(Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem [rahimahallah] – Part Eight)
A defining feature of Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem’s (rahimahallah) life was her devotion to du‘aa and munaajaat (heartfelt invocations to Allah Ta‘ala). She possessed profound conviction in the power of du‘aa, especially the du‘aas of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – many of which she had memorized and recited daily. Among her regular practices was the daily recitation of Al-Hizbul Aa’zam, a renowned compilation of du‘aas.
In fact, these supplications and invocations were perhaps the reason for her reaching such great ranks in both knowledge and closeness to Allah Ta‘ala.
Her brother, Moulana Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), beautifully describes this saying, “The most precious page of her book of life, and its most radiant theme, was the heartfelt pain (of love for Allah Ta‘ala), the fervour of her du‘aa, the restlessness of her heart, the tears that flowed from her eyes, and the sighs and laments of her days and nights.”
In this regard, she also wrote and composed numerous munaajaat (invocations to Allah Ta‘ala), through which her deep restlessness and profound love for Allah Ta‘ala can be clearly felt. Many who came across these invocations were deeply moved and reminisced it years later.
Despite her immense qualities and accomplishments, her humility was so profound that she neither displayed her knowledge to anyone nor considered herself superior to others in any way.
Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) understood that the journey towards Allah Ta‘ala is not easy without the guidance of a shaikh-e-kaamil – a qualified spiritual guide. Realising the importance of such mentorship, she first took bay‘ah (pledge of allegiance for self-reformation) at the hands of Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Kandhelwi (rahimahullah), the founder of the effort of tableegh. After his passing, she took bay‘ah with Shaikhul Islam Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani (rahimahullah). Following his demise, she maintained ta’alluq (relationship of spiritual reformation) with Shaikhul Hadeeth Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhelwi (rahimahullah).
(Adapted from ‘Aaishah Bi)
Lessons:
1. Du‘aa is the weapon of the believer and the very soul of one’s spiritual journey. Through sincere, tear-filled du‘aas, a person draws close to Allah Ta‘ala and finds strength during moments of difficulty and ease. Moulana Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), described his sister’s heartfelt du‘aas and restless yearning for Allah Ta‘ala as the most blessed chapter of her life. Her dedication to du‘aa, firm belief in the masnoon du‘aas, and regular recitation of Al-Hizbul Aa’zam were all signs of a heart that never stopped knocking on the door of divine mercy. Her hands were constantly raised in du‘aa, and her heart flowed with longing for her Rabb.
2. Regardless of one’s knowledge or accomplishments, true greatness lies in humility. Pride extinguishes the noor of knowledge, whereas tawaadhu’ (humility) attracts hearts and invites divine acceptance. Despite her vast knowledge and influence, Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) never considered herself superior. Her humility remained steadfast throughout her life. She carried the treasures of knowledge yet kept her gaze lowered and her heart free from arrogance.
3. Islaahi ta‘alluq (connection with a spiritual guide) is vital for the purification of the soul and the cultivation of sincerity and steadfastness. Just as a student requires a teacher in outward sciences, the heart needs a shaikh for inner rectification. It is, however, imperative to note that a female’s islaahi ta‘alluq with a shaikh must always be maintained within the parameters of sharee-‘ah.