Page 216 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman
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                   Allah creates everything according to a specific des-
              tiny and tries people with events within this destiny. As He
              reveals, our Lord gives good news to those who are patient,

              as in the case of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother, and will
              guide them to goodness with His mercy:
                   We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger, and
                   loss of wealth, life, and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast.
                   (Surat al-Baqara: 155)


                               The Women the Prophet

                               Moses (pbuh) Helped

                   Allah reveals that after leaving Egypt, the Prophet Moses (pbuh)
              went east toward Madyan. There, he saw two women who were waiting
              near a well so that their animals drink. When he asked them about
              this, they told him that because their father was too old to do this
              job, they had to bring their animals. However, they had to wait be-
              cause of the shepherds who were already at the water. Allah
              reveals this situation:

                   When he arrived at the water of Madyan, he found a crowd
                   of people drawing water there. Standing apart from them,
                   he found two women holding back their sheep. He asked:
                   "What are you two doing here?" They said: "We cannot
                   draw water until the shepherds have driven off their
                   sheep. You see, our father is a very old man." So he drew
                   water for them. (Surat al-Qasas: 23-24)
                   Their behavior shows that they were strictly chaste
              women who sought to protect themselves in environments that they
              considered unsafe and unbecoming. The shepherds caused them to stay
              away from the well. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) trustworthy appearance




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