Daughters – What they Mean

Some communities in this age and time still regard the birth of females as a liability. Pagan Makkans resorted to some of the most heinous crimes, for example, burying their daughters alive, since a female was regarded to be a total liability as opposed to a male or a son.

Islam invariably corrected this uncivilized behaviour and once again gave honour and dignity to the females. In the Court of Allah Ta’ala, there is no superiority in so far as rewards and good deeds are concerned, because each would have to earn them in this life. The Noble Qur’aan makes no distinction between the male and female, saying, “Indeed the most honoured among you by Allah, is the one who has most taqwa.” So many women in the books of history have excelled as leading personalities because of their piety and closeness to Allah Ta’ala.

Our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was “Rahmatul lil Aalameen” (mercy to mankind), truly demonstrated, as a role model, compassion, kindness, honour, love and respect for the female gender. There is no distinction in class and stature; however, the differences in strength, responsibilities, looks, etc. are obvious. For example, it is the man’s responsibility to take care of the family. Equally, the woman has the household responsibility of taking care of the children, etc.

By nature, women are much more tender and weaker emotionally, as well as in general. Daughters need more attention and a more caring hand in comparison to sons. It is therefore a far greater task to care for daughters; hence, the rewards of caring for them are also greater. In a hadith reported by Anas (RA), Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said about that person who has two daughters and nurtures them until adulthood (provided the necessities, marriage, etc.), on the Day of Qiyamah, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and that person will be this close – Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) placed two fingers together to practically show by way of example. [Mishkaat]

Fortunate are those fathers who have succeeded in bringing up their daughters with the correct Islamic ethos and understanding. The reality of a daughter usually dawns upon the parents once they leave home. Their absence is felt most at that point, and possibly then would one appreciate the real value of the daughter.