Issue No.230 – August 2023

“And from amongst His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, so that you may dwell in tranquillity with them” [30:21]

Almighty Allah in His Divine wisdom created a woman to be the companion of Adam (peace be upon him) to add to the tranquillity and bliss of Jannah and be a source of emotional support, communication, love and partnership. Crowning all of these was her role of mother to his children.

Building a house is down to implementing a plan with precise measurements taking into consideration many factors such as length, width, depth, height, material and quantum. These have to align exactly as planned for the house to be handed over. No matter how extravagant the house, making it into a home is another matter. There are no measurements to add up that would make a home a reality. How do you measure the joy and happiness at the first faltering steps of a child in the home, the companionship of spouses, the laughter and frolicking of children, their successes in achieving various skills and new learning, the liveliness of multiple family members interacting, etc.

The magical touch of a woman, that transforms a house into a home, is almost proverbial. Warmth, love, care, peace, joy, and best of all compassion prevails whenever a woman takes charge of a home. She diligently and laboriously ensures this throughout her life, and with remarkable and amazing resilience, the way she weathers every storm that comes her way is nothing short of awe and admiration. These marvellous qualities are indeed from among Allah Ta‘ala’s favours.

We see precedents in Islamic history of women who played pivotal and significant roles including military combat in the advancement of the religion. Was it not a woman who was the first to accept Islam? Was it not a woman who first laid down her life even before the momentous event of the Battle of Badr?

Everyday is Woman’s Day, and for Men too.

Whilst society offers women in South Africa just a day in the entire year viz; 9th August, as recognition of their role, we submit that all days belong to women as they belong to men too. Contrary to the messages put out by propagandists and the unIslamic action of some misguided cultural traditions, Islam equates men to women and affords each different roles. In the sight of Allah Ta’ala, men and women are equal regardless of any status. We are all obliged to follow the commandments of the religion with no exemption for gender. Allah Ta‘ala says in the Noble Quraan in Chapter 33; Verse 35 (note the emphasis in the verse on both men and women)

For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for truthful men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.

Women in the Forefront

Over the years, SANHA has witnessed that the majority of callers to our Helpline, tuning into our Radio programs, engaging us at exhibitions & fairs, and on social media, to enquire about the Halaal status of products, are women. This is a clear attestation of their indispensable role in the spiritual development and welfare of the family.

SANHA therefore salutes and acknowledges the important women who place their Allah-given duty to their Deen and families above all else. We urge all to honour those who are indispensable in our lives and whose roles will always remain irreplaceable.

Honour them today, tomorrow and forever!

Related reading : https://sanha.co.za/flashnews/2021/flashn170.html