Khansaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was a renowned poetess of Arabia. Before accepting Islam, when her brothers, Mu‘aawiyah and Sakhr, passed away, she was so grieved and heartbroken that she composed and dedicated several elegies to them (an elegy is a piece of poetry composed to lament and express sadness over a person’s death). These elegies are regarded as unmatched in the history of Arabic poetry and are renowned for their ability to stir the emotions of the reader, bringing spontaneous tears to his eyes.
The pain that Khansaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha) poured into her poetry gives us a glimpse of the deep bond and attachment that she enjoyed with her brothers. When this was the love that she had for her brothers, we can well imagine how much greater her bond and love for her sons must have been.
Yet, after accepting Islam, the spirit of imaan created such a change in perspective and shift in mindset, that she now actively encouraged her sons to sacrifice their lives for Islam!
On the occasion of the Battle of Qaadisiyyah, she addressed her sons 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 nor 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
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.” (Surah Aal ‘Imraan v200)
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 attain honour in the eternal abode.”
The sons of Khansaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha) thus proceeded to the battlefield where they fought valiantly until they were all eventually 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 and Khawaateen aur Deen ki Khidmat pg. 69)
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 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’leemof Fazaail-e-Aa’maal and Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat by Shaikhul Hadeeth Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahimahullah).