THE IDEAL MUSLIMAH

The beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "The whole world is a provision, and the best object of provision in this world is the pious woman."

In Islaam, the wife plays a pivotal role in married life and her role necessitates that she possess certain qualities, thus making her a good wife. Her thoughts, speech, actions and inclinations are all for the sake of gaining the pleasure of Allaah (the Mighty and Glorious), the Lord of the Universe. When a wife seeks to please her husband, ultimately it is the pleasure of Allaah (the Mighty) that she wishes to seek. The qualities that a wife should possess, which are liked by her Creator have been outlined in Soorah al-Ahzaab.

The Muslim woman is a true woman, humble, patient, constant, guards her modesty in her husband's absence, maintains integrity in times of adversity and prosperity and engages much in the praise of Allaah (Powerful is He).

When a Muslim wife marries she must understand that she has certain roles and responsibilities in Islaam, which are unique and given by her Creator. Allaah (the Sublime) has made women different to men as mentioned in the Noble Qur'aan, "And wish not for the things which Allaah (swt) has made some of you excel others and for men there is reward for what they have earned and likewise for women there is reward for what they have earned, ask Allaah of His bounty, surely, Allaah is ever All-Knower of everything."^EMQ-4:32

We can see from this aayah (verse) that Allaah (the Noble Creator) has made clear distinction between a man and a woman's role and it is not lawful for a man or woman to question the defined roles as Allaah (the all-Knowing) says, "It is not lawful for a man or woman when Allaah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should have a say over it."^{EMQ 33: 36}

Hence the Muslim wife being the true servant of Allaah (the Mighty) will serve her husband according to the principles of the Shar'eeah (Islamic law), and in return the husband has certain duties he must fulfil towards his wife. Among other rights, the wife has the right to Nafaqah, which is food, clothing and shelter, from her husband. He is obliged to spend from his wealth for it even if she possesses her own wealth. Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your wives have a right on you that you provide them with food, clothing and shelter in a fitting manner."^Muslim

It is important to note that when the wife carries out her duties towards her husband, she does it as an act of submission to her Creator; hence her reward is from her Creator. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) loved his wives for their piety. 'Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) once narrated the fine qualities of Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her), the seventh wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),

"Zaynab was the one who was somewhat equal in rank with me in the eyes of Allaah's Messenger and I have never seen a woman more advanced in piety, more god-conscious, more truthful, more sincere to the ties of blood, more generous and having more sense of self-sacrifice in practical life than Zaynab. And (i have never seen a woman) having more of a charitable disposition and thus more closer to Allaah (than her)."

Such great Muslim women are examples for us, worthy of emulation, from which a Muslim woman can learn purity, strength of character, soundness of belief and wisdom. For emulation of the Mothers of Paradise can only lead us to the bounty of paradise (inshaa'Allaah). Abu Nu'aym narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When a woman observes the five times of prayer, fasts during Ramadhan preserves her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter paradise by any of the gates she wishes." ^{Al-Bukhaari, Al-Muwatta' and Musnad of Imaam Ahmad}

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References

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• The Strongest of Bonds
• Serving the Husband
• One of the Most Successful Wives
• That Lovin' Feeling
• Be Like Umm Zar': Speak Well of your Husband!
• Sharing Worries
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• Increase Happiness in Your Marriage
• Never Describe Other Women to Your Husband
• How to Make Your Husband Happy
• Finding Bliss in Your Marriage
• Help Your Husband Pray at Night
• Have You Forgotten the Purpose Behind Marriage?
• Encourage Your Husband to Spend in the Way of Allah
• Dealing with the Critical Husband
• Create an Atmosphere of Peace and Tranquillity for Him
• Be a Tolerant and Forgiving Wife
• Beauty Queens Outside and Slobs Inside?
• Are you Cheerful when you meet your Husband?
• An Example of a Pious Wife
• A Muslimah’s Eyes Are Only for Her Husband
• A Muslimah Stands by her Husband and Offers Her Advice
• A Muslimah Fills her Husband's Heart with Joy
• A Muslim Woman Keeps Her Husbands Secrets
• A Muslim Wife Must be Strong and Wise
• 10 Tips on How to be a Successful Wife