Hadhrat Khansa (Radhiyallahu anha)
exhorts her sons to bravery

Hadhrat Khansa (Radhiyallahu anha) was a famous poetess. She embraced Islam in Madinah, along with some others of her clan. Ibn Athir writes:
"All masters of literature are unanimous in declaring Hadhrat Khansa (Radhiyallahu anha) as the best woman poet in Arabic. No woman in history has ever written such poetry as Hadhrat Khansa (Radhiyallahu anha)."

During the time of 'Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) in 16 A.H, the famous battle of Qadisiyyah was fought between the Muslims and the Persians. Hadhrat Khansa (Radhiyallahu anha), along with her four sons, took part in this battle. On the eve of the battle, she exhorted all her four sons, saying:
"O, My sons! You embraced Islam and emigrated of your own free will. By Allah, beside Whom there is no God, you all are the sons of the same father, just as you are the sons of the same mother. I never betrayed your father, nor defamed your maternal uncle. I never al lowed a blot to come on your high birth nor polluted your pedigree. You know what rewards Allah has promised for those who fight against the disbeliever in His path. You must remember that the everlasting life of the Hereafter is far better than the transitory life of this world. Allah has said in His Holy Book:

"O. Ye who believe! Endure, outdo all others in endurance, be ready and observe your duty to Allah, in order that Ye may succeed."

When you get up tomorrow morning, be prepared to contribute your best in the battle. Go ahead into the enemy lines, seeking help from Allah. When you see the flames of war rising high, get right into the centre and face the enemy chiefs. Insha’Allah you will get your abode in paradise with honour and success."


Next day, when the battle was in full swing, all the four sons advanced towards the enemy lines. One by one, they attacked the enemy, reciting the words of their mother in verses and fought till all of them were martyred. When the mother got the news, she said:
Al-hamdulillah. Glory to Allah Who has honoured me with their martyrdom. I hope that Allah will unite me with them under the shade of His Mercy."

Here is a mother of that time. She exhorts her sons to jump into the flames of battle and, when all the sons are killed in quick succession, she glorifies Allah.