(Sayyidah Maimoonah [radhiyallahu ‘anha] – Part Two)
Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) possessed exceptional qualities and admirable attributes. Her co-wife, Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) explained that Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was among those who had the most taqwa (awareness and consciousness of Allah Ta‘ala) and was most particular with regards to joining family ties. (Mustadrak Haakim #6799(
Such was the concern which Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had for the poor and for maintaining family ties, that she would take huge loans in order to spend on her relatives and the poor. Her family would get upset with her and advise her against taking so many loans. However, she replied that she will not stop taking loans (in order to spend on others) since she had heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, “The one who takes a loan intending to fulfill it, Allah Ta‘ala will fulfill it on his behalf in this world.” (Sunan Nasaai #4686&7 and Zakheeratul ‘Uqba)
Her miswaak would be soaking in water if she was busy with some work or performing salaah. But as soon as that was over, she would begin using her miswaak. (Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaibah #1812)
On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was at the house of Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) and her nephews Fadhl bin ‘Abbaas and Khaalid bin Waleed (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) were also present. While there, the meat of a certain animal was presented to them. As Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) intended to partake of it, Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) informed him that it was the meat of such and such animal. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) heard what meat it was, due to personal preference he refrained from partaking of it but allowed the others to continue. However, the love which Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) possessed for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was such that although he had given permission, she refused to partake of it saying, “I will not eat of something unless Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) eats from it.” (Saheeh Muslim #5040)
Once Sayyidah Maimoonah and Sayyidah Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) were present in the company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). While they were with him, the blind Sahaabi, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Ummi Maktoom (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) arrived. The laws of hijaab had already been revealed hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instructed them, “Adopt hijaab from him.” They replied, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Is he not a blind man who can neither see us nor recognize us?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “Are the two of you blind? Can the two of you not see him?” (Sunan Abi Dawood #4112)
Lessons:
1. Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) praising Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) in such a manner, despite being her co-wife, testifies to the clean heartedness of Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), as well as the excellence and greatness of Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). Furthermore, the two traits which she highlighted are no ordinary qualities, rather they are qualities which have been strongly emphasized and regularly mentioned in the Quraan Majeed and blessed hadeeth.
2. Although taking loans unnecessarily has been discouraged, the concern which Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) had for her relatives and for the poor was such that she was prepared to even put herself into difficulty in order to assist them. She was convinced that since her intention for taking these loans was correct, Allah Ta‘ala will definitely assist her.
3. A very neglected sunnah today, which was greatly emphasized by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), both verbally and practically, is the using of a miswaak. Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) practiced on this sunnah to such an extent that it became her second nature. We too should regularly use a miswaak, since it not only cleanses the mouth, but more importantly pleases Allah Ta‘ala and will be a means of reciting the kalimah at the time of death, together with many other virtues.
4. When a person truly loves someone, the preferences and likes of the beloved automatically becomes the preferences of the lover. The more love a person has, the more a person will desire to emulate the beloved. Although Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) allowed them to eat the meat, Sayyidah Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) chose to emulate Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in not partaking of it. We too should try to emulate Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in every aspect and make our desires and likes according to his.
5. The blessed wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) were the purest of women, living in the purest of ages, in the purest of presences – the presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – and the man who entered, over and above being blind, was a Sahaabi and thus from the purest of men. Despite the level of purity that prevailed, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) still instructed his respected wives to adopt hijaab in the presence of this Sahaabi, as there is more precaution in this. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) commanded his respected wives to adopt hijaab and not look at this blind Sahaabi in the situation of pristine purity described above, we can well imagine the law that applies to us!