A Brief Introduction of Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un(R.A)
Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un radiya Llahu ‘anhu is one of the early Muslims and a Sahabi of great authority. He accepted Islam after thirteen individuals, and had the virtue and honour of participating in the emigration to Abyssinia. He is the first among the Muhajirin to pass away in Madinah Tayyibah and to be buried in Jannat al Baqi’. When he left this world, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was extremely grieved and cried profusely. In this state, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam kissed Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un radiya Llahu ‘anhu. For this reason, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam referred to Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un as his pious forerunner.[33]
Corroboration from the Shi‘ah
The events around the demise of Sayyidah Ruqayyah bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha just as they have been briefly recorded in the books of the ‘ulama’ of the Ahlus Sunnah, the Shia scholars have narrated these events with a direct link from their leaders. Thus, from their canonical works, Furu’ al Kafi – Kitab al Jana’iz, the chapter regarding questioning in the grave – we will reproduce some texts which will elucidate the lofty status that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha enjoyed in the sight of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and enlighten the readers of the deep connection and love Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha had with her sister.
The Shia scholars write: قال لما مات رقية ابنة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله و سلم قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله الحقى بسلفنا الصالح عثمان بن مظعون و اصحابه قال و فاطمة عليها السلام على شفير القبر تبحذر دموعها فى القبر و رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله يتلقاه بثوبه قائم يدعو قال انى لاعرف ضعفها و سالت الله عز و جل ان يجيرها من ضمة القبر
When Sayyidah Ruqayyah bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha: “O Ruqayyah! Join our pious forerunner ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un and his comrades.” Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha stood at the side of the grave while her tears fell into her grave. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wiped her tears with his clothes and stated: “I know fully well her weakness. I thus asked Allah Ta’ala to protect her from the torment of the grave.”[34]
At another place in this book, Furu’ al Kafi, a narration has been reported from Imam Jafar al Sadiq rahimahu Llah:
وقف رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله على قبرها رفع راسه الى السماء فدمعت عيناه و قال للناس انى ذكرت هذه و ما لقيت فرققت لها و استوهبتها من ضمة القبر قال فقال اللهم هب لى رقية من ضمة القبر فوهبها الله له
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stopped at her grave. He lifted his gaze towards the skies while tears rolled down his cheeks. He then addressed the people: “I thought of her and the sufferings she bore. I felt pity for her and beseeched for her to be saved from the torment of the grave.” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam supplicated: “O Allah! Spare Ruqayyah from the torment of the grave.” Thus, Allah spared her.[35] These are few narrations documented by the early Shia scholars. A few narrations from the later Shia scholars will be written so that everyone is rest assured that these virtues of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha have been narrated by all the scholars, former and latter. Although, some ‘mourners’ fail to see this.
Sheikh ‘Abbas al Qummi is a famous and renowned mujtahid of the fourteenth century. He writes, translating the text of the A’immah: چوں رقیہ دختر رسول خدا صلی اللہ علیہ و آلہ وفات یافت حضرت رسول اورا خطاب نمود کہ ملحق شوبگزشتگان شائستہ عثمان بن مظعون و اصحاب شائستہ او و جناب فاطمہ علیہا السلام بر کنار قبر رقیہ نشستہ بود و آب ازدیدۂ خود اش در قبر می ریخت حضرت رسول صلی اللہ علیہ و آلہ آب ازدیدہ نور دیدۂ خود پاک میکردو در کنار قبر ایستادہ بود و دعا میکرد پس فرمود کہ من داستم ضعف و توانانی اورا و از حق تعالی خواستم کہ اورا امان دہدازفشار قبر
When the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Ruqayyah, passed away; Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed her: “O Ruqayyah! Join our pious forerunner ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un and his comrades.” Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha sat at the side of the grave of her sister crying while her tears were falling into the grave.[36] Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stood at the side of the grave and wiped the tears of his beloved Fatimah. He supplicated: “I know about the weakness and frailty of Ruqayyah. I thus asked Allah Ta’ala to protect her from the torment of the grave.”[37]
Conclusion
In short, the above mentioned Shia narrations explaining the events around the death of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, these points are apparent:
• Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
• He addressed her by saying that she should join his pious forerunners.
• Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha was present at the burial of her sister.
•Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam supplicated for Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and those supplications were certainly answered.
The Command to Send Salutations on Sayyidah Ruqayyah
We will now mention another discussion from the Shia elders. The Shia elders have narrated from their leaders that salutations be sent on both the daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam viz. Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha. We will reproduce the exact words of these forms of salutations. May Allah Ta’ala guide all the Muslims and grant them correct reliance on and love for the close family and relatives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Amin.
In the renowned book of the four early canonical Shia works Tahdhib al Ahkam, under the section of Tasbihat in Ramadan of Kitab al Salah it is written:
اللهم صل على القاسم و الطاهر ابنى نبيك اللهم صل على رقية بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها اللهم صل على ام كلثوم بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها
O Allah! Send salutations upon the two sons of Your Nabi, Qasim and Tahir. O Allah! Send salutations upon Ruqayyah, the daughter of Your Nabi, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect to her. O Allah! Send salutations on the daughter of Your Nabi, Umm Kulthum, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect to her.[38] (May Allah Ta’ala protect us!)
This salutation is found in scores of their authentic and reliable books. For corroboration, we will reproduce it from another book Tuhfat al ‘Awam so that it becomes clear to the people that these people have been recording these curses religiously from their first four canonical works until Tuhfat al ‘Awam: اللهم صل على القاسم و الطاهر ابنى نبيك اللهم صل على رقية بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها اللهم صل على ام كلثوم بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها
O Allah! Send salutations upon the two sons of Your Nabi Qasim and Tahir. O Allah! Send salutations upon Ruqayyah, the daughter of Your Nabi, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect of her. O Allah! Send salutations on the daughter of Your Nabi, Umm Kulthum, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect of her.[39] (May Allah Ta’ala protect us!)
Ponder over these words of the above text ‘curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha’. Can more pain and harm be caused than by saying that they were not the daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ? Every person who hurts these daughters by such painful claims is most definitely the target of this curse.
A Synopsis of the Biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A)
1_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was born 3 years after Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha.
2_ She was nurtured and reached maturity in the care of her father Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and her mother Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
3_ She accepted Islam with her mother Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and pledged allegiance to Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. 4_ In her childhood, she was married to ‘Utbah, the son of Abu Lahab. Thereafter, due to his animosity for Islam, she was divorced prior to consummation of the marriage.
5_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was then married to Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and the nikah was performed by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in compliance with the command of Allah.
6_ The women of Quraysh praised the beauty of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
7_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu were favoured with the virtue of hijrah to Abyssinia. They bore hardships in the path of Allah and are counted among the first emigrants who are deserving of being rewarded in the Hereafter.
8_ Meanwhile, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would enquire about them and supplicate for them: “May Allah Ta’ala be their companion.” 9_ After some time, they returned from Abyssinia and emigrated to Madinah, thus attaining the honour of emigrating twice.
10_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha had children. ‘Abdullah was born who after a few years passed away in 4 A.H in Madinah Tayyibah. His shrouding, burial, etc. was completed under the supervision of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
11_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gifted Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha with a slave girl Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha.
12_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would send cooked food to the house of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu would also send food to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a gift.
13_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha would serve her husband. Her father specially advised her in this regard.
14_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha fell ill in 2 A.H. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam left to Badr for battle and ordered ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu to remain behind to take care of her. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu received the same reward as the participants of Badr and was awarded with an equal share of booty.
14_ Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu remained behind from Badr just as Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu remained behind from Tabuk.
16_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away during this time 17 months after the emigration to Madinah in 2 A.H.
17_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam visited the grave of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and was accompanied by the women who were then forbidden from wailing and complaining.
18_ Sayyidina Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha came to the grave of her sister and wept.
19_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha: “Join our pious forerunner, ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un.” 20_ The discussion on sending salutations on Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha (only recorded in the books of the Shia).
[1] Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[2] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Tafsir Ahkam al Qur’an vol. 14 pg. 242 – under the verse, “O Nabi, tell your wives and your daughters” (Surah al Ahzab)
[3] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha [4] At this juncture, we find it necessary to clarify as to which son of Abu Lahab was killed by the beast. Our ‘ulama’ have mentioned the following which will clarify this matter. Hafiz Ibn Hajar al ‘Asqalani rahimahu Llah and other ‘ulama’ have written that on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, ‘Utbah ibn Abi Lahab and his brother Mu’attab ibn Abi Lahab ran away from Makkah due to fear and went somewhere else. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam enquired from ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib as to the whereabouts of his nephews who replied that out of fear, they absconded. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered that they be called. Thus, ‘Abbas went in search of them and brought both ‘Utbah and Mu’attab. Both of them came into the presence of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and accepted Islam. It is even recorded that after the Conquest of Makkah, these brothers participated in the Battle of Hunayn and were awarded with booty. ‘Ulama’ also write that these were among those who remained steadfast in the Battle of Hunayn. Thereafter, both of them lived in Makkah..
Al Isabah vol. 2 pg. 448, 449 – ‘Utbah ibn Abi Lahab radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Al Isabah vol. 3 pg. 422, 423 – Mu’attab ibn Abi Lahab radiya Llahu ‘anhu
We learn from this that if the incident of the beast is true (as mentioned by some ‘ulama’) then it happened to ‘Utaybah who died prior to the Conquest of Makkah and did not embrace iman. It is not regarding ‘Utbah. And Allah knows the truth.
Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 375 – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162, 163 – Mention of who married Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha Tarikh Al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha (Tabarani has narrated it in his Mujam) [6] Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 379 with reference to Ibn ‘Asakir narration no. 5875 – Chapter regarding the virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[7] Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162 – The biography of Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[8] Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
[9] Al Bidayah Wa al Nihayah vol. 3 pg. 66 – The chapter of hijrah; who emigrated from Makkah to the land of Abyssinia Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
[10] Al Bidayah vol. 3 pg. 66, 67 – The chapter of hijrah; who emigrated from Makkah to the land of Abyssinia
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 457 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 63 – Her emigration
Sharh Mawahib al Laduniyyah vol. 3 pg. 198 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 275 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 381 narration 5885 – The virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[11] Hayat al Qulub vol. 2 pg. 330 ch. 22 – The Emigration to Abyssinia
Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 367 – Nur Mowludi
[12] Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 298 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 217 – The chapter concerning Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162 – Mention of who married Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[13] There was a need to board a ship in the emigration to Abyssinia. There was no way to get to Abyssinia in those days without ships. Hence, the emigrants to Abyssinia are also called ‘the people of the ship’.
[14] Muslim vol. 2 pg. 304 – The chapter concerning the virtues of Jafar and Asma’ bint ‘Umays radiya Llahu ‘anhuma
[15] Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 456 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Al Bidayah vol. 3 pg. 37 – The section concerning the children of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 3 pg. 37 – ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu [16] Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 80 – Nur Murtadwi Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 367 – Nur Mowludi [17] Muruj al Dhahab vol. 2 pg. 341 – ‘Uthman; his lineage and a glimpse into his life and biography [18] Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 401 – The daughters of Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 275 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha [19] Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 607 – Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha
[20] Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 607 – Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha
[21] Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162 – Mention of who married Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 380 with reference to Baghawi – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[22] Some linguistics say it is a type of dish made from dates and butter.
[23] Al Bidayah vol. 7 pg. 212 – The narrations concerning the virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[24] Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 149 narration 2442 – The virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[25] Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 523 – The virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 442 – The chapter concerning when a leader sends a messenger for his work Bukhari vol. 2 pg. 582 – Under the commentary of verse 155 of Surah Al ‘Imran.
[26] Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 217 – The chapter concerning the biography of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[27] Al Tanbih wa al Ashraf pg. 205 – The second year of hijrah
[28] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24, 25 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
[29] Musnad Abu Dawood Tayalisi pg. 351 – The musnadat of Yusuf ibn Mahran narrating from Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[30] Manhat al Ma’bud fi Tartib Musnad al Tayalisi Abi Dawood vol. 1 pg. 159 – The chapter concerning leeway to cry without wailing and screaming
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 163 – Mention of Ruqayyah’s radiya Llahu ‘anha demise
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Wafa’ al Wafa’ vol. 3 pg. 895 – The grave of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[31] Manhat al Ma’bud fi Tartib Musnad al Tayalisi Abi Dawood vol. 1 pg. 159 – The chapter concerning leeway to cry without wailing and screaming Al Sunan al Kubra vo. 4 pg. 71 – Kitab al Jana’iz; the chapter furnishing those narrations which prove the permissibility of crying after death Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Wafa’ al Wafa’ vol. 3 pg. 895 – The grave of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha [32] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Al Zarqani Sharh Mawahib al Laduniyyah vol. 3 pg. 199 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Wafa’ al Wafa’ vol. 3 pg. 894 – The grave of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[33] Al Isabah vol. 2 pg. 457 – Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[34] Furu’ al Kafi vol. 1 pg. 133 – Kitab al Jana’iz; the chapter concerning questioning in the grave
[35] Furu’ al Kafi vol. 1 pg. 129 – Kitab al Jana’iz; the chapter concerning questioning in the grave
[36] A doubt may arise in minds of some that since Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam at the demise of Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was at Badr how can the above mentioned events be true? The brief answer to this, as stated by our ‘ulama’, is as follows:
يحمل على انه اتى قبرها بعد ان جاء من بدر
After returning from Badr, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came to the grave of Ruqayyah and these events transpired.
Refer to: Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 25 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Sharh Mawahib al Laduniyyah vol. 3 pg. 199 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Perhaps this might satisfy the Shia scholars. This is dependent upon their reliability.
[37] Muntaha al Amal vol. 1 pg. 108 sec. 8 – The chapter concerning the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[38] Tahdhib al Ahkam pg. 154 – Kitab al Salah; the tasbihat in Ramadan
[39] Tuhfat al ‘Awam ch. 19 – Blessed month of Ramadan sec. 7 by Haji Hasan ‘Ali Shia.
Removing Doubts Many misgivings have been created by the Shia regarding Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. After mentioning her biography, we feel it appropriate to clarify these doubts.
1. Firstly, it is claimed that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha is not the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam but rather a child from the previous husband of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and some even say that she is the niece of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha. In the beginning of this book, we have discussed this topic in detail. The discussion on the children from the previous husbands of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam from Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha, these two topics were discussed in detail and it was established from the references of the books of both sects that they are the biological daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in a manner which utterly eliminated this doubt. There is no need to repeat it here. Refer to the previous discussion, which will put one at ease. 2. Secondly, they claim that no virtue can be located about Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha in any Islamic book, neither amongst the literary works of the Shia nor the Ahlus Sunnah, which is in stark contrast to reality. It is only propagated due to animosity and hatred. Otherwise, the reality is that she has the honour of being the child of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Her detailed biography mentioned before is sufficient testimony to this fact. Carefully examine each discussion under the biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha (which are approximately 20) and you will be convinced that the objection of her having no virtue is utterly baseless and entirely false. The irony is that we have at most places recorded the virtues from the life of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha from many Shia books so that no one may have the opportunity to utter a word. If you do not have the time to read the entire biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha then just have a look at ‘A synopsis of the biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha’ documented at the end of her biography and it will become evident to you that those who claim that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha holds no virtue are profane liars who have deceived the masses. What a blasphemous fabrication they have made regarding the noble offspring of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and how have they distorted historic facts.
3. Thirdly, they claim that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu awfully oppressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and tyrannized, persecuted and harassed her until she died in this pitiful condition. For this reason, they curse and vilify Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. This story of oppression on Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha is blatant vilification and a groundless insult and in direct conflict to the truth. No intelligent person will be prepared to believe it for the following reasons:
•Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam awarded Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu with an equal share to the participants of Badr and equated him with them in reward too. In these very days, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away. If the death of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was due to the oppression of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, how can being counted equally in reward and in booty be correct in that case? • After the demise of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave his other daughter Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha to Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu in marriage (as will be mentioned in the biography of Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha). It is indeed strange that if the first daughter died due to his oppression and tyranny, why then would Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam give another daughter to such a tyrant son-in-law? This opposes sanity and intelligence and clashes with the traits of the noble.
•Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has mentioned countless virtues and praises of Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu at different occasions and has announced his perpetual happiness with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. Regarding this, some narrations are recorded here. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stated:
ان لكل نبى رفيقا و ان رفيقى فى الجنة عثمان
Every Nabi has a companion and my companion in Jannat will be ‘Uthman.[1]
عن عبد الرحمن بن عوف ان النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم قال ابو بكر فى الجنة و عمر فى الجنة و عثمان فى الجنة و على فى الجنة
Abu Bakr is in Jannat, ‘Umar is in Jannat, ‘Uthman is in Jannat, ‘Ali is in Jannat …[2]
These are marfu’ (sound unbroken) narrations which have been quoted wherein it is stated that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu will be the companion of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in Jannat. Jannat is that station which is attained as the result of Allah and His Rasul being pleased with a person. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was pleased with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, hence he is given the glad tidings of being his companion in Jannat. If Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was displeased with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu on some account, he would not receive these glad tidings. This happiness is also narrated from Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
عن عمر رضى الله عنه قال ما احد احق بهذا الامر من هؤلاء النفر الذين توفى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و هو عنهم راض فسمى عليا و عثمان و الزبير و طلحة و سعدا و عبد الرحمن (رواه البخارى)
Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu states: “No one can be more deserving of khilafah than those whom Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam were pleased with when he passed away.” Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu then took their names: “‘Ali, ‘Uthman, Zubair, Talhah, Sa’d and ‘Abdul Rahman.”[3]
4. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu mentions regarding himself: وتوفى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و هو عنى راض
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam passed away in a condition that he was pleased with me.[4]
It becomes clearly evident from the above that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was pleased with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was not displeased with him at all. Sayyidina ‘Uthman’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu relation with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained blissful lifelong and in this condition he met his fate.
If Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu oppressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha and tyrannised them to such an extent that they died, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would have definitely been emotionally hurt which would be felt by Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and other Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum as well. If this was the case, Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu would be deserving of punishment. If not this, at least he would be reprimanded or scolded, the relationship would turn sour and it would be severed. But in contrast to all this, we find happiness, the virtues and praises of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu being announced and glad tidings being given regarding his beautiful actions, which are signs of acceptance.
We learn from this explanation that the story of oppression is a blasphemous fabrication propagated to cause bad thoughts about Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. There is not an atom of truth in it.
5. Another point to consider is that senior Shia historians have mentioned many noble and lofty traits of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu which clearly depict his upright conduct and his excellence and distinction shine like the sun. Hence, al Mas’udi has in his famous work Muruj al Dhahab expounded on the qualities of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu in the following words:
و كان عثمان فى نهاية الجود و الكرم السماحة و البذل فى القريب و البعيد
‘Uthman was at the peak of generosity, compassion and munificence and spent freely on close and far relatives.[5]
From the words of the Shia al Mas’udi, is it evident that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was a man of noble traits, compassion, kindness and generous to his close and far kith and kin. These qualities show that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was neither a tyrant and a murderer nor one who oppresses his subordinates. The slander against him that he oppresses his wife is a blatant lie and vilification. It is such a wicked fabrication which no sensible just man will ever be prepared to believe. The very narrations of the Shia reject it. The senior Shia scholars use the title Dhu al Nurayn for Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu which is due to the honour of him marrying two daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
[1] Mishkat pg. 561 – The chapter concerning the virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, section 2 Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 151 narration 2473, 2474 – The virtues of ‘Uthman Dhu al Nurayn radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[2] Mishkat pg. 566 with reference to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah – The chapter concerning the virtues of the ‘Asharah Mubasharah radiya Llahu ‘anhum, section 2
[3] Mishkat pg. 565 – The chapter concerning the virtues of the ‘Asharah Mubasharah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, section 1
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 3 pg. 42 – Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu; mention of the consultative assembly and their matters
[4] Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 371 narration 2473, 2474 – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Hilyah
[5] Muruj al Dhahab vol. 2 pg. 241 –Dhu al Nurayn radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Corroboration from the Shi‘ah
The events around the demise of Sayyidah Ruqayyah bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha just as they have been briefly recorded in the books of the ‘ulama’ of the Ahlus Sunnah, the Shia scholars have narrated these events with a direct link from their leaders. Thus, from their canonical works, Furu’ al Kafi – Kitab al Jana’iz, the chapter regarding questioning in the grave – we will reproduce some texts which will elucidate the lofty status that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha enjoyed in the sight of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and enlighten the readers of the deep connection and love Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha had with her sister.
The Shia scholars write: قال لما مات رقية ابنة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله و سلم قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله الحقى بسلفنا الصالح عثمان بن مظعون و اصحابه قال و فاطمة عليها السلام على شفير القبر تبحذر دموعها فى القبر و رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله يتلقاه بثوبه قائم يدعو قال انى لاعرف ضعفها و سالت الله عز و جل ان يجيرها من ضمة القبر
When Sayyidah Ruqayyah bint Rasulillah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha: “O Ruqayyah! Join our pious forerunner ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un and his comrades.” Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha stood at the side of the grave while her tears fell into her grave. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wiped her tears with his clothes and stated: “I know fully well her weakness. I thus asked Allah Ta’ala to protect her from the torment of the grave.”[34]
At another place in this book, Furu’ al Kafi, a narration has been reported from Imam Jafar al Sadiq rahimahu Llah:
وقف رسول الله صلى الله عليه و اله على قبرها رفع راسه الى السماء فدمعت عيناه و قال للناس انى ذكرت هذه و ما لقيت فرققت لها و استوهبتها من ضمة القبر قال فقال اللهم هب لى رقية من ضمة القبر فوهبها الله له
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stopped at her grave. He lifted his gaze towards the skies while tears rolled down his cheeks. He then addressed the people: “I thought of her and the sufferings she bore. I felt pity for her and beseeched for her to be saved from the torment of the grave.” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam supplicated: “O Allah! Spare Ruqayyah from the torment of the grave.” Thus, Allah spared her.[35] These are few narrations documented by the early Shia scholars. A few narrations from the later Shia scholars will be written so that everyone is rest assured that these virtues of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha have been narrated by all the scholars, former and latter. Although, some ‘mourners’ fail to see this.
Sheikh ‘Abbas al Qummi is a famous and renowned mujtahid of the fourteenth century. He writes, translating the text of the A’immah: چوں رقیہ دختر رسول خدا صلی اللہ علیہ و آلہ وفات یافت حضرت رسول اورا خطاب نمود کہ ملحق شوبگزشتگان شائستہ عثمان بن مظعون و اصحاب شائستہ او و جناب فاطمہ علیہا السلام بر کنار قبر رقیہ نشستہ بود و آب ازدیدۂ خود اش در قبر می ریخت حضرت رسول صلی اللہ علیہ و آلہ آب ازدیدہ نور دیدۂ خود پاک میکردو در کنار قبر ایستادہ بود و دعا میکرد پس فرمود کہ من داستم ضعف و توانانی اورا و از حق تعالی خواستم کہ اورا امان دہدازفشار قبر
When the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Ruqayyah, passed away; Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed her: “O Ruqayyah! Join our pious forerunner ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un and his comrades.” Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha sat at the side of the grave of her sister crying while her tears were falling into the grave.[36] Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stood at the side of the grave and wiped the tears of his beloved Fatimah. He supplicated: “I know about the weakness and frailty of Ruqayyah. I thus asked Allah Ta’ala to protect her from the torment of the grave.”[37]
Conclusion
In short, the above mentioned Shia narrations explaining the events around the death of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, these points are apparent:
• Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
• He addressed her by saying that she should join his pious forerunners.
• Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha was present at the burial of her sister.
•Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam supplicated for Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and those supplications were certainly answered.
The Command to Send Salutations on Sayyidah Ruqayyah
We will now mention another discussion from the Shia elders. The Shia elders have narrated from their leaders that salutations be sent on both the daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam viz. Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha. We will reproduce the exact words of these forms of salutations. May Allah Ta’ala guide all the Muslims and grant them correct reliance on and love for the close family and relatives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Amin.
In the renowned book of the four early canonical Shia works Tahdhib al Ahkam, under the section of Tasbihat in Ramadan of Kitab al Salah it is written:
اللهم صل على القاسم و الطاهر ابنى نبيك اللهم صل على رقية بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها اللهم صل على ام كلثوم بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها
O Allah! Send salutations upon the two sons of Your Nabi, Qasim and Tahir. O Allah! Send salutations upon Ruqayyah, the daughter of Your Nabi, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect to her. O Allah! Send salutations on the daughter of Your Nabi, Umm Kulthum, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect to her.[38] (May Allah Ta’ala protect us!)
This salutation is found in scores of their authentic and reliable books. For corroboration, we will reproduce it from another book Tuhfat al ‘Awam so that it becomes clear to the people that these people have been recording these curses religiously from their first four canonical works until Tuhfat al ‘Awam: اللهم صل على القاسم و الطاهر ابنى نبيك اللهم صل على رقية بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها اللهم صل على ام كلثوم بنت نبيك و العن من اذى نبيك فيها
O Allah! Send salutations upon the two sons of Your Nabi Qasim and Tahir. O Allah! Send salutations upon Ruqayyah, the daughter of Your Nabi, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect of her. O Allah! Send salutations on the daughter of Your Nabi, Umm Kulthum, and curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect of her.[39] (May Allah Ta’ala protect us!)
Ponder over these words of the above text ‘curse the one who hurts Your Nabi in respect of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha’. Can more pain and harm be caused than by saying that they were not the daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ? Every person who hurts these daughters by such painful claims is most definitely the target of this curse.
A Synopsis of the Biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah(R.A)
1_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was born 3 years after Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha.
2_ She was nurtured and reached maturity in the care of her father Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and her mother Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
3_ She accepted Islam with her mother Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and pledged allegiance to Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. 4_ In her childhood, she was married to ‘Utbah, the son of Abu Lahab. Thereafter, due to his animosity for Islam, she was divorced prior to consummation of the marriage.
5_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was then married to Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and the nikah was performed by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in compliance with the command of Allah.
6_ The women of Quraysh praised the beauty of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha.
7_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu were favoured with the virtue of hijrah to Abyssinia. They bore hardships in the path of Allah and are counted among the first emigrants who are deserving of being rewarded in the Hereafter.
8_ Meanwhile, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would enquire about them and supplicate for them: “May Allah Ta’ala be their companion.” 9_ After some time, they returned from Abyssinia and emigrated to Madinah, thus attaining the honour of emigrating twice.
10_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha had children. ‘Abdullah was born who after a few years passed away in 4 A.H in Madinah Tayyibah. His shrouding, burial, etc. was completed under the supervision of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
11_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gifted Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha with a slave girl Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha.
12_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would send cooked food to the house of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu would also send food to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a gift.
13_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha would serve her husband. Her father specially advised her in this regard.
14_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha fell ill in 2 A.H. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam left to Badr for battle and ordered ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu to remain behind to take care of her. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu received the same reward as the participants of Badr and was awarded with an equal share of booty.
14_ Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu remained behind from Badr just as Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu remained behind from Tabuk.
16_ Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away during this time 17 months after the emigration to Madinah in 2 A.H.
17_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam visited the grave of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and was accompanied by the women who were then forbidden from wailing and complaining.
18_ Sayyidina Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha came to the grave of her sister and wept.
19_ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha: “Join our pious forerunner, ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un.” 20_ The discussion on sending salutations on Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha (only recorded in the books of the Shia).
[1] Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[2] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Tafsir Ahkam al Qur’an vol. 14 pg. 242 – under the verse, “O Nabi, tell your wives and your daughters” (Surah al Ahzab)
[3] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha [4] At this juncture, we find it necessary to clarify as to which son of Abu Lahab was killed by the beast. Our ‘ulama’ have mentioned the following which will clarify this matter. Hafiz Ibn Hajar al ‘Asqalani rahimahu Llah and other ‘ulama’ have written that on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, ‘Utbah ibn Abi Lahab and his brother Mu’attab ibn Abi Lahab ran away from Makkah due to fear and went somewhere else. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam enquired from ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib as to the whereabouts of his nephews who replied that out of fear, they absconded. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered that they be called. Thus, ‘Abbas went in search of them and brought both ‘Utbah and Mu’attab. Both of them came into the presence of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and accepted Islam. It is even recorded that after the Conquest of Makkah, these brothers participated in the Battle of Hunayn and were awarded with booty. ‘Ulama’ also write that these were among those who remained steadfast in the Battle of Hunayn. Thereafter, both of them lived in Makkah..
Al Isabah vol. 2 pg. 448, 449 – ‘Utbah ibn Abi Lahab radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Al Isabah vol. 3 pg. 422, 423 – Mu’attab ibn Abi Lahab radiya Llahu ‘anhu
We learn from this that if the incident of the beast is true (as mentioned by some ‘ulama’) then it happened to ‘Utaybah who died prior to the Conquest of Makkah and did not embrace iman. It is not regarding ‘Utbah. And Allah knows the truth.
Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 375 – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162, 163 – Mention of who married Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha Tarikh Al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha (Tabarani has narrated it in his Mujam) [6] Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 379 with reference to Ibn ‘Asakir narration no. 5875 – Chapter regarding the virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[7] Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 274 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162 – The biography of Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[8] Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
[9] Al Bidayah Wa al Nihayah vol. 3 pg. 66 – The chapter of hijrah; who emigrated from Makkah to the land of Abyssinia Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
[10] Al Bidayah vol. 3 pg. 66, 67 – The chapter of hijrah; who emigrated from Makkah to the land of Abyssinia
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 457 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 63 – Her emigration
Sharh Mawahib al Laduniyyah vol. 3 pg. 198 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 275 – Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam radiya Llahu ‘anha Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 381 narration 5885 – The virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[11] Hayat al Qulub vol. 2 pg. 330 ch. 22 – The Emigration to Abyssinia
Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 367 – Nur Mowludi
[12] Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 298 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 217 – The chapter concerning Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162 – Mention of who married Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[13] There was a need to board a ship in the emigration to Abyssinia. There was no way to get to Abyssinia in those days without ships. Hence, the emigrants to Abyssinia are also called ‘the people of the ship’.
[14] Muslim vol. 2 pg. 304 – The chapter concerning the virtues of Jafar and Asma’ bint ‘Umays radiya Llahu ‘anhuma
[15] Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 456 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Al Bidayah vol. 3 pg. 37 – The section concerning the children of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 3 pg. 37 – ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu [16] Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 80 – Nur Murtadwi Al Anwar al No’maniyyah vol. 1 pg. 367 – Nur Mowludi [17] Muruj al Dhahab vol. 2 pg. 341 – ‘Uthman; his lineage and a glimpse into his life and biography [18] Ansab al Ashraf vol. 1 pg. 401 – The daughters of Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Tarikh al Khamis vol. 1 pg. 275 – Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha [19] Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 607 – Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha
[20] Usd al Ghabah vol. 5 pg. 607 – Umm ‘Ayyash radiya Llahu ‘anha
[21] Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 162 – Mention of who married Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 380 with reference to Baghawi – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[22] Some linguistics say it is a type of dish made from dates and butter.
[23] Al Bidayah vol. 7 pg. 212 – The narrations concerning the virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[24] Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 149 narration 2442 – The virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[25] Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 523 – The virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu
Bukhari vol. 1 pg. 442 – The chapter concerning when a leader sends a messenger for his work Bukhari vol. 2 pg. 582 – Under the commentary of verse 155 of Surah Al ‘Imran.
[26] Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 217 – The chapter concerning the biography of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[27] Al Tanbih wa al Ashraf pg. 205 – The second year of hijrah
[28] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24, 25 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Tafsir al Qurtubi vol. 14 pg. 242 – (Surah al Ahzab)
[29] Musnad Abu Dawood Tayalisi pg. 351 – The musnadat of Yusuf ibn Mahran narrating from Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[30] Manhat al Ma’bud fi Tartib Musnad al Tayalisi Abi Dawood vol. 1 pg. 159 – The chapter concerning leeway to cry without wailing and screaming
Dhakha’ir al ‘Uqba pg. 163 – Mention of Ruqayyah’s radiya Llahu ‘anha demise
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Wafa’ al Wafa’ vol. 3 pg. 895 – The grave of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[31] Manhat al Ma’bud fi Tartib Musnad al Tayalisi Abi Dawood vol. 1 pg. 159 – The chapter concerning leeway to cry without wailing and screaming Al Sunan al Kubra vo. 4 pg. 71 – Kitab al Jana’iz; the chapter furnishing those narrations which prove the permissibility of crying after death Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Wafa’ al Wafa’ vol. 3 pg. 895 – The grave of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha [32] Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 24 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Al Zarqani Sharh Mawahib al Laduniyyah vol. 3 pg. 199 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha Wafa’ al Wafa’ vol. 3 pg. 894 – The grave of Ruqayyah bint Rasulullah radiya Llahu ‘anha
[33] Al Isabah vol. 2 pg. 457 – Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn Maz’un radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[34] Furu’ al Kafi vol. 1 pg. 133 – Kitab al Jana’iz; the chapter concerning questioning in the grave
[35] Furu’ al Kafi vol. 1 pg. 129 – Kitab al Jana’iz; the chapter concerning questioning in the grave
[36] A doubt may arise in minds of some that since Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam at the demise of Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was at Badr how can the above mentioned events be true? The brief answer to this, as stated by our ‘ulama’, is as follows:
يحمل على انه اتى قبرها بعد ان جاء من بدر
After returning from Badr, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came to the grave of Ruqayyah and these events transpired.
Refer to: Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 8 pg. 25 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 297 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Sharh Mawahib al Laduniyyah vol. 3 pg. 199 – Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha
Perhaps this might satisfy the Shia scholars. This is dependent upon their reliability.
[37] Muntaha al Amal vol. 1 pg. 108 sec. 8 – The chapter concerning the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
[38] Tahdhib al Ahkam pg. 154 – Kitab al Salah; the tasbihat in Ramadan
[39] Tuhfat al ‘Awam ch. 19 – Blessed month of Ramadan sec. 7 by Haji Hasan ‘Ali Shia.
Removing Doubts Many misgivings have been created by the Shia regarding Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha. After mentioning her biography, we feel it appropriate to clarify these doubts.
1. Firstly, it is claimed that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha is not the biological daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam but rather a child from the previous husband of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and some even say that she is the niece of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha. In the beginning of this book, we have discussed this topic in detail. The discussion on the children from the previous husbands of Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha and the children of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam from Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha, these two topics were discussed in detail and it was established from the references of the books of both sects that they are the biological daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in a manner which utterly eliminated this doubt. There is no need to repeat it here. Refer to the previous discussion, which will put one at ease. 2. Secondly, they claim that no virtue can be located about Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha in any Islamic book, neither amongst the literary works of the Shia nor the Ahlus Sunnah, which is in stark contrast to reality. It is only propagated due to animosity and hatred. Otherwise, the reality is that she has the honour of being the child of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Her detailed biography mentioned before is sufficient testimony to this fact. Carefully examine each discussion under the biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha (which are approximately 20) and you will be convinced that the objection of her having no virtue is utterly baseless and entirely false. The irony is that we have at most places recorded the virtues from the life of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha from many Shia books so that no one may have the opportunity to utter a word. If you do not have the time to read the entire biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha then just have a look at ‘A synopsis of the biography of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha’ documented at the end of her biography and it will become evident to you that those who claim that Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha holds no virtue are profane liars who have deceived the masses. What a blasphemous fabrication they have made regarding the noble offspring of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and how have they distorted historic facts.
3. Thirdly, they claim that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu awfully oppressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and tyrannized, persecuted and harassed her until she died in this pitiful condition. For this reason, they curse and vilify Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. This story of oppression on Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha is blatant vilification and a groundless insult and in direct conflict to the truth. No intelligent person will be prepared to believe it for the following reasons:
•Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam awarded Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu with an equal share to the participants of Badr and equated him with them in reward too. In these very days, Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha passed away. If the death of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha was due to the oppression of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, how can being counted equally in reward and in booty be correct in that case? • After the demise of Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave his other daughter Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha to Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu in marriage (as will be mentioned in the biography of Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha). It is indeed strange that if the first daughter died due to his oppression and tyranny, why then would Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam give another daughter to such a tyrant son-in-law? This opposes sanity and intelligence and clashes with the traits of the noble.
•Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has mentioned countless virtues and praises of Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu at different occasions and has announced his perpetual happiness with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. Regarding this, some narrations are recorded here. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stated:
ان لكل نبى رفيقا و ان رفيقى فى الجنة عثمان
Every Nabi has a companion and my companion in Jannat will be ‘Uthman.[1]
عن عبد الرحمن بن عوف ان النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم قال ابو بكر فى الجنة و عمر فى الجنة و عثمان فى الجنة و على فى الجنة
Abu Bakr is in Jannat, ‘Umar is in Jannat, ‘Uthman is in Jannat, ‘Ali is in Jannat …[2]
These are marfu’ (sound unbroken) narrations which have been quoted wherein it is stated that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu will be the companion of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in Jannat. Jannat is that station which is attained as the result of Allah and His Rasul being pleased with a person. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was pleased with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, hence he is given the glad tidings of being his companion in Jannat. If Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was displeased with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu on some account, he would not receive these glad tidings. This happiness is also narrated from Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu.
عن عمر رضى الله عنه قال ما احد احق بهذا الامر من هؤلاء النفر الذين توفى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و هو عنهم راض فسمى عليا و عثمان و الزبير و طلحة و سعدا و عبد الرحمن (رواه البخارى)
Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu states: “No one can be more deserving of khilafah than those whom Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam were pleased with when he passed away.” Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu then took their names: “‘Ali, ‘Uthman, Zubair, Talhah, Sa’d and ‘Abdul Rahman.”[3]
4. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu mentions regarding himself: وتوفى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و هو عنى راض
Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam passed away in a condition that he was pleased with me.[4]
It becomes clearly evident from the above that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was pleased with Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was not displeased with him at all. Sayyidina ‘Uthman’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu relation with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained blissful lifelong and in this condition he met his fate.
If Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu oppressed Sayyidah Ruqayyah radiya Llahu ‘anha and Sayyidah Umm Kulthum radiya Llahu ‘anha and tyrannised them to such an extent that they died, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would have definitely been emotionally hurt which would be felt by Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and other Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum as well. If this was the case, Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu would be deserving of punishment. If not this, at least he would be reprimanded or scolded, the relationship would turn sour and it would be severed. But in contrast to all this, we find happiness, the virtues and praises of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu being announced and glad tidings being given regarding his beautiful actions, which are signs of acceptance.
We learn from this explanation that the story of oppression is a blasphemous fabrication propagated to cause bad thoughts about Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu. There is not an atom of truth in it.
5. Another point to consider is that senior Shia historians have mentioned many noble and lofty traits of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu which clearly depict his upright conduct and his excellence and distinction shine like the sun. Hence, al Mas’udi has in his famous work Muruj al Dhahab expounded on the qualities of Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu in the following words:
و كان عثمان فى نهاية الجود و الكرم السماحة و البذل فى القريب و البعيد
‘Uthman was at the peak of generosity, compassion and munificence and spent freely on close and far relatives.[5]
From the words of the Shia al Mas’udi, is it evident that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was a man of noble traits, compassion, kindness and generous to his close and far kith and kin. These qualities show that Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was neither a tyrant and a murderer nor one who oppresses his subordinates. The slander against him that he oppresses his wife is a blatant lie and vilification. It is such a wicked fabrication which no sensible just man will ever be prepared to believe. The very narrations of the Shia reject it. The senior Shia scholars use the title Dhu al Nurayn for Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu which is due to the honour of him marrying two daughters of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
[1] Mishkat pg. 561 – The chapter concerning the virtues of ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, section 2 Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 151 narration 2473, 2474 – The virtues of ‘Uthman Dhu al Nurayn radiya Llahu ‘anhu
[2] Mishkat pg. 566 with reference to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah – The chapter concerning the virtues of the ‘Asharah Mubasharah radiya Llahu ‘anhum, section 2
[3] Mishkat pg. 565 – The chapter concerning the virtues of the ‘Asharah Mubasharah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, section 1
Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d vol. 3 pg. 42 – Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu; mention of the consultative assembly and their matters
[4] Kanz al ‘Ummal vol. 6 pg. 371 narration 2473, 2474 – The virtues of Dhu al Nurayn radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Hilyah
[5] Muruj al Dhahab vol. 2 pg. 241 –Dhu al Nurayn radiya Llahu ‘anhu