Who is Asma?

Asma, the sister of Aisha (R.A.) who was the wife of Prophet (S.A.W.) was very excited because her mother who was departed from her for seven years will come to see her in Medinah. It was a very long time since Asma migrated to Makka and was separated from her mother so she was very much anxious to see her mother again, but there was a very serious problem.

Although Asma' father, Abu Bakr (R.A.) [first caliph), was a very devout Muslim, he never succeeded in persuading her mother to share his faith. She was still a "KAFIR", and like all kafirs still worshipped idols. She refused to submit herself to Allah (S.W.T.) alone, The One God.

"She is my mother", these were the words Asma told to herself. Her mother has to make a long journey just to meet her so she should have to welcome her with open heart and show her all the love that is due to a mother.

But she is a kafir, she does not believe in Allah (S.W.T.), and as a true Muslim we must love Allah (S.W.T.) more than anything else in this world. So how can she welcome a kafir with love and joy?

For some time Asma's mind was occupied by this problem. She cannot make a wise decision so she decided to go to Prophet's (S.A.W.) house to seek for his advice. She told the Prophet (S.A.W.) about her mixed emotions and feeling but to her surprise,

The Prophet (S.A.W.) replied to him; "So what's the problem?" So she repeated; :How can I welcome her with love and joy if she is a kafir?"

The Prophet (S.A.W.) against replied; "She is your mother so she deserves to be treated kindly and show her your love and care that is all due to her. If she had fought with you because of your being a Muslim and she drove you away from your home because of your faith, then that would be another matter but, since your mother has never done to you such a thing, Allah (S.W.T.) enjoins that you must be just and kind to her and give her the love a daughter should give to a mother.

Allah (S.W.T.) forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah (S.W.T.) loveth those who are just. 

[Sura Al-Mumtahanah (60:8) ]

"But if they strive to make thee join In worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; Yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love): In the end the return of you all is to Me,and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did."

 [Sura Luqman (31:15) ]

This story, I dedicate to those Muslims who have encountered the same problem as Asma. As what mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith (Tradition) of Prophet (S.A.W.), as long as our parents is not interfering with our faith, we have to show them all the love and care, a child should give to his parents. We should always remember the pain and agony they suffered in bringing us up.

We should always put in our mind the sacrifice our mother did while giving birth to us and the period of weaning us.

Once a man went to the Prophet (S.A.W.) and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, Who of all the people, is entitled to my kindness and good company?"

The Prophet (S.A.W.) answered, "Your mother"

The man asked, "Who comes next?"

The prophet (S.A.W.) replied, "Your mother"

Again the man asked, "Who come next?"

Again the Prophet (S.A.W.) replied, "Your mother"

The man asked one more time, "Who come next?"

The Prophet (S.A.W.) replied, "Your father" 

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command) , "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.

 [Related Al-Bukhari and Muslim]