Wife and Husband relationship in Islam

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet said, “If I were to order anyone to prostrate himself before another, I would have ordered a woman to prostrate herself before her husband.” [At-Tirmidhi] However, although some have declared it Sahih on the basis of similar ahadith, some others have declared it weak. In fact, Tirmidhi himself calls it weak after quoting it in his Sunan.

Whenever I ask in a gathering about the above hadith, everyone says he has heard it. But when I ask about the hadith concerning eleven women, not a single person would have heard of it. The hadith about sajdah and the common people’s saying: “A man should kill a cat on his wedding night so that wife should be terrorized to fear the husband,” has done great harm to the relationship of the spouses.

The following ayah  in the Qur’an and the hadith of Muslim emphasizes the importance of the husband and wife relationship in Islam.

"....They  (your wives) are apparel for you are apparel for them..."(Qur'an 2:187)

 "...Women have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses etc.. ) similar to(those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect etc..) to what is reasonable. "(Qur'an 2:228)

Men are caretakers of women, since Allah has made some of them excel the others, and because of the wealth they have spent. So, the righteous women are obedient, (and) guard (the property and honor of their husbands) in (their) absence with the protection given by Allah. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, convince them, and leave them apart in beds, and beat them. Then, if they obey you, do not seek a way against them. Surely, Allah is the Highest, the Greatest.(Qur'an 4:34)

“And among His Signs is this that He created for you wives (spouses) from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are, indeed, signs for people who reflect.” (The Qur’an, 30: 21)

O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a fire, the fuel of which is human beings and stones,(Qur'an 66:6)

It was narrated that Anas  said: "The Messenger of Allah said: 'Women and perfume have been made dear to me, but my  comfort has been provided in 'prayer'." (ibn majha 3392)

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Dream Of Yusuf (AS) A Story of Qur'an

One of the most beautiful stories told in the Holy Qur’an is the story of Prophet Yusuf. It probably is most people’s favorite story from the Qur’an.

(It happened) when Yusuf said to his father, “My father, I saw (in dream) eleven stars and the Sun and the Moon; I saw them all fallen prostrate before me.’’ 

He said, “My son, do not relate your dream to your brothers, lest they should devise a plan against you. Surely, Satan is an open enemy for mankind 

And it will be in this way that your Lord will choose you and teach you the correct interpretation of events, and will perfect His bounty upon you and upon the House of Yaqub, as He has perfected it earlier upon your forefathers, Ibrahim and IsHaq. Surely, your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.” 

Surely, in (the story of) Yusuf and his brothers, there are signs for those who ask. 

(It happened) when they said, “Yusuf and his brother are dearer to our father than we are, while we are a whole group. Surely, our father is in clear error. 

Let us kill Yusuf, or throw him at some place on earth, and thus your father’s full attention will be devoted for you alone, and after doing that, you may become a righteous people.’’ 

One of them said, “Do not kill Yusuf; rather, cast him into the bottom of a pit, so that some wayfarers may pick him up, if you are going to do something anyway.’’ 

They said (to Yaqub), “Our father, why is it that you do not trust us about Yusuf, while we are his well-wishers indeed. 

Send him with us tomorrow, that he may eat and play, and of course, we will remain as guards for him.” 

He said, “It makes me sad that you should take him with you, and I fear that some wolf may eat him up when you are heedless of him.” 

They said, “If a wolf eats him up, while we are a whole group, we are then losers indeed.” 

So, when they went away with him and were determined to put him in the bottom of a pit, (they did accordingly). And We revealed to him (Yusuf), “You will (one day) remind them of this deed of theirs, and they will not recognize (you).” 

And at nightfall, they came to their father weeping. 

They said, “Father, we went racing with one another, and left Yusuf with our belongings, and the wolf ate him up. You will never believe us, howsoever truthful we may be.” 

And they came with fake blood on his shirt. He said, “Rather, your inner desires have tempted you to do something. So, patience is best. It is Allah whose help is sought against what you describe.’’ 

And some wayfarers came (near the pit in which Yusuf was thrown), and sent their water-drawer (to bring water for them). So, he let down his bucket. He said, “What a good news! Here is a boy.” And they kept him hidden as merchandise, while Allah was aware of what they were doing. 

And they sold him for a paltry price, for a few silver-coins, and they had not much interest in him. 

And the one who bought him from Egypt said to his wife, “Make his stay graceful. He may be useful for us. Or, we may adopt him as a son.” And thus We established Yusuf in the land, so that We should teach him the interpretation of events. Allah is powerful in (enforcing) His command, but most of the people do not know. 

And when he reached the prime of his age, We gave him wisdom and knowledge, and this is how We reward those who are good in their deeds. 

And she, in whose house he was, seduced him towards herself, and bolted the doors, and said, “come on!” He said, “I seek refuge with Allah.Surely, he (your husband) is my master. He has given me a good lodging. Indeed, the wrongdoers do not prosper.” 

She certainly desired him, and he might have desired her, had he not seen the proof from his Lord. Thus We did, to turn evil and lewdness away from him. Surely, he was one of Our chosen servants. 

They raced towards the door, and she ripped his shirt from behind, and they found her master by the door. She said, “What could be the punishment of him who intended evil with your wife, except that he be imprisoned or (given) a painful chastisement?” 

He (Yusuf) said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” And a witness from her family observed that if his shirt was ripped from the front side, then she is true and he is a liar; 

and if his shirt was ripped from behind, then she is telling a lie and he is truthful. 

So, when he (her husband) saw his shirt ripped from behind, he said, “This is certainly your trickery, O women. Great is the trickery of you women indeed. 

O Yusuf, ignore this matter, and you (O woman,) seek forgiveness for your sin, for you were guilty infact.” 

And women in the city said, “The wife of the minister is seducing her youthful slave. His love has entered the depth of her heart. Surely, we see her in open error.” 

So, when she heard of their taunting comments, she extended an invitation to them and arranged for 

them a comfortable place (to sit and dine) and gave everyone a knife, and said (to Yusuf): “come out to them.” So when they saw him, they found him great, and (were so stunned that they) cut their hands and said, “Oh God! He is no human being. He is but a noble angel.” 

She said, “This is the one about whom you reproached me. Yes, I seduced him, but he abstained. And 

should he not follow my command, he shall be imprisoned and will be disgraced.” 

He (Yusuf) said, “My Lord, the prison is dearer to me than what these women invite me to do. If You do not turn their guile away from me, I shall get inclined towards them and shall be among the ignorant.” 

So, his Lord accepted his prayer and turned their guile away from him. Surely, He is the All-Hearing, the All- Knowing. 

Later on, even after having seen the clear signs (of his innocence), they deemed it proper to imprison him for some time. 

And two men entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I have seen myself (in dream) pressing wine.” And the other said, “I saw myself carrying bread on my head of which the birds were eating. Let us know its interpretation. We see you are a man of good deeds.” 

He said, “No food provided for you shall come to you, but I can give you its description before it comes to you. This is the knowledge my Lord has given to me. I have abandoned the way of those who do not believe in Allah, and who are deniers of the Hereafter, 

and I have followed the way of my fathers, Ibrahim, IsHaq and Yaqub. It is not for us that we 

associate any partners with Allah. All this is a part of the favor Allah has bestowed upon us and upon the people, but most of the people are not grateful. 

O my fellow prisoners, are different gods better or Allah, the One, the All-Dominant? 

Whatever you worship, other than Him, are nothing but names you have coined, you and your fathers. Allah has sent down no authority for them. Sovereignty belongs to none but Allah. He has ordained that you shall not worship anyone but Him. This is the only right path. But most of the 

people do not know.” 

O my fellow prisoners, one of you will serve wine to his master, while the other will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Destined is the matter you are asking about.” 

And he (Yusuf) said to the one whom he believed likely to be released out of the two, “Tell your master about me.” Then, the Satan made him forget to tell his master. So, he (Yusuf) remained in prison for a few years. 

And (one day) the king said (to his courtiers), “I have seen (in a dream) seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven ears of grain which are green and (seven) others which are dry. O people, tell me about my dream, if you can interpret dreams.” 

They said, “(It seems to be) a mishmash of dreams, and we do not know the interpretation of dreams.” 

And said the one who was released (from the prison) out of the two, and recalled (Yusuf) after a long time, “I shall tell you its interpretation. Just send me (to Yusuf).” 

(Thus he came to the prison and said to Yusuf “Yusuf, O the truthful one, tell us about seven fat cows eaten by seven lean ones, and seven ears of grain which are green and (seven) others which are dry, so that I may go back to the people and they may know (the interpretation of the dream.). 

He said, “You will grow crops for seven years consecutively. So, what you have harvested, leave it in its ear, except a little which you eat. 

Then seven hard years shall come after that, which shall eat up what you have stored for them, except a little which you preserve (to sow). 

Then there shall come after that a year in which people will have rains and in which they will extract juices.” 

And (when this person went back and told the king about the interpretation of the dream), the king 

said, “Bring him to me.” So, when the messenger came to Yusuf, he said, “Go back to your lord and ask him, What is the case of the women who cut their hands?’ Surely, my Lord knows well their guile.” 

He (the king) said, “What was your case, O women, when you seduced Yusuf?” They said, “God 

forbid, we know of no evil in him.” The governor’s wife said, “Now the truth has come to light. I did seduce him, and he is surely truthful.” 

(Then Yusuf said), “That was because he (the governor) may know that I did not betray him in his 

absence, and that Allah does not lead the guile of betrayers to success. 

And I do not absolve my inner self of blame. Surely, man’s inner self often incites to evil, unless my Lord shows mercy. Certainly, my Lord is the Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.” 

The king said, “Bring him to me, and I shall employ him purely for myself.” So, when he (the king) talked to him, he said (to Yusuf), “Today you are with us well-placed, fully trusted.” 

He said, “Appoint me to (supervise) the treasures of the land. I am indeed a knowledgeable keeper.” 

And thus We gave Yusuf power in the land. He could settle in it wherever he wished. We extend Our mercy to whomsoever We will, and We do not let the reward of the righteous people to go to waste. 

And the reward of the Hereafter is surely better for those who believe and constantly observe taqwa. 

And came the brothers of Yusuf and appeared before him. He recognized them, while they did not 

recognize him. 

When he equipped them with their provisions, he said, “Bring to me your other brother from your father’s side. Do you not see that I give full measure, and I extend the best hospitality? 

Still, if you do not bring him to me, then you deserve no (further) measure from me, nor shall you 

approach me any more.” 

They said, “We shall persuade his father about him and we will certainly do it.” 

And he (Yusuf) said to his boys, “Put their goods in their camel-packs. Perhaps they will recognize it when they go back to their family; perhaps they will come again.” 

So, when they returned to their father, they said, “Father, the (required) measure (of grain) has been 

withheld from us, therefore, send our brother with us, so that we may receive our full measure. And, of course, we are his guards.” 

He said, “Shall I trust you about him as I trusted you earlier about his brother? Well, Allah is the best 

guardian, and He is the Most-Merciful of all the merciful.” 

When they opened their baggage, they found their goods given back to them. They said, “Our father, what else should we want? Here is our goods given back to us, and we shall bring food to our family, protect our brother and add the measure of one camel more. That is an easy measure.” 

He said, “I shall never send him with you until you give me a pledge in the name of Allah that you will definitely bring him back to me, unless you are overpowered (by circumstances).” So, when they gave him their pledge, he said, “Allah is watchful over what we say.” 

And he said, “O my sons, do not enter (the city) all of you from the same gate, rather, enter from different gates. And I cannot help you in any way against (the will of) Allah. Sovereignty belongs to none but Allah. In Him I place my trust, and all those who trust should trust in Him alone.” 

And (recall) when they entered (the city) in the manner their father had advised them. He could not help them in any way against (the will of) Allah, but it was just an urge in the heart of Yaqub which he satisfied; he was a man of knowledge, because We had taught him, but most of the people do not know. 

And when they came to Yusuf, he lodged his brother (Binyamin) with himself. He said, “Look, I am your brother! So do not grieve for what they have been doing.” 

Later, when he equipped them with their provisions, he placed the bowl in the camel-pack of his brother. Then, an announcer shouted out, “O people of the caravan, you are thieves.” 

Turning towards them, they said, “What are you missing?” 

They said, “We are missing the measuring-bowl of the king, and whoever brings it back shall deserve a camel-load, and I stand surety for it.” 

They said, “We swear by Allah, you know, we did not come to make mischief in the land, nor have we ever been thieves.” 

They said, “What is the punishment, if you are liars?” 

They said, “Its punishment? The one in whose saddlebag it is found shall himself be the punishment. This is how we punish the wrongdoers.” 

So, he started with their bags before (searching) the bag of his brother, then, recovered it from the 

bag of his brother. This is how We planned for Yusuf. He had no right to take his brother according to the law of the king, unless Allah so willed. We elevate in ranks whomsoever We will. Above every man of knowledge, there is someone more knowledgeable. 

They said, “If he commits theft, (there is nothing surprising, because) his other brother had committed theft earlier.” Yusuf kept it (his reaction) to himself and did not reveal it to them. He said (in his heart), “You are even worse in position. Allah knows best of what you allege.” 

They said, “O Aziz, he has a father, a very old man. So, take one of us in his place. We see you are a 

generous man.” 

He said, “We seek Allah’s refuge from keeping anyone other than him with whom we have found our thing, otherwise we shall be unjust.” 

So when they lost hope in him, they went aside for consultation. The oldest of them said, “Do you not know that your father has taken pledge from you in the name of Allah, while you had defaulted earlier in the case of Yusuf. So, I shall never leave this land unless my father permits me or 

Allah decides about me. He is the best of all judges. 

Go back to your father and say, Our father, your son has committed theft, and we do not testify except 

what we know, and we could not guard against the unseen. 

Ask (the people of) the town in which we have been, and the caravan with which we have come, and 

undoubtedly we are truthful.” 

He (Yaqub) said, “Rather, your inner desires have seduced you to something. So, patience is best. 

Hopefully, Allah may bring them all together. Surely, He is the All- Knowing, All-Wise.” 

He turned away from them and said, “How sad I am about Yusuf!” and his eyes turned white with sorrow and he was suppressing (his anger and grief). 

They said, “By God, you will not stop remembering Yusuf until you collapse or perish.” 

He said, “I do not complain of my anguish and sorrow to anyone but Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know. 

O my sons, go and search for Yusuf and his brother, and do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah. In fact, only the infidels lose hope in Allah’s mercy.” 

So, when they came to him (Yusuf), they said, “Aziz, we and our family are struck by distress, and we have brought some goods of very little worth. So, give us the full measure (of grain) and be charitable to us. Surely, Allah rewards the charitable.” 

He said, “Do you know what you did to Yusuf and his brother when you were ignorant?” 

They said, “Is it that you are, in fact, Yusuf?” He said, “I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has been very kind to us. Surely, whoever fears Allah and observes patience, Allah does not let the reward of such good people to go to waste.” 

They said, “We swear by Allah, indeed Allah has given to you preference over us, and we were guilty in fact.” 

He said, “No reproach upon you today! May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most-Merciful of all the merciful. 

Go with this shirt of mine, and put it over the face of my father, and he will turn into a sighted man. And bring to me all your family.” 

And when the caravan set out (from Egypt), their father (Yaqub) said (in Canaan), “I sense the fragrance of Yusuf, if you do not take me to be senile.” 

They said, “By God, you are still in your old fallacy!” 

So, when came the man with good news, he put it (the shirt) on his face, and he turned into a sighted man. He (Yaqub) said, “Did I not tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?” 

They said, “Our father, pray to Allah to forgive us our sins. Surely, we have been guilty.” 

He said, “I shall pray to my Lord to forgive you. Surely, He is the Most- Forgiving, Very-Merciful.” 

Later, when they came to Yusuf, he placed his parents near himself and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, in peace.” 

And he raised his parents up on the throne, and they all fell before him in prostration. He said, “My father, here is the fulfillment of my early dream. My Lord has made it come true. He favored me when he released me from the prison, and brought you from the countryside after Satan had caused a rift between me and my brothers. Surely, my Lord does what He wills in a subtle way. Surely, He is 

the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” 

(Qur'an 12: 4-100)

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Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (Zina) in Islam

Unlawful Sexual Intercourse :

Do not even go close to fornication. It is indeed a shameful act, and an evil way to follow.(Qur'an 17:32)

Tell the believing men that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts; it is more decent for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.(Qur'an 24:30)

** Read Modesty in Islam

And tell the believing women that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts, and must not expose their adornment, except that which appears thereof, and must wrap their bosoms with their shawls, and must not expose their adornment, except to their husbands or their fathers or the fathers of their husbands, or to their sons or the sons of their husbands, or to their brothers or the sons of their brothers or the sons of their sisters, or to their women, or to those owned by their right hands, or male attendants having no (sexual) urge, or to the children who are not yet conscious of the shames of women. And let them not stamp their feet in a way that the adornment they conceal is known. And repent to Allah O believers, all of you, so that you may achieve success.(Qur'an 24:31)

and those who do not invoke any other god along with Allah, and do not kill a person whom Allah has given sanctity, except rightfully, nor do they fornicate; and whoever does it, shall face the recompense of his sin,(Qur'an 25:68)

O you who believe, when the believing women come to you, seeking bai’ah (a pledge of allegiance) with you that they will not ascribe any partner to Allah, and will not commit theft, and will not commit fornication, and will not kill their children, and will not come up with a false claim (about the parentage of a child) that they falsely attribute (to the sperm of their husbands being dropped) between their hands and their feet (i.e. their private parts), and will not disobey you in what is recognized (in Shariah), then take them in your bai’ah, and pray Allah for their forgiveness. Surely Allah is Most- Forgiving, Very-Merciful.(Qur'an 60:12)

The fornicating woman and the fornicating man, flog each one of them with one hundred stripes. No pity for them should prevail upon you in the matter of Allah’s religion, if you really believe in Allah and the Last Day; and a group of believers must witness their punishment.(Qur'an 24:2)

Narrated 'Ikrima: Ibn 'Abbas i said: Allah's Messenger said, "When a slave (of Allah) commits illegal sexual intercourse then he is not a believer at the time of committing it; and when he steals then he is not a believer at the time of stealing; and when he drinks an alcoholic drink, then he is not a believer at the time of drinking it, and he is not a believer when he commits a murder." 'Ikrima said: I asked Ibn Abbãs, "How is Faith taken away from him?" He said, "Like this," by clasping his hands and then separating them, and added, "But if he repents, Faith returns to him like this," by clasping his hands again.(Sahih Bukhri 6809)

Narrated Abü Hurairah The Prophet (pbuh) said, "The one who commits an illegal sexual intercourse is not a believer  at the time of committing illegal sexual intercourse; and a thief is not a believer at the time of committing theft; and a drinker of alcoholic drink is not a believer at the time of drinking. Yet, (the gate of) repentance is open thereafter."(Sahih Bukhri 6810)

Narrated 'Abdullãh (bin Mas'ud): I said, "O Allah's Messenger! Which is the biggest sin?" He said, "To set up a rival unto Allah, though He Alone has created you." I asked, "What is next (biggest sin)?" He said, "To kill your son lest he should share your food with you." I asked, "What is next?" He said, "To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbour."(Sahih Bukhri 6811)

Narrated Aba Hurairah  A man came to Allah's Messenger while he was in the mosque, and he called him, saying, "O Allah's Messenger! I have committed illegal sexual intercourse." The Prophet , turned his face to the other side, but that man repeated his statement four times, and after he bore witness against himself four times, the Prophet ; called him, saying, "Are you mad?" The man said,

"No." The Prophet said, "Are you married?" The man said, "Yes." Then the Prophet said, "Take him away and stone him to death."(Sahih Bukhri 6815)

 

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Queen of Sheba (A Story of Qur'an)

A Story of Sulaiman (Solomon) and Bilqis

* And (once) he (Sulaiman) checked the birds and said, “How is it with me that I do not see the hudhud (hoopoe)? Rather he has disappeared.

*  I will punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings to me a clear plea.”

* Then the hoopoe did not take long and said (to Sulaiman), “I have discovered what you did not, and have brought to youa sure information from Saba’ (Sheba).

* I have found a woman ruling over them, and all sorts of things are given to her, and she has a great throne.

* I have found her and her people prostrating themselves to the sun, instead of Allah, and the Satan has beautified their deeds for them, and has prevented them from the way, so they do not take the right path,

* that is, they do not prostrate to Allah who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, -and who knows whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal.”

* Allah! There is no god but He, the Lord of the Great Throne.

*  He (Sulaiman) said, “We shall see whether you have told the truth or you are one of the liars.

* Go with this letter of mine, and deliver it down to them, then turn back from them, and see how they react.” 

* She (the queen) said (to her officials after receiving the letter), “O chieftains, there has been delivered to me an esteemed letter.

* It is from Sulaiman, and it is (in the following words :) With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very- Merciful.

*  Do not rebel against me, and come to me in submission.”

* She said, “O chieftains, advise me in the matter I have (before me). I am not the one who decides a matter absolutely unless you are present with me.”

* They said, “We are powerful and tough fighters, and the decision lies with you; so consider what command you should give.”

* She said, “In fact when the kings enter a town, they put it to disorder, and put its honorable citizens to disgrace, and this is how they normally do.

* And I am going to send a gift to them, then see, what response the envoys will bring back.”

*  So when he (the envoy) came to Sulaiman, he said, “Are you extending a financial aid to me? So what Allah has given me is much better than what He has given to you. But you yourselves are proud of your gift.

* Go back to them, and we will bring to them forces they have no power to face, and we will certainly drive them out from there in humiliation while they are disgraced.”

*  He said, “O chieftains, which one of you will bring her throne to me before they come to me

submissively?”

* A stalwart of the Jinn said, “I will bring it to you before you rise up from your place, and for this (task) I am powerful, reliable.”

* Said the one who had the knowledge of the book, “I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.” So when he saw it (the throne) well placed before him, he said, “This is by the grace of my Lord, so that He may test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. Whoever is grateful is grateful for his own benefit, and whoever is ungrateful, then my Lord is Need-Free, Bountiful.”

*  He said, “Disguise the throne for her, and we will see whether she

discovers the truth, or she does not

recognize it.”

* So when she came, it was said (to her), “Is your throne like this?” She said, “It seems to be the same. We have been made to recognize the truth even before this, and we have already submitted.”

* And she was prevented (from submitting before this) by that which she used to worship instead of Allah. Indeed she was from a disbelieving people.

*  It was said to her, “Enter the palace.” Then once she saw it, she thought it was flowing water, and

uncovered her legs. He (Sulaiman) said, “This is a palace made of glasses.” She said, “My Lord, I had surely wronged myself, and now I submit, along with Sulaiman, to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.” (Qur'an 27:20-44)

Allah the Almighty narrates what had happened between Sulaiman and the hoopoe. All kinds of birds had pioneers or chosen ones who were charged with certain tasks and who periodically attend themselves before Sulaiman, as a habit of the troops with their kings. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) and others mentioned that the mission of the hoopoe was to search for water in deserts and barren areas. Indeed, the hoopoe has the ability -as granted by Allah the Almighty -to see and identify the locations of underground waters. Sulaiman's hoopoe used to search for underground water and then to lead his troops thereto; they dig the land to get the water out and use it in fulfilling their needs.
One day, Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) wanted the hoopoe, he missed him and did not find him in his appointed position so, he said: What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? i.e. he is not here, or I can not see him. I will surely punish him with a severe torment Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) threatened that he would punish him with some kind of penalty; {or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason} i.e. a clear excuse that may save him from my punishment. Allah the Almighty says: But the hoopoe stayed not long i.e. his absence was not so long, then {he (came up and) said} to Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped i.e. I got to know that which you did not; {and I have come to you from Saba' (Sheba) with true news. That I found a woman ruling over them: she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler on earth, and she has a great throne, he is describing the status of the kings and rulers of Sheba in the Yemen: they had a mighty and glorious
kingdom along with strong and competent troops. During that period, their king died and left no heirs but a daughter whom they raised as their queen.
Ath-Tha`labi mentioned that after her father's death, the people appointed a man under whose rule corruption and mischief prevailed. She proposed to him in marriage and he married her. At their first night together she gave him wine till he got drunk and then she beheaded him and hanged his head on her door. Thereupon, the people raised her over the throne as their queen.

And, his saying: She has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, {and she has a great throne} i.e. the chair she sits on was ornamented and studded with various jewels, pearls, gold and other magnificent things. Then, he mentioned their disbelief in Allah the Almighty and their worship of the sun instead of Allah and the deceivement of Satan to them by making their deeds look fair-seeming in their eyes, and barring them from Allah's Way, So they do not worship (prostrate themselves before) Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth,
and knows what you conceal and what you reveal i.e. He knows all secrets and revealed matters whether material or immaterial. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! i.e. the Greatest Throne which none from among His creatures ever has.
Thereupon, Sulaiman sent the hoopoe with a letter calling them to obey Allah and His Messenger, to repent and submit themselves to his kingship and power. He sent them: Be you not exalted against me i. e. do not let your pride prevent you from obeying me, but come to me as Muslims i.e. true believers who submit to Allah with full submission. The hoopoe dropped the letter near her and waited to see what she was going to do. However, she gathered the nobles, princes and ministers to have mutual consultation, She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter, then she
first read its title Verily it is from Sulaiman (Solomon), then she read the rest thereof and verily, it (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission). Then she sought their advice in a very polite manner She said: o chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me i.e. that you give me your opinions, They said: We have great strength, and great ability for war, i.e. we can afford war and all it needs of strength, materials, etc. so if you want this choice, we are well prepared thereto but it is for you to command: so think over what you will command, hence, they showed full obedience to her and after showing and displaying their abilities before her they left the matter in her hands to see what should be done. Verily, her opinion was wiser and better than theirs as she knew that the sender of the letter was not to be resisted, fooled, or even deceived. She said: Verily kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it and make the most honorable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do, i.e. she explains to them that if that king overpowers this kingdom of theirs, she would be the one who receives the severest of punishment and degradation. But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the Messengers return she wanted to bribe Sulaiman with presents and gifts knowing that Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) would not accept from them but Islam, as she and her people were disbelievers while he and his troops are far stronger than them all. For this When (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaiman (Solomon), he said: Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift! Then Sulaiman (Solomon) said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased i.e. go back with your gifts for what I have been granted by Allah is far better than these properties, riches and presents with which you rejoice and be filled with arrogance and pride over your own people. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist i.e. troops that are irresistible and cannot be defeated or encountered, and moreover we shall drive them out from their land, properties and wealth in disgrace, and they will be abased i.e. dragging shame, abasement and destruction. When they heard the news, they rushed declaring their full submission and perfect obedience and willingness to accompany their queen in her leaving for meeting Sulaiman (Peace be upon him). When he (Peace be upon him) heard of their coming and their intention to present themselves before his hand, he said to those (Jinn) from among his present hosts if they would bring him her throne before she manage to come: A`Ifrit (strong one) from the jinn said: I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work) i.e. before you finish your ruling council. It was said that he used to run the affairs of the Banu Israel from the beginning of the day till the noon. Verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work} i.e. I am strong enough to bring the throne to you, and at the same time I am to be entrusted with what it contains of the precious jewels and pearls. But One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said i.e. Asif Ibn Barkhiya who was Sulaiman's maternal cousin, said it was one of the believers from among the Jinn who knew the Greatest Name of Allah the Almighty. It is also said that he was one from among the scholars of the Banu Israel. Moreover, it was said to be Sulaiman himself, which is very strange and odd opinion and which As-Suhaili described to be out of context. A fourth opinion held that it was Gabriel (Peace be upon him). I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye! i.e. before you send a messenger to the farthest place on earth and he comes back to you. It was also said: before the farthest person you can see reaches you; or before your sight gets weary of starring at some point and your eye closes; or before you regain your sight if you look to the farthest place your sight can reach then you close your eye, (which is the most likely interpretation). Then when he [Sulaiman (Solomon)) saw it placed before him i.e. when he saw the throne of Bilqis brought and placed before him, in this too short period, from the Yemen to Jerusalem, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord -to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! i.e. this is by the Grace of Allah lam granted and His Grace all people are granted testing them whether they are grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self i.e. the benefit of this returns onto himself, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own self. Certainly my Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), Bountiful i.e. He is neither in need of thanking of the thankful, nor is He harmed by disbelief of the disbelievers.
Then, Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) ordered her throne to be altered and disguised to test her mentality and understanding, saying that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize her throne), or she will be one of those not guided. So when she came, it was said (to her): Is your throne like this? She said: (It is) as though it were the very same, this is due to her understanding and clear insight that she set aside the possibility that it was her own throne for she has just left it far away in the Yemen, and that she did not know that there is any who can do this marvelous act of removing it to Jerusalem.
Allah the Almighty says pertaining to Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) and his people And (Sulaiman (Solomon)) said: Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her). And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was of a disbelieving people i.e. worshipping the sun to whom she used to prostrate herself and her people instead of Allah the Almighty in follow of the religion of her fathers and ancestors with no evidence or proof of this. Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) previously ordered a Sarh (a glass surface with water underneath in which there are various sorts of fish and other seacreatures) to be built. Afterwards, Bilqis was ordered to enter the Sarh while Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) was sitting on his throne, But when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs. (Sulaiman (Solomon)) said: "Verily, it is a Sarh (a glass surface with water underneath it or a palace)." She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit [in Islam, together with Sulaiman (Solomon)). to Allah, the Lord of the" Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
It was said: That when Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) wanted to marry her he asked mankind about a way of removing the hair from her legs, and they mentioned the razor, but she feared thereof. Then, he (Peace be upon him) consulted the Jinn who made the bath for him. Thus, he was the first to enter the bath. At-Tha`labi and others said: When Sulaiman married her he returned the kingdom of Yemen to her and he used to visit her there and stay for three days a month then comes back to Jerusalem on the flying carpet. In addition, he ordered the Jinn to build him three palaces in the Yemen: Ghamdan, Salhin and Bitun. And, Allah knows best! Ibn Ishaq transmitted after some scholars on the authority of Wahb Ibn Munabih that Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) did not marry her, but he got her married to the king of Ramadan and let her ruling over the Yemen again, and he (Peace be upon him) subjected to her the king of the Jinn in Yemen to build her the aforementioned three palaces. This narration is not authenticated like the previous one, and Allah knows best!

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The first revelation of the Qur'an

Khadijah (RA) was very blessed in the marriage, and had six children. First two sons, Qasim and 'Abdullah; then followed the daughters, Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah . They were

wonderful, intelligent children and it was a very happy, peaceful and content household. But all this did not seem enough. Muhammad (PBUH) felt something was missing, and he was extremely restless. He would retire for a month once a year to the cave of Hira to dedicate himself entirely to prayer and meditation. One day he felt the presence of another being(Angel) who held him in his arms in a tight embrace. Then he loosened his hold and asked him to read; Muhammad (PBUH) answered that he was illiterate. But the person repeated the same act and the phrase again and again. Then finally he read these Ayat which are the first revelation of the Qur'an. They are from Surah Iqra or Al-'Alaq of the Noble Qur'an.

"Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.

He has taught man that which he knew not." (Qur'an 96:1-5)

Then the being (Angel) disappeared. This was such an awesome experience that the Prophet (PBUH) returned home sweating and shaking. He called out to Khadijah (RA) asking her to cover him with a sheet or a blanket. After lying down for some time he became a little more relaxed. When he had calmed down to some extent, he told his wife that he feared for his life, and narrated the whole incident to her. Khadijah (RA) a picture of loyalty and serenity consoled him saying that Allah (SWT) would surely protect him from any danger, and would never allow anyone to revile him as he was a of man of peace and reconciliation and always extended the hand of friendship to all. He never lied, always hospitable, carried the burdens of others and helped those who were in trouble. These soothing and encouraging words of sympathy and understanding from Khadijah (RA) gave him immeasurable strength and confidence. She then took him to meet her cousin, Waraqah bin Nofil, who immediately guessed the identity of the being in the Cave of Hira as the Angel Jibril (AS), the Messenger of Allah who had visited Moses (AS) as well. Waraqah  who was very old wished that he could live to see the time when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would be forced into exile by his people. The Prophet (PBUH)was very surprised and asked if his people would really do this to him. Waraqah assured him that it was typical of human beings that they would never appreciate or follow a Prophet who rose among them. As the proverb has it, "A Prophet (PBUH) is never honored in his own land." Waraqah added that he wished he were alive at that time and be able to help him. He added that if what he had been told were true then surely it meant that her husband was the Prophet of Allah (SWT) whose advent had been mentioned in the scriptures.

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First murder on the earth (A story of Qur'an)

Allah (swt) says:

And (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) recite  the story of the two sons of Adam (Abel and Cain) in truth; when each offered a sacrifice (to Allah), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: "I will surely kill you." The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are the pious.

If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you: for I fear Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

"Verily, I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire; and that is the recompense of the Zalimin (polytheists and wrong-doers);" 

So the Nafs (self) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair-seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers;

 Then Allah sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother; He (the murderer) said: "Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body

of my brother?" Then he became one of those who regretted. (Qur'an 5: 27-31)

Narrated Ibn Mas`ud and that Adam (Peace be upon him) used to get the male brought by one birth married to the female brought by the other. Hence, it was supposedthat Abel would get married to Cain's sister who was better and more beautiful than anyone else. At the same time, Cain wanted to keep her for himself. Adam (Peace be upon him) ordered him to allow' Abel to marry her, but he totally refused. Then, Adam (Peace be upon him) ordered both (Abel and Cain) to offer a sacrifice to Allah Almighty. Meanwhile, Adam set forth towards Mecca to perform Pilgrimage. Just before leaving, Adam tried to entrust (the affairs of) his children to the heavens, the earth and finally to the mountains, but all declined to shoulder the (heavy) trust. Thereupon, Cain accepted the trust and after

Adam went away they (Abel and Cain) offered their sacrifices to Allah. Abel offered a fat she-goat, while Cain offered a bundle of bad plants. Later, a fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice offered by Abel and left untouched that of Cain. Cain became livid with rage and said to his brother: I will kill you so as not to marry my sister, Abel said: Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are the pious.

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'Abdullah Ibn `Amr (May Allah be pleased with both of them) said: By Allah! The murdered (Abel) was stronger (than the murderer, Cain), but he refused to stretch his hand against his brother to kill him due to his piety and God-fearing. Abu Ja`far Al-Baqir mentioned that Adam (Peace be upon him) was present there when they offered their sacrifices. After Abel's sacrifice was accepted, Cain said to his father, Adam: "It was accepted only from him because you invoked Allah for his sake." And, he secretly intended something against his brother. One day, Abel was late and Adam sent Cain to look for him. The two brothers met and Cain said: "Your sacrifice was accepted and mine was not." Abel said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are the pious." Cain got angry and hit his brother with an iron rod and Abel fell dead at once.

          It was said: Cain killed Abel by throwing a rock at his head while he was asleep. It was also said: Cain choked Abel violently and bit him to death as beasts do. However, Abel's saying when Cain threatened to kill him: If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you: for I fear Allah, the Lord of the worlds  indicated his good morals and ethics, his fear from Allah, and perfect piety that he may harm his brother, in contrast with the odious deed intended by his brother, Cain. For this, Abu Bakrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: "'When two Muslims confront each other and the one amongst them attacks his brother with a weapon, both of them get into Hell- Fire.' He (Ahnaf, one of the sub-narrators) said: 'I said, or it was said: Messenger of Allah! It may be the case of one who kills, but what about the slain (why he would be put in Hell-Fire)?' Thereupon, he (Peace be upon him) said: 'He also intended to kill his companion. 

     " Allah the Almighty says: Verily, I intend to let you draw my sin (on yourself) as well as yours, then you will be one of the denizens of the Fire; and that is the recompense of the Zalimin (polytheists and wrong-doers) I do not intend to fight against you though I am myself far stronger and tougher than you are, but you will {draw my sin on yourself as well as yours}, i.e. you will bear the sin of murdering me along with your previous sins.

Narrated Imam Ahmed, Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi on the authority of Sa'd Ibn Abu Waqqas his statement upon the ordeal of `Uthman Ibn `Affan that reads: I testify that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "There will be soon a period of turmoil in which the one who sits will be better than one who stands and the one who stands will be better than one who walks and the one who walks will be better than one who runs." Someone said: 'Allah's Messenger! What is your opinion if someone entered my home and stretched his hand to kill me?' Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: 'Be just like the son of Adam (Abel). "Narrated by Ibn Mardwiyah after Hudhaifah Ibn Al- Yaman in another wording as saying: "Be just like the best of Adam's two sons.

" The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "None (no human being) is killed or murdered (unjustly), but a part of responsibility for the crime is laid on the first son of Adam who invented the tradition of killing (murdering on earth). " (Ahmed's Musnad)

However, there is a cave, called the "Blood Cave", in a mountain located to the northern part of Syria. It is thought to be the scene of the crime where Cain killed his brother Abel. The people living there came to know this through the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) and only Allah Almighty knows the validity or realness of this. .Al-Hafiz Ibn `Asakir mentioned in the biography of Ahmed Ibn Katheer that "He (Ahmed) saw in a dream Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him), Abu Bakr, `Umar and Abel. Ahmed came to know from Abel -who took an oath of that- it was his own blood (that was spilt there (in that very cave)). Abel said that he had asked Allah Almighty to make the invocations and supplications offered in that place acceptable. Allah accepted his own invocations

and His Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) believed in that and said: I (Allah's Messenger), Abu Bakr and `Umar used to visit that place every Thursday. "However, it is to be stated that this narration represents only a vision. Even if it were true, no religious ruling can ever be based on such a thing; and Allah knows best!

Allah Almighty says: Then, Allah sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him how to hide the dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said: "Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother? "Then he became one of those who regretted. Some interpreters said: "After Cain had killed his brother, he carried him on his back for a full year (not knowing what to do with his brother's corpse!)." Others said: He carried him on his back for one

hundred years till Allah Almighty sent two crows who fought against one another. One of them was killed. The murderer scratched the ground to hide the body of the dead crow. Seeing him doing that, Cain said: Woe to me! Am I not even able to do as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother? Then, he buried the body of his dead brother and covered it with earth.

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Polygamy in Islam

Polygamy:

In terms of the birth rate, men and women are almost equal in number. But, subsequently, for a variety of reasons, the number of men in society decreases, leaving an excess of women. Now the question arises as to what should be the solution to this problem. In view of the inevitability of this imbalance, how is a healthy relationship between the sexes to be established? By following the principle of monogamy, hundreds of thousands of women fail to find husbands for themselves and are thus denied an honourable place in society. Monogamy as an absolute principle may seem pleasing to some, but events show that this is not fully practicable in the world of today. The choice for us, therefore, is not between monogamy and polygamy, but rather between the lawful polygamy of Islam and the illicit polygamy of non-Islamic peoples. The latter system leaves “surplus” women to lead lives of sexual anarchy and social destruction. The former, on the other hand, permits them to opt on their own free will for marriage with anyone who can give fair treatment to more than one wife.

The solution to this problem in the Islamic shari‘ah is the giving of permission to men, under special

conditions, to marry more than one woman. This principle of polygamy, as enshrined in the Islamic

shari‘ah is designed, in actual fact, to save women from the ignoble consequences mentioned above.

The permission to practice polygamy in Islam was not given in order to enable men to satisfy their

sexual urges. It was designed as a practical strategy to solve a particular problem. Marrying more than one woman is possible only when there are more women than men.

 In view of the inevitability of this imbalance, how is a healthy relationship between the sexes to be established? The choice for us, therefore, is not between monogamy and polygamy, but rather, between the lawful polygamy of Islam or the illicit polygamy of non-Islamic peoples. One of the commandments given in the Qur’an as a matter of social organization concerns polygamy, that is permission for a man to marry up to four women:

If you fear that you will not do justice to the orphans, then, marry the women you like, in twos, in threes and in fours. But, if you fear that you will not maintain equity, then (keep to) one woman, or bondwomen you own. It will be closer to abstaining from injustice. (Qur'an 4:3)

O you who believe, it is not lawful for you that you should forcibly take women as inheritance. Do not hold on to them so that you may take away some of what you have given them, unless they commit a clearly shameful act. Live with them in the recognized manner. If you dislike them, then it is quite likely that you dislike something and Allah has placed a lot of good in it.  (Qur'an 4:19)

It is compulsory that the woman who is the object of the man’s choice should be willing to enter into the married state. This willingness on the woman’s part is a must before a marriage can be lawful in Islam. It is unlawful to marry a woman by force. There is no example in the history of Islam where a man has been allowed to force a woman into marriage.

The Prophet Muhammad’s own view that “an unmarried girl should not be married until her permission has been taken”(Fath al-Bari, 9/157).

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