Episode 11: The woman in the social life of the Prophet Mohammed peace and blessing be upon him 1/7

After taking a look at the comparison between the situation for women before and after Islam, we'll go even further by looking at what would be considered even more special than her status in Islam. That is, her situation in the life of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). We'll look at it from two perspectives; in his social life and his propagation of the message of Islam.

Women played an important role in the life of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), both in his public and private life. For Allah advised about the mother in His mighty book, and mentioned being kind towards her along with worshipping Him by saying: "And your Lord has decreed that you shall worship none but Him and that you be kind to your parents".

Likewise, the divine commandment to be kind towards the parents came alongside singling out Allah alone with worship, "And serve Allah. Ascribe no thing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto parents"[Surah An-Nisa’, 36].

So, kindness to the parents and piety towards them are deeds encouraged by Allah and His messenger. This is evidence about the high status given to women in the religion of Allah, as well as the importance of her participation in life. This is why, when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked: "Which deed is most beloved to Allah? He said: Prayer in its time, he was then asked: what next? He said, "to be kind towards ones parents." He was asked: what comes next? He answered: Strive in the way of Allah."

There is also a severe threat of punishment awaiting the one who's bad towards his mother and father. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the major sins. He answered: “associating partners with Allah, disobedience towards ones’ parents, murder and false testimony”.

And the messenger of Allah says: “there are three that Allah, Owner of Might and Majesty, will not look at on the day of Resurrection: the one who is disobedient to his parents, the woman who imitates masculine behavior, and the pimp. And there three type of people that will not enter Paradise: The one who is disobedient to his parents, the alcoholic and the one who impresses what he gave as a favor”.

Rather, kindness to parents and their obedience is favored over striving in the way of Allah, for if it were a collective obligation, the Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked: "Which deed is most beloved to Allah? He said: Prayer in its time, he was then asked: what next? He said, "To be kind towards ones parents." He was asked: what comes next? He answered: Strive in the way of Allah."

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