ĀYĒHĀ-YI DUKHTARŪNAH. [QURANIC VERSES FOR GIRLS]. By Na’imeh Aqanouri. Mashhad, Iran: Astan Qods Razavi. 2020. Pp. 73. Online. Free.
Sometimes, amidst the busyness of life and its ups and downs, we forget everything except our own heart and soul. We forget that there is Someone who kindly watches over us at all times and in all places. The Holy Quran serves as a tool for connecting with our benevolent God.
In this context, numerous works have been composed, and this particular work provides an opportunity for everyone, especially girls, to have a deeper and distinct perspective on some of the words of their compassionate Creator.
This work contains several sections. In the first section, it begins with a beautiful and literary inquiry: Who does God love the most? The answer is provided by quoting a verse, which states that the criterion for the superiority of women and men is based on piety, and that God loves pious men and women alike. The subsequent question raised is why in Islam, all rulings seem to pertain to women. Why does God not address men? The Quran states that certain rulings are specific to men, while others pertain to women; thus, one cannot claim that God has only issued rulings for women. Further, it is highlighted that our characteristics shape our future; for instance, impure friendships that lack divine essence can ruin our future, and this principle holds true for both boys and girls. If a person is seeking a pure and God-fearing spouse, they must first keep their own heart pure, as a clean heart considers divine criteria in marriage.
In the second section, the question arises: Is God mindful of girls at all? Indeed, there was a time when people were disheartened by the birth of daughters. During that period, God was the protector of girls, as He states in the Quran: “We give to whomever We wish daughters or sons,” where the mention of daughters precedes that of sons, reflecting their esteemed status before the Almighty. The merciful God articulates the rights of women, particularly during periods when women’s rights were overlooked, through firm religious decrees to ensure their rights are not violated. The Almighty mentions in the Quran that women are a source of tranquility, and across the teachings of Islam, God defends the status of women, especially in challenging circumstances such as childbirth and the relationship between children and their mothers and fathers. God loves women and considers their opinions and thoughts significant; thus, He instructs the Prophet: “When women come to you to pledge allegiance, accept their pledge,” indicating that women not only can but should actively participate in society with sincere hearts.
In the third section, the question is posed: Which girl does God love the most? God values important traits in women such as dignity and modesty, stating that chaste daughters walk with grace, do not gaze upon everything, guard against illicit looks, and are prayerful. For this reason, God tells Mary: “I have chosen you; do not forget to prostrate and bow before Me.” God Himself reassures her in the Quran: “Do not be troubled, you have remained pure in difficult circumstances, and even if all your enemies are against you, I will support you.” The Prophet Muhammad beautifully remarked that a house with several daughters leads to paradise, and all these points underscore the esteemed position of girls in the eyes of the Almighty. Among the successful daughters in the Quran are the daughters of Shuʿayb, who, with their grace and modesty, understood the paths of benevolence and expressed gratitude to those who assisted them. Another exemplary woman is Mary, who remained silent in the face of accusations against her. God describes heavenly women as akin to pearls concealed within their shells, suggesting that a woman’s beauty is so precious that only certain individuals should be privileged to behold it. God has cherished girls by instituting the hijab for them, as He desires their hearts to remain divine and celestial.
The forth section addresses the question of how to be more pleasing to God. The act of wearing garments of piety is among the things that satisfy God, as is refraining from following the temptations and directives of Satan and seeking refuge in God from the whispers of the devil. The Prophet characterized girls as kind, depicting them as compassionate beings ready to assist their parents and bring blessings into life. Furthermore, the author, citing Quranic verses, asserts that the treasures of the heavens and the earth belong to God, and daughters should not view financial matters as the ultimate criteria for marriage. One of the means to avoid sin is through prayer. If a girl is tempted to commit sins, she should make a decision for being friend with her hijab and spends a few days praying with a headscarf, and God will protect her through her challenges. God mentions in the Quran: “O My good servant, be patient, and do not let those who do not believe weaken your faith.”
In the fifth section, emphasis is placed on the qualities one should embody to be loved by God. God cites Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh, as an example of one who maintained her faith with all her heart through every hardship and, for this faith, was imprisoned, asking God to build her a house near Him. Through this narrative, God demonstrates the intellectual independence of women, showing that even if one is the wife of a tyrant, one can overcome temptation, and what matters is remaining firm in the love of God. Even having feminine feelings is not a weakness for girls but a divine gift that endows them with unique strength. God teaches us that, for example, having hijab, reading the Quran, and maintaining relationships with virtuous individuals should not lead to arrogance; even women who were married to the Prophet did not end well if they lost sight of their faith.
In the concluding section, the question arises: Do we have a supreme lady? According to Quranic verses, Fatimah is introduced as the “greatest good,” and traditions mention that she is cited as the reason for the creation of the heavens and the earth, referred to as the leader of the women of paradise.
One of the points that the author could have observed in compiling this work was a precise and orderly chapter division, which could have prevented the author from becoming confused.
