Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ If the statements of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) are viewed in the context of his era, in which he encouraged this, it becomes clear that Islam is the true protector of women's rights. He made these statements at a time when people used to bury their daughters alive. When news of a daughter's birth was received, they would hide their faces, and out of shame, they would hate daughters. In such circumstances, the encouragement to treat daughters well is a manifest proof of the truthfulness of the Benefactor of Humanity.

➋ Raising daughters is a great trial. Taking care of their education and upbringing, teaching them manners, looking after their food and other necessities, and then the stages of their marriage are such delicate responsibilities that a person cannot fulfill them without Allah's help.

➌ The mention of daughters, without reference to sons, does not mean that spending on sons does not earn reward. Since people generally raise sons with enthusiasm and consider daughters a burden, their special virtue has been mentioned. Moreover, sons usually become self-sufficient upon reaching adulthood, whereas daughters remain dependent on their parents until marriage.

➍ Good treatment means to do more good to them than their rights require, to give them more than their necessities, and to prefer them over oneself. Sayyidah Aisha (radi Allahu anha) narrates that a woman came as a beggar, and with her were her two daughters. I had only one date, so I gave it to her. She divided the date and gave it to her two daughters, and did not eat anything herself. Then she got up and left. Later, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) came, and I related the whole incident to him. He said:
((مَنِ ابْتُلِیَ مِنْ هَذِہِ الْبَنَاتِ بِشَیْئٍ کُنَّ لَهٗ سِترًا مِنَ النَّار)) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Zakat, Hadith: 1418)
"Whoever is tested with these daughters (and treats them well), they will become a shield for him from the Fire."

➎ Clothing is a particular weakness of women, which is why in the first hadith, clothing is specifically mentioned. This means that along with their food and lodging, taking care of their necessary adornment is also a cause of reward. However, in the present era, special attention should be given to the morals and upbringing of girls. One should also observe the character of the girls they associate with, ensure that nothing in their adornment is contrary to the Shariah, and that they do not adorn themselves and appear before non-mahrams, nor go out, and that they do not lose the garment of modesty and chastity.

➏ Generally, the needs of daughters are taken care of until marriage, and after that, it is assumed that one is absolved of responsibility. There is no doubt that after marriage, the husband is responsible for the girl's expenses and needs, but parents should, just as they look after the needs of their sons after their marriages, also look after the needs of their daughters. When the Mothers of the Believers requested an increase in maintenance from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), Umar (radi Allahu anhu) said to his daughter, Sayyidah Hafsah (radi Allahu anha): "Whatever you need, take it from me, do not ask the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)." Similarly, it is established that Sayyidah Fatimah (radi Allahu anha) requested a servant from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) after her marriage. From this, it is understood that if a daughter is in need, parents should take care of her.

➐ Good treatment of daughters also includes not depriving them of inheritance. In the present era, people generally treat their daughters well, but deprive them of inheritance. This is sheer injustice. On the Day of Judgment, such an act will be a cause of regret and remorse. May Allah protect us from it.

➑ In the chapter, the same virtue is mentioned for raising one daughter, whereas in the hadith, at least two are mentioned. Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has established this virtue for one daughter in such a way that in one narration, the narrator said to Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) that if you had asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) about one (daughter), he would have mentioned the same virtue for one as well. Jabir (radi Allahu anhu) replied: "By Allah! That is also my opinion." (Al-Adab al-Mufrad, Hadith: 146)
In benefit number 4 of the hadith under discussion, the words mentioned in Bukhari's hadith are: "من هذه البنات بشیئٍ" — "with any of these daughters (if one is tested)"; in its meaning, even one daughter is included.