Haarith bin Haarith (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that they saw Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) inviting people to bring imaan in the oneness of Allah Ta‘ala. The people, however, persisted in rejecting and harming him. Their ill treatment continued until midday when the people eventually dispersed.
At that point, a girl came to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) carrying a bowl of water and a cloth, while the area below her neck had become exposed. He took the bowl from her, drank some of the water and then made wudhu. He thereafter raised his blessed head and said to her, “O my beloved daughter! Cover your neck and do not fear for your father!”
When they enquired as to who the girl was, they were told, “This is Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha), his daughter.”
(Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #9897)
Lessons:
1. Despite the fact that the people had been, just moments before, relentlessly harming and rejecting him, the priority of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was to make his beloved daughter, Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha), aware that the area beneath her neck was exposed so that she may cover it. Even under these circumstances, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) could not tolerate the body of a woman being exposed.
2. As parents we need to be firm in ensuring that our children, especially our daughters, are dressed correctly and appropriately. This even relates to ‘small things’ such as deep necklines and short sleeves. Making excuses such as “she’s still small” result in their cultivating bad habits until they become “too big” to be told.
3. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha) to turn her attention to Allah Ta‘ala and not to fear for her father (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). When a robbery occurs or there is a car accident (may Allah Ta‘ala save us), although we dial the police, ambulance, etc., our focus should first turn to Allah Ta‘ala, bearing in mind that everything lies in His hands. Similarly, we should make an effort to inculcate this mindset and awareness in our children.