As Salaam ‘Alaykum ,
I want to share one of the best love stories I’ve read in a long time.
A woman from amongst the best woman to have walked this earth, related to our beloved prophet sallaahu ‘alayhee wa sallam.
A man that was one of the most gracious of the Quraysh youth in terms of lineage, prestige and wealth.
Pair these two together and you get …. RuQayyah and ‘Uthmaan.
Az-Zubayr reported in a hadeeth, that the messenger of Allaah sallaahu ‘alayhee wa sallam sent a man with a gift to ‘Uthmaan and RuQayyah. The man then came back late. The messenger of Allaah told the man , “ Do you want me to inform you about what delayed you?” The man answered in the affirmative. The prophet sallaahu ‘alayhee wa sallam then said, “You stood there looking at ‘Uthmaan and RuQayyah admiring their beauty.”
This married couple is really an example of what a “power couple” can really look like and accomplish. In their bio (which in brief can be found in the book “Women around the messenger”) it speaks about some of the various situations they went through together as a team and how they were able to overcome hardship upon hardship based on their high levels of taQwa, emaan, perseverance ,and their love and support for one another. Other factors can be added to their success as well but these are just to name a few.
RuQayyah and ‘Uthmaan migrated during a time when muslims were few and safety was not easy to come by once laa elaahaa illallaah were uttered. So as long as you were muslim, your life was in danger. It was during this time that the prophet advised his beloved daughter and loving son in law to migrate to safety to a land that they would be safe. Their first migration was to Abyssinia later known as Ethiopia. This migration would not be easy but had to be done.
As the time came to actually depart, we seen the anxiety and agony that it caused all the muslims that were about to embark upon this dangerous journey.
Just imagine, having to travel during a time when there were no airplanes, trains or buses…. walking on foot to a far away land. In the darkness at times with wild animals lurking coupled with the cold of the night. Jungles. Scorching deserts. Running away from the only place you’ve ever known to be home. Migrating to a land that is unknown and losing some of the companions you’ve migrated with to the harsh conditions of the journey. Leaving loved ones behind not knowing what will become of them or you once you leave. This and much more had to be faced yet their emaan and support of one another gave them strength.
Through this agony…it was time to bid her family farewell. RuQayyah leaving her parents the Prophet , her pious mother Khadeejah, and her siblings (may Allaahالله be pleased with them all ) RuQayyah wept and embraced her family. ‘Uthmaan was also so sad and grave-faced. RuQayyah turned to her husband with such comforting words, “Allaahالله is indeed with us and with those we are leaving behind in the vicinity of the Ancient House.”
They then set off to their migration. Though difficult, this was not their only migration. They had many more hardships to come yet each time they would rely upon Allaahالله firstly , and turn to one another full of love and support. Sharing the comforting words of the remembrance of Allaahالله ,remembering their goals that they both set with each other and setting out to accomplish them time and time and again…. as a team! Two heads are better than one and they were a great team that set an example for the ummah to follow and apply.
Until the last breath of RuQayyah , her husband ‘Uthmaan never left her side and honored the strength and love of his wife. On her very death bed ‘Uthmaan kissed his wife’s forehead and fingertips utterly devastated about losing her.
Their loved ones both family and friends alike, all could see how beautiful this couple was. To see them was a delight. So much so that the Quraysh made a lullaby about them!
We can all take at least one benefit from their story and utilize it for something in our lives and marriages. How we yearn to be like RuQayyah and ‘Uthmaan in support of one another upon piety , taQwa, love and endearment.
May Allaahالله bless our marriages and aid us in striving to be like the pious muslims before us Aameen.
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