The Virtue of Kindness and Good Treatment Towards Daughters

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)

Chapter: The Virtue of Being Kind to Daughters and Sisters​

Hadith on Treating Daughters with Compassion​

✿ «عن عائشة رضي الله عنها , قالت: دخلت امراة معها ابنتان لها تسال، فلم تجد عندي شيئا غير تمرة فاعطيتها إياها، فقسمتها بين ابنتيها ولم تاكل منها ثم قامت فخرجت، فدخل النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم علينا فاخبرته، فقال: من ابتلي من هذه البنات بشيء كن له سترا من النار”.» [متفق عليه: رواه البخاري 1418، ومسلم 2629]

Translation: Aisha (رضی اللہ عنہا) narrated: A woman came to me with her two daughters, asking for something. I had nothing except one date, which I gave to her. She divided the date into two halves and gave one to each of her daughters without eating any of it herself. She then stood up and left. Later, the Prophet (ﷺ) came to us, and I informed him about this incident. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever is tested with daughters and treats them well, they will be a shield for him from the Hellfire.”

Lessons from the Hadith​

1. Excellence in Kindness:
   This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of kindness, particularly towards daughters, as an act of devotion and compassion that earns immense rewards from Allah.
2. Significance of Daughters in Islam:
   Contrary to pre-Islamic customs that looked down upon daughters, Islam honors and uplifts their status. Caring for daughters is portrayed as a noble responsibility and a means of salvation.
3. A Shield Against Hellfire:
   The Prophet (ﷺ) assures that the one who is tested by the responsibility of daughters and fulfills it with love and patience will be protected from Hellfire.
4. Equality and Selflessness:
   The woman in the Hadith demonstrates selflessness by prioritizing her daughters’ needs over her own, which serves as an example of maternal love and sacrifice in Islam.

Conclusion​

Islam emphasizes the virtue of kindness and generosity, particularly towards daughters and sisters. Such acts of compassion and selflessness not only elevate one’s rank in the sight of Allah but also serve as a protection against Hellfire. Muslims are encouraged to view daughters as a blessing and fulfill their responsibilities towards them with love, care, and devotion.