Saturday, December 20, 2008

Treatment Towards Orphans and Women

bismillâh ir-rahmân ir-rahîm
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalamu'alaikum
May peace be upon you

Just would like to share a hadith from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)

Abu Shuraih Khuwalid bin 'Amr Al-Khuza'i (رضي الله عنه‎) reported: The prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, "O Allah, I declare inviolable the rights of two weak ones: the orphans and women." [An-Nasa'i]

Commentary: The poor are generally treated callously in human society. Women and orphans are regular victims of this cruelty. They are deprived of their share in property to which they are entitled under the Islamic law. In some cases their properties are usurped and they are maltreated at the hands of usurpers. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has threatened them with serious consequences to prevent the Muslims from committing such injustice. The attitude of Muslims and the teachings of Islam in this matter are two different things. How can Islam be blamed for the attitude of Muslims? It is time Muslims should understand that Islam is getting a bad name because of their bad conduct. As a result of this they are committing a double crime. On the one hand, they are guilty of usurping others of their legitimate rights and perpetrating cruelties, and on the other, disgracing their religion. In other words, rather than preaching Islam they are creating obstacles in the way of people joining the fold of Islam. May Allah grant us guidance to follow the right path. Amin!

Taken from Riyad-us-Saliheen by Imam Nawawi [Chapter 33, Hadith no.270]