ مِنۡ رُّوۡحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتۡ بِكَلِمٰتِ رَبِّهَا وَكُتُبِهٖ وَكَانَتۡ مِنَ الۡقٰنِتِيۡنَ

“And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.” (66:12)

Therefore, Muslim women who are going through tough time need to take a leaf out of the life of Maryam (RA) and see that how she faced all of it alone and remained patient and faithful to Allah Almighty.

Inshallah, Amin.

Reference:
http://www.quranreading.com/blog/great-role-models-for-muslim-women/

Asiya binti Muzahim, the wife of Firaun was one such woman. Her strength and her status will forever remain an example for all of mankind. She was a woman who never allowed herself to be defined or limited by her painful circumstances. Instead, she carried in her such a deep faith and knowledge of who she really was that she was willing to die for what she believed in. It was perhaps for this reason that the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w mentioned her as one of the greatest women of all time.

Asiya was a queen. She was the wife of one of the most powerful man to walk the earth. She lived a life of unparalleled luxury and wealth. Yet, Asiya knew that her true home was in Paradise. She had no attachment to this life.

Now, there are a lot of lessons we can learn from Asiya’s life and from this in particular. But one of the really beautiful lessons for me particularly, from her story, is the fact that despite all the persecution that she was going through, Allah s.w.t made it easy on her so much so that when she was being tortured she actually smiled. And the reason why she smiled was because Allah s.w.t answered her dua and allowed her to actually see her home in Jannah.

The reason why I find this particularly moving is because if Allah is with you, even your hardest struggles can become light. If you can see your home with Allah s.w.t in Jannah, no matter what you are going through in this life can become easy. And what better example of that than this woman who’s being tortured by the worst man ever to walk the earth? Yet, she was able to bear it and she even smiled because Allah s.w.t was with her and He made it easy for her. And she had a greater attachment to her home in Jannah than to her home here. And because of that, everything that she dealt with, regardless of how difficult it was, was made easy for her.

The second lesson which I think is very important is that she was married to a very tyrannical man who claimed to be the Lord yet, she was not defined by him. Although he was her husband and although that was her circumstance, she was not defined or limited by those circumstances.

Now, this is an important lesson for us because all of us will have different things in life that are thrown at us. The question is: What are we going to define our self-worth by? So, we go through society and society tells you that you are supposed to get your self-worth, if you are a woman, by the way you look usually. By how many people think you are attractive, by how thin you are. There’s different places you are supposed to get your self-worth. But that’s one of the places society teaches women to get their self-worth. As men, they are told, a lot of times to get their self-worth by status, by wealth, how powerful you are.

The point here is that our self-worth should only come from one relationship. Only one relationship. And that’s the relationship with our Creator. Our relationship with our Creator should define how we feel about ourselves and who we are.

For Asiya, that’s how it was. It was her relationship with her Creator. It wasn’t her relationship with the tyrannical person that she happened to live with or by her circumstances. In the story of Asiya is an everlasting example of a woman who chose the Hereafter over all of the glitter of this world. It is the story of a woman whose love of Allah and the home with Him was greater. It is the story of a woman whose faith inspired her to take on the greatest tyrant of all time. And to give her life in the process.

Reference: 

https://ilmcompanions.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/jewels-of-jannah-asiya-r-by-yasmin-mogahed/