Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) narrations speak of women with
praise and respect. He (PBUH) once said:
"The world and all things in it are precious, and the
most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman." (Ahmad and
Muslim)
He also said:
"Shall I not inform you about the best treasure a man
can have? It is a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, who
obeys him when he commands her, and who guards herself when he is absent from her."
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Made beloved to me from your world are women and
perfume, and the coolness of my eyes is in prayer." (Ahmad and
An-Nasa 'i)
In a famous incident, a man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked:
"O Messenger of Allah, who is the person who has the greatest right on me
with regards to kindness and attention?" He replied: "Your
mother." "Then Who?" He replied: "Your mother." "Then
who?" He replied: Your mother." "Then who?" He replied: "Your
father." (Ahmad and Abu Dawud)
The Qur'an also discusses the immense honor and respect due
to both parents, and especially to mother:
"And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good)
to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and
hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your
parents, unto Me is the final destination." (Qur’an 31:14)
In the days when it was a custom to cherish the birth of
male children and to bury the female children alive because of shame and
poverty, the Prophet (PBUH) has
said:
"Whoever looks after two girls till they reach
maturity, he and I will enter Paradise together like these two
(fingers).”
(Muslim
and A t- Tirm idh 1)
