Ramadan Reading Challenge 2015 Day 19: Asiya the Wife of Firawn

Today's story is about Asiya who was the wife of one of the Pharoah's during the time of Prophet Musa (a). She is mentioned in surah At Tahrim (66:11) of the Qur'an.

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), when she said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his work, and save me from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers in Allah).

To understand her story, you need to read the story of Prophet Musa (a) in Al Qasas (28:3-9)

We recite to you some of the news of Musa (Moses) and Fir'aun (Pharaoh) in truth, for a people who believe (in this Qur'an, and in the Oneness of Allah). 

Verily, Fir'aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them: killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidun (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants). 

And We wished to do a favour to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors, 

And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and Haman and their hosts receive from them that which they feared. 

And We inspired the mother of Musa (Moses): (telling): "Suckle him [Musa (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." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi] 

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), Haman 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 perceived not (the result of that).

You can continue to read her story here.

Lesson and Activity

The story of Asiya shows great patience under duress. When Firawn found out that his wife followed Prophet Musa (a) and believed in Allah, he had her tortured. Yet she would not give in but held fast and asked Allah for a house in Jannah. 

How do you apply this in your life? You should keep a focus on the final goal, which is to enter Jannah, in every thing that you do. Ask yourself what would bring yourself closer to Allah? Would doing A or B and choose the one that will lead you to Allah.

This is just an idea for a lesson. If you have any others then feel free to do them and share.

Comments Required

There are so many other lessons to learn. Can you think of any others? I'd love to hear them. Please write in the comment below.

At the end of this Ramadan Reading Challenge, if you or your children have participated then you will get a prize. (Please go here to see the prize). To be eligible, please leave a comment on what lesson you have learnt from the reading of the story and include any activities that you did to extend it. Just a line or two would be fine (so that I can contact you).

A Slight Change

You might have noticed that I changed the title on the graphic from 30 days to 20 days. Since it's the last ten days of Ramadan, I find that I don't have time to carry this into the last ten days. I apologise for this, I should have planned this more and learnt from last years' parenting challenge.

Insha Allah, next Ramadan if I do another challenge it'll be for 20 days as I think 20 days is the right amount of time for a Ramadan challenge as it leaves the last ten days for us to concentrate on our ibadah. I encourage you to continue to read the Qur'an as there is so much to learn and be guided by it.

Thank you to those who have joined me this year. I know there are more than the two who have commented as I can tell by the statistics that there are those who are reading this challenge. I'm glad that you can join me in any way that you could. May Allah guide us and increase us in beneficial knowledge. Ameen.