1. SAYYIDATINA ASIYAH (ALAYHASSALAM) BY: AHAMED SYED 22 DHU’L-HIJJAH, 1436 A.H. SEPTEMBER 7, 2015 madrasahidaya.net

2. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) has said that she is one of the four greatest women in human history, along with: Sayyidatina Maryam (Alayhassalam), the mother of Nabi ‘Isa (Alayhissalam); Sayyidatina Khadija (Rady Allahu Anha), the wife of our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam); and Sayyidatina Fatima az-Zahra, (Rady Allahu Anha), the daughter of our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam). ONE OF THE FOUR GREATEST WOMEN

3. SHE WAS A QUEEN Sayyidatina Asiyah (Alayhassalam) was one of the richest and powerful woman of her time due to being married to the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh (Fir ʻ awn in Arabic) was one of the most powerful, arrogant and tyrannical rulers of his time. He was known for his extreme cruelty and not only rejected Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ʻ ala), but proclaimed himself to be god.

4. THE BIRTH OF NABI MUSA (ALAYHISSALAM) When the Pharaoh was advised that a Prophet would come in the future and overthrow him, he immediately ordered the killing of all newborn boys so that he would remain in power forever. But Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ʻ ala) protected Nabi Musa (Alayhissalam), and inspired his mother to place him in a cradle into the river Nile.

5. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘a la) says in Surah Al- Qasas, Verse 7: We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: "Suckle (thy child), but when thou hast fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor grieve: for We shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our Messengers.” SURAH AL-QASAS, VERSE 7

6. One day the maids of Sayyidatina Asiyah (Alayhassalam) found a cradle with a baby floating in the river. They brought the baby to Sayyidatina Asiyah (Alayhassalam) who immediately fell in love with the baby. Sayyidatina Asiyah was chosen to take care of one of the greatest Prophets of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala), Nabi Musa (Alayhissalam). SHE TOOK CARE OF NABI MUSA (ALAYHISSALAM)

7. Although the Pharaoh was one of the most evil men in human history, he loved his wife. She pleaded with him to not only allow the baby to live, but to raise the child in their own household. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) tells us in Surah Al- Qasas, Verse 9: And the wife of Pharaoh said: “(Here is) joy of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be of use to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceived not (what they were doing)! SURAH AL-QASAS, VERSE 9

8. ALLAH (SUBHANAHU WA TA‘ALA) IS THE BEST PLANNER Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) then inspired Sayyidatina Asiyah (Alayhassalam) to offer the mother of Nabi Musa (Alayhissalam) to live in their household and wet nurse the baby, allowing for the mother and son to be reunited again. Truly Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) is the Best of Planners!

9. SHE WAS A SINCERE BELIEVER Nabi Musa (Alayhissalam) became the Prophet that the Pharaoh feared and began calling people to worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala). But Nabi Musa (Alayhissalam) had only a few followers as most people feared being subjected to the cruel torture of the Pharaoh. When Sayyidatina Asiyah (Alayhassalam) came to know of the new faith, she immediately recognized it as the truth and became a Muslim.

10. SHE HAD AN UNWAVERING FAITH For many years, she worshipped Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) and prayed in secret in fear of the punishment from her husband. However, her secret was eventually discovered. The Pharaoh desperately tried to persuade her not to believe in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala). But her faith was unwavering and she remained steadfast in her belief in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala).

11. SHE IS MENTIONED IN THE QUR’AN Her stature is so great that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) made her an example for all the women to follow and her prayer is mentioned in Surah At- Tahrim, Verse 11: And Allah sets forth as an example to those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh: Behold she said: "O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the Garden (of Paradise), and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong.”

12. SUMMARY She was a Queen with all the riches in the world. She was surrounded by disbelief and injustice. She was married to the Pharaoh who was known for extreme cruelty and rejection of God. She fully submitted herself to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) and remained steadfast through all her trials and tribulations.

13. THIS IS WHY SHE IS ONE OF THE FOUR GREATEST WOMEN IN HISTORY.