Family Feeling

The Noble Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) taught us practically that we should express our love for family members.
This should not be merely bottled up for loved ones to assume it’s there. Let us look at a few examples.

SISTER
After the Conquest of Makkak, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)’s foster sister Shai’ma, daughter of his foster mother Bibi Halima, accepted Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) showered her with an abundance of gifts.

COUSIN
When the Muslims returned victorious from the fierce battle of Khaibar, the Muslims who had emigrated to Abyssinia also returned. Among them was the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)’s cousin Ja’far (radhiallahu anhu).
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was so pleased to be reunited with his cousin that he said he could not tell which was greater: Victory over Khaibar or reunion with Ja’far (radhiallahu anhu).

THE NECKLACE
Among the prisoners captured by the Muslims in the battle of Badr was the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)’s son-in-law Abul ‘As, not as yet a Muslim.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)’s daughter Zainab (radhiallahu anha) sent a necklace to ransom her husband. When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw that it was the necklace which his beloved, departed wife Khadijah (radhiallahu anha) had given Zainab (radhiallahu anha) on her marriage, he was so grieved that he requested the Sahaaba to release him without ransom. They agreed and Abul ‘As (radhiallahu anhu) later became Muslim.

PRIORITY
The well-being of one’s family has been given special status in Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) left Ali (radhiallahu anhu) in charge of his family when he went for the Battle of Tabook. Love for them needs to be given practical form in the giving of gifts, verbal declarations and acts of kindness. As taught to us by the best of teachers in the best of manners.