(The wife of Mufti Muhammad Shafee’ [rahimahullah] – Part Two)
The wife of Mufti Muhammad Shafee’ (rahimahullah), Nafeesah Khaatoon (rahimahallah), belonged to that era wherein a mother’s lap was not only a cradle for the child; rather, it was also a vibrant centre of learning and nurturing. Furthermore, they would not educate their children merely through books, but with their practical lives as well.
Mufti Muhammad Taqi ‘Uthmaani (hafizahullah) writes regarding his mother, “Although she was not a graduate of a college, university or madrasah, and her education was limited to the Quraan Majeed and basic Deeni education which was taught at home, she possessed such impeccable character and such a (unique) manner of nurturing which is not even found in professional women who hold high qualifications. Patience, contentment, hard work, sacrifice, giving preference to others, and courage were all her second nature.”
Apart from being an excellent mother, she also served as a caring teacher for her children. When the family moved over to Pakistan, there were no organized Deeni institutes established as yet. Therefore, she had taught her son, Mufti Muhammad Taqi ‘Uthmaani (hafizahullah), the elementary Urdu books. In this manner, he acquired the basis of his literacy skills (in which he subsequently excelled greatly) through his beloved mother.
(Nuqoosh-e-Raftagaa pgs. 160 – 161)
Lessons:
1. The role of a mother in a home and especially in the child’s life is extremely vital and integral. As the English saying goes, “the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world”. The mother’s lap has generally been the first classroom, and the place where all great people were nurtured. Many great luminaries in Islamic history were in fact orphans and were raised single-handedly by their mothers. However, this is only possible if the mother is focused towards educating her child and inculcating true values within him.
2. “Actions speak louder than words” is an accepted principle. Just as it applies to other situations, it plays an important role in the upbringing of one’s children. The noble traits and great values which a parent possesses and displays have a lasting effect and an indelible impression on the impressionable mind of the child and generally serves as a moral compass for him throughout his life.