It is essential for us to navigate crisis with grace, wisdom, and deep understanding of Islamic teachings. Facing a challenge can be daunting, but as Muslim women, we have a rich tradition of guidance to draw upon. This guide offers practical advice, rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), to help us navigate tough times.

Understanding Self-Defence in Islam

Self-defence is an essential skill for everyone, including us. Islam prioritises the protection of life and property, and defending oneself is not only allowed but sometimes necessary. The key is to approach self-defence with the right intentions and methods.

Islamic Perspective on Self-Defence:

• Permissibility: Islam permits self-defence as long as it’s proportionate to the threat. The Quran states, “Fight in the cause of Allah ˹only˺ against those who wage war against you, but do not exceed the limits.1 Allah does not like transgressors.” (Al-Baqarah 2:190). This is part of the Islamic warfare guidelines set by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and it includes defending yourself without going beyond what is necessary.
• Defending Life and Property: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught, “He who is killed in defence of his religion is a martyr, he who is killed in self-defence is a martyr, he who is killed in defence of his property is a martyr, and he who is killed in defence of his family is a martyr.” (Mishkat al-Masabih 3529).

Types of Self-Defence:

• Physical Self-Defence: Learning martial arts or other self-defence techniques can help you protect yourself physically.
• Verbal Self-Defence: Using confident, assertive speech to de-escalate situations or call for help.
• Psychological Self-Defence: Maintaining mental and emotional resilience through faith, prayer, and support from others.
• Legal Self-Defence: Knowing your rights and reporting crimes to authorities in the country you reside.

Examples:

• Physical: A woman using self-defence moves to fend off an attacker.
• Verbal: Firmly telling someone to stop harassing you or loudly calling for help to attract attention.
• Defending Others: Stepping in to help someone being harassed, whether by directly intervening or calling for help.

Inspiration from the Prophets and Female Companions:

• Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): He defended his community while always adhering to principles of justice and mercy. His approach was always balanced and compassionate.
• Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (Umm Ammarah): At the Battle of Uhud, Nusaybah bravely defended the Prophet (ﷺ) with a sword and shield, sustaining injuries in the process. Her courage is a powerful reminder of the strength and capability of women in time of crisis.
• Asma bint Abu Bakr: During the Hijrah, Asma played a crucial role in supporting her father and the Prophet (ﷺ), showing bravery and resourcefulness in a critical situation.

Conducting Oneself with Dignity and Wisdom

In times of crisis, maintaining composure and acting with wisdom is crucial. As Muslim women, our actions should reflect our faith, emphasising patience, strength, and resilience.

Key Points:

• Patience and Perseverance: The Quran emphasises patience, ” O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.” (Al-Baqarah 2:153). Patience helps us stay clear-headed and composed.
• Seeking Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for support from family, friends, and community. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, ” You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6011).
• Prayer and Dua: Turning to Allah in times of distress provides spiritual strength. Regular prayer (salah) and supplication (dua) can be a source of comfort and guidance.

Inspiration from the Prophets:

• The Treaty of Hudaibiyah: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) showed immense patience and wisdom during the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Although the initial terms seemed unfavorable, his foresight and patience eventually led to greater peace and stability.

Responding as an Ummah to Victimisation

When one of us is victimised, it’s our collective duty to respond with empathy, support, and solidarity. The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) teachings provide clear guidance.

Key Points:

• Solidarity and Support: The Quran urges us to stand together, “The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another. They encourage good and forbid evil, establish prayer and pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will be shown Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (At-Tawbah 9:71). Show solidarity by standing together with the victim(s) and by offering emotional, financial, and moral support.
• Justice and Advocacy: Islam advocates for justice and standing against oppression. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, ” Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2444).
• Community Engagement: Work with community leaders among our ummah, and organisations to address and prevent victimisation. Raise awareness, offer education, and provide resources to protect vulnerable individuals in our community.

Inspiration from the Early Muslims:

• Muhajirun and Ansar: When early Muslims migrated to Medina, the Ansar welcomed the Muhajirun with open arms, sharing their homes and resources. This example highlights the importance of community support in times of crisis.

Dealing with Helplessness and Trusting in Allah

Sometimes, crises can make us feel helpless. In these moments, it’s essential to remember the importance of trusting in Allah (tawakkul). Reliance on Allah can provide the strength to endure and overcome hardships.

Key Points:

• Reliance on Allah: The Quran reminds us, ” and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.” (At-Talaq 65:3). Trusting in Allah means having confidence in His plan, even when we don’t understand it.
• Patience and Faith: The story of Aisha (RA) during the incident of the false accusation (Al-Ifk) teaches us about patience and reliance on Allah. Despite the emotional turmoil, she remained patient and trusted in Allah. Eventually, Allah revealed her innocence in the Quran, ” Indeed, those who came up with that ˹outrageous˺ slander are a group of you… ˹You would have suffered,˺ had it not been for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, and had Allah not been Ever Gracious, Most Merciful.” (An-Nur 24:11-20).

Inspiration from the Prophets:

• The Scandal of Aisha (RA): When Aisha (RA) was falsely accused, she experienced deep distress and helplessness. Despite the pain, she placed her trust in Allah and remained patient. Allah vindicated her through a revelation in the Quran (above), affirming her innocence and teaching the importance of truth and reliance on Allah in times of crisis.

Additional Inspirational Examples

From the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

The Patience of the Prophet (ﷺ) during Ta’if:

When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) went to Ta’if to invite its people to Islam, he was met with severe opposition and was physically assaulted. Despite the harsh treatment, he did not curse the people but instead prayed for their guidance, demonstrating immense patience and compassion in the face of adversity.

The Forgiveness of the Prophet (ﷺ) during the Conquest of Mecca:

Upon conquering Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had the power to punish those who had persecuted him and his followers for years. However, he chose to forgive them, just as Yusuf (Joseph)(AS) did when he said: ” There is no blame on you today. May Allah forgive you! He is the Most Merciful of the merciful!” (Yusuf 12:92). This act of mercy is a profound example of strength and forgiveness.

From Early Muslim Women

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid:

Khadijah (RA), the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is a remarkable example of strength, support, and resilience. She was a successful businesswoman who supported the Prophet (ﷺ) financially and emotionally during the early years of Islam, enduring social ostracism and economic hardships.

Sumayyah bint Khabbat:

Sumayyah (RA) was the first martyr in Islam. Despite being tortured for her faith by the Quraysh, she remained steadfast and did not renounce her belief in Allah. Her strength and unwavering faith in the face of persecution serve as a powerful inspiration.

Fatimah bint Muhammad:

Fatimah (RA), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), demonstrated resilience and devotion throughout her life. She faced many hardships, including the loss of her mother, economic difficulties, and the martyrdom of her husband, Ali (RA). Despite these challenges, she remained a pillar of support for her family and community.

Umm Salamah:

Umm Salamah (RA) faced the profound loss of her husband, Abu Salamah, during a critical time in the early Muslim community. Despite her grief, she showed immense patience and strength. Her wisdom and counsel were so valued by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as his wife. Umm Salamah played a significant role in advising the Prophet (ﷺ) and supporting the Muslim community. Her story highlights the importance of resilience and the strength found in seeking and offering support.

From Other Inspirational Figures

Maryam (Mary), Mother of Isa (Jesus):

Maryam (AS) is a prominent figure in Islam, revered for her piety and strength. She faced immense trials, including the miraculous birth of her son, Isa (AS), and the challenges that came with it. Despite the social stigma and her own initial fear, she placed her complete trust in Allah. Her faith and endurance are beautifully captured in the Quran, ” So her Lord accepted her graciously and blessed her with a pleasant upbringing—entrusting her to the care of Zachariah. Whenever Zachariah visited her in the sanctuary, he found her supplied with provisions. He exclaimed, “O Mary! Where did this come from?” She replied, “It is from Allah. Surely Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit.” (Ali’Imran 3:37). Maryam’s (AS) story teaches us about the power of faith and trusting in Allah’s plan, even when it seems incomprehensible.

Asiya, Wife of Pharaoh:

Asiya (RA), the wife of Pharaoh, is honoured in Islam for her unwavering faith despite being married to one of the most tyrannical rulers. She protected the infant Musa (Moses) and later stood firm in her belief in Allah, even when threatened with death. Her steadfastness is highlighted in the Quran, where she prays, ” And Allah sets forth an example for the believers: the wife of Pharaoh, who prayed, “My Lord! Build me a house in Paradise near You, deliver me from Pharaoh and his ˹evil˺ doing, and save me from the wrongdoing people.” (At-Tahrim 66:11). Asiya’s (RA) story exemplifies the ultimate strength of spirit and unwavering faith in Allah, even in the face of mortal danger.

Hajar (Hagar), Mother of Isma’il (Ishmael):

Hajar (AS) showed immense faith and resilience when left in the desert with her infant son, Isma’il (AS). Her desperate search for water, running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, is commemorated during Hajj. Despite the apparent hopelessness of her situation, she never lost faith in Allah’s provision. Her trust in Allah and determination ensured her and her son’s survival, leading to the miraculous discovery of the Zamzam well. Hajar’s (AS) story is a testament to the importance of trust in Allah and the rewards that come with unwavering faith and perseverance.

How these stories illustrate key points:

Self-Defence and Resilience:

1. Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (Umm Ammarah): Her physical defence of the Prophet (ﷺ) at the Battle of Uhud, using a sword and shield, demonstrates the proactive and courageous aspect of self-defence.
2. Sumayyah bint Khabbat: Despite torture, she remained steadfast in her faith, showing resilience and strength of spirit.
3. Asma bint Abu Bakr: Her bravery and resourcefulness during the Hijrah highlight the importance of mental and psychological resilience.

Conducting Oneself with Dignity and Wisdom:

• Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: Her unwavering support and resilience during the early days of Islam, despite facing economic and social hardships, exemplify dignified conduct.
•  Fatimah bint Muhammad: Her perseverance through personal and familial hardships, while continuing to support her community, illustrates grace under pressure.
• Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) at Ta’if: His patience and prayer for the people who mistreated him show wisdom and compassion in the face of adversity.
• Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the Conquest of Mecca: His act of forgiveness towards his enemies is a profound example of strength and mercy.

Responding as an Ummah:

• Muhajirun and Ansar: The Ansar’s support for the Muhajirun in Medina highlights the importance of community support and solidarity.
• Umm Salamah: Her resilience after the loss of her husband and her continued support for the Muslim community show the importance of mutual support and wisdom.
• Maryam (AS): Her faith and endurance in the face of immense trials can inspire the community to support and protect those in need.

Dealing with Helplessness and Trusting in Allah:

• Aisha (RA) and the Incident of Al-Ifk: Her patience and trust in Allah during the period of false accusations highlight the importance of faith and reliance on Allah.
• Maryam (AS): Her trust in Allah during her trials teaches us the power of faith and resilience.
• Asiya (RA): Her unwavering faith in Allah despite living with a tyrannical ruler is a powerful example of spiritual strength.
• Hajar (AS): Her determination and faith in Allah while searching for water for her son emphasise the importance of trust in Allah’s provision.

Conclusion

In times of crisis, we can draw upon the teachings of the Quran and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for guidance. This includes understanding the importance of self-defence, conducting oneself with dignity and wisdom, responding as an Ummah to victimisation, and dealing with feelings of helplessness by placing trust in Allah. Inspirational examples from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his companions, and other significant figures in Islamic history serve as powerful reminders of resilience, strength, and faith. By embodying these principles, we can navigate through challenges with grace, wisdom, and a deep understanding of our Islamic identity.