AN INTERRSTING STORY When it became known that Um Sulaym was widowed, a rich man named Abu Talha approached her for marriage. He was confident that she would accept his proposal being that he was not only rich, but handsome and popular amongst the people as well. Abu Talhah reached Umm Sulayms house. He asked and was given permission to enter. Her son Anas was present. Abu Talhah explained why he had come and asked for her hand in marriage. A man like you, Abu Talhah , she said, is not (easily) turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are a kafir, an unbeliever. Abu Talhah thought she was trying to put him off and that perhaps she had already preferred someone wealthier and more influential. He said to her: What is it that really prevents you from accepting me, Umm Sulaym? Is it the yellow and the white metals (gold and silver)? Gold and silver? she asked somewhat taken aback and in a slightly censuring tone. Yes, he said. I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to God and His Messenger that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my dowry. Abu Talhah understood fully the implication of her words; and he thought about the idol he himself carved from wood in which he worshipped. As if reading his mind, Um Sulaym said; Dont you know Abu Talhah, that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the earth? Thats true, he said. Dont you feel stupid while worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to bake bread or warm yourself? (If you should give up these Foolish beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any sadaqah apart from your acceptance of Islam. Who shall teach me in Islam? asked Abu Talhah. I shall, Umm Sulaym replied. How?” he asked. Utter the declaration of truth and testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your idol and throw it away. Abu Talhah left and reflected deeply on what Umm Sulaym had said. He came back to her beaming with happiness. I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Thus, Umm Sulaym and Abu Talhah were married. Anas, her son, was pleased and the Muslims would say: We have never yet heard of a dowry that was more valuable and precious than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her dowry. Abu Talhah and Umm Sulaym had an exemplary Muslim family life, devoted to the Prophet and the service of Muslims and Islam. The Prophet used to visit their home. Sometimes when the time of Prayer came, he would pray on a mat provided by Umm Sulaym. Sometimes also he would have a siesta in their house and, as he slept, she would wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Once when the Prophet awoke from his siesta, he asked: Umm Sulaym, what are you doing? I am taking these (drops ofperspiration) as a barakah (blessing) which comes from you , she replied. I WISH MY SISTERS IN ISLAM AND I BORROW THIS STORY
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 11:43:14 +0000
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