On one occasion, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was travelling through Egypt with his respected wife, Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam), when they were apprehended by the men of the evil and tyrant king of Egypt. The king had received news of the immense beauty of Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) and had thus sent his men to abduct her.

When Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) was taken away, Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) began to earnestly engage in salaah and du‘aa. Allah Ta‘ala raised the veil of the unseen, allowing him to observe the events transpiring between Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) and the king.

When Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) reached the king, and he wished to make evil advances towards her, she made wudhu and engaged in salaah. She made du‘aa saying, “O Allah!  You are fully aware that I have brought imaan in You and Your Rasul (Nabi Ebrahim [‘alaihis salaam])! I have safeguarded my chastity (and reserved myself) for my husband alone, so do not allow this disbeliever to have any power over me!”

This du‘aa of Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) was instantly answered and drew the immediate assistance of Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, as the king advanced towards her, he was struck with sudden paralysis, choked and fell to the ground. The tyrant begged Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) to make du‘aa for his health to be restored, promising to release her if she did so. Since the king had promised to release her, and she feared that the people would accuse her of killing the king, Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) made du‘aa for his health to be restored.

Allah Ta‘ala accepted her du‘aa and the king recovered. However, he once again made evil advances towards her. Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) once again resorted to salaah and du‘aa, causing the king to collapse for the second time. Thereafter, due to his pleading and promise to release her, she made du‘aa again and his health was restored.

The king was so persistent in advancing towards Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) that he again made advances towards her! Finally, after being struck with paralysis for a third or fourth time and regaining his health, he said to his people, “You did not bring a human being to me! You have actually brought a devil!”

The king then addressed Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) saying, “O lady! (How is it that) your Rabb was so loyal to you when you supplicated to Him against me.” She replied, “If you are obedient to Him, He will be loyal to you as well.”

He then allowed her to go and gifted her with a slave girl, named Haajar, as a servant.

(Saheeh Bukhaari #3358, Musnad Ahmad #9241, Fat-hul Baari, Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 1, pg. 183 and Taareekh Ibni ‘Asaakir vol. 69, pg. 185)

Lessons:

1. The solution to all our problems is in resorting to salaahand du‘aa. When beset by this great test, Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) and Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) both stood in salaah, seeking the help of Allah Ta‘ala. If we face any problem, we should turn to Allah Ta‘ala first. We should make wudhu, perform salaah and make du‘aa, begging Him for assistance.

2. When Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) had turned to Allah Ta‘ala in her hour of need, she presented two deeds before Him in order to attract His divine help and assistance. The first deed that Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) presented was her imaan and the second was her chastity. Mentioning her chastity in this crucial situation is a clear proof that she was absolutely confident and certain of herself in this regard, and this apparently became the means of drawing the immediate help of Allah Ta‘ala. In fact, there are numerous incidents of people who enjoyed the special assistance of Allah Ta‘ala due to safeguarding their chastity.

3. Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) highlighted the principle of Allah Ta‘ala – if a person is loyal to Him, Allah Ta‘ala will be loyal to him as well. If he is obedient to Allah Ta‘ala in times of prosperity, Allah Ta‘ala will be there for him in times of adversity. In essence, Allah Ta‘ala will readily answer his du‘aas. Very often, it happens that when a person is undergoing some difficulty, he sincerely turns to Allah Ta‘ala in desperation, making all types of pledges and promises. However, no sooner is the difficulty alleviated, then he reverts to his evil ways and forgets Allah Ta‘ala. This is not true loyalty but is rather a convenience relationship which will not secure the goodness that a person is desirous of.

4. The abundant rewards for the one who makes an effort to protect his chastity are not restricted to the Hereafter. Rather, its fruits are enjoyed in this very world as well. Hence, Sayyidah Saarah (‘alaihas salaam) was rewarded immediately, in this very world, with a slave girl to serve her and attend to her needs.