(Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem [rahimahallah] – Part Seven)
The greatest wealth that Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) possessed, and the most remarkable feature of her life, was her deep connection with Allah Ta‘ala. This sacred bond formed the very foundation for the many notable accomplishments she achieved throughout her life.
The strength of this relationship shone clearly in her ‘ibaadah and ma’moolaat (daily devotions). Describing her daily routine, her sister’s granddaughter, Sayyidah Maimoonah (rahimahallah), commented, “What can be said about ‘Aaishah Bi’s ma’moolaat? In short, it can truly be said that her entire life was ‘ibaadah.”
She would rise during the early hours of the morning for Tahajjud Salaah and remain engaged in ‘ibaadah, seated upon her musalla, until the time of ishraaq. After performing Ishraaq Salaah, she attended to essential daily tasks, thereafter continuing tasbeeh and the remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala as she went about her duties. Around 10am she performed Chaasht Salaah (Salaatud Dhuha), after which her responsibilities increased. Throughout, she maintained her tasbeeh, remaining occupied in this manner until the afternoon, and only found time to rest after having lunch.
After Zuhr Salaah, she would recite the Quraan Majeed, thereafter spending a short while conversing with her family until the time of ‘asr. Following the ‘Asr Salaah, she would once again busy herself with tasbeeh. Thereafter, she would recite various surahs of the Quraan Majeed, including Surah Rahmaan, Surah Qiyaamah, Surah Dahar and others.
She nurtured a profound attachment to the Quraan Majeed. Beyond meticulous recitation, she possessed an extensive understanding of the sciences of the Quraan Majeed. At one stage, she knew the place of revelation of nearly every surah, the circumstances surrounding its revelation, and the reasons behind it.
She was furthermore blessed with a deep, intense love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – a love that permeated her heart and shaped the course of her life. As a result, she placed great emphasis on emulating his blessed lifestyle.
Motivated by this profound love, she devoted a significant portion of her life to teaching the noble ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), imparting their meanings and lessons to others. Her deep attachment to the seerah inspired her to author a book on the blessed life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – a work that reflected her love, research, and spiritual insight. Likewise, this same love motivated her to translate the renowned hadeeth kitaab, Riyaadhus Saaliheen.
Her heart also often overflowed with poetic expression, and she compiled numerous verses in praise of the matchless personality of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). These were not merely literary compositions but heartfelt tributes, born from a soul imbued with love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – a reflection of the deep longing and reverence she maintained for him throughout her life.
Lessons:
1. True richness lies in the depth of one’s connection with Allah Ta‘ala, not in the abundance of material wealth. Even if a person is deprived of material comforts, a strong bond with Allah Ta‘ala constitutes the greatest treasure. This relationship is the fountainhead from which flows barakah in all aspects of life – ‘ibaadah, knowledge, akhlaaq, and influence upon others. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) was an embodiment of this. Her entire life revolved around Allah Ta‘ala. From tahajjud until nightfall, her hours were filled with salaah, tasbeeh, tilaawah and du‘aa. Her ma’moolaat (daily devotions) were not a burden, but a lifeline. Her heart beat with the remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala, and her soul overflowed with divine love. This sacred bond shaped her identity and defined every achievement.
2. A heart filled with love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) will naturally be drawn to his seerah, his sunnah and his blessed words. Such love inspires genuine commitment to the teachings of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and awakens a yearning to emulate him. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) exemplified this love in many ways, and her bond with him was so profound that it became a central theme of her life.
3. One of the greatest signs of a spiritually thriving heart is a deep connection with the Quraan Majeed. The Words of Allah Ta‘ala serve as a lamp in darkness, a cure for the restless soul, and a guide to His pleasure. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) dedicated specific times to reciting the Quraan Majeed and reflecting over its meanings. She had such a connection to the Quraan Majeed that she even knew the asbaabun nuzool (reasons for revelation) and the places of revelation for many surahs – something not many people achieve.