Mothering the Men of Jannah
Khansaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha), the renowned poetess of Arabia, encouraged her four sons to participate in the battle of Qaadisiyyah in the following words:
“O my sons! You accepted Islam willingly and left your homes voluntarily. By the promise of Allah Ta‘ala, you are the sons of one father and mother as I have neither been unfaithful to your father nor brought disgrace to your maternal uncle. I have not spoilt and dishonoured your lineage. You are well aware of the immense rewards which Allah Ta‘ala has promised those who fight against the transgressors. Also remember that the eternal abode is far superior to this temporary abode. Allah Ta‘ala says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿آل عمران: ٢٠٠﴾
O you who believe! Be patient, outdo all others in perseverance, guard your territory and fear Allah Ta‘ala so that you may be successful.”
When, by the will of Allah Ta‘ala, you awake safe and sound tomorrow, then proceed to fight your enemy with a composed, rational state of mind. Seek the help of Allah Ta‘ala against His enemies. When you see the battle becoming severe and the fire raging, then hasten towards the furnace (the place where the fighting is most intense) and fight. You will return victorious with booty and honour in the eternal abode.”
The sons of Khansaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha) thus proceeded to the battlefield where they fought valiantly until they were eventually all killed. On receiving the news, Khansaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha) exclaimed, “All praise is for Allah Ta‘ala who has honoured me with their martyrdom. I have hope that Allah Ta‘ala will unite me with my sons through His infinite mercy.” (Al-Istee‘aab vol. 4, pg. 387)
Lessons:
1. Blessed is the mother who realizes that her children will bear her profit in the Hereafter and accordingly invests in them.
2. A mother needs to constantly re-align the spiritual compass of her children to ensure that their focus is Allah Ta‘ala. For her to be able to do this, however, it is essential that her own compass be in order. An easy method for the entire family to remain firm on deen is for them to daily engage in ta‘leem of Fazaail e Aa’maal and Fazaail e Sadaqaat by Shaikhul Hadeeth Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahimahullah).
