After reciting Tashahhud, Ta`awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) said:
‘These days, the actions of certain Muslims have presented Islam in a manner that gives non-Muslims around the world the opportunity to raise allegations. Therefore, anti-religious forces become even more brazen in their attacks on Islam. At times, Islam is defamed by being labelled as an extremist and cruel religion, and other times it is defamed in relation to usurping the rights of others. In some instances, it is said that women are not afforded their due rights and this results in more allegations being levelled against the teachings of Islam. The sentiments of Muslim women are very tactfully roused when they are told that their freedom is taken away by having to observe purdah [the veil] and that they are confined to the four walls of their homes. As a result, those who are not well versed in religion begin to think that their rights are, in reality, not being fulfilled. On the other hand, women become even more extreme in retaliation. In fact, some women even become leading figures in terrorist organisations.
Allah the Almighty has bestowed a great favour upon Ahmadi women by enabling them to accept the Promised Messiah(as), who has presented the true teachings of Islam to us. He has expounded upon matters in the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet(sa)] which required explanation, and taught that Islam is a religion of moderation, it is in line with human nature, and every injunction of Islam is full of wisdom. Whenever Islam speaks about the rights of men, it also speaks about the rights of women. When Islam gives glad tidings of rewards and the pleasure of Allah the Almighty for men who do good works, it also gives glad tiding of rewards and the pleasure of Allah the Almighty for women who do good works as well. Thus, it is completely wrong for someone to say that Islam gives men precedence over women.
Islam teaches that it is the man’s responsibility to bear the household expenditures, to provide for his wife and children and to fulfil their needs. These responsibilities demonstrate man’s role as Qawwam [a guardian]. Being a guardian does not mean that men should lord it over women and treat them harshly. If a woman is working as a doctor, teacher, or in any other profession, and her husband is also supportive of her work, the husband does not have any right over her earnings. The man must still bear the expenses of the household and that is his responsibility. Men are responsible for fulfilling the needs of their wives as well as their children, regardless of whether the wife works or not. The husband cannot ask his wife to bear half of the household expenditures since she is working and earning. If the wife contributes towards the household expenditures of her own volition, then this is a favour upon her husband.
Otherwise, it is in no way compulsory for women to bear the household expenses. The man of the house, or the husband, is responsible for providing clothes, sustenance, shelter and fulfilling all other needs of his wife and children. At the same time, Islam does teach women that if the men have been made responsible for taking care of the needs of his wife and children, then the wife’s first priority should be to look after the household and tend to the upbringing of the children. When either a man or a woman acquires a professional education, whether they become doctors, engineers, teachers etc., they possess a desire and an interest to work in their professional field in order to gain experience and have the opportunity to enhance their expertise.
We cannot say that women do not desire to enhance and demonstrate their expertise after acquiring an education and that it is only men who have this desire. I know many Ahmadi women who are doctors and have also specialised in their respective fields, but despite their desire to work, they left their work after getting married because they believed that the upbringing and training of children was far more important than their desire to work in their professional fields. And once their children had grown up, they resumed their work in their respective professions. The children of such mothers are generally seen to do the best, both in worldly and religious matters, and they are also free from any kind of psychological issues. Thus, these are mothers who truly understand the Islamic injunction that their foremost responsibility is to train their progeny and the future of the nation in the most excellent manner and make them a valuable asset for their people and society.
God Almighty has ingrained the ability of raising children with patience and forbearance within the nature of women; this is a topic about which I spoke at length in the previous Jalsa. Allah the Almighty has also created human nature in such a manner that, generally speaking, children are more attached to their mothers than to their fathers. A few years ago some research was conducted in which it was reported that up until the age of 13 or 14, children are influenced more by their mothers than by their fathers. They give more importance to what their mothers say and deem it more correct and give their father less importance in comparison. Later on however, children also become inclined towards their fathers and boys in particular are more interested in going out and taking part in various physical activities when they reach adolescence.
On a related note, when a husband and wife have disagreements, the father might begin to fulfil the wrongful wishes of the children out of stubbornness. As I mentioned, this happens when there are disputes between the husband and wife and the father is completely oblivious to the fact that the wrong kind of coddling and affection can, in fact, destroy his own progeny. I am personally aware of this and many cases have been brought before me wherein disputes begin between a husband and a wife in the home or parents become separated and, in order to draw the children towards themselves, the fathers purchase games for their children which waste their time. When the mothers advise their children against this, they inform their father. If the marriage is still intact but there are constant disputes in the home, then such things only cause the disputes to increase. However, if the marriage is already broken and the two are separated, then the children end up leading a double life and are not able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. I am also personally aware of the fact that as the boys or girls grow older and become a little more mature, then they take the side of their mother and report the ill-treatment of their father.
Thus, Islam has taken into account this particular aspect of human nature and has told both men and women that if they wish to facilitate the proper upbringing of their children and want to make them a valuable asset to their society, then both men and women need to assume their respective responsibilities.
Both need to fulfil one another’s rights and also the rights of their children, and as a result, they will be nurturing them into becoming valuable assets to society. If women were to disregard their responsibilities at home and focus instead on working in order to accumulate wealth, then the children would be neglected when they return home from school and will not know where to turn in order to seek comfort. When mothers return home fatigued from work, they will be concerned more with quickly preparing the food or completing other tasks and will not be able to give proper attention to their children.
This, in fact, is a factor which is causing unrest and anxiety in many children. As education becomes more and more accessible, women are increasingly inclining towards this and those girls who have attained an education assume that it is compulsory for them to work after marriage. As I said, indeed women are allowed to work, but the upbringing of their children is their foremost responsibility. In any case, these factors are causing unrest and anxiety in children, whether they express it or not, and gradually as they grow older, this then begins to impact them psychologically as well.
Thus in the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty has drawn the attention of women towards this by stating that the best among women are those who are virtuous, obedient, and guard the secrets [of their husbands]. They do good deeds and worldly desires are not their ultimate objective, rather their objective is to do good deeds while adhering to the commandments of Allah the Almighty and also to provide a good upbringing for their children and raise them to be virtuous. Moreover, even in private, they guard that which Allah the Almighty has instructed to be guarded.
Among the commandments which Allah the Almighty has given to women is the upbringing of their children. It is narrated in a Hadith [saying of the Holy Prophet(sa)] that the Holy Prophet(sa) stated that a woman is the guardian of her husband’s home. She safeguards his home and children in his absence.[1]
The question arises, how can the children be safeguarded? This can only be done by providing an excellent upbringing for the children and future generations. As I mentioned earlier, since Islam places the entire responsibility of providing for all the needs [of the family] upon men, it therefore also instructs women to fulfil their responsibilities as well. If a woman fulfils the responsibility of raising her children, then how can one draw the conclusion that she has been confined to the home and her rights are being usurped?
When the man has been made responsible for fulfilling the rights of his wife and, due to being out of the house for work, he cannot fulfil the rights due to the children, it is the wife who should then fulfil the due rights of the children. Allah the Almighty has placed the ability of taking excellent care of children within the nature of women. However, if a woman says that she wishes to take advantage of her rights and remain outside of the home all day, then who will fulfil the due rights of the children? Hence, Islam says that work should be allocated mutually and distributed between the two, and stubbornness should not become a cause for the children to be deprived of their due rights. Children should not be deprived of their rights for the sake of individual fulfilment. Therefore, this teaching is not objectionable, rather it is a beautiful teaching.
Ahmadi mothers should not have any complaints, instead they should be happy that the righteous laps of Ahmadi mothers are sacred treasures. They are a place to hold riches and the children raised therein are a sacred treasure, and due to their good upbringing they are God Almighty’s favourite treasure. Who would not wish to produce and have this sacred treasure? So rise and fill your treasuries with this sacred wealth instead of forsaking the rights of children and depriving them out of stubbornness and becoming involved in disputes. Do not look to the world, for this world is merely temporary; instead of chasing the life of this temporary world, you should strive to attain the life of the hereafter. By doing so, not only does this life become a paradise, but the life of the hereafter also becomes an everlasting paradise.
Look at the status which the Holy Prophet(sa) gave to righteous wives and mothers. He stated that the wealth which must be gathered is not of gold or silver. Do not think that you have collected great amounts of wealth by hoarding gold and silver. He said that in fact, the best wealth is the tongue which is occupied in the remembrance of Allah, the heart which is grateful and the believing wife who aids the husband in matters of faith.[2]
Therefore, it is a believing wife who helps the husband in holding fast to his faith and a believing wife also helps those who serve the faith. Hence, this saying of the Holy Prophet(sa) draws the attention of both men and women towards the fact that if they wish to gather wealth which will benefit them in this world and in the next, then their tongues must remain occupied in the remembrance of Allah and sentiments of gratitude must be inculcated for the blessings bestowed by God Almighty. One should not spend one’s time agonising that certain people have more wealth and money, while we have little wealth; so and so has a bigger house and ours is small; so and so has a brand new car and we do not. Similarly, women should not be looking at others, thinking that they have this much gold jewellery and we do not and our husbands have not provided us with any. If they have the means, husbands should most certainly try to fulfil the desires of their wives, but to have one’s desires fulfilled at the cost of taking a loan or drowning in debt is not the quality of a devout wife.
God Almighty’s Messenger(sa) says that if you are righteous and devout then you are worth more than gold and silver. The children being raised in your laps are a priceless treasure which is the best wealth of the community that gives precedence to faith over the world, and they are the finest assets of the nation as they will be on the front lines of its progress. This instruction is extremely important for men as well, and it expounds on another instruction of the Holy Prophet(sa), that when looking to marry, give preference to faith over family, wealth and beauty and search for religious women so that you may be given such bounty, wealth and beauty which is not temporary.[3]
Instead it will beautify this world and the next, and will also beautify your future generations. Thus, if men were to reform themselves and make their search for partners in accordance with the instruction of the Holy Prophet(sa), then instead of chasing after the world, women will also begin making efforts to excel in faith. This would help men reduce their selfishness and pay more attention to fulfilling the rights of women. This statement of the Holy Prophet(sa) beautifully draws the attention of men to fulfilling the rights of women. On one occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that when it comes to the faith of believers, the best believer is he who has good morals and in terms of morals, the best is he who is best to his wife and treats her in an exemplary manner.[4]
Hence, the Holy Prophet(sa) deemed the good treatment of women to be a part of faith. In light of such a beautiful teaching, if any woman still thinks that women have no rights [in Islam] and that more rights are given to women through the laws of worldly people, then there can be no greater ignorance than this. Every single Ahmadi, whether man or woman, pledges that he or she will give precedence to their faith over world matters. The Holy Prophet(sa) informs us that if we wish to give precedence to faith over world matters, then one of the conditions is to improve one’s moral standards, as this will increase one’s faith. A person’s improvement of morals can only be known once it is established that they treat their wives and women well. Hence, if after such an instruction anyone wrongs their wife and does not treat her kindly then he should be worried about the state of his faith.
The Holy Prophet(sa) admonishes those men who do not treat their wives well over the smallest of matters. He states that one must take care of the well-being and comfort of women because they have been created from the rib. He said that if one tries to straighten the rib it will break, but if one tries to benefit from the way it has been made, then they will certainly take benefit from it.[5]
What a beautiful example he has given! Two of the major organs are within the ribcage – the lungs and the heart. According to doctors, this is a very important part of the body which protects the heart and the lungs from all kinds of harm. Hence, the status of women is such that the life of society is only breathing through them and the beating of pure hearts is protected by them.
Then, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that a believing man should not harbour any hatred or enmity against his believing wife. If one thing displeases him then it may be that another pleases him, so keep the good qualities in mind.[6]
The Holy Prophet(sa) stated that instead of looking for the weaknesses of one’s wife, focus on their good qualities and only then can one be a true believer. Therefore, this instruction of the Holy Prophet(sa) rectifies the thinking of those men who become angry with women due to minor issues. If they do not reform themselves then they are contradicting this instruction of the Holy Prophet(sa). If they possess any faith then they must accept this instruction. There is also the matter of rights in marriage. Some parents, who do not follow the teachings of Islam themselves, give non-Muslims the opportunity to level allegations, whereas the Holy Prophet(sa) has established the right of a woman to decide her matrimonial match. We find in one narration that a young woman approached the Holy Prophet(sa) and said that her father had arranged her marriage but she did not approve of it. Hence, the Holy Prophet(sa) gave her the right to either maintain that relationship or to refuse and end it.[7]
Similarly, in another narration a woman’s husband passed away, from whom she also bore a child. The brother of the man who passed away asked her father for her hand in marriage. The woman who had the child agreed to this and expressed her approval in wanting to marry her husband’s younger brother. However, the woman’s father had already arranged her marriage elsewhere without her approval. The woman then went to the Holy Prophet(sa) and made a plea to him. The Holy Prophet(sa) summoned her father and enquired of him [regarding the matter]. He replied that the marriage proposal he had was better than the one which she desired and had approved. The Holy Prophet(sa) annulled the father’s proposal and settled the marriage with the deceased husband’s younger brother, and did so in accordance with the desire of the woman.[8]
Although Islam grants the father [of the bride] guardianship in matrimonial matters, and at the time of Nikah [Islamic announcement of marriage] it is the father who expresses approval, however, the approval of the daughter is absolutely necessary, barring any issue [in the proposed matrimonial match] relating to religion. If, however, the girl herself is firm in her faith and gives precedence to faith over the world then she herself would not approve of such a proposal. Thus, the allegation against Islam that women do not have the right to choose whom they marry is entirely untrue and a completely false allegation. If a father arranges his daughter’s marriage without asking her and without her consent, then he is the one at fault, not the teachings of Islam. On many occasions, I have counselled parents when such matters come before me. Some even agree that they should not be stubborn and should marry their daughter according to her preference. However, some fathers are extremely stubborn and do not listen. Nevertheless, this allegation cannot be levelled against the teachings of Islam, that Islam does not permit girls to marry according to their preference.
With regards to this, I would also like to mention that recently, a large-scale study was conducted in Britain and those conducting this study were greatly astonished and were not expecting the results that they found. What were those results? According to them, arranged marriages, which included [marriages based on] the suggestions of elders, were more successful. Those involved in these marriages, the boys and girls, also said that they were more successful and that these couples were happier in comparison to the marriages that were as a result of friendships and their so-called love for one another.
In any case, Islam takes into account the girl’s own preference. At the same time, this is accompanied with the beautiful teaching that one does not know which marriage proposal will be fruitful. Therefore, one should not merely look at outward aspects at the time of settling a marriage. Instead, one should pray to Allah the Almighty that ‘if this marriage proposal is beneficial for me and for the coming generations, then Allah the Almighty should make it easy and blessed. However, if it is not beneficial, He should cause some hindrance to come about.’
Here, in the Western society, women and men marry according to their liking. There are generally no arranged marriages here. Why then do 65 to 70 percent of marriages eventually go on to end? Marriages break down, divorces are sought and lawsuits commence. This is due to the fact that at a certain time, they develop a lack of trust. The reason for this distrust is that they have formed friendships with others in the name of freedom; this distrust is developed due to forming other friendships. This sense of distrust then proves to be true in many cases and it becomes apparent that these friendships escalate to an extent which causes the trust between a husband and wife to vanish. Along with this, the sanctity of the other relationships which the husband and wife have are ruined. Subsequently, at the age of 50 or 55, the husband divorces his wife and marries another woman with whom he has established a friendship. This matter may not hold any significance in a materialistic environment, but in a religious environment this is most certainly disliked and this also affects the forthcoming generation. Their own children are affected as they end up without fathers or mothers. Men are not the only ones to be held responsible for this, rather women are also to be held responsible; those who, instead of fulfilling their responsibilities in the home, wish to spend their time outside in the name of freedom. Even those who have come from Pakistan, instead of upholding their religious traditions and following the path which Islam has taught them, they become influenced by their friends and neglect their homes. They believe that as they have come to these [Western] countries, they have obtained freedom and some begin to adopt absurd practices in the name of freedom. They neglect their children, which results in either conflict and disorder within the home, or families breaking apart. The husband and wife will be arguing about the smallest of matters and ultimately the household breaks apart, which then affects the children.
As I have mentioned before, if a woman needs to work due to certain circumstances or due to her exceptional professional skills, she should return home immediately after work so that she may give time to her children. The status of women, as explained by the Holy Prophet(sa), is that a mother has a higher rank than the father. This is because it is the mother who nurtures and raises the child from infancy to maturity. Hence, it is stated in a narration that upon a person questioning who among the people is most deserving of his kind treatment, the Holy Prophet(sa)said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “Your mother.” He asked for a fourth time, “Then who?” The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “After that, your father is most deserving of your kind treatment and following him are your relatives and friends.”[9]
Thus, Islam regards the status of a woman and mother to be three times higher than that of a man. The status of a man is fourth after that. Due to the pains and discomforts a mother has borne for the sake of her child, she deserves to have a level of superiority over the father. Yet, those who raise allegations still claim that a woman holds no significance in Islam.
Furthermore, Islam teaches, and Allah the Almighty instructs men that He will not reward them simply for being pleased with their verbal claims, rather, their actions are also necessary. If a person’s prayers do not incline one towards moral excellence, then those prayers are vain. One should not think that Allah the Almighty will be pleased with them simply because they went to the mosque and prayed or rendered some service for the faith or Community. He said that this is not the case; rather, moral excellence is also required. Furthermore, mentioning the pleasure of Allah the Almighty and being rewarded for rendering various tasks, the Holy Prophet(sa) also said that even if, for the sake of the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, you place a morsel of food in the mouth of your wife, He will reward it.[10]
Thus, Allah the Almighty desires for a relationship of love and affection to be established between a husband and wife. Emphasising and encouraging this very relationship of love and affection, the Holy Prophet(sa) presented this example as it would serve as a means of reward, demonstrating moral excellence as well as strengthening mutual ties. When Allah the Almighty does not discount the mere act of feeding a morsel of food as unrewarded, then imagine the great extent to which He will reward deeds such as kind treatment, demonstrating one’s love, being mindful of the wife’s feelings and protecting her from discomforts.
Thus, these are the beautiful teachings of Islam, which teach man not only to fulfil the rights of women, but to go even further and treat them with kindness. Yet, there are allegations levelled against Islam that a woman holds no honour in Islam.
The Holy Prophet(sa) said that whoever has three daughters and educates them and raises them in the best possible manner has acquired paradise.[11]
At a time when some tribes mourned the birth of a daughter, and some others buried their daughters alive, the Holy Prophet(sa) established the honour of women and elevated them to a status of pride. He did so by saying that while you mourn the birth of daughters and bury them alive, Islam gives you the glad tidings of paradise for raising them and educating them in the best possible manner. This is because they will soon become mothers who will lead their future progeny into paradise. Thus, if you have faith in God, rejoice at the birth of daughters and fulfil their rights. Worldly people may speak of the rewards of this world and that they will give such and such rewards in this world. However, they cannot speak about the rewards of the hereafter. It is only Islam which gives glad tidings of rewards in the hereafter for fulfilling the rights of one’s wife and daughter.
Yet, they allege that Islam does not give women their due rights. I have previously spoken about women working. In this regard, I would also like to mention that if a woman has to work due to certain reasons, an Ahmadi woman should be mindful of her dignity and virtue; she should be mindful of dressing modestly. They should always be mindful of the saying of the Holy Prophet(sa) that modesty is part of faith.[12]
Thus, an Ahmadi woman should be dressed modestly. She should always be mindful of her chastity. I have observed here [in Germany] as well as in other countries – and this is also the case in Pakistan – that gradually, instead of burqas [long outer coat], coats which are above the knees or at most up to the knees are being worn. If due attention is not given to this now, then these coats will start to become even shorter and purdah [the veil] will disappear. I also mentioned at the UK Jalsa, that the purdah [veil] observed by wearing burqas should not be revealing of a woman’s body, neither from front or from the back, nor should it disclose the beauty of her clothes. One should be covered from both sides, and if a preferred burqa is to be made, then women should keep this in mind. The department of handicrafts and exposition may also attempt a design. In any case, the essence lies in upholding the veiland modesty, rather than pursuing fashion. Strangely cut burqas have started appearing and as I said, one wonders whether they are burqas or items from a fashion show. An Ahmadi woman should safeguard against this. Nowadays, I have even heard that the purdah of non-Ahmadi women has become better than that of Ahmadi girls and women. This is a cause of embarrassment for us. Furthermore, there are some who do not even abide by modesty in their clothes let alone observing purdah. Thus, at the very least they should abide by modesty in their clothes. Every Ahmadi woman should be mindful of this. Once you promise to give precedence to your faith over worldly matters, then you will have to strive in this cause without worrying about [the criticism of] society. In this society where the sentiments of women are repeatedly evoked in the name of freedom, acting upon every Islamic instruction demands a struggle from women. Thus, if an Ahmadi woman desires to participate in Jihad, then it should be the jihad of giving precedence to the faith over worldly matters. In this age, neither men or women are permitted to resort to the jihad of the sword nor is there any need for it. If there is a jihad then it is the jihad of moulding one’s self in accordance with the Islamic teachings and of reforming one’s self. Do not fall prey to any inferiority complex because of what the world says.
Islam has established the rights of women; it has afforded them the right to inheritance and granted them the freedom of expression. Hence, female companions of the Holy Prophet(sa), availing their right to express themselves, would present their opinions to men.[13]
Islam has granted women the right to obtain an education, the right to acquire and own property, the right to express their preference regarding their marriage and the right to seek khula’ [separation sought by the wife] in case of misconduct on part of the husband. The laws which are now being enacted in developed countries and are still in the process of being constituted have already been established by Islam. Thus, you should not fall prey to any kind of inferiority complex. Give precedence to your faith over everything else. When German women here or natives of other developed countries come into the fold of Ahmadiyyat, they wear modest clothes and observe purdah with great confidence. In fact, I have noticed that some are becoming role models. I even tell some of them that they should undertake the moral training of those who are born Ahmadis. For instance, I met a German [Ahmadi] woman at the inauguration of the mosque in Gießen. I told her that her purdah was so complete and appropriate that it should serve as an example to those born Ahmadi women and girls who have come from Pakistan and whose purdah should have been at a good standard. She should present her example and show them how to observe purdah.
Thus, the essence of the matter is that one should always remember the oath of giving precedence to the faith over worldly matters. Girls should not think that, having been educated here [in the West], they will be considered contemptible and people will laugh and mock them if they do not mould themselves according to society. Always remember that there are many among you whose forefathers accepted the faith, came into the fold of Ahmadiyyat and made sacrifices, and you must be mindful of this. If you were to forget them, not only will you be compromising your own faith, but also that of your children. The majority of those among you who are of Pakistani origin have been forced to leave your country and you or your forefathers have settled here because you refused to follow the faith of the so-called clerics. Rather, having understood the commandments of the Holy Prophet(sa) and having accepted him, you accepted the Imam of the Age, the Promised Messiah(as), instead of following the faith of clerics and fearing them. This is the reason why you had to leave that country. Otherwise, what distinction do you bear? What other entitlement do the Ahmadis have who seek asylum and then settle here? Your settling in Germany is not due to any distinction or excellence on your part, rather it is due to your faith. If it is due to faith, then one should always be mindful of it. This nation has allowed Ahmadis to enter because we did not enjoy religious freedom in our country. Thus, both men and women should bear this in mind. If they do not act upon their faith, then it will be tantamount to deceiving the nation.
May Allah enable everyone to prove, through their words and conduct, that the faith you are following is the true faith and protects your rights. Proclaim the beauty of Islam to the world so that the world may realise that its salvation lies in acting upon the commandments of God Almighty and believing in Him. It does not lie in completely neglecting faith and forgetting Allah the Almighty, while being deeply indulged in the pomp and splendour of the world. May Allah the Almighty enable you to guide people and to show your own practical examples.’
ENDNOTES
[1] Sahih al-Bukhari Kitab al-Nikah, Bab al-Mar’atu Ra’iyatu Fi Baiti Zaujiha, Hadith #5200
[2] Sunan Tirmidhi, Abwab Tafseer al-Quran, Bab wa min Surah al-Taubah, Hadith #3094
[3] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab al-Ikfaa’ fi al-Deen, Hadith #5090
[4] Sunan Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Ridaa’, Bab Ma Ja’a Fi Haqq al-Mar’ati ‘Ala Zaujiha, Hadith #1162
[5] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab al-Wisaatu bi al-Nisaa’, Hadith #5186
[6] Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Ridaa’, Bab al-Wasiyyat bi al-Nisaa’, Hadith #1469
[7] Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab fi al-Bikr Yazujuha Abuha wa la Yasta’maraha, Hadith #2096
[8] Musnad al-Imam al-A’zam, Kitab al-Nikah, p. 133 – Matbu’ah al-Misbah, Urdu Bazaar, Lahore.
[9] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab Bab Man Ahaqq al-Nas bi Husn al-Suhbah, Hadith #5971
[10] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Fara’id, Bab Mirath al-Banaat, Hadith #6733
[11] Sunan Abi Daud, Abwab al-Naum, Bab Fadl man ‘Aala Yateeman, Hadith# 5147
[12] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Iman, Bab ‘Umoor al-Iman, Hadith #9
[13] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Malazim, Bab al-Ghurfatu wa al-‘Uliyyatu al-Mushrafah alkh, Hadith #2468), (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab fi Darb al-Nisaa’, Hadith #2146