HAZRAT ASMA (RA) - TEXT

HAZRAT ASMA (RA)

(vii)

     The Rasool (SAW) and his close companion, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA), migrated from Makkah to Madinah in the year 622 A.D. When the chiefs of various tribes of Makkah came to know about the migration of the Rasool (SAW) and his close companion, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA), they got furious. The chiefs were determined more than ever to find them out. They offered huge rewards and bounties for their capture, dead of alive.

(viii) 

     The preparation of this journey was made at the house of Hazrat Abu Bark Siddique (RA). Hazrat Asma (RA) rendered useful services in this regard. She prepared food for this journey. She tied the food on the camel back with her own belt as nothing else could be found. For this service she was given the title of Zaat-un-Nataqin by the Rasool (SAW)

(ix) 

     During the perilous journey, it was very difficult for anyone to supply food to Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). The situation was so delicate that the slightest mistake could have endangered the life of the Rasool (SAW). This grand task was nicely undertaken by Hazrat Asma (RA), the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). Every night, with the pack of food, she would quietly venture towards the rugged mountains in which lay the cave of Thawr. She took care of the minute detail in accomplishing the task. How difficult it must have been for her to transverse the rocky path at night, with the constant fear of being detected!

(x) 

     On the night of the migration, a tribal chief of disbelievers, Abu Jehl, in a fit of fury headed towards Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique's (RA) home. He began knocking at the door violently. Addressing Hazrat Asma (RA), he demanded, "Where is your father?" She politely replied, "How would I know?" This response shows the wisdom and courage of Hazrat Asma (RA). She didn't make a statement the would give him a clue. She simply posed a counter question that infuriated Abu Jehl. He slapped Hazrat Asma's (RA) face so hard that her ear-ring fell off but she remained steadfast and did not reveal the secret.

(xi)

     Her grandfather, Hazrat Abu Quhaffa was a disbeliever at that time. He was very old and had become blind. He said to her, "Asma, I think Abu Bakr has taken all the wealth, leaving you and children empty-handed and helpless. At this, she instantly ran to a corner of the home. She gathered some pebbles and put them at the place where her father used to keep his money and jewels. She covered it with a piece of cloth. "Come grandfather, look! he has left all this for us". He touched the cloth and thought it was full of gold and jewels. His concern was alleviated and he felt relieved to know that Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) had left all his wealth at home.

(xii) 

     Hazrat Asma (RA) was amongst the early few who accepted Islam. She was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) and step sister of Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqua (RA). She was the wife of Hazrat Zubair bin al-Awwam (RA) and mother of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (RA). She died at the ripe old age of about hundred years. Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) used to say that he had not seen anybody more generous and open hearted than his aunt Hazrat Ayesha (RA) and his mother. Hazrat Asma (RA) was so generous that she sold the garden inherited after the death of her sister, Hazrat Ayesha (RA). She gave away all the money to the poor and the needy. Nobody ever returned empty-handed from her doorstep.
     Hazrat Asma (RA) will always be remembered for her courage, generosity and wisdom. She had resolute faith in Allah Almighty. Her life would always be a beacon of light for all of us.