Islam has held in high esteem those parents who nurture daughters and has made the undertaking of this task a means of entering Jannah (paradise). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has given glad tidings of his closeness and proximity to the parents who bring up daughters.

Hazrat Anas (radiyallahu anhu) reports Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, "The person who successfully brings up two daughters until they reach maturity, then on the day of Qiyamah (Judgement) myself and that person will be like this (Rasulullah r) indicated closeness by bringing together his index and middle fingers). (Sahih Muslim)

Imam Bukhari (rah) has brought several ahadith in his book Adabul Mufrad, stating that the person, who has two or three daughters, and he gives them an Islamic upbringing then those very daughters will become a shield for him from the fire of Jahannam (Hell).

It has been recorded in Abu Dawood, the famous compilation of Hadith, the person who brings up three daughters, gets them married, and thereafter maintains affable relationship with them; will enter Jannah (paradise).

With regards to kindness and fairness Islam has ensured that boys and girls are treated equally. We should not unjustly discriminate between our children on the basis of their gender.

Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (radiyallahu anhu) was a wealthy Sahabi. He had only one daughter. Incidentally he became so ill that there remained no hope of his survival. Rasulullah (sr) visited him during this illness. He spoke to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) saying, I have abundant wealth and my heir is just one daughter, I desire to bequest two thirds of my wealth in charity. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) replied, "No", Saad (radiyallahau anhu) then offered half his wealth in charity, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) again refused and instructed him to bequest just one third and remarked that too is plenty, he further stated that to leave your heirs in a financially healthy position is much better than leaving them dependant on others. (Bukhari /Muslim)

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) practically demonstrated to this Ummat how a father should care for and treat his daughter. It was the infinite wisdom of Allah Ta'ala that dictated the progeny of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) would continue only through his daughter Fathima (radiyallahu anha). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) had the deepest love and compassion for her and thus use to say, "Fathima is a portion of my flesh, whosoever hurts her, certainly hurts me"

When Fathima (radiyallahu anha) use to visit Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) he use to stand up to embrace and welcome her, kiss her on the forehead and seat her beside him.

Another remarkable gesture of compassion for his beloved daughter was that whenever Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to go on journey then the last person he used to greet was Fathima (radiyallahu anha) and upon returning, he would meet her first.

The books of Ahadith are also replete with stories of how Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to play with and enjoy his two grandsons Hasan and Husayn (radiyallahu anhuma). This was all the result of the fervent love and time he had for his beloved daughter Hazrat Fathima (radiyallahu anha).

May Allah Ta'ala grant us the ability and realisation to cherish the valuable lamps that we have in our homes and emulate Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) in treating them.