Aasiyah, the daughter of Muzahim and the wife of Firo’un (the cruel ruler during the time of Moses) is regarded as one of the four best ...
Aasiyah, the daughter of Muzahim and the wife of Firo’un (the cruel ruler during the time of Moses) is regarded as one of the four best women who will enter the Paradise before everyone else. The other three are:
Maryam (Mary, the mother of Jesus), Khadeejah (the wife of the Holy Prophet) and Fatima (the one and only beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet) – Peace be upon them all.
Although Aasiyah was the wife of Firo’un, a tyrant ruler who claimed to be god, she was a Mumina ‘a believer’. It is narrated that:
In the days of Firo’un, there lived a very pious man called Hizqeel. Firo’un murdered him because of his faith in Moses (a.s.) and One God. Hizqeel had a wife who was a hairdresser and two sons. They too, were the followers of Moses (a.s.). One day, as Hizqeel’s wife was combing the hair of Firo’un’s daughter, her comb fell and she picked it up saying Bismillah meaning ‘in the Name of Allah’. Firo’un’s daughter was surprised by this utterance, so she asked, “The Allah, whose name you have just uttered, is he my father or somebody else?” Hizqeel’s wife replied, “I have remembered Allah Who has created you, your father and me”.
Firo’un’s daughter reported the matter to her father who was extremely annoyed and furious with such remarks. He summoned Hizqeel’s wife with her two sons and asked, “Who is your creator?” She courageously replied, “Your God and my God is the creator of this world”. Firo’un became even more upset and ordered his soldiers to burn Hizqeel’s wife together with her two sons alive.
Soon after their torturous death, Firo’un proudly came up to his wife Aasiyah and informed her about the incident thinking that she would be happy to know what he had done. Instead, she was furious and clearly expressed her disgust towards him. Firo’un realized that his own wife had also become a believer of Moses (a.s.) and therefore tortured her too, to her death. He used a very violent method to eliminate her. He made her lie down on the earth and nailed her hands and legs. However, Aasiyah remained steadfast in the path of Allah (SWT). Mentioning her with praise in the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
“And Allah has given an example to the believers, of Firo’un’s wife. When she said: O Lord! Build me a house in the garden, and deliver me from Firo’un and his deeds, and deliver me from the unjust people”. (66:16)
LEARNING POINT:
We must always remain steadfast on the path of Allah (SWT) whatever the difficulties. This indeed is the lesson we learn from the above episode. Aasiyah was the beloved wife of Firo’un. She was a queen and had everything one would desire for in this life. However, when she believed in Moses (a.s.), she realized that the rewards of the Hereafter were much better. What could the short-life of this world have to offer?
“…and be steadfast (in your faith) as you are commanded, and do not follow their vain desires…” (42:15)
Imam Ali (a.s.) has said, “The best happiness (is achieved through) steadfastness of faith (religion)”. (Ghurar al-Hikam)
He (a.s.) has also said, “Action! Action! Then (look at) the end; the end, and (remain) steadfast; steadfast……..Allah, the Sublime says: ‘Verily the angels descend on those who say: ‘Allah is our Lord’ and then remain steadfast, saying: Do not fear, nor grieve. Receive the glad tidings of the garden which was promised to you’ (41:30) You have said: ‘Our Lord is Allah’. Then keep steadfast to His Book, to the way of His command and to the virtuous course of His worship…” (Nahjul-Balaghah/Sermon 176)
