To be 'Asiyah' is to bring up 'Moses'
Lady Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh, is one of the four model women of the world as stated by the Seal of Prophets (s), the other three being Saint Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ; Khadijah al-Khubra bint al-Khuwaylid, the wife of Prophet Muhammad; and Fatimah az-Zahra, the daughter of the Holy Prophet and wife of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib---peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all.
As a secret believer in God, Asiyah is noted for saving Prophet Moses ('a) and raising him with all the love affection she could ever possibly give within the palace of Pharaoh. The Glorious Qur'an states:
"And the wife of Pharaoh said: '(He will be) a consolation for me and for thee. Kill him not. Peradventure he may be of use to us, or we may choose him for a son.' And they perceived not." (Q 28:9)
As an extraordinarily courageous and pious woman, Asiyah did not sacrifice her faith before the altar of being the queen of Egypt. Her conviction was such strong as she was able to afford renouncing all the pomp and temptation of the world. Finally, for her unflinching defiance in acknowledging her husband as the One True God, Pharaoh had her tortured and crucified, and thus, let her die as a martyr in the way of God.
Today, the role played by Asiyah needs to be highlighted among the Muntazirin, particularly among our sisters who are unfortunately compelled by fate to play such a difficult role. The concerned sisters are kindly exhorted to observe patience and constancy. While faithfully fulfilling their obligations toward their husbands, and wishing and exerting effort for their guidance, they are expected to pay special attention to the molding of their children.
In other words, these 'Asiyahs' of today are expected to produce many a 'Moses'---Moses that will liberate the society from the bondage of Pharaonic tyranny and oppression; Moses that will clearly refute the Pharaoh's false claim of divinity; Moses that will easily recognize the authentic Islam; and Moses that will finally join the ranks of Muntazirin in preparing the ground for the reappearance of the Most Awaited One.
On the part of brothers and sisters, they are expected to make effort in not letting the other sisters to forcefully have the lot of Asiyah. They ought to be reminded that the role of Asiyah is a difficult one, and that not every sister can faithfully play that role. Equally important is for them to pray for the wellbeing of the Asiyahs and to extend their helping hands whenever needed.
For the Asiyahs of today, the following
supplication of their role model as mentioned in the Qur'an, the solace for
those who are in despair, can always be a source of inner consolation:
"And Allah citeth an example for those who believe: the
wife of Pharaoh when she said: 'My Lord! Build for me a home with Thee in
the Garden, and deliver me from Pharaoh and his work, and deliver me from
evil doing folk'." (Q 66:11)
'Asiyahs' among the Muntazirin are expected to produce many a 'Moses'.
© 1998-2004 Shajaratun Muntazirah
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