(Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem [rahimahallah] – Part Three)

The marital life of Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) was most pleasant, marked by love and affection, mutual attachment, co-operation and compassion. They were a couple of such calibre in Deeni knowledge that is seldom found.

Though the early years of her marriage were filled with blessings, Allah Ta‘ala, in His infinite wisdom, tested Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah). Circumstances unfolded and, due to the influence of others, the couple was compelled to part ways – despite their hearts still being filled with mutual love.

It would not be far-fetched to say that nazr (evil eye) may have fallen upon this beautiful union. This separation, which occurred in 1943 after seventeen years of marriage, left both their hearts in deep turmoil and caused immense emotional pain.

Her brother, Moulana Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), explains that this was a calamity of such magnitude that it is normally extremely difficult to endure. However, through her firm imaan and deep involvement in Deeni knowledge, she not only endured this hardship but it became a source of immense blessings and remarkable spiritual achievements in her life.

At a later stage in her life, Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) recalled this phase of her life in the following words:

“Twenty years ago, I was suddenly afflicted by a calamity so grievous that I lost my senses and could barely think. The world grew dark before my eyes. Yet I am grateful to Allah Ta‘ala that the yearning for His pleasure and approval sealed my mouth; not a single word of complaint or ingratitude passed from my tongue. However, I could not restrain my eyes; it was a flood which could not be stopped even if I tried. Though from the side of Allah Ta‘ala, there is no punishment for this (involuntary) action of my eyes.

“I was so deeply grieved that neither was I at ease during the day nor did I find comfort at night. I would pass the entire night crying and the entire day in a state of uneasiness. My days and nights were spent imploring and beseeching Allah Ta‘ala. It was in this that I found spiritual sweetness, and my heart would find ease.”

She further explained that what affected her the most was the fact that, prior to this incident, she had been deeply engaged in du‘aa and imploring Allah Ta‘ala. Yet, instead of seeing her du‘aa materialize, something which she could not even imagine occurred – her divorce. Although she understood that du‘aas are accepted in one of three ways, she admitted that at times, she still found herself overcome with thoughts and questions as to why she had been afflicted with something so contrary to her expectations.

At times, a voice in her heart would cry out, “O Allah, what was I hoping for, and what has actually come to pass?” But another voice would echo the words of Nabi Ya’qoob (‘alaihis salaam): “Patience is beautiful.” (Surah Yusuf v18) One voice would lament, “O Allah, how will I ever recover? My future is completely shattered.” Yet another voice would remind her of the verse: “Do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah.” (Surah Zumar, v53) On one hand, the thought would arise in her mind that how will this difficulty ever be lifted. Yet on the other hand, she would be reminded of the verse, “Is (He not best) Who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes distress.” (Surah Naml v62)

She says, “I would explain to my heart that Allah Ta‘ala does not bear any enmity towards me, nor is He unjust. (Rather) He is The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful. He is more loving and compassionate than even a mother and father. Although my du‘aas were not outwardly accepted (i.e. they did not materialize immediately) and despite beseeching and imploring to a great extent, I was afflicted with this difficulty, but who knows: perhaps this very calamity will become the source of goodness and success for me in the future and this very calamity will be a treasure for me in the Hereafter.”

Just as she had hoped, this apparent setback became a means for many doors of blessings to open in her life. Through this trial, she realised that the only thing that gave her a sense of ease and consolation was turning to Allah Ta‘ala, spending her time in His worship and in studying and teaching the knowledge of Deen. Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her so extensively in this field that she even prepared a translation of the renowned hadeeth compilation “Riyaadhus Saaliheen” by Imaam Nawawi (rahimahullah). The details of her service to Deen will be expounded on at a later stage, Insha Allah.

Towards the end of her life, she once again affirmed that had she not gone through this difficulty, she may never have reached the stage she had attained, nor would she have experienced the bounties and favours of Allah Ta‘ala that she was enjoying.

(Adapted from ‘Aaishah Bi)

Lessons:

1. Divorce is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and painful trials a person can face. It shakes the heart and tests one’s patience and resilience to the core. However, it is important to understand that divorce does not mark the end of one’s life or purpose. With sincere du‘aa, firm imaan, and trust in the wisdom of Allah Ta‘ala, even this severe trial can become a means of growth and blessing. Often, what appears as a setback is in reality a hidden mercy – a gateway to new opportunities, increased yaqeen (conviction) and greater closeness to Allah Ta‘ala. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) remained patient and did not allow this painful setback to break her spirit or derail her purpose. Instead, she turned to Allah Ta‘ala with greater devotion, immersing herself in ‘ibaadah, study, and service to Deen. In doing so, she rose to spiritual heights and was blessed with success and acceptance in ways she could never have imagined – in this world and, insha Allah, in the Hereafter.

2. Hardship is an inevitable part of life, and some trials strike the heart with such force that they leave a person shaken and overwhelmed. Yet even in such moments, sabr (patience) offers a path to strength, peace, and closeness to Allah Ta‘ala. True sabr is not the absence of pain, but the ability to remain firm and turn to Allah Ta‘ala in the midst of it. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) endured deep emotional suffering, yet she restrained her tongue from complaint and found comfort in du‘aa, ‘ibaadah and reflection.

3. In moments of grief and confusion, one of the most powerful ways to find solace is to turn to the Quraan Majeed and reflect on the trials of the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam). Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) would calm her heart by recalling such aayaat, drawing strength from the steadfastness of Nabi Ya’qoob (‘alaihis salaam) and others.