Surah al-Qasas (The Stories) 28 : 26

Explanatory Note

We then hear a feminine voice that reflects honesty and propriety: “Said one of the two women: My father! Hire him; for the best person that you could hire is one who is strong and worthy of trust.” Both she and her sister have endured the hard task of tending sheep, fending for themselves in the midst of men. Neither of them is happy with this. They would prefer to be at home, doing the work of women, and not having to compete with strangers at grazing and watering places. They are, after all, virtuous women. Here, the one who speaks sees a young man, a stranger in their town, but at the same time someone who is strong and trustworthy. She has seen how the other shepherds held him in awe, making way for him when he watered her sheep. But he is in a weak position because he is a stranger. She also recognized him as worthy of trust when she noticed his sense of propriety as she delivered her father’s invitation to him. Hence, she advises her father to hire him so that he would spare her and her sister the trouble of doing a shepherd’s work. She commends him for his ability to do the work as also his honesty and integrity. As she gives this advice, she speaks clearly, without hesitation, fearing no misunderstanding or unworthy suggestion.