After a stay of approximately one month, Āminahra departed on her return journey, but just as for her husband, the death of Āminahra was also destined in foreign land. She fell ill on the way and passed away at a place known as Abwā’ – she was buried there as well.1 In the time of his prophethood, once the Holy Prophetsa passed by the same location and honoured the grave of his mother by his presence. Upon seeing the grave of his mother, the Prophet’ssa eyes welled with tears. When the companions of the Holy Prophetsa saw this sight they also began to shed tears. The Holy Prophetsa addressed his companions saying, “God has given me permission to visit the tomb of my mother but He has not permitted me to pray upon it.”2 This does not mean that the mother of the Holy Prophetsa shall not be forgiven, because this matter rests in the hands of God and none can draw conclusions regarding it. However, from this instance we find that just as the Holy Prophetsa has elaborated upon other occasions, it is not right to pray for the forgiveness of one who dies in a state of idolatry. Instead the affair of an idolater should be entrusted to God alone.
The mother of Muḥammadsa passed away and as a result, he became an orphan without a mother or father. At a young age, being away from home and dear ones, the grief at the loss of one’s mother when one’s father has already passed away is not a minor one. Hence, these happenings left a deep and ever enduring effect on the heart of the Holy Prophetsa. Undoubtedly, the Prophetsa was sent as Raḥmatullil-‘Ālamīn,3 however, due to external causes, occurrences of this nature had a very deep influence on the disposition of Muḥammadsa. To some extent, these initial grievances were the reason behind his immense love for the poor and special sympathy for the less fortunate; thus, his nature became exceptionally distinguished. The Holy Qur’ān mentions the orphanage of Muḥammadsa in the following words:
Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter?
So the orphan, oppress not.4
1 This narration is generally that of most historians. Some narrations state that Āminah bint Wahb passed away in Makkah and that her grave is situated in the Valley of Ḥujūn, Makkah. وَاللّٰهُ اَعْلَمْ (Author)
2 * Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitābul-Janā’iz, Bābu Isti’zānin-Nabīsa Rabbahū ‘Azzawajal fī Ziyārati Qabri Ummihī, Ḥadīth No 2258
* Sunan Ibni Mājah, Kitābul-Janā’iz, Bābu Mā Jā’a fī Ziyārati Qubūril-Mushrikīn, Ḥadīth No. 1572
3 A Mercy for all Peoples (Publishers)
4 Aḍ-Ḍuḥā (93:7-10)