Women Scholars

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saheehm

Today, as my eyes were scanning through the various books on an Islamic bookshelf, I happened to pick up a copy of Saheeh Muslim. It is the second most authentic Hadeeth collection after Saheeh Al-Bukhari and was written by the illustrious scholar, Abu'l-Husain 'Asakir-ud-Din Muslim b. Hajjaj al-Qushayri al-Naisaburi.

Imaam Muslim was from Nishapur - a place, as we will come to learn, where some of the most prominent female scholars who studied and taught the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim resided. Nishapur (or Nishabur) is a city in the Razavi Khorasan province in northeastern Iran and is situated in a fertile plain at the foot of the Binalud Mountains, near the regional capital of Mashhad.

nishapur

In a short biography of Imaam Muslim (which can be accessed here) it is written:

“Imam Muslim compiled many books and treatises on Hadith, the most important of his works is the compilation of the Hadith collection Al-Jami’ As-Sahih, which is famous by the name of Sahih Muslim. Some scholars of Hadith opine that in some respects it is the best and most authentic collection of Ahadith. Imam Muslim laboriously collected 3,00,000 Ahadith, but after a critical study, he selected only 4,000 Ahadith for this collection.”

Yes, it’s true. Saheeh Muslim is easily accessible today because of the hard, persevering and difficult work of the many scholars that are mentioned in the various chains of narrations of each and every single Hadeeth. One can only imagine the difficult and arduous journeys undertaken by the Muhaddithoon and the rigorous effort they put into checking and ensuring the reliability of the narrators contained in the chains of narration. In fact, many a times, just for one Hadeeth they travelled far and wide. Sadly, many of us don’t realise the amount of effort, time and energy Imaam Muslim must have invested into collecting so many Ahaadeeth for his compilation.

We can still hope

madiinah67

As I continued to read and turn the pages of this esteemed and noble book it hit me that this is a book which actually contains words that flowed from the mouth of the Last Messenger of Allah; a man who never lied, never betrayed anyone, and uniquely didn’t speak from his own desire, as Allah (Almighty) clearly states:

{Nor does He speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.} (53:3-4)

What a blessed tongue and what a blessed book indeed! May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

It was at that moment, when picking up Saheeh Muslim, that I felt a kind of sadness, as well as a hope deep down within my heart. Yes, when I remembered that the majority of our Masaajid and Muslims’ homes are devoid of the teaching of such texts to Muslim women by Muslim women, sadness, worry and pain filled my heart. It’s so sad that the scholars before us put so much effort into compiling these treasures and many of us don’t even wish to study the likes of such books in our entire lifetime.

But as I remembered the slow, but steadily increasing awareness and understanding of the Deen creeping into the hearts of the believing female slaves of Allah, I felt hope…hope that we may once again become women of knowledge, knowledge imbued with an ardent desire to implement the divine injunctions contained therein. For me, that will be Paradise in this life, but obviously not in the full sense of the word, and Allah Willing, the beginning of the blessed journey towards Paradise as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “...He who treads the path in search of knowledge, Allâh will make easy the path leading to Paradise for him...” (Saheeh Muslim, 6518)

Why are we in this state?

qmiswaak One problem lies in the fact that we are suffering from a lack of will-power, resulting in a lack of consistency, or, worse still, we are all-together disenchanted with the notion of seeking knowledge even if we have the time. Some just want to “chill” and spend life lounging around or doing things which will result in transitory and immediate benefits, while others have just not realized their potential and self-worth and may have slackened over time. Hence, not being focused, procrastination, laziness and a lack of will-power are some of the essential reasons why we have lagged behind in this matter; we no longer have the same will-power and stamina to even study beginner texts, such as al-Bayqooniyyah, the forty Hadeeth of Imaam an-Nawawi, ‘Umdatul Ahkaam and Bulooghul Maraam, yet alone extensive and advanced texts, such as Saheeh Muslim, Saheeh Bukhari or al-Muwatta’. Many of us barely pick up the Qur’aan with the excuse that we have no time… so what then about the books which record the words of our Prophet (peace be upon him), like Saheeh Muslim. It’s true that it’s not a small matter to learn, study and especially memorize such a lengthy text as Saheeh Muslim. It takes months upon months, in fact years to do so. But a love for the words of Allah’s Messenger, a realization that although we can’t meet him in this life and that we can’t sit in his company, we can still read his words, is enough of an incentive to push us into investing those spare precious moments that we do have into studying his words.

Dear Sisters, we must aim high and sow the seeds of success when and whenever we can, even if that’s just a little bit every day, or even if that’s on a weekly basis consistently. When we lag and fall behind, we must wake up and start running again, keeping our aim in front of us and we must not give up hope. If we do so, we will fail to lead fruitful lives and instead find ourselves aimless, suffering from weak faith and losing hope in the face of day-to-day issues and problems. For, how can we be refined when we haven’t studied the different ways by which we can change ourselves for the better? How can we implement knowledge when we are ignorant of it? How can we progress when we don’t consistently go through a program of study? How can we teach our children and families when we are ourselves oblivious to the teachings and canons of our Deen?

It doesn’t mean you have to be a full-time student of knowledge

I do not intend to promote any kind of feminism or ideology that seeks to change the natural roles designated and specified for women by Islaam in their homes and within their societies. What I am saying is that we, as Muslim women, should aim high, hoping and supplicating to uplift ignorance from ourselves, and in turn from others, while we continue on with our daily routines and busy schedules without forsaking our duties, roles and obligations as Muslim women. Yes, we are the daughters, sisters and mothers of this Ummah, we are the flowers from which come forth wondrous petals, and we are the sprouting trees that bear or will bear fruits for this Ummah. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we nourish, sustain and look after our spiritual well-being, our health and our knowledge in order to be pro-active and productive and give back wholesome fruits to our community which it is clearly in dire need of today.

***

I said to her: “There are amazing books to study, like Saheeh Muslim, so let’s aim high!”

She answered with a sigh,

“It’s too long and hard, I don’t think I’ll be able to do that.”

She then continued to sip her tea as she sadly looked right down towards her lap.

“Plus I’m too bogged down,”

She said, as she looked up with a frown.

“I don’t even know Arabic, and don’t even have time to read the Qur’aan.

Days go by and I just can’t get around to even reading a line!”

I asked her, “Do you know about the women scholars, like Fatimah bint ‘Ali al-Daqqaaq?

- The woman who had studied and taught Saheeh Muslim.

She had great persistence and patience,

Even within the difficult world women face,

Within life’s difficult maze,

She figured her way through, as she held on to the Qur’aan,

Learnt the words of the Prophet,

And made life come alive,

Even through such strife.”

Feeling defensive, she retorted:

“Well that was the past, today’s different…” And then I knew

Why they were different.

IT’S BECAUSE we always leave it for another day

That just may…come upon us one day.

We merely make excuses, without working towards any goal, any way,

THAT’S why many years down the line,

After much time,

With regards to our deen, we’re kind of in the same state,

No change, and all we can do is cry over our fate.

Sister! Wait.

Don’t be in a hurry, be patient.

Knowledge comes to those who await its treasures,

Which flow forth without measure.

Begin your path towards knowledge,

Even if it’s just a little a day,

To learn the Prophets words and his blessed way.

The Key is Arabic

madinahbooks There is hope. All of this is easy if we learn Arabic. Many of us are disabled from truly seeking knowledge even within the confines of our homes if we do not know Arabic as the medium to understand the various knowledge-based multimedia online is in the Arabic language. In all honesty, the mediums for studying today are more easily accessible than ever before, there are so many videos online (click here to access them). One of the main keys is to learn Arabic, after which a wealth of knowledge will come your way, IF you are consistent, organized and persevering in your pursuit of it. For example, weekly lessons in Hadeeth and Fiqh from the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Masjid in Madinah are uploaded regularly here and here but…in Arabic. Dear sister, the beginning may seem difficult but persistence and perseverance is the key; once we have Arabic in our hearts and minds we, as Muslim women can implement Allah’s words:

{And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salât (IqâmatasSalât), and give Zakât and obey Allâh and his Messenger...} [33:33]

Without having to forsake the pursuit of knowledge, as we continue on with our busy schedules and tasks, over time we will achieve.

And remember: something is always better than nothing.

The Women Scholars Who Studied and Taught Saheeh Muslim

The examples of the women before us should push us to return to their way. For, there was a time when women would engross themselves in the mustakhraj of Saheeh Muslim – the narration of its texts by a different route with higher isnaad (Chain of Narration). What follows are the names of just a few of these flowers, who fragranced forth knowledge that we are in dire need of and lacking today. Their biographies have been organised chronologically.

Fatimah bint al-Ustadh Abu ‘Ali al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali al-Daqqaaq (rahimahaAllah)

shineflower The renowned scholar Fatimah bint al-Ustadh Abu ‘Ali al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali al-Daqqaaq (d. 480), wife of Abu l-Qasim al-Qushayri, heard the whole Sahih Abi ‘Awanah (mustakhraj of Saheeh Muslim) and then later transmitted it. The great scholar Ibn Hajar, in the account of his teacher Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Latif al-Takriti says, after mentioning his high isnaad for Saheeh Abu ‘Awanah to ‘Abd al-Raheem ibn al-Hafiz Abi Sa’d ibn al-Sam’aanee:

‘He heard it from Abu l-Barakkat al-Furaawi, who heard it from Fatimah bint ‘Ali al-Daqqaaq, who heard it from Abu Nu’aym ‘Abd al-Malik ibn al Hasan al-Isfrayini, who heard it from Abu ‘Awanah.’

Shk. Mohammad Akram Nadwi writes:

“In the fifth century, women from non-Arab countries excelled the Arabs in the field of teaching and narrating hadeeth. For example, in Nishapur Fatimah bint Abee ‘Alee al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali al-Daqqaaq (d. 480) taught major books of hadeeth including the Musnad of Aboo ‘Awaanah …”

Not only did she know Saheeh Muslim, she also had a strong connection with the Book of Allah, just as every Muslim woman should have. Al-Sayrafeenee said:

‘She knew the Book of Allah by heart, recited it day and night and knew its meaning.’

This brought about in her refined character, which she was known for. Al-Sam’aani said about her:

‘She was the pride of the women of her time, no one similar to her has been seen in her good character; she was a scholar of the Book of Allah and virtuous.’

Fatimah bint ‘Ali al-Daqqaaq died 480 years after the Hijrah. May Allah have mercy on her soul. Aameen.

Umm al-Khayr Fatimah bint Abi l-Hasan ‘Ali (rahimahaAllah)

The renowned Nishapuri scholar, Fatimah bint Abi l-Hasan Ali ibn al-Muzaffar ibn Hasan ibn Za’bal al-Baghdaadiyyah studied Saheeh Muslim with its most famous teacher of her time, Abu l Husayn ‘Abd al-Ghaafir al-Faarisi. She became famous for being qualified to teach Saheeh Muslim and had also studied K. Gharib al-Hadeeth of Aboo Sulaymaan al-Khattabi with Aboo l-Husayn ‘Abd al-Ghaafir al-Faarisi. And was also an expert in Qur’anic reading.

Fatimah bint Abi l-Hasan Ali died 532 years after the Hijrah, a female scholar who was famous for her knowledge of Saheeh. May Allah have mercy on her soul. Aameen.

Zaynab bint ‘Umar ibn Kindi (rahimahaAllah)

floweryellowwhitepink Another popular teacher of Saheeh Muslim was Zaynab bint ‘Umar ibn Kindi (rahimahaAllah).

Muhammad Ibn Qawaalij, a teacher of Haafidh ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalaani studied the whole of Saheeh Muslim with her. Zaynab narrated it from al-Mu’ayyad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Toosi, who narrated it from Faqeeh al-Haram Aboo ‘Abdillah Muhammad ibn al-Fadl al-Fooraawi, from Abool-Husayn ‘Abd al-Ghaafir ibn Husayn al-Faarisi, from Aboo Muhammad ibn ‘Isa ibn ‘Amrooyah al-Juloodi, from Ibraheem ibn Muhammad ibn Sufyan, from its author Muslim ibn al-Hajjaaj.

She had also studied the book in theology: ‘K. al-Tawheed’ by Aboo Bakr Muhammad ibn Ishaaq ibn Khuzaymah (d. 331) under Aboo Rawh ‘Abd al-Mu’izz ibn Muhammad al-Haraawee, with his sanad going back to Ibn Khuzaymah.

Zaynab bint ‘Umar ibn Kindi passed away 699 years after the Hijrah. May Allah have mercy on her soul. Aameen.

Safiyyah bint Ahmad ibn Qudaamah (rahimahaAllah)

Among the teachers of Saheeh Muslim in the eighth century was Safiyyah bint Ahmad ibn Qudaamah. She died 714 years after the Hijrah. May Allah have mercy on her soul. Aameen.

‘Aa’ishah bint Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi al-Maqdisiyyah (rahimahaAllah)

‘Aa’ishah bint Muhammad, also known as ‘Aa’ishah al-Maqdisiyyah, was a Syrian woman from Damascus, distinguished for her high Isnaad. She narrated the whole of Saheeh Muslim from her teacher Sharaf al-Deen ‘Abdullah ibn al-Hasan, from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi, from Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Harraani , whom she had directly heard all of it from. She was no ordinary teacher; Shk. Mohammad Akram Nadwi writes:

“Fatimah bint Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi and her sister ‘Aa’ishah, taught and narrated a huge number of small and large books…”

Haafidh Ibn Naasir ad-Deen Dimashqee says in his note on ‘Aa’ishah bint ‘Abd al-Haadi:

‘She was appointed to the post of teacher of hadeeth in the grand mosque of Banoo Umayyah.’

Shk. Mohammad Akram Nadwi writes:

“The one who narrated the whole Saheeh al-Bukhaari with the highest isnaad among men and women was ‘Aa’ishah bint ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi (d. 816) from Damascus, the last student of al-Hajjaar in the world.”

This is because A’ishah bint ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi (rahimahaAllah) was the last surviving student of the great scholar al-Hajjaar (rahimahullah); therefore, the isnaad through her is of a very high degree. For example, the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “None from those who pledged allegiance under the tree will enter the Fire” is narrated through the following chain of narration:

aishah_al_hadi

Shk. Mohammad Akram Nadwi writes:

“In our time, if scholars narrate the Saheeh of al-Bukhaari through ‘Aa’ishah al-Maqdisiyyah (d. 816), then between them and Imaam al-Bukhaari there will be one less narrator than though any other isnaad.”

Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) says in his account of ‘Aa’ishah al-Haadi (rahimahaAllah):

‘She was the last person who narrated Saheeh al-Bukhaari with high isnaad by her hearing [it]; and it is a wonderful coincidence that Sitt al-Wuzaraa’ was the last woman in the world among all those who narrated from al-Zabeedee and she died in 716, while this ‘Aa’ishah is similar to her dying in 816 and she had above [Sitt al-Wuzaraa’] this quality that even from among the men who heard from al-Hajjaar, the colleague of Sitt al-Wuzaraa’, none remained in the world other than herself. Between the death of ‘Aa’ishah and Sitt al-Wuzaraa’ the difference is exactly one hundred years.’

Shk. Mohammad Akram Nadwi writes:

“Aa’ishah bint Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi al-Maqdisiyyah, the great Muhaddithah of her time, studied with Ahmad ibn Abi Taalib al-Hajjaar:

Saheeh al-Bukhari,
K. Dhamm al-kalaam of al-Harawi,
Juz’ Abee l-Jahm,
Amaalee Ibn al-Nasri,
Musnad ‘Umar of al-Ajjaaf,
Al-Arba’oon al-Aajurriyyah,
Musnad ‘Abd ibn Humayd.

With Qaadi Sharaf al-Deen ‘Abdullah ibn al-Hasan ibn ‘Abdillah ibn al-Haafidh ‘Abd al-Ghani:

Saheeh Muslim

With ‘Abd al-Qaadir ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn al-Mu’azzam ‘Isa al-Ayyoobi:

The whole of the Seerah by Ibn Ishaaq in the rescension of Ibn Hishaam, and
Juzz al-Bitaaqah. ”

‘Aa’ishah al-Maqdisiyyah died 816 years after the Hijrah. May Allah have mercy on her soul. Aameen.

***

I end with the supplication that we, the Muslim Women, once again pick up this noble book containing the Prophetic Narrations of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and bring the following statement of Shk. Mohammad Akram Nadwi, which is in the past tense:

‘Saheeh Muslim has also been widely taught by the muhaddithaat.”

Into the present tense:

“Saheeh Muslim is being widely taught by the muhaddithaat.”

Aameen!

*Download the PDF from here.

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niqabquran88 A Devoted Worshipper:

Today, when few indeed are those who devoutly and wholeheartedly worship Allah, Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) stands out like a shining star to be followed in her worship of Allah. Mahdi ibn Maymoon said:

“Hafsah bint Seereen stayed thirty years without leaving her prayer place, unless for sleep or to answer the call of nature.” (Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa’)

Hishaam said that:

“Hafsah used to enter her Masjid, then pray in it Adh-Dhuhr, Al-‘Asr, Al-Maghrib, Al-‘Ishaa’ and As-Subh (i.e. Fajr). Then she would stay in it (the Masjid) until the day rose. She would then bow (perform rukoo’), then leave (the Masjid). At that time she would make wudhoo’ and sleep until the Prayer (Salah) became due. She would then (once again) return to her Masjid and do the same continuously.” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah)

Her heart was soft, and her eyes flowed tears of hope and fear of her Lord. Hishaam ibnu Hassaan mentions that Hafsah (rahimahallah) purchased a jaariyah (maid, slave-girl). She was asked, “How do you find your master (i.e. Hafsah)?” She said,

“She is a righteous woman, except that she has (i.e. must have) committed a huge sin because she cries all night and prays.” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah, Vol 2, Page 709)

She was preparing to meet her Lord so much so that she had prepared her own shroud! Hishaam narrated from Hafsah that, “She had a shroud (kafn) prepared, so when she performed Hajj and wore the Ihraam, she wore it. And she would, when it was the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan, stand some of the night while wearing it.”

A Saai’mah (One who regularly Fasts)

Anyone who reads the following mentioned rewards for fasting with contemplation and the desire to gain Allah’s happiness and reward will find that their heart will ignite a desire to fast long days in the path of Allah. Allah (a'zza wa jall) says, {For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, … for men and women who fast (and restrain themselves)… for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward}. [Noble Quran 33:35]

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has said: ‘With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake.’ There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it, and joy when he meets his Lord, and the breath (of an observer of fast) is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk." [Muslim]

Indeed fasting is a protection from the hellfire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah says, "Fasting is a shield with which one may protect oneself from the Fire."' [Sahih al-Jami, 4/114] He (peace be upon him) also said: "Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years' distance." [Muslim]

Fasting will also intercede for the believer. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said: "The fast and the Quran are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Quran will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Ahmad]

In fact, there is a special reward in paradise for those who fast!Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "In Paradise there is a gate which is called Rayyan through which only the observers of fast would enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else would enter along with them. It would be proclaimed: "Where are the observers of fast that they should be admitted into it?" And when the last of them would enter, it would be closed and no one would enter it." [Muslim]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance that fasting has on entering Paradise. Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "In Paradise there are dwellings whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can be seen from the inside. Allah has prepared them for those who feed the hungry, and speak softly and gently, fast continuously and pray at night whilst the people are asleep." [Sahih al-Jami']

Dear Sisters! Do you have a wish that you wish would be fulfilled? Then rejoice! The Du’aa (Supplication) of the fasting person is not rejected. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "There are three prayers that are not rejected: the prayer of a father for his child, the prayer of the fasting person and the prayer of the traveller." [Muslim and Bukhari]

Hafsah, may Allah be pleased with her, was a Saa’imah – a woman who regularly fasted. Abdul Kareem ibnu Mu’aawiyah said: “It was mentioned to me regarding Hafsah that she would read half of the Qur’aan every night and would fast during the day and would break her fast (i.e. wouldn’t fast) the two E’ids and the days of Tashreeq (the three days next after the day of sacrifice, i.e. following the 10^th of Dhul Hijjah).” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah, Vol 2, Page 709)

Let’s try and follow her example, for maybe, just maybe, this may be one of our keys to the Paradise of Delight.

A Great Test for a Great Mother

Having read much about this great and exemplary role model, Hafsah bint Seereen, you must have a sort of angelic impression of her. Without a doubt, she was an incredible woman but she was a human. Therefore tests came her way as they come our way, she suffered as we suffer in this world, she experienced some pain as we experience pain – although our way of dealing with problems may vary incredibly to hers.

Hishaam ibnu Hassaan said: ‘Hudhayl, the son of Hafsah, used to gather firewood during the summer, then he would peel it and take the stalks and split them. She (Hafsah) said:

“I used to find chilliness (kuntu ajidu qirrah) (i.e. used to feel cold), so when winter came he (Hudhayl) would come with a stove and would then place it behind me while I was on my prayer-mat (musallaa). He would then sit and ignite the fuel by using that peeled firewood. Its (the fire’s) smoke would not harm and it would keep me warm. We would remain like that for as long as Allah willed…

And when I would intend to turn towards him, and say: ‘O my son! Return to your family’, I would remember what he intended, so I would leave him.

When he died, Allah granted (yarzuq) him patience as much as He (Allah) wanted to provide (this is because before his death he was suffering from a virus). But I would find within myself an agony (gussah could also mean ‘that which causes choking, a lump in the throat, mortal distress’) that would not go away.

Then that night while I was reciting Surah an-Nahl and I came to this verse:

{And purchase not a small gain at the cost of Allâh's Covenant. Verily! What is with Allâh is better for you if you did but know. Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever is with Allâh (of good deeds) will remain. And those who are patient, We will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do}. [An-Nahl [16]: 95-96]

Then I repeated it and then Allah took away what I was feeling.” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah, Vol 2, Pages 708-710)

Miracles (Karaamaat)

Hishaam said:

“Hafsah bint Seereen would light her lamp a part of the night then she would stand on her prayer mat (musallaa). Oftentimes the light would extinguish, but her house would be lit for her until the morning.” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah, Vol 2, Pages 708-710)

Hishaam said: Umm Sulaym, the daughter of Seereen, narrated to me:

“Many a time there was a light for Hafsah bint Seereen in her house.” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah, Vol 2, Pages 708-710)

A Blessed Funeral

She died in 101AH and a group of the leading Successors (Taabi’oon) attended her funeral prayer in Basrah, Iraaq. Leading them was Al-Hasan Al Basri and her brother Muhammad ibnu Seereen. (Tahdheeb At-Tahdheeb (10/12) and (6/536), Al Ma’rifah wat-Taareekh (1/58))

She died at the age of 90 years old. (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah)

May Allah (the Mighty, the Glorious) grant us the Tawfeeq to follow in her footsteps and may Allah (the Glorious, the Mighty) forgive our sins and elevate our ranks. Aameen.

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pinkwithsky An Epitome of Shyness and Modesty:

Travelling on the path of the Names and Characteristics of Allah (a'zza wa jall) is a journey never to be forgotten. One of the most striking realities of the Names of Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'ala), is that Allah, the Most High, loves for His creation to manifest aspects of the meanings of His Names.

For example:

Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'ala) is Al-‘Aleem (the Most Knowing) and loves the scholars.
Allah (a'zza wa jall) is Just and loves justice.
And Allah (a'zza wa jall) is Modest and loves those who are modest.

The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “Certainly Allah (a'zza wa jall) is Al-Hayeey (The Most Modest), As-Sitteer (the Concealer, the Veiler), He loves al-Hayaa’ (modesty) and as-Sitr (veiling, covering), so when one of you bathes (has a ghusl) then let him cover (himself).” (Narrated in Abu Daawood and an-Nisaai)

This exemplary characteristic of hayaa’ (modesty) was imbibed within the character of the Noble Prophets of Allah (a'zza wa jall). Today, when the believing woman, laden with outer-garment and lowered gaze, feels like a stranger in society, it is this prophetic quality which adds to her uniqueness, worth and righteousness. This safety measure protects her from being stung by disbelief and unrighteousness, so that she can walk within the valleys and roads of this life with ease, comfort, honour and respect. From a far distance people will realise, this is a Muslimah, a woman proud to surrender to her Lord.

My dear Sisters, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), our role-model and guide, was of the most shy and modest of people. So much so that Abu Sa’eed al Kudhri, his Companion (may Allah be pleased with him), stated:

“The Prophet was more shy than a virgin in her separate room…” (Saheeh al Bukhaari)

Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) mentioned regarding the Prophet Moses, "(The Prophet) Moses was a shy person and used to cover his body completely because of his extensive shyness…” (Saheeh al Bukhaari)

Today, when lack of modesty is resulting in the most horrendous of crimes, diseases and illnesses, let us, the Muslim women of this nation, revive, in an unprecedented fashion, even within the West, the true concept of modesty. Let us remember that even though our Noble Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) was a man, he nevertheless imbibed within his character modesty, far-above and loftier than that of even women of deep faith and attachment to their Lord.

Indeed, love is a feeling that translates into action. And who is more truthful than our Lord, the Most Glorious, when He said, {Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allâh, then follow me, Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."} (Surah Aale ‘Imraan, chapter 3, verse 31)

My dear Sisters, let’s strive to bring about hayaat (life) to hayaa’(modesty); for, as the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) eloquently expressed, “…modesty is a branch of faith.” (Saheeh al Bukhaari) That is why a requisite of our eemaan (faith) is hayaa’ (modesty).

Let us keep in mind that both the terms hayaat (life) and hayaa’ (modesty) originate from the same root letters and hence, are intricately related, because goodness brings about only goodness. The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Al-Hayaa’ brings about nothing but khayr (good).” (Saheeh al Bukhaari and Saheeh al Muslim)

The Shyness of Hafsah, the Modest

Today, when the police and media provide guidelines on how to protect and safeguard ourselves from an impending threat, we listen and read with attentive ears and fixed gazes. When passing by a notice in our local neighbourhood or close district, announcing and notifying the murder or attack of a person, we automatically rush to employ as many safety measures as we can to protect ourselves and our families. If we are informed of the tricks and scams of the tricksters and scammers, we straight away decide, with firmness and resolve (and a kind of fear in the heart) that we will safeguard ourselves …

Read Allah’s notice:

{And say to the faithful women to lower their gaze, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their adornment except what is apparent of it, and to extend their head-coverings (khumur) to cover their bosoms, and not to display their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you the faithful, in order that you are successful.} (Surah an-Noor, chapter 24, verse 31)

Alas! If only we would pay heed to the words of our Lord, the Most Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, when He informs us, the Muslim women, of the safety measures we must employ, for the safety of our own lives, and more importantly, our own souls. If only, we would rush to notify our sisters and daughters of the prescription the Almighty has prescribed, so that they may be known as free, chaste Muslim women, far from indecency, immorality and nudity. In this way their homes and private domains will be protected from the evil of anyone who even dares to point fingers their way.

{O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their Jalaabeeb close around them; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And God is ever Forgiving, Gentle.} (Surah al-Ahzab, chapter 33, verse 59).

Let’s rush to obey the command of our Lord, just as did the female Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam). When this verse was revealed, ‘Aa’ishah, the Mother of the Faithful, said,

“May Allah have mercy on the early immigrant women. When the verse {That they should draw their veils over their bosoms} was revealed, they tore their thick outer garments and made veils from them.” (Aboo Daawood, Book 32, Hadeeth # 4091)

For those sisters who already cover, employ being even more vigilant and modest in your dealings with the opposite sex, even if there is no fear of fitnah (trial and temptation). For, Hafsah bint Seereen is our role model, and what a role model she indeed is!

A’asim said: ‘We used to enter upon Hafsah bint Seereen and she would put her jilbaab (outer garment) like this and would cover her face with it. So we said to her, “May Allah have mercy on you (Rahimaki Allah)! Allah (a'zza wa jall) says: {And as for women past child-bearing who do not expect wed-lock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a Way as not to show their adornment...} [An-Noor [24]: 60] And it (is referring to) the Jilbaab.”’

He [A’asim] continued: ‘Then she [Hafsah] said to us:

“What comes after that (i.e. what is mentioned next in the same verse)?”

We said: {…but to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.} [An-Noor [24]: 60]

So she (Hafsah) said:

“It is the affirmation (ithbaat) of the Jilbaab.”’ (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min A’abidaat al Basrah)

This is noteworthy for us, my dear sisters. A woman who is PAST the age of covering, yet she has so much modesty and bashfulness. So, how much more shy should young Muslim girls and women be?! The deceiving shaytaan promises us the opposite! He whispers to us that, “You are still young, when you become older you can begin to cover…” He may even sing to you the old song, Abhi to mein jawaan hoon… (I am still as yet young…)

Allah (a'zza wa jall) says:

{Shaytaan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahshâ (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allâh promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.} (Suratul Baqarah, chapter 2, verse 268)

Keep strong dear sisters, for Allah (a'zza wa jall), who created satan, knows his weaknesses and plots. O Believers! Allah (a'zza wa jall) informs us:

{… ever feeble indeed is the plot of Shaytaan (Satan).} (An-Nisaa’, chapter 4, verse 76)

My dear Sister, seek help in the protection and help of your Lord, in the morning and evening remember Him, and turn to Him with prayers and formulae of remembrances.

A Request For Support

For those sisters who do not wear the Niqaab, and who may even find it strange, bizarre and extreme, I request you to research more into the evidences for the Niqaab, and not to speak without knowledge. For, emotion is not evidence, although, yes, evidence is connected to emotion.

Today, when the Niqaab has become an icon of target and vilification, due to the vicious onslaught of the media, you have a chance to support those sisters who do wear the Niqaab, even if you have chosen not to do so yourself, by removing any ignorance about it on your part and then from others.

We must ponder over the above incident which occurred with Hafsah bint Seereen. For, she was a woman who was a student and companion of the female Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam). She was a woman who was not one of the Mothers of the Believers, a woman who had passed the age of covering, yet one who still donned the Niqaab. This shows us that the Niqaab was not stringently only worn by the Mothers of the Believers. Rather, it was also worn by the women who took them as role-models and leaders towards the paradise.

For example, when the Sahaabiyyah (Umm Khaalid) was searching for her son (who had died in the battlefield), some of the Companions of the Prophet said to her:

‘”You have come here asking for your son while veiling your face?” She said:

"If I am afflicted with the loss of my son, I shall not suffer the loss of my modesty.”’ (Saheeh al Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 8)

This hadeeth is narrated in the most authentic book of hadeeth on the face of this world. And in it we see a Sahaabiyyah, who was not one of the Mothers of the Believers, attributing modesty to the covering of the face.

Furthermore, the brother of Hafsah bint Seereen, Muhammad ibn Seereen, who was also from the leading successors, asked ‘Ubaydah as-Salmaanee, who was from the older taabi’een (successors), about Allah’s statement: {to cast their Jalabeeb over themselves}, so he covered his face and (only exposed his left eye).” This is further supported by the hadeeth of Safiyyah bint Shaiba, the Sahaabiyyah, also related in Saheeh al Bukhaari, when she said, “Aa’ishah used to say,

‘When (the verse) {They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms} was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.’” (Saheeh al Bukhaari, Volume 6, Book 60, Hadeeth # 282)

I end this section with,

Hafsah bint Seereen, wore the Niqaab even when old,

Something some believers today disdain and scold,

Yes, people today are so outright bold!

Denying the Niqaab with unresearched ideas manifold.

The Mothers of the Faithful covered their face,

Therefore the Niqaab does have a base,

In the canons of our deen,

That is why wore it Hafsah bint Seereen,

Following in their footsteps, she was so keen,

As, first and foremost, it was worn by the Ummahaatul Mu’mineen.

A sign of modesty,

An emblem of morality.

Stand with the Niqaabis in solidarity!

For, with your Lord lies your loyalty.

My dear Sisters let’s return,

To speaking with knowledge, after we research and learn.

Let’s oppose satan who in hatred burns,

Against the women who to their Lord turn,

And to Him alone they turn, beseech and yearn,

For surely towards Him is the creations’ final return.

I end with a request, that even if you do not cover your face,

To educate with beautiful mannerism those who haste,

In arguing against and speaking about the Niqaab with distaste.

So that Allah may forgive you on that day,

When only the chosen and sincere will have a say.

More from this series:

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leavesgreenwater The Importance of Youth:

As time passes by, each second in it is similar to a leaf, flying away from the tree of our life. Today these seconds loyally cling to us; tomorrow they may stand against us. Blown away by destiny, their outcome we will surely see in the hereafter. That will be The Day (al-Yowm) when people will be drowning in sweat, running away from the most beloved to them. Few indeed will be those under the cool shade of the magnificent Throne of Allah, witnessing a day unlike any other.

Those who defied the passions and illicit desires of youth, and instead channelled their energy into worship, obedience and surrender to their Lord, will be from among the seven chosen groups. For, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade…” He then mentioned one of them as being “…a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah.”

Wisdom can’t be purchased, and seldom can it truly be acquired. It is a gift bestowed by the All-Wise, the Creator of Wisdom and the Creator of the Intellect. The effect of wisdom is to add colour to the speech and character of those who possess it, just as the lofty sky is so beautifully covered at times by the spectrum of the rainbow.

Many of the books containing the Prophetic Narrations of the Messenger of Allah shine forth this wondrous light of wisdom, as he was gifted with concise speech. One such narration is, 'Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.' (Al-Haakim & others)

The pious followed this advice of the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They walked the difficult terrain of youth, pushing away the strong winds of distraction and play by replacing them with the joy of proximity to the Lord of the Magnificent Throne. They knew that the people of paradise will never age, that they were just like travellers in this world, and their ride to the next life was soon to come. That is why they wholeheartedly sacrificed their youth in pursuit of their Lord’s Pleasure and Forgiveness.

Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her), having experienced the great joy attained by worshipping Allah sincerely, knew the importance of youth in striving to worship Allah. Isn’t it true that it is in youth that praying, fasting and long arduous acts of worship are lighter than in old age, when even small amounts of strain feel hard on the body? Thus she advised the youth,

“O youth (Ya Ma’shar ash-Shabaab)! Take from yourselves while you are young, for certainly I do not see (real) action except in youth.” (Sifah As-Safwah, Dhikr Al Mustafiyaat min 'Aabidaat al Basrah)

Sadness grips the heart thinking about how the devil has keenly knitted over the hearts of many of us procrastination in worshipping Allah, and not giving our ‘ibaadah our utmost while we are still young. Many leave action for tomorrow, when few will even see tomorrow. Look around you at the bed-ridden, elderly people, whose bones are beginning to give up, whose bodies ache with pain and fatigue due to illness and old-age. Then recall the promises you have made yourself for tomorrow’s ’ibaadah instead of today’s. Then be honest with yourself. And with Allah is the source of guidance.

Ah! If only we would take benefit from our youth and our health before our sickness. For, my dear sister, think: who has seen tomorrow?

Yes! - Today - is the time to work and toil,

Before you will be dead and lie under muddy soil.

Today, prostrate and commemorate,

O Muslimah! The Praises of your Lord celebrate.

During the day and at night wake up to pray,

Before your tongue will be silenced, and then you’ll have no say.

Even if it means fasting long hot days,

Your Lord will keep you strong and open many ways.

He will draw you close,

I pray that regarding you to the angels He will praise.

Old age brings with it many difficulties,

Look at what it does to even celebrities!

Pains will begin to surely grow,

Making it hard to even prostrate and bow.

Sleep will overcome and exhaustion you won’t be able to shun,

But what if you die early like some…

Wake up and Realise!

Now’s the time to work, not to dream and fantasize.

Imaam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali:

“And whoever is mindful of Allah (and keeps to His boundaries) in his youth during his years of strength, then Allah will preserve him in his old age when his strength weakens. And He will allow him to enjoy and benefit from his sense of hearing, sight, capabilities, strength and mind/intellect.

One particular scholar had passed the age of 100 and still continued to benefit from his strength of body and mind. One day, he took a great leap and jumped up high, and the people rebuked him for that. So he said:

“We preserved these limbs of ours from sin when we were younger, so Allah has preserved them for us in our old age.” (Jami’ ‘Ulum wal-Hikam)

Women Scholars

Women who Studied and Taught Saheeh Muslim

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 4)

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 2)

A Request For Support

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 3)

Short Miscellaneous Biographies of Women Scholars

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