Page 198 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

196

… those who conveyed Allah's Message and had fear [and respect] of
Him, fearing [and respecting] no one except Allah. Allah suffices as a
Reckoner. (Surat al-Ahzab: 39)

Muslim Women Refrain from Empty

Words and Deeds

Allah defines the believers as "those who turn away from worth-
less talk" (Surat al-Mu'minun: 3) and "those who do not bear false wit-
ness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, pass by with digni-
ty" (Surat al-Furqan: 72). In other words, Muslims who come face to face

with such situations do not compromise on their dignity and honor and
do not behave in an un-Islamic manner.
Passing time in such ways is common among unbelieving women.
As we mentioned above, women who have not acquired great ideals are
characterized by certain types of behavior. Some are of benefit to their
families, their environment, and themselves, while others are just habits
designed to pass time. Some of the best known of these are socializing
with friends on certain days, spending the whole day watching televi-
sion programs of no particular value, spending hours on the phone,
complaining about anything and everything, gossiping, and discussing
other people's shortcomings. The common denominator of all these ac-
tivities is that they benefit no one.
Allah reveals that such people's hearts are drawn toward the things
of this world:

Their hearts are distracted. (Surat al-Anbiya': 3)
Muslim women avoid such useless activities, since they are well
aware that Allah has granted people only a limited amount of time.
Knowing that they must use this time to win Allah's good pleasure, mer-

Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman