The respected daughter of ‘Aarif Billah Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) had always harboured the desire and longing to perform ‘umrah at least once with her father. Accordingly, Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) decided to perform ‘umrah, but was thereafter forced to postpone the trip on account of his illness and weakness.
The respected daughter of Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) was naturally disappointed that she would not be able to perform ‘umrah with her father. Nevertheless, her husband, Manzar Mia, decided that they would proceed with the trip.
On that occasion, Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) advised his daughter on the phone, with tears in his eyes, saying, “Remain happy and pleased with that which pleases your husband. Choose that which makes him happy, as your success in this world and the next lies in pleasing him.” Hearing this, his respected daughter mentioned, “I am sad and disappointed because I have never performed ‘umrah with you.”
Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) replied, “I know that you are disappointed, but be happy with that which pleases your husband! The pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala lies in pleasing your husband, and the pleasure and happiness of Allah Ta‘ala is greater than every other happiness. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, ‘If I had to command any person to make sajdah (prostrate) before another person, I would have commanded the wife to make sajdah before her husband.’ (Sunan Tirmizi #1159) Though it is not permissible to make sajdah before anyone besides Allah Ta‘ala, this hadeeth highlights the high rank and importance of the husband. This can also be gauged by the fact that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not mention this in regard to anyone besides the husband. The pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala is most valuable.”
With great emotion and love, Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) then said, “Ensure that you please Allah Ta‘ala! Ensure that you please Allah Ta‘ala! Ensure that you please Allah Ta‘ala! Sacrifice all your wishes, hopes and desires before the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala! Allah Ta‘ala is pleased with that which makes your husband happy.”
His respected daughter then said, “Abba (My beloved father)! If I went for ‘umrah with you, then you would have been happy!” Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) responded, “Don’t look at the happiness of your Abba (father)! Look at what will be pleasing to your Rabba (Allah Ta‘ala)! The pleasure of your Rabba (Allah Ta‘ala) lies in the pleasure of your husband, so ensure that you make your husband’s happiness your first priority! The right of the husband is even greater than the right of the mother, father and siblings. Don’t look at the happiness of your father! What will cause me great happiness is that you go to perform ‘umrah with your husband.”
His respected daughter then mentioned, “I benefited greatly from your advice and found consolation. Even the little disappointment that I perceived has vanished. I will happily go with my husband.” Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar (rahimahullah) then mentioned, “Show your husband that you are happy to go with him for ‘umrah, and do not show him the least disappointment or sadness. Whatever advice I have given you, ensure that you share it with your own daughters-in-law and share it with people wherever you go.” (Khazaain-e-Sharee‘at wa Tareeqat pg. 415)