His departed darling.

This is the real love story between Zainab bint Muhammad and Abu al-'Aas ibn Rabee’ [ra]; Zainab was the daughter of the Prophet sws and her cousin Abu al-'Aas, was Khadeeja [ra]’s nephew. He was one of the nobles of the Quraish, and the Prophet sws loved him very much.

One day Abu al-'Aas went to the Prophet (sws) before he had received his mission of Prophethood and said:

“I want to marry your eldest daughter.” 

So the Prophet replied: “I must ask her first.” 

He (sws) went to Zainab and asked her: “Your cousin came to me and he wishes to marry you, do you accept him as your husband?”

Her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

So Zainab married Abu al-'Aas, the beginning of a great love story. They had two children; Ali and Umaymah.

During this course of time Muhammad became a Prophet while Abu al-'Aas was away from Makkah.  Abu al-'Aas returned to find his wife a Muslim. When he first came back, his wife said,

“I have great news for you”.

 He stood up and left her. Zainab was surprised and followed him as she said,

“My father became a Prophet and I have become a Muslim.” 

He replied, “Why didn’t you tell me first?”

 Hence a big problem began between the two; a problem of religion and belief.

She told him, “I wasn’t going to disbelieve in my father and his message, he is not a liar, and he is “The Honest and Trustworthy” [Al-Siddiq wal Ameen]. I’m not the only believer; my mother and my sisters became Muslims, my cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib became a Muslim, your cousin Uthman ibn Affan became a Muslim, and your friend, Abu Bakr, became a Muslim.”

He replied, “Well, as for me, I don’t want people to say, ‘he let down his people and his forefathers to please his wife’. And I am not accusing your father of anything.” 

Then he said, “So will you excuse me and understand?”

She replied, “Who will excuse and understand you if I don’t? I will stay beside you and help you until you reach the truth.”

And she kept her word for 20 years.

Abu al-'Aas remained an unbeliever, and then came the migration. Zainab went to her father and asked him for the permission to stay with her husband. The Prophet sws replied,

“Stay with your husband and children”.

So Zainab stayed in Makkah, until the battle of Badr occurred. Abu al-'Aas was to fight in the army of Quraish against the Muslims. For Zainab, it meant that her husband will be fighting her father, a time Zainab had always feared. She kept crying out:

“O Allah, I fear one day the sun may rise and my children become orphans or I lose my father”.

So the battle started, and ended in victory for the Muslims. Abu El’Ass was captured by the Muslims, and news of this reached Makkah. Zainab asked,

“What did my father do?”

They told her, “The Muslims won”.

So she prayed to Allah, thanking Him. Then she asked: “What did my husband do?”

They said: “He was captured.”

She said, “I’ll send a payment to release him.” 

She didn’t own anything of much value, so she took off her mother’s necklace, and sent it with Abu al-'Aas brother to the Prophet.

While the Prophet sws was sitting, taking payments and releasing captives, he saw Khadeeja’s necklace. He held it up and asked:

“Whose payment is this?”

They said: “ 

Abu al-'Aasibn Rabee.”

He cried and said “This is Khadeeja’s necklace.”

As soon as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw that necklace, he had a feeling of extreme compassion and his heart palpitated for the great memory. The Companions who were present there gazed in amazement having being captivated by the magnificence of the situation.

After a long silence, the Messenger of Allah sws stood up and said,

“O my people, this man is my in-law, should I release him? And do you accept the return of this necklace to my daughter?”

They answered in unison “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!”

The Prophet sws gave the necklace to Abu al-'Aas and said to him,

“Tell Zainab not to give away Khadeeja’s necklace.” Then he sws said, “

Abu al-'Aas, Can we speak privately?”

He took him aside and said, “Allah has ordered me to separate between a Muslim and a disbeliever, so could you return my daughter to me?”

Abu al-'Aas reluctantly agreed.

Zainab stood on the gates of Makkah waiting for the arrival of Abu al-'Aas When he finally came he said,

“I am going away”.

She asked, “Where to?”

He replied, “It is not me who is going, it is you. You are going to your father. We must separate because you are a Muslim.” 

She implored him, “Will you become a Muslim and come with me?” But he refused.

So Zainab took her son and daughter and traveled to Madinah, and for 6 years she refused to remarry, hoping that one day Abu al-'Aas would come.

After 6 years, Abu El’Ass was traveling in a caravan from Makkah to Syria. During the journey, he was intercepted by some of the Prophet’s companions. He escaped and asked for Zainab’s home. He knocked on her door shortly before the dawn prayer. She opened the door and asked him,

“Did you become a Muslim?”

He whispered “No, I come as a fugitive.”

She implored him once more “Can you become a Muslim?”

Again his answer was a negative.

“Do not worry.” She said, “Welcome my cousin, welcome, the father of Ali and Umaymah.”

After the Prophet sws prayed the dawn prayer in congregation with the people, they heard a voice from the back of the mosque,

“I have freed Abu al-'Aas ibn Rabee.” Zainab had granted Abu al-'Aas freedom.

The Prophet sws asked, “Have you heard what I heard?”

They all said, “Yes, Messenger of Allah.”

Zainab said, “He is my cousin and the father of my children and I have freed him.”

The Prophet sws stood up and said, “O people, I declare that this man was a very good son-in-law, he never broke his promise, and neither did he tell lies. So if you accept, I will return his money back and let him go. If you refuse it’s your decision and I will not blame you for it.”

The companions agreed, “We will give him his money.”

So the Prophet sws said to Zainab, “We have freed the one you have freed, O Zainab.”

Then he sws went to her and told her “be generous to him, he is your cousin and the father of your children, but don’t let him get near you, he is prohibited for you.”

She replied, “Sure, father, I’ll do as you say.”

She went in and told her husband, “O Abu al-'Aas, didn’t you miss us at all? Won’t you become a Muslim and stay with us?”

But he refused. Abu al-'Aas then took the money and returned to Makkah. Once he returned he stood up and announced,

“O people, here is your money. Is there anything left?”

They replied, “No, Abu al-'Aas, there is nothing left, thanks a lot.”

So Abu al-'Aas, “I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammed is His Messenger.”

Then he went back to Madinah and ran to the Prophet sws as he said, “Dear Prophet, you freed me yesterday, and today I say that I testify there is no god but Allah and you are His Messenger.”

He asked the Prophet, “Will you give me the permission to go back to Zainab?”

The Prophet sws smiled and said, “Come with me”;

he took him to Zainab’s house and knocked on her door. The Prophet sws said, “O Zainab, your cousin came to me and asked if he can return to you”.

Just like 20 years before, her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

The sad thing was, a year after this incident, Zainab died. Abu al-'Aas shed hot tears because of her death and drove those who were around him to tears. The Messenger of Allah sws came with eyes full of tears and a heart full of sorrow. Zainab’s death reminded him of the death of his wife, Khadeejah. He told the women, who gathered around Zainab’s corpse,

“Wash her three times and use camphor in the third wash.”

He performed funeral prayers on her and followed her final resting place. Abu al-'Aas returned to his children, Ali and Umaymah. Kissing them and wetting them with his tears, he remembered the face of his departed darling.

May Allah be pleased with Zainab, the Prophet’s daughter! May He reward her with Paradise for her patience, endurance and struggle!

Abu al-'Aas would cry so profusely that the people saw the Prophet himself weeping and calming him down. Abu al 'Aas would say,

“By Allah, I can’t stand life anymore without Zainab.” 

He died just one year after Zainab’s death.

I have decided to marry.

Seeing that his mother was in a good mood, Ahmad sat near her and said, 'Mother, I have an idea which should bring you much joy.” His mother answered eagerly, "My son, all that you give me makes me happy. What is on your mind?”

“You know," he told her, "I have finished my studies and can afford to begin a family. I have decided to marry."

His mother's face brightened with a smile. "This is very good news! I have long awaited such a day,” she told him. "How often I have wished you would marry one of your cousins. Praise be to Allah that you have made this decision before it is too late!." Ahmad exclaimed, "Before it's too late? What do you mean?"  "Your cousin Maryam is now old enough to marry. Every day there is someone visiting her home, seeking her hand."

Ahmad sat silently for a moment and said, “Then why should we bother her suitors?"

“What do you mean, Ahmad?," asked his mother, dismayed.

"My cousin Maryam is not fit for me.” 

"Why not? No, my son, you’re mistaken. I shall go and see about your engagement tomorrow," his mother told him.

Ahmad frowned and said, “No, mother. Please do not do such a thing. I will not agree to this.” "When she becomes your fiancé, you will feel love for her. Put aside your fears. Maryam is beautiful, and she has a respectable job."

Ahmad disagreed, “No. This matter only concerns me."

Ahmad's mother thought for a moment and said, “If you dislike Maryam, then there's my brother's daughter. She is as beautiful as Maryam, and she has inherited a large sum of money from my brother.

"Mother, please think about this matter from my point of view. I need someone to share my life, not a business partner.”

His mother became angry and sharply asked, “What's wrong with my niece? Why isn't she good enough to be your wife?”

Ahmad replied, “She is not a practicing Muslim. I want a Muslim wife."

Ahmad's mother laughed sarcastically and said, "You speak as if you were an angel who could only marry another angel. Why don't you stop saying such nonsense, my son? You are an educated young man, you should give up your impossible ideals.”

“I am neither an angel, nor do I seek a saint for a wife. I am a Muslim believer looking for a girl who also believes in Islam." replied Ahmad.

Ahmad's mother told him, “I don't know any girls who share your ideals."

He said, “I know someone who measures up to my expectations."

Startled by this admission, Ahmad's mother asked, “You know someone? Who is she? Since when do you begin friendship with girls?"

Ahmad answered quickly, “I didn't mean that I know a girl personally, but I know of her."  "I see," she said. "You have already chosen your wife. Who is this lucky girl?" “Mother, please be more understanding. I hope you will take my side and persuade father to agree with my choice."

This appeal to Ahmad's mother softened her, and she said, “I swear that I think only of your welfare. I'll help you. Tell me, what are this girl’s qualifications?"

Ahmad told her, “Nothing matters except the religious aspect. She is Muslim, and wears complete hijab.” "Oh, then she is uneducated!" "No, she has a high school education and her religious knowledge is extensive."

Then his mother asked, “What family is she from? Do I know them?"

"She is from a good family known for their piety", Ahmad told her. "Of what use is a well-known family if a girl has no Islamic morals?" He silently beseeched Allah to give him the patience to overcome his mother's resistance. "A happy marriage doesn't depend on fame or wealth. Happiness stems from spiritual nearness and mutual understanding." Then, in a different tone of voice his mother asked,

"What does her father do for a living?" "He is a grocer," Ahmad replied.

"A grocer?!", she exclaimed. “Yes. He is a grocer and a very righteous man. He is the head of a happy and virtuous family."

Ahmad's mother interrupted him, “You are the son of a wealthy man; with your college degree you wish to marry a grocer's daughter? What a shame! Yet you ask me to assist you!  If I had chosen the daughter of a jeweler, how would you feel?"

His mother replied, "There is a big difference between a jeweler and a grocer.”

“The only difference is with regard to the substance. The former sells rings and the latter sells sugar. Both work in order to earn money," Ahmad answered.

His mother lamented, "Imagine your father's reaction to this news! "

Ahmad said firmly, " This is my desire, either you help me or I'll do it myself."

He spoke so seriously that his mother laughed mockingly, saying, "Does the matter require a great effort? The least move you make, they will give their daughter to you gladly."

Ahmad shook his head in doubt and said, "Wait and see!"

“What an odd situation this is! Am I to present my son to a grocer's daughter? What special beauty does this girl possess to make you blind to every other consideration?'

“I have not yet seen her," Ahmad said.

"Then how do you know she's not ugly?" asked his mother.

"I know she is not. As far as good conduct is concerned, physical beauty is of little importance."

"Oh Ahmad, my amazement never ceases."

The next morning, Ahmad told his father of his intentions. His father became angry, but Ahmad remained determined to marry the woman of his choice. Finally his father agreed and Ahmad asked his mother to visit the girl's home to make the proposal and overcome any obstacles.

The following afternoon Ahmad's mother, accompanied by his oldest sister, went to the girl's house. On the way there, Ahmad's sister asked her mother what the girl's name was. Her mother replied, " I forgot to ask him! "When they knocked on the family's door, they were surprised to see a beautiful young girl open it. The girl was surprised to see the two unfamiliar women, but she showed them into the living room and went to tell her mother that they had visitors. Her mother welcomed the guests and waited for them to explain the reason for their visit. After exchanging greetings, Ahmad's mother asked who the young girl was who had opened the door. “It was my daughter, Zaynab," she replied. "Do you have any other daughter?" asked Ahmad's mother. “No, she's my only daughter", replied her mother. Ahmad's mother and sister were delighted to learn that the beautiful girl was Zaynab. Just then, Zaynab entered with coffee for their visitors. She sat next to Ahmad's sister and they soon found much to discuss. Then she collected the empty coffee cups and left the room.

Ahmad's mother began, "We have come with a blessed aim. We would be happy to have your daughter Zaynab as a wife for my son." She praised her son for his intelligence, his good looks and his wealth, but she neglected to mention his firm Islamic beliefs, which was very important to Zaynab's mother. Therefore, Ahmad's mother was stunned when Zaynab's mother shook her head slowly and said, “I'm very sorry. It is difficult for me to agree to this proposal; in fact, it's impossible." With much surprise, Ahmad's mother asked, “What is impossible?"

“My daughter is still young. I'm sure your son can find a girl who suits him." Ahmad's mother protested, "But Zaynab suits him well! Would you be kind enough to justify your refusal?"

“I only have one daughter, and I should be sure of her future married life."

“But Ahmad is well-off financially," said his mother. “He is an engineer!"

Zaynab's mother replied, “Zaynab would not marry someone because he is wealthy or has a college degree."

Ahmad's mother was at a loss for words. “Then what will ensure your daughter's happiness and consent?"

“When a mother looks for a wife for her son, she should mention her son's conduct.” said the mother of Zaynab. "My daughter is a committed Muslim. She wants a Muslim husband, and remember, my daughter wears hijab, and your son may want a modern wife, who dresses like his mother and sister.”

Ahmad's mother laughed with relief and told her, “You're correct. I haven't mentioned his conduct. I thought that other aspects of his character were of more importance. My son is a faithful Muslim. He is, in fact, looking for a wife who observes hijab. Be sure that my appearance (un-Islamic clothing) is not to Ahmad's taste."

Zaynab's mother also smiled and said, "You should have told me earlier! Please give us your address so we can visit you and learn more about your son."

"We hope you can come early next week," said Ahmad's mother.

Ahmad was waiting anxiously for his mother's return. As soon as she and her daughter returned home he asked, “Well, mother? How was your visit?"

"It was very strange," she replied.

“What was strange?", he asked. “Has anything bad happened?"

"Oh no, Ahmad. But I never expected such a thing," she answered. "Then they have refused?" Ahmad's father said, "How could a grocer's daughter refuse a wealthy young man?"

Ahmad's mother turned to her husband and said, " They did, in fact, refuse..."

"What! they refused?” asked the father. "I spoke about Ahmad's good qualities, but I didn't mention his Islamic morals. My appearance also caused her to decline my proposal because her daughter is a very faithful Muslim. When I realized their objections, I told them that you are a true Muslim as well. I have come to respect them very much. They don't care about status or wealth.”

“Have you seen the girl?”, asked Ahmad's father.

"Yes, she is lovely and polite. Ahmad is a lucky man to have made such a choice."

The following week, Zaynab's family paid a visit to Ahmad’s home and plans were made for the upcoming wedding. They were soon married and there was much rejoicing.

OUTCOME:

"A happy marriage doesn't depend on fame or wealth. Happiness stems from spiritual nearness and mutual understanding."

Everyone who takes a wife.

Once people insisted upon a man to take a wife. He did not agree and began to weep much. They said, “Why should you weep? If you do not want a wife, just say so? He replied, “What made me weep is another thing. I have not yet taken a wife. I must first carry my own load to destination to make myself worthy of Paradise. If I take a wife then it will be upon me to save that lady also from hell. I am myself yet not fortunate enough to pass through the Sirat Bridge how shall I make my wife worthy of Paradise!” Everyone who takes a wife takes upon himself a huge responsibility as the Holy Qur’an says: O men! Save yourself and your family from hellfire.

You cannot talk only about yourself. If you have a wife, it is obligatory for you to hold her hand to take her away from hell as you are the head of the family. Another responsibility imposed by Qur’an is to live nicely with her. Whatever excessive faultfinding, you are doing with your wives is all against the teachings of Islam. The load of responsibilities on man is indeed heavy.


When Allah knows you are ready for the responsibility of commitment, he will reveal the right person under the right circumstances.wait patiently.Don't unnecessarily waste your time searching and wishing.Grow and be ready and you will see Allah (swt) will give you a love story far better that you could ever dream of.


You know what would  be amazing? 


To get to the point where you love Allah(swt) so much that you accept everything that happens without question, without feelings of loss or negativity because you love him so incredibly, that no lame emotion could possible come between that.But it takes a lot to get there and most people never fully do.You need the bad to appreciate the good.

A Wise Wife.

Abu Sa'id  related that in the time of the Children of Israel there was a good man who had a pious, judicious and tactful wife. An inspiration came down to the Prophet of the Age saying, 'Inform that good man that We have predestined him to spend one half of his life in poverty and one half in wealth. Let him choose now whether the poverty shall be during his youth or during his old age.' The young man on hearing this went to his wife and said, 'O wife, this is the command which has come down from God on High. How do you suggest that I choose?' 'What is your choice?' she asked. 'Come,' he replied, 'let us choose the poverty during our youth, so that when hardship comes we may have strength to endure it.(Moreover), when we grow old we shall need something to eat if we are to be free from cares and capable of properly obeying (God's commands).' Thereupon his wife said, 'O husband, if we are poor during our youth, we shall be unable to obey God's (commands) properly then; and thereafter, when we shall have thrown to the winds the prime of our life and grown weak, how shall we perform the duties involved in obeying (God)? Let us therefore choose the wealth now, so that we may during our youth have strength both to obey God's commands and to practise charity.' 'Your opinion is the right one', said the husband; 'let us act accordingly.' Then (another) inspiration came down to the Prophet of the Age, (and the message for that man and his wife was this): 'Now that you are striving to obey Us and that your intention is good, I who am the Sustainer of all life will cause you to pass (straight) to wealth. Continue striving to obey My commands, and of whatever I give you give part for alms so that both this world and the next may be yours.'

A good helpmate will do (you) good in this world's and the next world's affairs alike.