Moulana Sayyid Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah) was an internationally accepted ‘aalim, an outstanding saint of his time and a prolific writer in both the Arabic and Urdu languages. The father of Moulana (rahimahullah) passed away when he was nine years old, and he was thus single-handedly raised by his mother.

His mother, Khairun Nisaa (rahimahallah), was born in 1878 and passed away in 1968. She was herself a saint and a haafizah of the Quraan Majeed, and put great effort into raising her son in the correct, Islamic manner. It was she who moulded him into the luminary that he became and ensured that the values of Deen and piety were deeply rooted in him. (For a brief overview of her life, click here)

In an era where it was rare for women to lift the pen, Allah Ta‘ala had blessed Khairun Nisaa (rahimahallah) to become a talented, accomplished author. Furthermore, Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her with profound piety, and a sound understanding of Deen and the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

She compiled three books in total; a best-selling recipe book name ‘Zaa-iqah’ (Taste), a kitaab of munaajaat (couplets of poetry praising Allah Ta‘ala and making du‘aa to Him) that she had composed, and finally, a book entitled ‘Husn-e-Mu‘aasharat’.

Husn-e-Mu‘aasharat (which means ‘excellent social conduct’) was unique in that it combined her two passions; writing and the upbringing of young girls. In this kitaab, she drew on her vast experience and sound understanding of Deen to provide detailed, practical guidelines for Muslim girls, providing insight into the different departments and aspects of social life and interaction, together with shedding light on how one should conduct in order to enjoy a blissful, problem-free life.

Allah Ta‘ala blessed this kitaab with such acceptance that it was published time and time again, until approximately twenty editions were released!

In this regard, Uswatul Muslimah has launched a new category on the website named, “Muslimah’s Guide” (A Muslimah’s Guide to Living a Blissful Life). In this category, we will continue to present the teachings and guidelines that this profound personality had detailed for the young girls of this Ummah in an endeavour to assist them to enjoy happy, prosperous lives.

May Allah Ta‘ala grant this saintly woman the best of rewards and bless us to inculcate her teachings into our lives.