Baraka’s News, ‘It’s A Girl !’
Baraka (Umm Ayman) was hurrying through the marketplace, her face shining with joy. She met Sulayma al-Khuz’yya, who said to her in amazement: “What has happened, Baraka? Why are you running so fast?”
“I have good news for my master,”
“What good news?”
“Khadijah has given birth to her fourth daughter! “
Sulayma looked closely at her and asked in astonishment: “Is a fourth daughter good news?”
“Of course!”
Sulayma drew close to her and whispered,
“Speak the truth, Baraka.”
“About what?”
“How is your master going to receive the news of another girl?“
Baraka laughed and said, “Your question reminds me of the day Khadijah gave birth to her first daughter, Zaynab. I was told to convey the news to him. So I went to him, trembling with fear. But an amazing surprise was in store for me.“
“How?”
“As soon as he heard that his wife had given birth to a girl, his face brightened with light and joy. He rushed to see the baby, joyfully carried her in his arms, kissing her and congratulating her mother. He then ordered that some animals be slaughtered and a feast held to celebrate her birth.”
Baraka set off and Sulayma remained deep in thought. She had felt the bitterness of losing three children her husband had buried alive, paying no heed to her tears and implores. [1]
Unbeknown to her at that time that Muhammad ﷺ was destined for Prophethood, still Sulayma appreciated him. It was remarkable to see his response in a time when societies belittled and had no concept of value for women. When he was finally sent as a Prophet ﷺ to those whose hearts had grown hard, cruel and devoid of mercy; he challenged and put an end to their barbaric acts, bringing honour to women.
His wife, Aisha(ra) said speaking of his daughter Fatima(ra). “I never saw anyone who resembled the Prophet ﷺ in his comportment, gestures or manners than his daughter in how she stood and sat. When she came to visit him, he would stand and kiss her, and sit her down in his place.[Tirmidhi]
This incident is a reminder of a father’s love and respect for a daughter- a female - a life so dear to him, from his own flesh and blood.🌙
𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 of 𝗦.𝗡.𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗶 ✍🏼 (𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗯𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, Islamic chapter books for kids📚)
[1] Muhammad by Dr. Muhammed Abdu Yamani, Dar Al Taqwa Publications
