Al Fazl (Khatam-un-Nabiyyin Number), 31 May 1929
Hazrat Syeda Nasira Begum Sahiba, Daughter of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and Mother of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa
A man of God, having true faith in his Creator, rose up at a time when darkness prevailed the earth, idolatry was spread far and wide, the world had lost sight of its Creator, no one remembered His name, especially the Arabian Peninsula was oblivious to God’s existence and the concept of believing in one God was absent. He rose through Divine guidance to spread the message of one God. He stood up at a time when women were considered worse than animals and helped them attain their rights and elevated their status from mere animals to human beings. Indeed, in those times, when this naive being was experiencing extreme brutality, being deprived of basic human rights, he raises his voice on their behalf and draws the world’s attention towards their rights. We never find a more blessed man than him for womankind in the history of the human race.
Before the advent of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, women had no status of any kind. He helped them secure a place in society that was nowhere to be found. They were victims of barbarism and nobody paid heed to their development, but again, it was he who helped them attain their due rights. The outline of his teachings regarding this issue was that men and women were equal in every aspect except for the distinction found on the basis of physical features or administrative reasons, as is stated in the Holy Quran, “Wa lahunna Mithlulladhi ‘Alaihinn,” that is, “And they (the women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in equity”. At another place it is stated that men will be rewarded in accord to their efforts, and similarly women will have their efforts rewarded without any discrimination.
Before the advent of the Holy Prophetsa such was the condition of humanity that people would feel disgraced at the birth of a baby girl, especially the father who would appear as if the whole world had gone dark and gloomy and would be delirious with the thoughts whether to endure this humiliation and let her live or to bury her alive owing to the shame she had brought upon him. Women were denied the rights of inheritance and were left with nothing; moreover, they themselves were inherited as property. The Holy Prophetsa eliminated the sufferings of womankind acting as an angel of mercy for them.
Practically dealing with women, the Holy Prophetsa was extremely caring and kind. The female Companionsra would come in his presence and convey their demands and matters with great comfort. He used to listen to them responsively and tried to eliminate their problems. Women used to come in his presence to enquire about certain issues; often times they would ask directly, while at times they would enquire through Ummul-Momineen (the Prophet’ssa wives). He would reply to their queries and took special interest in their edification. He gave special importance to their rights and treated them with such kindness and humility that several companions assumed that Muslim women had become so courageous in safeguarding their rights that they had left men behind.
Once, Hazrat Umarra said that Islam had made womankind extremely brave. There is a famous saying of the Holy Prophetsa (may my soul be sacrificed for him):
حُبّبَ الي من دنياكم ثلاث الطيب و النساء و جعلت قرة عيني في الصلٰوة
“Of this world, three things were made dear to me: perfume, womankind and, Salat (prayer) that was made a delight for my eyes.” This tradition clearly shows that he really cared for the welfare and progress of womankind and considered their advancement and prosperity as part of his mission.
I end with the prayer that may God Almighty fill our hearts with profound love of the Holy Prophetsa and grant us the strength to follow his footsteps.
(Translated by Al Hakam)