ARIFAT (p2)

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Wife of Ribah Qaysi
She worshipped all the night. When quarter of the night was spent, she awakened her husband. If he didn't, she awoke him again after a little while. Then in the last hours of night, she would say, "O, Ribah, get up, the night is passing and you fall asleep." Sometimes she picked a straw from ground and said, "By Allah, I regard the worldly vanities less than this." Occasionally after night prayer, she put on attractive, shiny dress and asked her husband whether he needed her in bed. If he refused, she would change and turned to praying Nafl prayers.
MORAL:
O' women! Look, how dutifully she fulfilled obligations from Allah and the marital life. She would try to persuade her husband to increase the Faith. All these qualities are worth following.
(Bahishti Zewar)

Ray'a or Rabe'a Mashamyah bint Isma'el
She kept the long night vigils and worshipped while she fasted during the day. She used to say that when she heard the call for prayer, it reminded her the angel who would blow the horn on Doom's Day. When felt hot, it forewarned her of the heat of Judgment Day. Her husband ibn Abi Al-Hawari. too was a respected man. She would tell him that she had love for him like that should be with the brother. She meant that she needed no physical desire from him. She said that when a person is lost in worship, Allah opens book of his faults before him and when a man comes to know his faults, he does not pry into other's affairs. She would wonder to tell that she could see the Jinns and the Hoors (the heavenly women who are invisible to mortals in normal practice).

MORAL:
O' women! that is the practice, which may be regarded as the worship while it is you who always poke your nose into the affairs of others. She has told you treatment of this malady, that is, mind your own faults, then you will not be curious about the shortcomings of the others.
Umm-e-Harun
Umm Harun was a pious and virtuous woman. Fear of Allah would keep her, subdued and submissive. She was a devoted worshipper to Allah. The dried, left over, bread was her diet. She used to say that arrival of the night gave her pleasure and the dawning of the day saddened her. She kept vigils all the night to pray. She never oiled her hair for long thirty years but whenever she untied her hair, they turned to be clean and shiny. Once, she was going out and heard some one ordering another person to catch some one. The 'catch' reminded her the Day of Judgment and she fell unconscious out of fear. On another occasion, she happened to face a lion. She said to the beast "If I am made your diet, then go ahead." The lion turned about and made a flight.

MORAL:
Glory be to Allah. How much she was occupied with remembering Him. O' women! You, too must instil fear of Allah into your hearts. Get prepared for the Doom's Day.
(Bahishti Zewar)

'Umrah, Wife of Habib 'Ajmi
She worshipped all the night. When the last quarter of the night approached she awoke her husband to warn that the caravan had proceeded and he was still asleep.
Once she had eye sore. Some one inquired about it, she said, "But the pain in my heart is even more than the eye sore."
MORAL:
O' Women! develop love for Allah. The pain of His love will check all others pains.

The Penitence of Wife of Habib 'Ajmi
It is narrated that wife of Habib 'Ajmi was a short-tempered woman. Once she asked her husband "If Allah does not response to your prayers go some where else to work and serve the payer."
Habib went to the jungle and prayed all the daylong. When he returned home empty handed in the evening; he was a bit ashamed of his wife. As he entered, the wife asked where the wages were. "He is the Most Generous, I worked for, so I did not hasten to demand wages." Habib answered patiently. Thus the days passed, he would spend the day in the jungle in prayers and when the wife questioned on his return in the evening, about wages, he answered that he felt ashamed to ask for his dues. One day, at last, she got impatient to tell him that either he should get his dues or work for someone else. He promised accordingly and left. When, returned in the evening, he feared the reaction of the wife, as the day was not different from the previous ones. But when he arrived at the door, he saw smoke wafting above the wall and an appetizing aroma of some exotic food passed to his nose. He was even more surprised to see the dining rug was spread and a delighted wife was serving food.
"Your employer has provided generously indeed and the carrier brought the message as well to be conveyed to you to work more endeavourly, and understand that the delay in paying dues was not because of lacking of the means or miserliness and that you ought to be pleased and contented." She told on his inquisitive looks. Then she brought a few bags, full of Dinars. He wept as he saw the generous provisions and said, "The wages has been sent by Him who is Master of all the treasures of the heavens and the earth." Hearing this, his wife made penitence and vowed that she would never trouble him.
(Qasasul Awlyah)

Amatul Jalil
Amatul Jalil was a noble and pious woman. Once the matter was discussed by some scholars that how should be a Wali (saint). They all agreed to consult Amatul Jalil. She said, "Wali does not spend a single moment devoid of remembrance of Allah."
MORAL:
What a veneration she had! as the male scholars sought guidance from her. Look, how she identified the Wall. O' women, you, too should follow her footsteps and make remembrance of Allah, your most preferred duty.
(Bahishti Zewar)

'Ubaydah bint Kallab
'Ubaydah bint Kallab was a woman of great virtues. Some scholars of note have placed her even higher than Rabe'a Basryah. Once she fell down unconscious, having heard from some one that one can be perfect pious only when he or she endears the Hereafter, most of all.
MORAL:
Look, O, women! her longing to go to Allah that she fell down unconscious to fear that she might have not endeared most, the life of the other world. But today no one likes even to hear about death and that is because of exceeding love for vanities of this world.

Afirah 'Abidah
Aflrah 'Abidah commanded great respect for her continence. Once, some very pious people approached her and begged to pray for them. She said, "I am a sinner and if the sinners were made mute in punishment, I certainly would have become dumb, but because praying is the Tradition of the Prophet (SAW) SO I will make supplications." Then she prayed for all.
MORAL:
The women must observe that she was so great that despite being pious and continent, she considered herself humble and sinner. While today some people pose themselves saint if merely they told their beads once or twice. Boasting is very disliked by Allah, so always show humbleness. We have countless shortcomings and recollecting them shall prevent us from boasting.
(Bahishti Zewar)

Ghafirah's Occupation with Remembrance of Allah
Ahmad ibn Ali says that once he begged her permission to come to her house, but she declined. I, however, despite her disapproval, went and placed myself at her door. When she came to know, she opened the door, saying, 'O, Allah I seek refuge with thee from the person who prevents me from remembering Thee.1 She withdrew to let me in. I entered the house and asked her to pray for us. She said, "May Allah exalt me by forgiving you." She further said, "'Ata-i-Salma did not look at the sky for forty years, out of fear. After forty years he cast a look towards the sky and fell down, unconscious." Then she wished that Allah might call her to Him. I asked, "When will your weeping and wailing end, eyes are already lost." She said, "If by the loss of eyes, I may get some rewards with Allah, then it is no loss. If this does not win Allah's approval then I shall weep more." and thereupon she turned her face.
The people, therein, advised me to leave, as, they said, she was not apparently well.
(Qasasul Awlyah)

Bibi Manfusah, bint Zayd, Abu Al-Fawaris
Bibi Manfusah was daughter of Zayd, Abu Al-Fawaris, the king of Persia and Iraq (obiit: 372H).VWriter of Tabaqat She'rani has considered her as walyah.
She was a devout Muslim and continent. She had occupied herself with the remembrance of Allah. Bowing to the will of Allah, was the motto of her life. Allah granted her children but tried her patience with their short lives. All of them would die at their early age. When ever her son died, she put his head in her lap and said, "By Allah, your early death doesn't matter that I may mourn it. Though life with out you is a bed of thorns but it will have in store the rewards with Allah." Then she would recite the couplet:
(We are the people who do not mourn the death of our children though reduced out of shock.) Then she made funeral with great patience.
Manfusah bint Zayd was a woman of great patience. Once one of her children died. She held his head in her hands and said, "Your preceding me is better than being preceded by me. As your death in early childhood would not only cause my forgiveness but also yours (because a child is free of sins). Had you lived to become young, you might commit sins and Almighty knows you would be pardonable or not." She would say further, "My patience is better than impatience. Though the departed soul has left me sad but gratification of being rewarded for it is even greater."
MORAL:
O women! Console yourself by saying as above, on the death of your near and dear ones.
(Bahishti Zewar)

Maymunah Sawdah
There was Abdul Wahid ibn Zayd, a noted mystic. He once prayed, "Allah Almighty, please let me see the person who would be my mate in Paradise."
It was ordained that Maymunah Sawdah would be his mate in Paradise. He asked where she was. He was made to know that she was in Kufa in the tribe, so and so. He narrates, "When I reached Kufa and inquired of her whereabouts, people told me that she was mad and grazed the goats. When I staggered upon there I found her saying prayer while her goats were grazing and the ferocious wolves were strutting along as watchers. She said, as she concluded her prayer, "Abdul Wahid, go back, promise of meeting is for Paradise only." I was caught in utter surprise, thinking how did she know my name. She said, "Do you not know, the souls which are to be acquainted in the Hereafter, an attachment is developed between them."
I said, "I am looking goats and wolves together, how it got possible." "I have straightened out my matters with Allah and He settled the matter between the goats and the wolves in response."
(Bahishti Zewar)
MORAL:
All her powers laid in her faithfulness and obedience to Allah. O' women! You must set yourself in total obedience to your Creator.

Rihanah Majnunah
Abu-ar-Rab'i, a venerable elder, narrates that once he, Muhammad ibn Al-Munkadar and Thabat Binani were guest in Rihanah's home. She got up before it was midnight and said, "The adorer goes to whom she loves most and the heart is getting uncontrollable out of delight." When it was midnight she set to say, "Don't attach yourself to a person or task, which may disturb your remembrance of Allah. Spend the nights in praying and offering prayers, then you may be accepted as friend of Allah."
When the night passed, she cried, saying, she was robbed. I asked what had happened. She told that the night was gone in which devotion to Allah was to be shown.
MORAL:
It is advisable for the women to note that Rehanah liked the night only because she could pray calmly. O women! Why you don't spend a part of night for remembering Allah. There is an example in her life for you. Don't endear properties, dresses, jewellery, progeny and houses but prefer the life of the Hereafter.
(Bahishti Zewar)

A Votaress of Sari Saqti
One of the disciples of Sari Saqti narrates that son of a female devotee to their sheikh was his pupil. Once the teacher sent him somewhere for a job. He incidentally fell into water and drowned. When the Shiekh came to know, he went to the woman to tell and console her. When he asked her to be patient, she inquired in surprise why he was to console her. He told that her son had drowned. "My son, drowned?" she said unconvincingly. "Yes, your son" he said sorrowfully. "Nay, my son did not drown" She said with great certainty and then she rose and went to the spot and called her son loudly by his name "O, Zar!" "Here I am, my mother" he said, appearing from water, safe and sound. Sari (RA) asked Junayed (RA) how did it happen? He told that the woman had a special status and she was pre-informed of any disaster to come. Because she was not intimated in advance so she had told with confidence that her son had not drowned.
(Bahishti Zewar)
MORAL:
Each friend of Allah is awarded a different placing, but they must not be identified by the notion that, one knows in advance the future events and the other doesn't know. Allah Almighty has the discretion whom He likes to confer His bounty upon. It all, however, owes to total faithfulness and obedience to Allah and His Prophet (SAW). We must make efforts for this, then it is at the pleasure of Allah, He may grant us the desired grade or even above.

Tuhfah
Sari Saqti (RA) the noted mystic narrates "Once I went to a healing house where I found a young girl, chained and weeping. She was reciting poetry of love. I asked the duty guard who she was. "She is mad" the guard answered. Hearing that she wept more bitterly and said, "I am not mad, I am a lover." "Lover of whom?" I asked. "Of Bountiful Lord. Who bestowes His blessings upon us and Who is ever near us." Meanwhile her master came and asked the guard about Tuhfah. He told that she was in, and Sari (RA) was with her. He came in and paid me respects. "She is more able to be respected than I and you have put her in the worst." I said. "She costs all my wealth. I paid twenty thousands for her in the hope of a handsome benefit. But she weeps day and night. Neither she eats nor drinks" He explained. I offered him to pay her ransom. "You are a dervish, from where would fetch the huge money" He said sarcastically. I went home to leave him there and made imploration to Allah that He might provide from whence one thinks no. Meanwhile the door was knocked. I opened the door and found a stranger with purses full of money. I asked him who he was. He told that he was Ahmad ibn Almathna and that he was ordained in the dream to arrange for the money. I was greatly delighted to have the cash and early the next morning arrived at the healing house. As I reached, I saw her master, coming, weeping. "Do not worry, I have brought the money and shall pay twice of your price" I assured him. But to my utter surprise, he refused and said, "I shall not sell her even for all the wealth of the world but I set her free for Allah." I asked what caused that state of affairs. He told that displeasure had been shown in his dream and that I should stand witness that he had given away all his belongings in the way of Allah. There I found Ahmad ibn Almathna, weeping. He said, "I too, give all my property as charity." I said, "Glory be to Allah, this all owes to the righteous lady. Tuhfah, at that rose to go somewhere. Not long after, we three travelled to Makkah for Hajj. Unfortunately Ahmad ibn Almathna died on the way. We were making Tawaf, one day, when we heard a sad female cry. We went nearer to find who she was. It was Tuhfah (RA). I told her that Ahmad ibn Almathna was dead. She said that he had been awarded high grades in the Hereafter. I informed her that her former master had also come. She uttered some words, which I could not understand but soon after she fell senseless and we found her dead. Her master, who was deeply moved to see the event, suddenly fell down. I leaped to hold him and he was dead too. I buried them both.
MORAL:
Glory be to Allah. What an adorer to Allah she was. O' women! You too should walk on her footsteps. Haji Imadullah Muhajir Makki has reported this story in more detail.
(Bahishti Zewar)

Juwayryah
She was the slave of a king. He had set her free and a respected mystic Abu Abdullah Turabi had married her after he saw her virtuous life. Once she viewed in dream very richly decorated and splendidly looking tentage. She asked, for whom the tentage was pitched. She was told; it was for those who recite whole of the Holy Quran in the Tahajjud prayer. Since then she almost gave up the night sleep. She awakened her husband and said, "Get up, caravans have left."
MORAL:
O' women, say prayers by yourself and also educate your husbands.

Daughter of Shah ibn Shuj'a Kirmani
Shah ibn Shuj'a was once a king but he had become dervish, stepping down the throne. He had a daughter. A king had sent the proposal to take her in marriage but he refused and married her io a poor young man who was very punctual in prayers. When the marriage took place and she went to her husband's house, she saw there a hard, dried bread covered with a piece of cloth. She asked her husband what was that. "It is the left over from the previous night's meal, I had reserved for today's Iftar (breaking of fast). She abruptly turned on her heels apparently in rage. "I already feared, a king's daughter would not couple with my poverty" the boy said, sadly. "The king's daughter is not displeased at poverty but she is annoyed as you have breached the trust in Allah. I am surprised at my father's choice who had told me that my would be husband was a pious young man. I am afraid, one who does not trust in Allah's arrangement and instead reserves bread for tomorrow, how he can be pious." The husband made some excuse but she said that she would not accept any excuse, "Either you shall retain the bread or me" the wife told in clear terms. The husband gave away the bread immediately as charity and it was then that she was calmed.
MORAL:
O' women! Look the manners of a princess. You could learn from her contentment. Disapprove the love of wealth and vanities of world.
(Bahishti Zewar)

A Little Girl of Hatim Asim
Hatim was a noted mystic. Once a rich man passed by his house. He felt thirsty and he asked for water. He offered them some money after he drank water. All were pleased to have it as they were suffering very hardships. But his little daughter turned to sobbing. They all asked the reason for her anguish. She said, "An ordinary man saw our plight and with his meagre money we felt ourselves rich but Allah watches us all the time and why we should not like to remain as our Lord Wills us to be."
MORAL:
Despite being a minor, how wisely she spoke while today's elder women do not exhibit such sort of wisdom. Most of the women look towards people in the hope of profit not to Allah. For Allah's sake straighten your ways.
(Bahishti Zewar).

Satt-ul-Muluk
She was the native of Arabia. She commanded respect from all contemporary mystics and scholars. Once she went to visit the Bayt-Al-Maqdis (Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem), where lived a great mystic Ali ibn Albis Yamani. He once narrated that he was in the Mosque when, he saw that a beam of light had connected the sky with the dome of the Mosque. I went to see in surprise and found the venerable lady saying prayers under the dome and the beam of light was extended through to touch her.
MORAL:
That light was indication of her piety. Allah produces light in the heart of all the righteous people and some times He displays it, too.
The Slave Girl of Abu "Amir Wai'z
Abu 'Amir reports that he saw a slave girl was on sale for a very low price. She was pale, extremely weak and skinny. To sense her miserableness he paid her price and took her home. "I asked her to go to the market and bring the necessities required for the preparation of Ramadan" he contiued to say. She said, "Thanks to Allah, all the twelve months are equal for me." "She kept fast in the day and would worship at nights. At the eve of Eid I desired to purchase something for her. When she got intimation she said why I was lost in the labyrinth of the world. Meanwhile she stood for prayers. She recited a verse in which Day of the Judgment was mentioned and then she screamed and fell down, dead."
MORAL:
We see the fear of Allah caused all that. It is, however out of human control but abstaining from sins is at our will, either it is sin of hands, feet, heart or tongue.
(Bahishti Zewar)

The Slave Woman of Imam Yezid ibn Harun
Imam Yezid was a great scholar of Hadith. His eyesight was very weak and he could not write or read. His maid would help her. She consulted books to pick out to him his required Ahadith.
MORAL:
Glory be to Allah. In those days a number of slaves and maids were learned and scholars. Today women are illiterate and unlettered in large number. Remove this stain, for Allah's sake.
(Bahishti Zewar)

The Slave Woman of ibn Samak Kufi
Ibn Samak Kufi was a great leader of Islam. Once he sought his maid's opinion about his speech. She said that he spoke good but that he repeated the things and that is a fault. "I repeat to be sure that people of less knowledge may also understand" He tried to justify his style. "But until the dull people understand, the wise and learned get bored" She answered.
MORAL:
A learned and wise person only can find touching points in the speech of a leader. This indicates that the slave woman was learned and wise. O' women, do not be less than the slaves at least. Seek knowledge with great efforts. If there is some male relative at home like father or brother, learn preferably the Arabic from him to enable yourselves to understand Al-Quran. You are in better position to learn than the males as you have no responsibilities to earn etc. Learning of sewing and cooking is not enough. It is just a matter of days or mostly weeks. Why should be wasted the years before or after marriage?

The Aunt of Ibn Jawzi
Ibn Jawzi was a venerated scholar. His aunt would take him in his childhood to the learned people and scholars who made him a person of great wisdom in an early age. He could make scholarly speeches when his age was as little as len.
MORAL:
Look O, women what a keen interests she took to make her nephew, learned. She must have been aged but even then it did not break her courage. You could do, at least to make certain, your children may get first the knowledge of Deen. Do not entangle them in the learning of English in very young age.
Prevent your child from bad company and keep a check. Persuade him to attend his educational institute regularly. Today, those who have will to get their children educated, they desire to put them in administrative cadre, regardless of the fact that by ever increasing temptations, he may be enticed into unlawful means of income and, on the Day of Judgment, be shoved in to Hell in punishment and take as well the parents along. Remember, the knowledge of Deen has no equal.
(Bahishti Zewar)

Mother and Sister of Imam Bukhari
No other scholar of Hadith could be equal or more than Imam Bukhari. He was still a boy of 14 when he left home to attain knowledge. His mother and sister were the only responsible for provisions of the journey.
MORAL:
Usually, mothers bear the expenses and the sisters have nothing to do but the sister's contribution for his knowledge indicates that the women of that age attached great importance to knowledge and were ready to do beyond expectations and traditions. O' women! Please take their path.
(Bahishti Zewar)

Sister of Rumi, The Qadi Zadah
Qadi Zadah, Rumi was a scholar of great fame. When he learned adequately from the teachers of Rome, he desired to seek knowledge from abroad. He made arrangements quietly. Her sister, who had learned of his plan, put her jewellery silently in his luggage and spoke not a single word about it.
MORAL:
What the good-natured women they were! They wanted in no way the name or fame. They just wanted the knowledge might be obtained at any cost. O' women, remember! help in attainment of knowledge is very rewarding sort of act. You must help the Madaris (institutions of religious education).
(Bahishti Zewar)

Rabe'ah Adwyah
Rabe'ah Adwyah was a great mystic and very tender hearted. She would weep frequently. Whenever heard of Hell, she fell unconscious. When something was given as present, she returned it, saying that she did not want any worldly thing. She, at the age of eighty, walked staggering due to weakness. It was feared she might fall any time. She kept the cloth of coffin always with her. When she would fall down prostrate, the spot where she put her forehead got wet with the shedding of tears. She was also called Rabe'a Basryah.
MORAL:
O' women! Remember always the death and you should instil fear of Allah in your hearts.
(Bahishti Zewar>

Majidah Qurayshiyah
Majidah Qurayshiyah, a venerated mystic, would say,. "I consider the every step I walk, the last of the life." She would say further, "It is surprising, that though the people have been informed that thier departure is destined but they are quite unthoughtful as if they never heard of it and would live here forever." She said, "Paradise and pleasure of Allah could never be achieved without great deal of effort."
MORAL:
O' women! What good pieces of advice we have had. Stick to them and continue.

Devotion of Saryah
Abu Hashim Qurayshi says that a Yamenite woman named Saryah came and stayed at one of their houses. He would hear her wailing in the last hours of the night. He further says that one day he asked his servant to see what that woman would do. He brought the information that the woman was doing nothing, she was just gazing at the sky. Her face was towards Makkah and she was saying, "My Lord! Thou created Sarya, then fed her from infinite stores of provisions and kept her either in this condition or that. All her days were good. But she sometimes could not carry out all Thy commands. O, Almighty, Thou know she does so only because she has a sort of confidence and trust in Thee and she pretends that Thou donot watch her wrongdoings whereas Thou are Knower and Omnipotent.

Mua'zah Adwyah (Her preparation for the Hereafter)
When the dawn broke, she would say that the day was the last day of her life and when the night fell, she said, she might die that night and busied in prayer till the day dawned.

Fasting is the Thanks Giving for the... ...Blessing of Night Vigils
Abu Sulayman Darani says that once he stayed at the house of Rabe'a (RA). She spent the night standing in her niche, praying and he in another corner of the house. When it dawned I said, "How we may thank Him who gave us strength to stand for all the long night." Rabe'a (RA) said that we could thank by fasting for Him the next day.

Rabe'a Shamyah's Love and Fear
Ahmad ibn Abi-Al-Havari has reported that his wife was a foil-minded woman. Some times she was under influences of love, sometimes affection and the other times fear. Under the influences of love she would recite the following verses of poetry.
"He is an unequalled friend. His love occupies the whole of my heart. That friend is out of my sight but never vanishes from my heart and mind."
When she was influenced by the feelings of affection she would hum to herself:
"I have made you lodge in my heart and talk and made myself accessible for my mates. Myself is for my mates and heart is the place for friend indeed."
She would recite in fear:
"I have provision for journey less than sufficient. Should I cry over little provision or long distance. Will I be burnt in fire by Thou, whom I love most. Then where shall have gone my hopes and fear? "
Ahmad narrates that he said to his wife, "I have never seen a person save you who prays supererogatory and Tahajjud prayers all the night." "Glory be to Allah, a person like you talks in such a way. I rise for late night prayer when I am called" She answered.
Ahmad further says, "One day I was having meals at the time of her devotions when she began moralizing me. I said, let me eat, first. She said that speaking about the Hereafter should not disturb people like us. Then she said that she looked upon me as brother not as a husband and served to me specially prepared dishes. She once said that she could see the Jinn and Hoor.
Rehlah Abidah Who had turned black after successive fasting and blind with constant weeping.
Khaws (RA) says that once he went to visit Rehlah Abidah who had turned black for perpetual fasting and got blind with constant weeping. She was so weak that she prayed her prayers in sitting posture.
I paid Salam to her and spoke a little about Allah's Attributes of forgiveness and mercy so that she might feel relaxed for that moment at least. She cried to hear and said, "One thing I know best that I know nothing. I know better than anyone else the inner of myself and that has left my body and soul wounded. I wish, I had neither been born and nor mentioned any where." Saying this she turned to prayers again.
Fatimah bint Nasr
Fatimah, daughter of Nasr ibn 'Attar was a woman of great continence and wisdom. She commanded the fame of a saintess. Her life was a true example of a righteous Muslim woman as outlined by the Prophet of Allah (SAW). She attached great importance to the observance of Purdah (veil). She went only three times out of her home throughout her life. The venerable mystic died in 573H.
(Khazina tul-Asfiyah)

Bibi Jawhrah
Bibi Jawhrah was the daughter of Hibatullah Hasan ibn Ali ibn Hasan ibn Ad-Dawami. She was one of the notable oratoresses of Baghdad in sixth century Hijrah. She attained learning of Hadith from venerated erudites like Shaykh Abu
Al-Khubayb and Shaykh Abu Al-Waqt. She was married to Shaykh Abdur Rahim ibn Shaykh Abu Al-Khubayb. She had an only daughter, as has been reported.
Bibi Jawhrah was a venerable scholar. She gathered the women of Baghdad and spoke to them to tell them the right way they should opt here and what they would get in rewards in the Hereafter. One day, in 604H when she was preparing for prayer her destined hour approached and she died.
(Tadhkarah tul-Khawatin)

Jamilah, The Princess
Princess Jamilah was daughter of Shah Nasir ud-Dolah Abu Muhammad Al-Hasan, the Hamdani ruler of Mosul and Halb(317H-358H).
She was very kind hearted and generous. She went on Hajj to Makkah in 36H and ordered to serve sweetened drinks to all of the pilgrims. She gave away five hundred camels to the pedestrian pilgrims, set free three hundred slaves and two hundred slave girls and doled out ten thousand dinars in the Holy House, the Ka'bah. Her acts of generosity reminded the people of Queen Zubaydah. When ever the princess went on Hajj, that year would be called 'year of Jamilah' after her great acts of benevolence for people corresponding to her behaviour kinder ever than the year of previous Hajj.
(Tadhkara Al-Khawtin)

Zaynab bint Amr
Zaynab, daughter of 'Amr ibn Kundi was a venerable scholar of sixth century Hijrah. She was widely known for her generosity throughout the Islamic world. Allah had blessed her with wealth and knowledge. She spent her wealth generously in the way of Allah. She made a number of alms-houses. All their expenses were borne by her.
(Mashahir-un-Nisa).

Jawhar Brathyah
Jawher Brathyah had been a highly placed mystic of the third century Hijrah. She was born in 237H in Baghdad. She was the slave of some Abbaside ruler. One day she happened to pass by a school. She saw a graceful person teaching the students with great dignity. His engaging style froze Jawhar (RA). She listened to him elaborating till late. A little further was situated the grand mosque where an imposing saintly faced person was delivering his sermon on Hadith. Some students were taking notes as well. She was captivated by the atmosphere.
When returned at last, she was a changed figure, altogether. She resorted to reticence and inclined to be at her devotions most of her time. The other maids would make fun of her but she remained silent. One day on their persisted insistence to disclose the secret of her quietness, she said, "I am slave of Allah and it is incumbent upon me to obey His command." They asked, "How will you explain to the Caliph?" "My answer will be the same, I have just given." Gradually the news reached the king and he set her free. She learned in later years the knowledge of Hadith and devoted herself to worship and teaching of the Hadith. She married Abu Abdullah Brathi in following of the Traditions of the Prophet (SAW). 'Abdullah Brathi was a venerable narrator of Hadith, Islamic Jurist and pious person. Jawher B rathiah was unconcerned of the worldly wealth. Once the Caliph sent her a bag of money contained ten thousand Dinars but she returned saying, "The wealth brings pride and arrogance so I do not need it." The Caliph doubled the amount and asked her to keep the money and dole it out to the poor and destitutes. But she refused to accept and asked the person who came from the Caliph to convey her message to the Commander of the Faithful that she was living a secluded life and she did not know who was deserving and if mistakenly alms were given to a person who did not deserve, she would be held answerable on the Judgement Day, therefore it was better the Caliph should distribute the alms to the deserving people, himself. Once the Caliph invited her to the palace so that the palace might be blessed with her presence. But she sent word that she was happy in her cottage and that she was afraid, her arrival would disturb his luxurious life. Once, the wife of the ruler called at her to invite and take her to the palace but she did not agree and told the first lady that she was a simply living woman and liked to live amidst her own people. She further said that the satisfaction of mind which she enjoyed never could be anywhere else. Jawhar Barathyah (RA) died in 697H.
(Tadhkaratul Arifat — M Ishaque Bhatti)

Khayzuran, The Queen
Khayzuran was the darling queen of the third Abbaside Caliph Mahdi. She was sagacious, good natured and generous. She had great influence over her husband owing to her noble qualities. Mahdi had returned to a number of Banu Ummayd chieftains their estates and fiefdoms, on her persuasion, forfeited earlier by Abassides. Here is an account of a very interesting event of her life narrated by many historians. One day queen Khayzuran was informed by one of her slave girls that a poor and distressed woman had come to see her. The queen asked the maid to inquire who was she and what was the purpose of her arrival. The girl made every effort to elicit any information from her but she insisted that she would tell the Queen only what she was to say. The queen was surprised at her visitor's answer. "She sought advice from Zaynab bint Sulayman, the grand daughter of 'Abdullah ibn Abbas, sitting beside her and was considered very wise, whether she should let her in or not. Zaynab favoured to call the woman in. The queen allowed the maid to bring her in. Within moments the queen found there, an afflicted woman. Though in rags, but her engaging features were disclosing her nobility. The woman showed a little reluctance to the dignity and grace of the queen, but soon, she recollected herself, and paid respects to the queen. Then she would say, "O Queen, I am Mazna, daughter of Merwan ibn Muhammad the last ruler of Bani Umayyads." As she punctuated, Khayzuran flared up. "O' wretched woman! how did you dare to enter the palace "Did you not remember, how Abbasides were subjected to unending atrocities and oppression by your people. O' merciless woman, have you forgotten the fateful day when the elder women of Abbasides had called at you to implore that you might exercise your favour and get them permission from your father to bury the deceased uncle of my husband (Mahdi), Imam Muhammad ibn Ibrahim. But you, May Allah abase you even more, instead of showing mercy on the respectable and distressed women, drove them out disgracefully. Was that behaviour not crime against humanity? True, we were hostile to each other, but, was that treatment with a helpless enemy justified? Thanks to Allah, Who put an end to your wretched rule and debased you. It is better for you Mazna, to turn back sooner than later." said Khazuran almost shouting.
But Mazna did not move, rather, she burst into laughter and said, "O, sister, do not fly into passion, I have got my deserts. What you have said is nothing but the truth. Allah has brought me before you, disgraced and distressed as penalty for that. Do you not know, I was once more sprightly and naughty than you? I was proud of my beauty. The pride of wealth, magnificent palaces, train of attendants and the palatial splendour had blinded me. But didn't you see, how the tables were turned upon us. Allah took back His blessing from us. Now I am worse than a beggar. Do you want to get retribution like wise? May you be happy! lo, I am going."
As she finished, she turned briskly to head outwards. But, hardly she had taken a few steps when Khayzuran dashed after her to enfold her but she withdrew, saying, "O' Khayzuran, you are an empress and I am nothing. You see, I am in rags and not fit to be enfolded by a queen." Her words moved Khayzuran to tears. She ordered her maids to wash Mazna and dress her up. The orders were obeyed, immediately. Mazna turned like the moon out of clouds. Khayzuran collected her passionately to her and seated her beside and asked if she would like something to eat.
"To speak honestly, none, in the whole around may be more hungry than I." Food was served in variety and Mazna ate to her full. "Who is your guardian, now a days" Khayzuran asked. "Who can take courage to support me today. I have been living a very distressed life since long. Hearth and home, kith and kin all are gone" said Mazna before she was taken by the feelings.
"Don't be sad, Mazna, you are like my sister, henceforth. Take a dwelling out of many of mine and live hence, here. As far as I live, you need not worry anymore."
Khayzuran provided her with a magnificent living and retinue along with a huge sum of five lac dirhams to spend generously.
As the Caliph Mahdi came in to the privacy, Khayzuran told him the story. When she reached about upbraiding Mazna, the Caliph flared up and spoke violently to cut short the queen, "Alas! We are undone. Khayzuran! You lost a golden chance of thankfulness to Allah for His bounties. Your gesture is not worthy of a queen."
"Listen me to the end, O' Gommander of the Faithful" Khayzuran responded with smile. When he heard the whole story, his face was brightened, He appreciated highly her magnanimity and said that it had doubled her respect in his eyes. He, himself sent Mazna one hundred bags full of money and the message that the day was very delightful for him as Allah granted them chance to thank for His blessing. Hence, she could live there uninhibitedly. Mazna lived long after that. Hadi, who after the death of his father Mahdi in 169H (785 A.D.) ascended the throne, respected her greatly, Harun-ar-Rashid, who became Caliph in 170H (786 A.D.) after Hadi considered her equal to his mother. When she died, Harun cried bitterly and led her funeral procession with imperial grace.
Khayzuran bore Mahdi two sons Hadi and Harun-ar-Rashid and they both became Caliph consecutively after their father but unfortunately Hadi did not turn obedient to his mother. He deprived her of all the powers, she enjoyed in days of Mahdi. But his tenure was very short. He could rule for fifteen months only. Harun became Caliph after his brother's death and he restored all discretions and honours of her mother. Khayzuran was very generous and kind hearted. She would make every effort to help the distressed people, poor and the destitutes. She was very popular among her populace. They praised her everywhere. She died in 173H (789 A .D) in the reign of her son Haroon-ar-Rashid.
(Tarikh Islam)

Bibi Maryam Basryah
Maryam Basryah had been a world famed mystic in second/third century Hijrah. She was compatriot and contemporary of Rabe'a Basryah and was a continent and pious lady. Whenever the knowledge about Allah was talked about, she fell down unconscious due to fear. She used to say that ever since she heard the Koranic verse (And in the heaven is your providence and that which Ye are promised.) she had become unconcerned about livelihood and never had taken undnetrouble for it. The event of her death is very unusual. It is reported that some mystics were discussing divine love and she was listening. She took impression of the talk so profoundly that she died at the spot of heart failure. This event took place in 135H, a few days after Rabe'a Basryah had died.
(Nafhat ul-uns).

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NEXT PAGE (ARIFAT, p3)

DEVOTED WOMEN IN ISLAM

::: "The woman is the queen of her house" (Hadith)

::: Hadhrat Sauda (RA)
::: Hadhrat Khansa (RA) Exhorts Her Sons to Bravery
::: Hadhrat Safiyyah (RA) Kills A Spy
::: Hadhrat Asma (Radhiyallaho anha's) interview with
    the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) regarding the Reward for Women.
::: The Story of Hadhrat Umme Ammarah (RA)
::: Story of Hadhrat Umme Hakim (RA).
::: Martyrdom of Hadhrat Sumayyah (RA)
::: The story of Hadhrat Asma bint Abu Bakr (RA)

::: ARIFAT

::: MUHADDITHAT

::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: :::