(Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem [rahimahallah] – Part Six)
Since hajj is among the pillars of Islam, Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) cherished a profound yearning to fulfil this lofty obligation and to present herself in those sacred lands. This aspiration became one of her greatest concerns, and her heartfelt supplications constantly revolved around this noble desire.
Allah Ta‘ala accepted her heartfelt du‘aa, and on Thursday 7th Sha’baan 1366 A.H. (26th June 1947), she departed from Lucknow to begin this momentous journey. With hearts filled with hope and gratitude, she travelled in the company of her esteemed brother, Moulana Sayyid Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), his wife, their beloved mother, and nephew, Moulana Muhammad Thaani (rahimahullah).
During the initial stages of the voyage, all of them became ill – a common occurrence for those travelling by sea. Their beloved mother remained in the comparatively best health. After a few days, the discomfort subsided, and they gradually regained their strength and appetite.
The atmosphere aboard the ship was one of Deen, piety, and constant remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala. Moulana Abul Hasan (rahimahullah) described it as a ‘moving community of tableegh.’ The five daily salaah were performed with jamaat in the spacious library of the first-class deck. Each day, a tableeghi programme was conducted, together with regular sessions of ta’leem. Furthermore, a special programme was arranged for the ladies, during which Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) would read from her book, Zaad-e-Safar.
The women who attended developed deep respect and admiration for her. In fact, some were so inspired by her presence and noble character that they spent the entire journey serving her and attending to her needs.
Their arrival in Jeddah coincided with the sighting of the moon of Ramadhaan. They commenced fasting and remained in Jeddah for two days. At the end of the second day, the bus bound for Madeenah Munawwarah arrived, and they set out with hearts brimming with anticipation. The journey spanned two nights and one day. Moulana Abul Hasan (rahimahullah) mentions that words cannot adequately capture the joy, elation, and spiritual ecstasy that filled the hearts of those embarking on this sacred journey.
After a long and blessed stay in Madeenah Munawwarah, they set out for Makkah Mukarramah on 20th Zul Qa’dah. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) was overcome with immense joy and spiritual ecstasy upon witnessing the blessed Ka’bah for the first time. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) devoted most of her time during the days of hajj, particularly upon the plains of ‘Arafaat, beseeching and imploring Allah Ta‘ala.
True to the spirit of hajj and ‘umrah, Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) returned home imbued with a renewed zeal for serving Deen. As mentioned earlier, she devoted her life to teaching the Quraan Majeed and the blessed ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), while also actively participating in the effort of tableegh. One could say that even after returning from the sacred journey, she remained closely connected to the mission of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and never allowed the spiritual impact of her hajj to fade.
Lessons:
1. When the heart sincerely yearns for a righteous act, and one continually turns to Allah Ta‘ala in earnest supplication, He opens the path – even if the fulfilment is delayed. This teaches us that the journey towards hajj begins not with arrangements or logistics, but with genuine longing.
2. The ship upon which they journeyed was transformed into a moving gathering of Deen – with jamaat salaah, ta’leem, tableegh and zikr. This atmosphere left a lasting impression upon the hearts of the travellers. This highlights the profound effect of surrounding oneself with the pious and taking part in gatherings where the name of Allah Ta‘ala is remembered – particularly during a journey to His sacred House. When the journey is filled with spirituality, the soul arrives prepared to receive its full benefit.
3. Upon returning from her journey, Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) did not leave the spirit of hajj behind in Makkah Mukarramah or Madeenah Munawwarah. Rather, she carried it forward into her daily life – devoting herself to the Quraan Majeed, the blessed ahaadeeth, and the noble work of tableegh with renewed fervour. This is the hallmark of an accepted hajj: that it transforms the life of the pilgrim. Indeed, a hajj or ‘umrah well-performed is not the end of a journey, but rather the commencement of a deeper commitment to the mission of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his blessed way of life.