HANNAH’S OFFERING
‘[He (God) commanded me (Jesus)] To cherish my mother.’ [19:32]
The greatest woman to ever walk the earth was Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him). Her mother, Hannah, was deeply devoted to her Lord, and when she fell pregnant, she dedicated the life growing in her womb entirely in service to Allah. But when she gave birth, she said, ‘My Lord! I have given birth to a girl’ [3:36].
Hannah had hoped for a boy, which would have been more suitable for her intended purpose to consecrate the child.
The Mosaic Law reserved temple service only for men. Still, Allah accepted Hannah’s offering and grew the child in goodness and purity within the temple.
Hannah could not have known that her noble intention would produce the most blessed woman who would miraculously conceive one of the greatest prophets. Proof that Allah’s plans are vastly superior to ours.
There have been many like Hannah before and after her: women bound by faith, women intensely devoted to God, and women who raised families for paradise.
The Quranic worldview of women is that they are noble, deeply spiritual, influential, intelligent and beautiful and deserve to be fiercely cherished.
PERSONAS
The most accurate representation of someone, their most authentic version, is caught at home. However, the public persona is often in stark contrast but presented as finer, genteel, smoothed down, and cultured. Sometimes, though, the home version sneaks out of the house, and the world glimpses an unfamiliar character.
We strive to exhibit our best selves to the world because we want people to keep us in high regard. The problem arises when our personas constantly flit between Mr. Jekyll and Dr. Hyde. When this is so, we must check our intentions when masking up as Mr. Jekyll.
The Prophet (s) did not suffer this dissonance in his character. His (s) public life was in keeping with his private. No tension existed between the two.
My dad used to say, “If you want to know who you are, ask your wife to write a candid testimonial.”
Accepting where and what we are is vital for transformation to occur. But to face the truth requires humility, willingness and courage.
The best place to begin this journey, just like all endeavours, is by turning to Allah and seeking His help. And the best seeker of Allah’s help was our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s), who taught us this short but beautiful prayer to upgrade our character.
When the Prophet (s) looked in the mirror, he said, “Oh Allah, as you have perfected my creation, so too, beautify my character.”
If you must ask people, be a reluctant beggar. Before Allah, be an eager one.
Every moment of our existence needs Allah: “People, it is you who need God–God needs nothing and is worthy of all praise” [35:15].
Until next week, InshaAllah
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
p.s. I’ve launched Red Kufi Courses, Alhamdulillah. Click to learn more.
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