(Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem [rahimahallah] – Part One)

Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) was an exemplary woman of the recent past. In fact, the great luminary, Moulana Muhammad Manzoor Nu’maani (rahimahullah), described her as an excellent role model for women of this era.

She was born on Thursday, 12 Jumaadal Oola 1326 A.H. (corresponding to 18 June 1908), in her home village of Daairah-e-Shah ‘Alamullah (Takiya Kalan), located in the Raebareli district of India. Although her name was Amatullah Tasneem, she was known as ‘Aaishah and commonly called “‘Aaishah Bi”.

She was raised in a devout and academic family. Her father, Moulana Hakeem Sayyid ‘Abdul Hayy (rahimahullah), rendered great service to Deen in various spheres, such as writing books, madrasah administration, islaah (spiritual reformation), as well as da’wat (propagation). Her mother was none other than the Rabi‘ah Basriyyah of her era, Sayyidah Khairun Nisaa Behtar (rahimahallah), who was also an extraordinary woman. (For her detailed biography, click here).

Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) was one of four siblings, all of whom were luminaries of their time. The eldest was Moulana Hakeem Sayyid ‘Abdul ‘Ali (rahimahullah), a half-sibling through their father’s first wife. He oversaw the administration of Nadwatul ‘Ulama and, following the demise of their father, became the head of the family. His younger siblings affectionately called him “Bhai Saheb”.

The second child was Sayyidah Amatul ‘Azeez (rahimahallah), lovingly referred to as “Aapa Jaan” by her younger siblings. The third was Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah), the subject of this series. The youngest was Moulana Sayyid Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), an internationally renowned ‘Aalim, aptly honoured with the title “Mufakkirul Islam” – the great thinker of Islam.

Coming from a Deeni and academic family, Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) began her Deeni studies at a young age. She learnt the primary subjects of Urdu and Persian under the guidance of her mother and paternal uncle, Moulana Sayyid ‘Azeezur Rahmaan (rahimahullah), who taught her with great affection and sincerity. In addition to academics, he instilled in her proper etiquette and manners, such as how to converse respectfully, and also encouraged her to learn essential practical skills like sewing, needlework, embroidery and cooking.

Under her mother’s guidance, she not only learnt to recite the Quraan Majeed but also began memorizing it, successfully completing Surah Baqarah. However, her mother advised her to discontinue formal memorization (hifz), fearing that without regular revision and testing, she might gradually forget what she had learnt. Although she discontinued formal memorization of the Quraan Majeed, her mother encouraged her to learn key surahs. She thus memorized Surah Yaaseen, Surah Rahmaan, Surah Mulk, Surah Qiyaamah, Surah Dukhaan, Surah Fath, Surah Naba, Surah Muzzammil and Surah Jumu‘ah.

As she grew older, she began studying various Deeni books, starting with her father’s compilations, which had a profound impact on her. She learnt all the masaa-il (juristic laws) contained in these works. Alongside this, she earnestly strove to imbibe the noble traits and moral teachings they conveyed. She also studied several Seerah books and developed a deep passion for reading about the lives of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum).

She particularly enjoyed studying a biography of Ummul Mu-mineen, Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) titled Seerat-e-‘Aaishah by ‘Allamah Sayyid Sulaimaan Nadwi (rahimahullah). This book inspired her and ignited within her the desire to learn Arabic and become an ‘Aalimah (scholar of Deen). At that time, however, the women in her household were generally limited to learning the Quraan Majeed and the basic rulings of Deen. She therefore began learning Arabic secretly from her younger brother, Moulana Sayyid Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (rahimahullah), who was still a student himself. In this way, she gradually studied many Deeni books.

In essence, these books had a profound impact on her and inspired her to take on various roles – ranging from household responsibilities to teaching young girls the basics of Deen. She initially gathered a few girls and began teaching them. As time passed and interest grew, this initiative gradually evolved into a fully-fledged primary madrasah.

(Adapted from ‘Aaishah Bi)

(to be continued)

Lessons:

1. The home is the first madrasah – a place where the values instilled in a child from an early age often shape the course of their entire life. The life of Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) stands as an excellent example of the profound impact of a pious and sound upbringing. Raised by parents firmly rooted in ‘ilm and spirituality, she grew into a woman of remarkable knowledge, character and service to Deen.

2. Sound Deeni literature shapes the mind, nurtures the heart and directs a person’s aspirations towards Allah Ta‘ala. Since Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) was surrounded by her father’s compilations, books of Seerah and the biographies of the pious, her character and ambitions were moulded towards knowledge, service and piety. That which children read today shapes who they will become tomorrow, hence guiding them towards sound Deeni kitaabs is among the responsibilities of upbringing. Just as one would never allow harmful food to enter a child’s body, one should never allow harmful or frivolous reading (such as romance novels, etc.) to enter their heart and mind.

3. While memorizing the Quraan Majeed is among the most virtuous deeds and brings immense honour in this world and the Hereafter, it is also a great responsibility, for severe warnings have been mentioned in the ahaadeeth regarding the one who neglects and forgets what he has learnt. Thus, before embarking on the journey of hifz, it is important to weigh the responsibility and ensure that the commitment to revise and preserve the Quraan Majeed in the heart will be upheld.

4. Although Sayyidah Amatullah Tasneem (rahimahallah) discontinued the formal memorization of the Quraan Majeed due to practical concerns, her deep love for the Quraan Majeed remained unwavering. She memorized selected surahs and recited them regularly, making them an integral part of her life. This teaches us that a connection with the Quraan Majeed is not limited to hifz alone. What matters most is consistent recitation, reflection and building a meaningful relationship with the Quraan Majeed.