A woman came to the Prophet (S.A.W) and said, “My mother vowed to perform the Hajj but she died before performing it....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (R.A)
A woman came to the Prophet (S.A.W) and said, “My mother vowed to perform the Hajj but she died before performing it. Should I perform the Hajj on her behalf?” He said, “Yes! Perform the Hajj on her behalf. See, if your mother had been in debt, would you have paid her debt?” She said, “Yes.” He said, “So you should pay what is for Him as Allah has more right that one should fulfill one’s obligations to Him.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 92, Number 418
Venus Williams is the first Black tennis player to be ranked number 1 in the Open era.
Venus Williams became the first Black tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in the Open Era of tennis, reaching this historic milestone on February 25, 2002. Venus has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of players and transforming the perception of tennis.
Born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California, Venus and her sister Serena grew up under the guidance of their father, Richard Williams, who coached them with the dream of breaking barriers in tennis. Rising through the ranks in a sport that had long been dominated by white players, Venus brought a unique style characterized by power, agility, and a fierce competitive spirit. Her accomplishments are not only marked by her historic No. 1 ranking but also by her multiple Grand Slam titles, two Olympic singles gold medals, and her influence on women’s tennis.
One of her most significant contributions to tennis was her role in the fight for equal prize money for women at major tournaments. In 2007, following years of advocacy, Wimbledon finally awarded equal prize money to female and male champions, largely due to Venus’s efforts and eloquent arguments. Her persistence and commitment to fairness made her a trailblazer not just for Black athletes but for all women in tennis.
Venus’s playing style has also been revolutionary. Known for her powerful serves—once holding the record for the fastest serve in women’s tennis—Venus set a new standard for athleticism in the game. Her strong baseline game, coupled with an aggressive approach, has inspired younger players and helped change how women’s tennis is played.
Venus Williams has defeated many famous and highly ranked players over her remarkable career, spanning nearly three decades. Some notable players she’s bested are: Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitová, Garbiñe Muguruza, and Angelique Kerber.
Beyond her influence on the court, Venus has expanded her impact to fashion and business. She owns an interior design firm, V Starr Interiors, and has her own clothing line, EleVen, which reflects her eye for style and her commitment to empowering women through athletic fashion. Her influence extends to younger players who see her as an example of resilience, strength, and determination.
