Intercession by a Drunken Husband and Human Attitudes Towards Animals

28th November 2024( morning )

“Intercession by a Drunken Husband and Human Attitudes Towards Animals"

Prophet Khidrcame to me and said:

“O Ahmad, truly Allah has informed me about the women of the end times, who, in almost every part of the world, are no longer shielded from Allah’s punishment.

Most of them belittle their husbands. Do you know, O Ahmad, what is meant by women who demean and sin against their husbands?

It is those who call their husbands with offensive names, who raise their voices at their husbands even though they are capable of approaching them, who repeatedly utter words disliked by their husbands, who interrupt their husbands’ speech without first seeking permission, especially when their husbands are in public.

It is also those who ask their husbands for help despite being able to do it themselves, who demand beyond their husbands’ means, and who fail to understand the shortcomings or limitations of their husbands. Truly, these kinds of women are numerous in your time.

O Ahmad, tell the women among your followers that they must not forget to seek their husbands’ permission when leaving their homes and that they should present strong reasons or valid excuses according to Islamic law. They should not argue or debate with their husbands when prohibited from leaving the house, even if they wish to meet you, O Ahmad.

Let them be patient and improve their character and etiquette while at home, for that is better for them and will bring about goodness for both them and you, O Ahmad. Indeed, their husbands have a greater right to their attention than you do, even though you are the grandson of the Noble Prophet Muhammad.

O Ahmad, I will share with you a story from your grandfather, the Noble Prophet Muhammad, the Radiant One.

When the Prophet spoke about obedience to husbands, he said:

‘If I were to command anyone to prostrate to another, I would command a woman to prostrate to her husband.’

Some days later, a woman came to him with her father, complaining about her husband, who rarely came home due to his business travels, managing livestock, and caring for his elderly parents.

The Noble Prophet Muhammad smiled and said, “If you had witnessed what I, Muhammad bin Abdullah, have witnessed—a woman in her grave experiencing the terrifying questioning of the angels—you would understand. The woman answered the questions regarding her disobedience to her husband. She explained that her husband drank alcohol, gambled, and committed adultery. Yet, the angels asked her:

‘Did your husband ever beat you or threaten your life?’

The woman replied, ‘No.’

‘Was your husband like the people of Lot?’

She replied, ‘No.’

‘Did your husband insult the Prophets or fight against them?’

She replied, ‘No.’

‘Was your husband alive during the time of the Prophet Muhammad?’

She replied, ‘Yes.’

‘Did your husband insult the Prophet Muhammad or the Qur'an?’

She replied, ‘No. In fact, he often praised the Prophet Muhammad, and even in his drunkenness, he would cry upon hearing the Prophet’s name mentioned.’

Then the angels asked, ‘Did you ever hear the story of Pharaoh’s wife?’

The woman replied, ‘Yes.’

At that moment, her grave became dark and shook violently. The angel said to her, ‘Know, O so-and-so, daughter of so-and-so, your sins against your husband—rebuking and debating him, tearing his clothes, leaving his home, and fleeing your land, causing your husband to miss you—are grave. After you left, your husband repented, performed righteous deeds, and was among those who defended the Prophet Muhammad. He died while protecting the oppressed poor from the disbelievers and is considered a martyr.

Were it not for Allah’s restraint, your bones and flesh would have been torn apart by the lashes of this angel. Do you know why Allah has withheld His punishment from you?’

The woman lowered her head and asked, ‘What is the reason, O Angel of Allah?’

The angel replied, ‘Allah accepted the supplication of your martyred husband, who forgave you and prayed before his death that you would join him in the gardens of paradise. Allah’s promise is certain for those who repent and reform themselves with faith and piety.

Were it not for your husband’s intercession, beloved by the Prophet Muhammad, you would have been destined to be fuel for the fires of Hell.’

Then Allah sent two heavenly maidens to clothe the woman in beautiful garments and take her to the gardens of paradise to reunite with her longing husband.”

O Ahmad, indeed, among your followers are women striving to improve themselves for their husbands. Tell them, “There is no sin for women who continuously strive to better their character and manners towards their husbands, even if they occasionally falter. If they repent and struggle to become obedient wives, their efforts will not be in vain, for Allah will grant them forgiveness and guidance.”

O Ahmad, I inform you that Allah, the Most Just and Wise, always opens the door of repentance to His servants who sincerely strive to be righteous. Let your followers be patient and persevere in their repentance.

O Ahmad, I have heard that among those on your ship are those who harbor hatred towards you. Yet they now seek your forgiveness. Say to them, “The heart of Ahmad bin A. Syams does not close to those who repent and seek forgiveness for their slander and insults. However, they must also fulfill the obligation of clearing your name before those who heard their accusations, as that is the true path of repentance.”

O Ahmad, do not feel burdened by those who come to you and stay in your home. They are the poor and orphaned, and do not feel burdened by the cost of providing for them. It is not you who sustains them, but Allah, the Most Rich, who will guarantee their sustenance in this world and the Hereafter. Were not their families the ones who cared for you when you were ill? Be patient with them.

O Ahmad, prepare suitable shelters for the animals in your care, such as comfortable pens. Take care of the kitten in your home, and bring it with you wherever you go, for I have heard it loves and praises you greatly. It fears the other cats in your home. Has not Allah promised that whoever provides safety and kindness to His creatures, forbidden to be killed or eaten, will not face misery? Allah will bless and secure them, even if it is as simple as feeding stray dogs on the street.

Allah is the Most Compassionate and Merciful, commanding humanity to spread love and kindness across the universe. Can His servants expect His forgiveness and the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad while some of them arrogantly kick dogs and throw stones at them?

O Ahmad, tell those oppressed by their spouses to be patient. If they are patient and pious, Allah will not leave them in suffering forever. Indeed, it is easy for Allah to replace what is broken and bad with something far better and more joyous. Those who endure patiently will not be abandoned by Allah. Rather, He is testing and praising them among the patient ones. Their trials will not last long, for Allah is preparing happiness and the best replacements for them.”

~Ahmad Fahmi bin A Syams~