(Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part Four)
Allah Ta‘ala bestowed Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) with His divine acceptance and blessed her to receive an upbringing that was excellent and outstanding. With regards to her upbringing, Allah Ta‘ala mentions in the Quraan Majeed, “And her Rabb accepted her graciously and made her grow excellently.”
One aspect of “making her grow excellently” is that she received an exceptional upbringing of piety and righteousness. Hence, from a young age, she always remained engaged in the worship and obedience of Allah Ta‘ala.
On account of this very piety and purity which Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her with, Allah Ta‘ala instructed the angels to announce to her, “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! Indeed Allah Ta‘ala has selected you, purified you and chosen you above all women.”
As she was in the care of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam), he would often enter the special area in which Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) secluded herself while engaging in the worship of Allah Ta‘ala. To his surprise, Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) would find that she had fruit that was out of season! In winter, she would be enjoying the fruit of summer, and in summer, she would be enjoying the fruit of winter. Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) asked her, “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! From where does this come to you?” She replied, “It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.”
At that moment, despite being advanced in age, Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) desired to be blessed with a child. Hence, he turned to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa and supplicated saying, “O the One Who blessed Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) with fruit that was out of season, bless me with a child, even though I have passed the ‘season’ (age) of fatherhood.”
Allah Ta‘ala accepted the du‘aa of Nabi Zakariyya (‘alaihis salaam) and eventually blessed him with a son who was Nabi Yahya (‘alaihis salaam).
(Surah Aal ‘Imraan v37-39 & v42, Bayaanul Quraan vol. 1, pg. 223, Tafseer Ibni Katheer vol. 2, pg. 344 and Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 2, pg. 65)
Lessons:
1. Just as every parent wishes that their child will have good and healthy physical development, they should have an even greater concern for the Deeni and imaani upbringing and development of their children. In this regard, it is incumbent for them to constantly make du‘aa for their children’s Deen and imaan – if not after every salaah, then at least once a day. Additionally, they must ensure that their childrenattend a good maktab madrasah and daily ta’leem is conducted in the home.
2. Allah Ta‘ala alone is the sole Sustainer of every creation. When we have firm imaan and conviction in this, we will turn to Allah Ta‘ala and believe that it is only in obeying Him and pleasing Him that we will gain barakah (blessings) in our sustenance. Furthermore, just as Allah Ta‘ala sent fruit that was out of season for Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) while she was within her chamber, Allah Ta‘ala can easily arrange and see to our sustenance while we remain within our homes seeking His pleasure.
3. The power of du‘aa should never be forgotten or overlooked. Allah Ta‘ala, in the blink of an eye, can literally make our dreams come true. Remain in the obedience of Allah Ta‘ala and turn to Him for your every need.