(Ammaa Jee [rahimahallah] – Part One)

Among the women whose lives quietly transformed the lives of others was the beloved mother of Moulana Abdul Qayyoom Haqqaani (hafizahullah), fondly known as Ammaa Jee (rahimahallah). She neither possessed wealth nor enjoyed a life of ease, yet Allah Ta‘ala blessed her with treasures far greater than worldly comfort. Her life was one of unwavering imaan, immense sacrifice and complete reliance upon Allah Ta‘ala. Despite years of hardship, she remained steadfast, never allowing poverty, loneliness or adversity to weaken her determination or compromise her principles.

She endured many trials during her lifetime. She experienced poverty and deprivation, the pain of losing her husband, the task of raising four orphaned children and indifference from relatives. Yet through every difficulty, she remained firm upon Deen, placing her trust in Allah Ta‘ala and facing each challenge with remarkable patience, courage and dignity.

Yet perhaps one of the greatest testaments to her strength was the manner in which she raised her children amidst such circumstances. Despite the hardships she faced, she played a pivotal role in nurturing a great and distinguished ‘Aalim. Her son, Moulana Abdul Qayyum Haqqani, apart from his many other accomplishments, became a renowned author of numerous kitaabs, including a 23-volume commentary on Saheeh Muslim, as well as biographies of many of our great ‘Ulama.

One of the greatest tests of her life was the prolonged illness of her husband. For years, she devoted herself entirely to his care, serving him with patience and compassion that left a lasting impression upon those who witnessed it. Day after day, she attended to every one of his needs. She would turn him over in bed, clean him, care for his wounds, prepare his meals and do everything possible to bring him comfort. Knowing that nourishing food would aid his recovery, she would purchase chicks and personally prepare broth for him.

The demands of his illness were not only physically exhausting but financially draining as well. Gradually, the family’s savings were exhausted. Her jewellery was sold, followed by every household possession that had some value, until little remained. Despite this, she continued striving to provide for her family through whatever lawful means were available to her.

Moulana ‘Abdul Qayyum (hafizahullah) relates that although he was still very young at the time, whenever he looks back upon the illness of his father and recalls the extraordinary patience and selfless service of his mother during those years, he is left utterly amazed. He says that even if the finest of children, the most loving of brothers and men with great courage were in her place, they would eventually have lost courage (and been overcome by the sheer weight of such circumstances).

(Adapted from Ammaa Jee and So Bari Khawaateen)

Lessons:

1. The service of a wife to her husband, especially during times of illness and difficulty, is a great act of sacrifice and devotion. Ammaa Jee (rahimahallah) did not allow the prolonged illness of her husband, the physical exhaustion or the financial strain it placed upon the family to diminish the care and attention she gave him. She continued tending to his needs with patience, compassion and dignity, even when the demands upon her were immense. Serving one’s husband is not merely a responsibility to be fulfilled, but can become a means of earning immense reward when it is done with sincerity, patience and the hope of pleasing Allah Ta‘ala.

2. Reliance upon Allah Ta‘ala gives a person the strength to face even the most difficult circumstances with courage and patience. Despite poverty, the prolonged illness of her husband, the indifference of relatives and the loss of almost everything the family possessed, she never allowed her circumstances to overwhelm her. She continued to fulfil her responsibilities, knowing that her reliance was upon Allah Ta‘ala. When a person places their trust in Allah Ta‘ala, they may be surrounded by difficulties, yet their heart remains firm, knowing that Allah Ta‘ala is sufficient for them.