The Taubah of a Town’s Prostitutes

Once, the people of the town of Sandelah performed Salaatul Istisqaa (Salaat for rain). However, the rains did not come. One day the prostitutes of the town went to the mayor of the town and said:

“The dua which you people are making are efficacious and worthy of acceptance. The reason for rain not falling is the presence of our evil group. Rain has been withheld because of our sins. It is, therefore, our wish to go to the forest to cry and supplicate to our Creator and to make taubah. We have approached you to take measures for preventing any male coming near to our gathering for casting evil glances.”

The necessary arrangements were made, and measures were taken to ensure that no male come nearby.

These women gathered in the forest on the outskirts of the town. They performed Salaat and then supplicated to Allah Ta’ala. They made taubah and poured out their hearts to Allah Ta’ala.

There was no limit to their crying and expressions of regret for their past misdeeds. While they were engrossed in their humble supplication, the rain started to come and soon poured in torrents.

Who can, after having heard this episode be vain and proud of his piety and disdainful of the impiety of others?

(Malfoothaat, Part 1)