• Sunnah
• By: Sumaiya Petiwala

At the Institute of Quran and Sunnah, we often hear stories that reinforce the timeless wisdom of our faith. Today, we share a profound account of unwavering faith, the power of prayer, and the miracles that can unfold when we place our trust in Allah. This is the story of a devoted wife, her husband, and their remarkable journey through trials and tribulations.

A Blessed Beginning

In the year 1390 AH, a young and dutiful man married a woman who would soon witness his exceptional character and devotion to his parents. They lived together in his father’s house, as is customary in many Saudi families. A year into their marriage, they were blessed with a daughter named Asma.

A Sudden Tragedy

Three years after their daughter’s birth, in the ninth year of Ramadan, 1395 AH, tragedy struck. Her husband was involved in a severe car accident while traveling to Riyadh. The accident left him in a coma, declared brain-dead by doctors with 95% of his brain cells damaged. This news was devastating for his family, especially his elderly parents and his young daughter, Asma.

An Unyielding Faith

Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, the wife refused to give up on her husband. She was advised to seek a divorce, even receiving a fatwa permitting it, but she remained steadfast. She chose to honor her marriage vows, believing that her husband would either return to her by Allah’s will or remain with her until Allah decreed otherwise.

Raising a Pious Daughter

The wife focused on raising Asma with strong Islamic values. Enrolled in Quran memorization schools, Asma memorized the entire Quran by the age of ten. She grew up piously, performing her prayers diligently and often reciting the Quran to her comatose father during their visits.

A Night of Miracles

In the year 1410 AH, Asma requested to stay overnight with her father in the hospital. With some hesitation, her mother agreed. That night, Asma recited Surah Al-Baqarah beside her father and prayed earnestly for his recovery. She dreamed of a comforting smile and woke up to perform additional prayers, pouring her heart out in supplication to Allah.

Her prayer was heartfelt and sincere:

“O Rabb, O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, O Great, O Compeller, O Exalted, O Most Merciful, O Most Compassionate, this is my father, one of Your servants. Affliction has befallen him, and we have been patient, praised You, and believed in Your decree. Ya Allah, he is under Your will and mercy. Ya Allah, You healed Job from his affliction, returned Moses to his mother, saved Jonah from the belly of the whale, and made the fire cool and safe for Abraham. Heal my father from what has befallen him. They claim he is hopeless. Ya Allah, You have the power and greatness. Be kind to him and lift this affliction from him.”

A Miraculous Recovery

Asma fell asleep after her prayer, only to be awakened by a faint voice calling her. To her astonishment, it was her father speaking. She hugged him joyfully, and he initially pushed her away, not recognizing her. When she identified herself as his daughter, he fell silent. She rushed to inform the doctors, who were amazed at the miraculous recovery. An American doctor exclaimed, “Glory be to Allah,” while an Egyptian doctor said, “Glory be to Him who brings the dead bones to life.”

A New Beginning

Her father returned home at the age of 46, and they welcomed another son two years later. This extraordinary journey of faith and prayer underscores the boundless mercy and power of Allah. The wife’s steadfastness and Asma’s devout prayers brought them through a seemingly hopeless situation, reaffirming that nothing changes destiny except prayer.

Lessons in Faith

This story is a lesson for all who face difficulties and feel their paths are blocked. Knock on the door of heaven with prayer and be confident in Allah’s response. Never despair, as long as your Rabb is Allah. Send your supplications, wrap them in good thoughts of Allah, and be certain of His relief.

---

Q1: How can we cultivate unwavering faith in our daily lives, even in the face of severe trials?

Cultivating unwavering faith requires consistent practice and a deep connection with Allah. Here are some practical steps to strengthen your faith:

1. Regular Prayer: Establish and maintain the five daily prayers. Salah is a direct link between you and Allah, helping to keep your faith strong and your heart focused on Him.
2. Quran Recitation: Regularly read and reflect on the Quran. Its verses provide guidance, comfort, and a reminder of Allah’s wisdom and mercy.
3. Dua (Supplication): Continuously make dua, seeking Allah’s help in all matters. Believe in the power of your supplications and maintain hope in His response.
4. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr): Engage in dhikr throughout the day. Remembering Allah in your thoughts and actions helps keep your faith alive.
5. Patience and Gratitude: Practice patience in adversity and gratitude in blessings. Reflect on Allah’s past blessings and His wisdom in testing you.
6. Islamic Knowledge: Increase your knowledge of Islam through books, lectures, and courses. Understanding your faith more deeply can strengthen your conviction.
7. Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers. They can provide encouragement and remind you of Allah’s presence in your life.

Q2: What are some practical steps to teach children the importance of prayer and supplication?

Teaching children the importance of prayer and supplication involves both education and example. Here are some effective steps:

1. Lead by Example: Children learn by observing their parents. Demonstrate the importance of prayer and supplication through your actions and consistent practice.
2. Early Introduction: Introduce prayer and supplication to children at an early age. Make it a part of their daily routine.
3. Explain the Significance: Teach them the reasons behind prayer and supplication, explaining how it connects them to Allah and provides guidance and support.
4. Make it Interactive: Use stories, visual aids, and engaging activities to make learning about prayer and supplication enjoyable and memorable.
5. Encourage Participation: Involve children in family prayers and encourage them to lead prayers as they grow older. Praise their efforts to build confidence.
6. Create a Prayer Space: Designate a special place in your home for prayer, making it a peaceful and inviting area where children can feel the presence of Allah.
7. Set Goals and Rewards: Set achievable goals for memorizing prayers and making supplications. Offer rewards and positive reinforcement to motivate them.

Q3: How does the story of Asma and her family illustrate the concept of Tawakkul (trust in Allah)?

The story of Asma and her family beautifully illustrates the concept of Tawakkul, which means placing complete trust in Allah’s plan and wisdom. Here’s how:

1. Steadfastness in Faith: Despite facing severe trials, Asma’s mother remained steadfast in her faith. She refused to seek a divorce, trusting Allah’s plan and showing Tawakkul by leaving her husband’s fate in His hands.
2. Continuous Prayer: The family’s reliance on prayer and supplication demonstrates their belief in Allah’s power to change their circumstances. They turned to Him for help and maintained hope in His mercy.
3. Patience and Perseverance: Asma’s mother exhibited incredible patience and perseverance, trusting that Allah would eventually ease their suffering. This patience is a key aspect of Tawakkul.
4. Reliance on Allah: Asma’s heartfelt prayer by her father’s bedside is a poignant example of Tawakkul. She placed her trust entirely in Allah, believing in His ability to perform miracles and heal her father.
5. Acceptance of Allah’s Decree: Throughout their ordeal, the family accepted Allah’s decree with grace and continued to live their lives with faith and devotion. This acceptance is a crucial part of Tawakkul.

The miraculous recovery of Asma’s father underscores that true reliance on Allah, coupled with sincere supplication, can lead to remarkable outcomes. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Tawakkul in our own lives.

---