GMU MSA Sisters

Women in the Quran: Session #2

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim (In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful)

Dhul Hijjah, The First Ten Days

• ·  Good deeds done in this month are the most beloved to Allah (SWT)

• ·   Just as the Hajji’s are going on a journey of spiritual purification, we should also try to make an effort.

o   Give extra attention to prayer

§  On time?

§  Don’t forget to pray the Sunnahs.

§  Add some Nafl Rakaat!

o   Try to fast the nine days, especially the day before Eid!

o   Seek Forgiveness..

§  From Allah (SWT)

§  From people you may have wronged.

o   Show gratitude to Allah.

o   Let your professor or boss know beforehand, take Eid off, pray and celebrate!

o   Sacrifice…

§  What will you sacrifice to get closer to Allah (SWT)?

Khadijah (RA)

• One of four perfect women, the other four are:

o   Mariam (as), Asiyah (as) and Fatima Zahra (as)

• Known as “al-Tahirah”, or Purity.
• She was fifteen years older than the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) and was married twice.

Part 1: Beginnings

• ·    Khadijah's (RA) parents died when she was young and as a result she inherited the family business early on.

o   Her experience of life, her losses, and sacrifice were all beneficial to the Prophet (Pbuh).

Broken Stereotype #1:  Even in this male dominated workforce, Khadijah (RA) was intelligent and successful. She took an active management and leadership role in the family business. Khadijah (RA) not only succeeded, but she made it so that the businessmen around her depended upon her in order to function.

• Eventually she hears about a man named “al-Amin”, the Prophet (SAW), she hires him for a trade expedition. By hiring him, Khadijah (RA) overlooks the status of her workers and chooses to look at their merit.
• Because of his good character, Khadijah (RA) becomes interested in the Prophet (SAW). After two marriages, she was planning on remaining single, but she saw someone with great character who could help her become a better person.

Broken Stereotype #2: Khadijah (RA) shows interest in the relationship first and relates this to her friend, Nafisah.

Reflection: Know what you are looking for in a future spouse and know what your parents are looking for before the marriage process.

• The Prophet (Pbuh) and Khadijah (RA) get married.

Broken Stereotype #3: Older woman, younger man. Khadijah (RA) even provides the mahr, or dowry for the Prophet (Pbuh) but his family returns it and pays for it.

Part 2: Revelation

• The Prophet (Pbuh) is terrified and runs to the comforts of his home and spouse, saying to Khadijah (RA) “Cover me, Cover me!”.
• She gives him a blanket and reminds him that he is a good person and remains positive.

Reflection: When consoling anyone. Don’t freak out, talk down to, or ask questions first. Let them be and Listen.

• After this she takes a proactive role and takes him to her cousin, Waraqa bin Nawfal.

Part 3: Post Revelation

• Khadijah (RA) is rejected by her community and loses two sons. She bears these hardships with an enormous level of patience.

o    She was a long term visionary, to her Islam was the priority NOT an obstacle.

o    She stuck to her principles, even if it meant losing her status and wealth.

• Meanwhile, she single handedly funds Islam. She supported those who accepted Islam and were rejected by their families and tribes.

Reflection: Belief is not enough; we must back it up with action.

• The Quraysh cut off her money supply by boycotting her for 65 years. They had no food and were forced to rely on prickly desert plants BUT she NEVER gave up.

o    Her drive was her conviction in Allah and the hereafter.

Part 4: Legacy

• The year she passed away was known as the year of sadness.
• The Prophet (Pbuh) talks about her so much that Aishah (RA) became jealous of her even though at this point Khadijah (RA) had passed away. He kept up with her family and friends even when he was already responsible for a great number of people.

o    Part of what made her so special to the Prophet (Pbuh) was that when others had mocked at him and turned their backs on him, she was the one that supported him.

Takeaway:

Khadijah’s (RA) effort to keep Islam alive was so strong that Allah (SWT) through Gibraeel (as) gave her greetings. With her money and resources she made an investment in us, she was the backbone of Islam. Even if we don’t have money, we still have time and energy. Using these resources we can follow in the footsteps of Khadijah (RA), we have the ability to maintain her legacy and keep Islam alive.