Ask me what the number one way to raise a strong and happy queen of sheba is. Okay, I heard you. Although the future is in the hands of Allah SWT, I’d say having a loving and supportive father is key. Having a wonderful mother is important, no doubt (more in terms of being a role model).
But it is the father’s care and tenderness that gives a girl confidence and a strong sense of self. If you look at the books or magazines that deal with female empowerment – you can see how they strive to correct a wrong that happened to these women a long time ago. There are the girls who were neglected by their fathers who never believe they are worthy. There are the girls who were abandoned by their fathers who throw themselves at any man, looking for affirmation. There are the girls who were insulted by their fathers who will never believe in their strengths.
And then there is the example of incredible women who thrived because their fathers gave them an incredible upbringing.
There is Fatima, daughter of the prophet Muhammad SAW, who fought with grown men at a young age and put them to shame. They would put vile on her father’s back as he prayed- and she would remove it defiantly. When she was slapped on the face by Abu Jahl bin Hisham for no reason, she went to complain to the leader of Quraish at the time, Abu Sufyan. He heard her argument and his sense of justice prevailed. He asked her to slap Abu Jahl as he had slapped her. And she did. She had no fear of confrontation. She didn’t lack in strength or confidence.
In describing Fatima bint Muhammad, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her said: “There was no other person more devoted to the truth than her. She bore a remarkable resemblance to her father – even the way she spoke, sat, stood, or walked was reminiscient of his mannerisms. Whenever her father visited her, she would stand up to receive him and kiss his forehead with reverence. And he would do the same for her.”
May Allah SWT be pleased with her.
Allah’s Messenger, SAW, said: “Fatima will be the leader of the women of Paradise.”
How then will ye fathers give your daughters the same? And if you are said wife of said father or said daughter of said father – what can you do to make sure that you ensure that daddy dearest knows his role?
