(Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem [rahimahallah] – Part Five)
In the field of writing, the services of Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) were not restricted to authoring the phenomenal books mentioned in the previous part. Rather, together with her nephew, Moulana Muhammad Thaani (rahimahullah), she also served as an editor of a monthly magazine for women titled “Ridhwaan”. She would write articles on various topics, mainly focusing on cultivating a Deeni mindset, creating an aversion towards western lifestyle and discussing the lives of leading women of the Muslim Ummah. Her articles continued to be published in this newsletter for twenty years. This newsletter had a remarkable impact and was instrumental in bringing about an Islamic ethos and lifestyle within many households.
In fact, many women transformed their lives after reading this newsletter and it equipped them with the skills of nurturing their children in a Deeni manner with the correct akhlaaq. The readers became accustomed to it and would eagerly await each issue. Consequently, it spread far and wide, and besides reaching households in India and Pakistan, it even reached Indian and Pakistani homes in America, Europe, Africa and the Arab world.
Apart from devoting her time to acquiring the knowledge of Deen and serving it through her sterling works of writing, she would also set aside time to teach others.
The young girls of the town developed a deep affection for her due to her amazing personality, and would attend her home where she personally taught them the basics of Deen. She was such an exceptional and kind teacher that when her students visited her, they felt as though they were sitting in the laps of their own mothers. Though informal in structure, her tutelage imbued the students with the radiance of Deeni knowledge and instilled within them a profound understanding of Islamic values.
Moreover, she also dedicated time to teaching adults, some of whom began with learning ‘Alif, Baa’ and eventually progressed to reciting the Quraan Majeed correctly. In this regard, she initiated a weekly gathering at her home which would take place on Mondays. Many women attended with great enthusiasm, including her female relatives, as well as women from the locality and nearby villages. In this gathering, she would read from various kitaabs and explain the fundamental teachings of Deen to the women. Upon initiating this gathering, she consulted her respected brother, Moulana Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), seeking guidance on how to conduct the sessions and which kitaabs to include. This gathering continued for several years until she fell ill, and it left a lasting impact on those who attended.
The desire and zeal to propagate and impart Deen to others stemmed largely due to her islaahi ta‘alluq (relationship of spiritual reformation) with the founder of tableegh, Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Kandhelwi (rahimahullah).
Lessons:
1. When a person’s writing stems from sincerity and a burning desire to uplift the Ummah, Allah Ta‘ala places acceptance in it and causes it to penetrate hearts and transform lives. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) did not merely write to fill pages; rather, each article she authored carried the flame of concern for Deen and thus left a lasting impact on those who read it.
2. The preservation of Deen within the Ummah is firmly rooted in the careful tarbiyyah (nurturing) of its young girls. Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) placed great emphasis on nurturing young girls upon sound Deeni foundations. By personally teaching them the essentials of Deen and cultivating within them correct values and modesty of thought, she allowed imaan to take root in their hearts while they were still receptive and pure. When due attention is given to the Deeni upbringing of girls, it becomes a means of safeguarding imaan within homes and carrying it forward to future generations.
3. It is never too late for a person to turn to Deeni knowledge, regardless of how late the beginning may seem. This reality was embodied in the efforts of Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah), who taught adult women with diligence. Some began from the very first letters and, through steady effort, reached correct recitation of the Quraan Majeed. Their progress is an affirmation that Allah Ta‘ala grants openings in knowledge at any stage of life, and that sincere steps taken towards Deen are always met with acceptance.
4. An integral aspect of imparting Deeni knowledge is to do so with kindness and compassion. Those who learnt from Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) felt comforted and at ease in her presence, as though seated in the laps of their own mothers. This gentleness removed fear, opened hearts, and allowed Islamic values to take root naturally. When teaching is infused with mercy, knowledge does not remain theoretical but settles deeply and shapes a student’s life.