it was written: “O River Nile! If you flow of your own accord, then do not flow, but if Allah Almighty has caused you to flow, then I supplicate to Allah Almighty that He makes you flow.” Sayyiduna ‘Amr bin ‘Aas  رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ placed this piece of paper into the river, and its water level rose by 16 yards overnight. In this manner, this tradition was completely eradicated in Egypt.^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers! It becomes clear from the aforementioned account that even the River Nile was under the leadership of Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Umar Farooq Al-A’zam رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ, as this river did not disobey Sayyiduna Umar رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ.

Sadly, we also come to know that there were many un-Islamic and strange traditions that were commonplace before the arrival of Islamic teachings. For example, whenever the River Nile began to dry, the people of Egypt resorted to an unfounded, heart-wrenching solution. Taking an innocent young girl, they would adorn her with jewellery and throw her into the river. They mistakenly began thinking, that the river would not flow if they stopped this tradition and would eventually become dry.

May we be sacrificed upon Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ, who was taught directly by the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! Observe the wisdom in his actions, as when news of this ignorant tradition reached him, he instantly thought of the rights of women being infringed and rose to protect them. Utilising his authority, he put a firm end to this practice of the people of Egypt. By doing so, he showed the high rank that women possess in Islam, as he ensured their due rights are delivered to them in the best of manners.

Also remember, this event took place after Islam had arrived. If we were to look at the status of women before the advent of Islam, i.e. during the Age of Ignorance, then it would become apparent to us that