Ihsaan Magazine August 2016 | Page 40

Half Your Deen All married persons would love to feel that deep connection with their spouse that they can go to them with whatever is worrying them, and that the other person in turn would be their comfort and strength. When the Prophet (pbuh) had his first encounter with Angel Gabriel at the time of the first revelation, it was a very strange experience. His first instinct was to seek comfort in Khadija (RA). He hastened home and cried to Khadija: ‘Cover me! Cover me!’ She laid him down, placing a cloak over him, and as soon as he had recovered himself a little he told her what had happened. The Prophet was in fear for himself. She held him close and told him: “Never! By God, God will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor, serve your guests generously, and assist those hit with calamities.” What a tremendous support she was to him! Small things that mean a lot; open display of affection and romance Aisha RA would comb the hair of the Prophet (pbuh) and wash his hair. Aisha RA would drink from a cup. The Prophet (pbuh)would take this cup and search for the place where the lips of his beloved wife made contact. Upon finding the place where his wife drank from the cup, he would put his lips on the very same 38 | Ihsaan | Issue 1 place so that his lips have touched the place where her lips touched. He would then drink the contents of the cup at the same time enjoying union with his spouse. When there was meat to eat, Aisha (RA) would take a bite. The Prophet (pbuh) would take the meat from her hand and again place his mouth the very same place where his wife ate from. The Prophet (pbuh) would kiss his wife regularly. Even when he would be fasting, he would kiss his wife. Cute, loving nicknames The Prophet (pbuh) would call his wife ‘Humairā’’ out of love. Linguistically it means the little reddish one, but the scholars state that in reality it refers to someone who is so fair that due to the sun they get a reddish tan. This was the reason why the Prophet (pbuh) called her Humaira’ Helping in the home Aisha RA was asked about the manners of the Prophet in his home and she replied: He was helping in doing the family duties and when he hears the call of prayer he goes out. She also replied: He washes his clothes, milks his ewe, and serves himself. And in another narration: He sews his clothes, cleans his shoes and does what men generally do in their homes. Here we are talking about a husband who had all the responsibilities of a headof-state, in today’s termslike a President and more. Yet he had no pride in sharing chores, or saw that as the sole responsibility of his wives. Showing love and respect to in-laws Another great factor to contribute to a healthy relationship is to love and cherish the family of your spouse. The Prophet (pbuh)was once asked whom he loved the most. He replied, “Aisha.” When the questioner rephrased his question and asked from amongst the men, he replied, “Her father.” Being mature and responsible The Prophet (pbuh) in all his duties as the Last Messenger was careful not to neglect the responsibilities he had towards his wives. One of his companions asked:“O Prophet of Allah, what are the rights of my wife? He said: To feed her when you eat, clothe her when you clothe, don’t beat her face, don’t abuse her and don’t desert her except in home”. Often when spouses get angry with each other, it is usual to become fixated on the negatives in the other person’s character. The Prophet’s (pbuh) philosophy on this was: “The faithful husband should not hate his faithful wife, because if he hates certain manner in her character, then he should not forget the other good manners in her character”.