Assiyya, Pharaoh's Wife
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Narrated Abû
Mûsa (radhi Allahu anhu) : Allah's Messenger (salallahu alaihi
wa sallam) said, "Many amongst men reached (the level of) perfection
but none amongst the women reached this level except Assiyya - Pharaoh's
wife, and Mary - the daughter of 'Imrân. And no doubt, the
superiority of 'Aisha to other women is like the superiority of
Tharid (i.e. a meat and bread dish) to other meals." (Sahih
Al-Bukharî, Vol. 4, Hadîth No. 623).
Not much is known
about Assiyya, the wife of Pharaoh. She brought Moses into her home
when he was a baby, as is recorded in the Quran:
And We inspired
the mother of Mûsa (Moses), (saying): "Suckle him [Mûsa
(Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river
and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you,
and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers."
Then the household
of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them
an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Fir'aun (Pharaoh), Hâmân
and their hosts were sinners.
And the wife of
Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "A comfort of the eye for me and for
you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may
adopt him as a son." And they perceive not (the result of that).
(Surah 28:7-9)
Later, few believed
in the Prophethood of Moses except some children of his People,
because of the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs. They feared the persecution
of Pharaoh as certainly Pharaoh was mighty on the earth and one
who transgressed all bounds. Yet, Assiyya, Pharaoh's own wife recognized
the truth of Moses' message. She answered Moses' call and became
a Muslim, despite the fact that she was the wife of Pharaoh - the
man who claimed to be God Himself - and despite all that she possessed
through being the wife of a king. She refused that and chose to
be in God's company. This is a great example of how a woman chose
the Hereafter over and above all of the wealth of this world. She
remained firm on her faith in God despite persecution of all sorts:
(Pharaoh) said:
"Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this
must be your leader, who has taught you magic! be sure I will cut
off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified
on trunks of palm-trees: so shall ye know for certain, which of
us can give the more severe and the more lasting punishment!"
(Surah 20:71)
The Quran sets
her as an example for the believers to stay away from evil and sin
despite the full assault of the devil:
"God sets
forth an example for those who believe --- the wife of Pharaoh who
said: My Lord, build for me with Thee a house in heaven, and save
me from the Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from an unjust people.''(Surah
66:11)
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