(Wife of Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi [rahimahullah] – Part One)
Moulana Muhammad Qaasim Naanotwi (rahimahullah) was an illustrious ‘Aalim of the 19th century, and is a descendant of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Moulana Qaasim (rahimahullah) only lived for 47 years, passing away in the year 1879, but left a legacy that continues to this day.
Moulana (rahimahullah) was blessed by Allah Ta‘ala to render various services for Deen and the Muslims. However, from all his Deeni services, it is perhaps his founding of Darul ‘Uloom Deoband that stands out the most. This institute, located in Deoband, India, has tens of thousands of graduates around the world, and many Deeni institutes today, in South Africa and abroad, are offshoots of this prestigious Darul ‘Uloom and remain affiliated to it.
Moulana (rahimahullah) was blessed with proverbial piety, outstanding asceticism and true devotion to ‘ibaadah. Similarly, his wife was an exceptionally pious woman who was blessed with many sterling qualities. Being the wife of Moulana (rahimahullah), she would have naturally made many sacrifices and supported him in every way possible to assist him in his endeavour to start the madrasah. She was the ‘silent’ and ‘unseen’ support and pillar in the foundation of this illustrious Darul ‘Uloom, thus securing a share in the reward of all the good that continues to stem from it. Allah Ta‘ala also honoured her by accepting her progeny to serve Deen in various ways.
Hereunder are some of the outstanding qualities of this remarkable woman so that we may inculcate these qualities in ourselves, thereby bringing true quality to our lives.