Teaching both men and women

The teaching offered by the muhaddithaat was not restricted to other women, but extended to male students as well. Since the time of the Companions, it has been a well-established practice that women modestly obscured behind the screen may teach hadeeth to male students. Al-Suyuti records this: ‘The ancestors learnt ahadeeth from Aishah and other mothers of the believers, while they narrated hadeeth from behind the curtain.’  {Suyuti, Tadreeb al-Rawi vol. ii, p. 28}
Al-Sakhawi relates how Aishah and other women Companions used to teach from behind the screen.’ {Sakhawi, Fath al-Mughith, vol. ii, p. 211}
On certain occasions, however, where there was no possibility of any private interaction, they could teach directly, without a screen. This is illustrated in the account of how Ibn Rushayd studied under Fatimah al-Batayhiyyah in the mosque of the Prophet.

Teaching in homes

Students would also gather in the homes of many women scholars. Usually the female students would be inside the house directly in front of the teachers, while the male students would remain outside, positioned so as to be able to hear and put questions. One famous teacher who conducted her teaching in this way was Zaynab bint al-Kamaal, who narrated from a large number of teachers. One of her students, Imam Dhahabi, describes her as soft-spoken, patient and polite in manner. He tells how the students of hadeeth crowded around her house, and how she would teach them through most of the day. {al-Durar al-Kaminah, vol. ii, p. 117}

Teaching in mosques and schools

Schools and mosques were also used as teaching venues. One muhaddithah who taught in the mosque of the Prophet in Madina was Umm al-Khayr Fatimah bint Ibrahim bin Mahmud al-Batayhi. Among her teachers were: the famous narrator of Sahih  al-Bukhari, Abu Abdillah al-Husayn ibn al-Mubarak bin Muhammad al-Zabidi (546–631 AH); the Hanafi shaykh, Mahmud bin Ahmad bin Abd al-Sayyid al-Bukhari known as Ibn al-Haasiri (546–636 AH); and Abul-Qasim `Abdullah bin al-Husayn bin Abdillah ibn Rawahah al-Ansaari (560–646 AH). She taught hadeeth in Damascus and other places. Imam Dhahabi, Imam Subki, Ibn Rushayd Sabti and many other great scholars studied under her. Ibn Rushayd came all the way from Fez to do so at a time when she taught in the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah. He recounts how she would lean on the wall of the tomb of the Prophet facing the head of the Prophet. Here she wrote ijazah for him with her own hand. Ibn Rushayd studied under her the  in the treatise Juz Abil-Jahm and others. {Mil al-`aybah, vol. v, p. 21–25}

What makes a woman powerful? Is it her status, wealth, gorgeous looks, number of children or degrees? Is it her political or economic leadership reign over society? Or is it her piety and righteousness? People will always differ on this topic. But the fact remains that power connotes ability to inspire, ability to move, ability to remain on the tongues and in the minds of people even after one passes away. Power is legacy.

Alhamdulillah, we hear many stories of the Companions (radi Allahu anhum ajma’een) who left legacies through their good deeds, but we hardly hear stories of righteous women other than the few famous ones we know. So, this is dedicated to the sisters! Here are your examples ladies. This series is a ‘dictionary’ of sorts, listing a collection of fabulous Muslim women. While we are focusing on stories of women from the past, we will eventually contemporary women too! Please feel free to contribute to this series and nominate Muslim women by emailing info@muslimahsource.org.

So we begin:

1. Umm ad-Dardaa (radi Allahu anha): She gained knowledge from her husband, Abu ad-Dardaa, and Salman al-Farisi, Ka’b ibn ‘Aasim, A’ishah, and Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhum ajma’een). She was known for her knowledge, good deeds and asceticism. Makhool said about her, “Umm ad-Dardaa was a faqeehah.” ‘Awn ibn Abdillah said about her, “We used to go to Umm ad-Dardaa, and we would remember Allah with her.” Yunus ibn Maysarah said, “The women used to worship with her, and when they would tire from standing, they would hold on to ropes!”

2. Asmaa bint Yazid ibn as-Sakn (radi Allahu anha): She was known as Umm ‘Aamir, she was from the Ansar and she was the cousin of Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radi Allahu anhu). She was of those who pledged allegiance to the Prophet alayhi salaatu wa salaam, and of those who fought in the ranks of the armies. She narrated many ahadith from the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. She killed 9 men in the battle of al-Yarmook.

3. The mother of Sufyan ath-Thawri (rahimahumaAllah): Wakee’ said that Umm Sufyan told him, “go and seek knowledge, and whenever you write 10 ahadith, analyze your self. If you see an improvement and growth within yourself, then continue (seeking knowledge), but if you do not, then do not make yourself prominent. (i.e., stay unknown).”

4. Daughter of Shaykh of Fiqh and Tafseer, Zain ad-Deen Ali ibn Ibrahim (rahimahumaAllah) : It was said that she memorized the book “Al-Jawahir” which is 30 volumes, a book that her father wrote.

5. Fatima bint ‘Abbas ibn Abi Fath (rahimahaAllah): Ibn Katheer said of her, “She is one of the greatest women scholars. She advised people to do good, and advised them against evil. She stood up against the innovators in a way that no man could. She would attend the circles of ibn Taymiyyah and he praised her and described her as someone characterized by virtue and knowledge. She put together most of the book ‘Al-Mughni’. Ibn Taymiyyah inclined greatly towards her because of the many questions she presented and the good manner she would ask them and how quick she was in understanding. Many women finished Qur’an with her, among them are my wife (Ibn Katheer’s wife) and the wife of Shaykh Jamal ad-Deen al-Mizzi.”

6. ‘Amrah bint Abdur-Rahman (rahimahaAllah): She was a person of the same age and a contemporary of A’ishah (radi Allahu ‘anha). She was a knowledgeable scholar, a faqeehah, and has many narrations in the books of Islam. Ibn Shihab narrated from Qasim ibn Muhammad that he said to him, “O young man, I see that you are eager to gain knowledge. Shall I tell you where you can find the vessel of knowledge? I responded: ‘yes!’ He then said, ‘Then go to ‘Amrah, for she was in the room of A’ishah (i.e., meaning she studied with her). He then said, so I went to her and found her to be an ocean that does not dry up.”

7. Zayb an-Nisaa al-Hindiyyah (rahimahaAllah): She was the daughter of the Shah Muhyid-Deen Aureng Zayb ‘Aalamgir. She was born in the year 1037 Hijri and she died in the year 1111 Hijri. She memorized the Book of Allah, and became a scholar of tafseer. She is the only woman who has a complete book of tafseer, “Zayb at-Tafaseer”. The scholars still recognize this work as a great work of tafseer. She also put together a collection of poetry.

Taken from “Mukhtasar ath-Thimar al-Basiqaat min Hadith as-Salihaat”, Shaykh Sayyid al-’Affani (hafidhahullah)

An Example of Disbelief: Wife of Abu Lahab

We discussed in our first post that we will cover both believing and disbelieving women in the Qur’an to learn lessons from both. Allah ta’ala discusses the ultimate end of one woman in the Qur’an: the wife of Abu Lahab.

Umm Jamil, also known as Arwa bint Harb, who was the sister of Abu Sufyan (radi Allahu anhu) was known for her staunch disbelief and persecution to the Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam and the Muslims.

Allah ta’ala tells us her defining characteristic in surah Masad,

وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ
and his wife, the carrier of wood. (111:4)

Allah ta’ala uses the word “imr’aha” to describe the wife of Abu Lahab, and not the word we are more familiar with which is zawj. Br Nouman Ali Khan from Bayyinah Institute discussed with us the differences.

There are 2 main purposes for a marriage:
1)To have protection from evil and to help increase each other in good
2)To have children correctly in the halal manner.

When both of the above purposes are fulfilled, the spouse is referred to as Zawj, also meaning a pair that goes together to serve a purpose. When either one or both of the elements are missing, the spouse is referred to as Imr’ah. This is why we find in many of Prophet’s sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam duas, zawj, not imraa’ata, is mentioned to refer to spouse because zawj exemplifies a successful and complete marriage.

We find examples of this in the Qur’an:

-In Surah Yusuf, the wife of the minister is referred to as Imraa’atul Azeez because she did not fulfill either of the purposes of marriage.

-The wife of Nuh alayhi salaam is refered to as Imraa’atul Nuh because she was not pious and did not help him increase in good.

-In the example above regarding Umm Jamil. Both of them were happy with each other but they both were not pious and did not help one another to increase in good.

The word used for carrier, حَمَّالَةَ Hammaalatah, contains mubaalaghah which means intensification. Hammaalah not only means someone who carries wood but can have three intensified meanings:

1-     she carries a lot of wood
2-    she carries the wood with a lot of effort
3-    she carries the wood repeatedly

From this we learn that she was not only against Islam, but she repeatedly worked and strove to hurt the Prophet of Allah, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Hammalatal hatab can refer to:

1-    The dry twigs and thorns she carried and put on the path of Rasul Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam
2-    Figurative, meaning she spreads fuel (lies and slander) to spread the fire.

The scholars say this ayah is of mockery – this woman used to carry wood (fuel) in the dunya to support her husband against this Deen and in the aakhirah she will also be helping her husband by fueling his punishment.

Allah ta’ala then tells us her fate:

فِى جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِّن مَّسَدٍ

“In her neck is a twisted rope of palm-fiber” (111:5)

Allah azza wa jal describes her neck as a jeed. When I think of Umm Jamil, I would think of an old hag looking woman but when I read this ayah, I was amazed.Jeed is not an old wrinkly neck, rather it is a neck that is slender, long and very beautiful. This beautiful neck of hers that wore gold and jewelry will have a twisted rope of palm fiber.

A Story of Abu Lahab’s Wife harming the Messenger of Allah (from Tafseer ibn Katheer)

Ibn Abi Hatim said that his father and Abu Zur`ah both said that `Abdullah bin Az-Zubayr Al-Humaydi told them that Sufyan informed them that Al-Walid bin Kathir related from Ibn Tadrus who reported that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said, “When

[تَبَّتْ يَدَآ أَبِى لَهَبٍ]

(Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab and perish he)!) was revealed, the one-eyed Umm Jamil bint Harb came out wailing, and she had a stone in her hand. She was saying, `He criticizes our father, and his religion is our scorn, and his command is to disobey us.’ The Messenger of Allah was sitting in the Masjid (of the Ka`bah) and Abu Bakr was with him. When Abu Bakr saw her he said, `O Messenger of Allah! She is coming and I fear that she will see you.’ The Messenger of Allah replied,

«إِنَّهَا لَنْ تَرَانِي»

(Verily, she will not see me.) Then he recited some of the Qur’an as a protection for himself. This is as Allah says,

[وَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرءَانَ جَعَلْنَا بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَ الَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالاٌّخِرَةِ حِجَابًا مَّسْتُورًا ]

(And when you recite the Qur’an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil.) (17:45) So she advanced until she was standing in front of Abu Bakr and she did not see the Messenger of Allah . She then said, `O Abu Bakr! Verily, I have been informed that your friend is making defamatory poetry about me.’ Abu Bakr replied, `Nay! By the Lord of this House (the Ka`bah) he is not defaming you.’ So she turned away saying, `Indeed the Quraysh know that I am the daughter of their leader.”’ Al-Walid or another person said in a different version of this Hadith, “So Umm Jamil stumbled over her waist gown while she was making circuits (Tawaf) around the House (the Ka`bah) and she said, `Cursed be the reviler.’ Then Umm Hakim bint `Abdul-Muttalib said, `I am a chaste woman so I will not speak abusively and I am refined so I do not know. Both of us are children of the same uncle. And after all the Quraysh know best.’

Lessons to learn from the life of Umm Jamil:

1- Being related to a pious person does not automatically make you righteous. She was the aunt of the Prophet sal Alahu alayhi wa sallam yet that did not save her from her fate.

2- The importance of companionship. Here we see a husband and wife uniting upon disbelief and causing harm upon the people. Umm Jamil was doing these things to support her husband against the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam and so in the aakhirah, she will still remain in his company.

3- Selecting a righteous spouse that will help you in khayr. Although Abu Lahab and Umm Jamil were pleased with eachother, they were not considered realspouses because they were disbelievers. When Allah ta’ala mentions the punishment of Abu Lahab, He connects his wife to him as well which shows that evil men are for evil women, as Allah says in surah Nur.

4- Wealth or children did not save her or her husband from the punishment of this life and the next.

and Allah azza wa jal is Most Knowing.

Image : Potatojunkie

These stories are an “ibrah“, a lesson that goes beyond the obvious facts. Allah says only the “Ulil Albaab” will understand these deep lessons: those who go beyond the surface and delve into the crux of the matter to derive benefits and understand the deeper meaning.

Firstly, it is an ibaadah, an act of worship that Allah commanded. Allah ta’ala tells the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam: 

فَاقْصُصِ الْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ 

“Then relate the stories, so that they may reflect.” (7:176) 

Secondly, so that we may contemplate. These stories are not to entertain us, but they are for reflection. 

Thirdly, they are the ones who are guided, and Allah is instructing the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam and us to follow their guidance: 

أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ ۖ فَبِهُدَاهُمُ اقْتَدِهْ

“They are those whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance.” (6:90)

Our nature as humans is that we must have people to look up to. If we do not find role models in the Prophets and the righteous, we will find them somewhere else. This was the instruction given to Rasul Allah sal Allahu alayhi sallam, then what of us?

Fourthly, to love them. If you do not know someone you cannot love them. We all claim to love the Prophets and righteous, yet if we do not know the details of their life and their struggles, how can we respect them? 

We hear many times that there are only righteous men in our deen—where are the women?? Alhamdulillah, we are not deprived of examples! InshaAllah this series will introduce our sisters to the women of the Qur’an: their lives, their struggles and their lessons.

and Allah azza wa jal knows best. 

Khadija was born in 556 CE to Fatima bint Za’ed and Khawailid bin Asad, a renowned businessnman and leader from the tribe of Quraish. She married Abu Halah Malak bin Nabash at-Tamimi and had two children, Halah and Hind. He passed away later and she then married ‘Atiq bin ‘Aith al-Makhzoomi and had a daughter named Hindah. The marriage broke up due to incompatibility so Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, continued to run her father’s business. Her foresight in hiring the most qualified workers and her sharp business skills contributed in part to the success of her business. She would export fine Makkan goods to lands as far away as Syria through her managers and they would, in turn, bring back goods from other lands to Makkah, a central trading town in Arabia. The managers would get fifty percent profit, a promising reward and motivation.

Khadija had heard of the honesty and integrity of Muhammad, peace be upon him, and sent him a job offer, one he accepted. On one business trip, he was accompanied by Maysara, Khadija’s trusted servant. Maysara was amazed by Muhammad (saws)’s adherence to firm principle and character throughout the trip. On their return, Maysara related these incidents to Khadija who was beyond impressed with her employee Muhammad (saws). She was so impressed that she considered marrying him, since such qualities and traits displayed by Muhammad (saws) were not the commonality in all men.

One night, she dreamt that the radiant sun had lowered itself into her courtyard, illuminating her home. She went to her cousin, Waraqah bin Nofil, a religious man who knew much of the Torah and Injil, for an interpretation of her dream. Upon hearing her dream, he explained it was a glad tiding that the Prophet (saw)’s presence would grace her home. When Khadija heard this, her inclination towards marrying Muhammad (saws) grew. Her friend Nafisah bint Manbah knew of Khadija’s intent and approached Muhammad (saws) about this very subject. She requested his permission to ask a very personal question, to which he said he had no reservation. Subsequently, she asked him why he was not yet married. He explained he did not have such financial resources at the time. She then asked if he would be interested in marrying a beautiful, wealthy lady from a noble family who was interested in marrying him. He asked about whom Nafisah was referring to, and she told him it was none other than Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her. He said, Yes, he was willing to marry her, if she too was interested. When Khadija heard of this, she was elated and preparations for the wedding were soon made. The uncles of Muhammad (saws), Abu Talib and Hamza, may Allah be pleased with him, approached Khadija’s uncle, ‘Umar ibn Asad, with the formal proposal for marriage. Upon acceptance, the date was set, preparations were made and were soon carried out. Much festivity and happiness graced the atmosphere of the wedding and Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, was truly blessed with a husband akin to the bright sun, Muhammad (saws). Most reports indicate that Muhammad (saws) was twenty-five at the age of marriage and Khadija was forty years old, though according to one tradition, she was twenty-eight.

Khadija was blessed with not only Muhammad (saws) as a husband but also with six children. Two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, passed away while they were young, but Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatima, may Allah be pleased with them, content, wonderful and intelligent, were daughters to be proud of.

Around this time, Muhammad (saws) would frequent the mount of Hira in meditation and worship. He never worshipped the idols of the Quraish, nor did he partake in frugal and wasteful activities of his people including drinking alcohol, witnessing obscenities and conducting oneself in rude and harsh behavior. He always felt unique and different in his beliefs and took the cave of Hira as a refuge. One night as he was there alone, Muhammad (saws) would leave being known as Prophet Muhammad (saws). He was visited by the Angel Jibreel. At first, when he heard the voice and saw the angel, he was shocked and terrified. The angel asked him to recite/read: “Iqra.” The Prophet (saws) explained, “I am not a reader/I don’t know how to read.” Again, the angel commanded him to read until finally it pressed him so hard that he felt like he would die. The angel finally told him what would be known as the first revelation, surah ‘Alaq or surah Iqra:

“Read! In the name of your Lord Who created, created man from a clot of congealed blood. Read! And your Lord is Most Generous. Who has taught the writing by the pen. He has taught men that which he knew not.” (96:1-5)

Then, the angel disappeared. Muhammad (saws) was left alone, shaking and quivering at this most astonishing experience. He ran down the mountain towards his abode with Khadija and when he looked up at the sky, every direction he turned towards the sky showed him nothing besides the grandeur of this angel. More terrified than before, he hastened towards his home. Upon seeing her husband in this shaken-up state, Khadija was surprised and comforted him to the best of her ability. He told her, “Cover me, cover me” and she calmed him, telling him not to fear. When he narrated the incident to his wife, Khadija soothed him more by saying that Allah would never disgrace him or humiliate him: he was good to the orphans, always helped others and always epitomized perfection of character and honesty. These simple words gave Muhammad (saws) immeasurable calmness and contentment.

Khadija took her husband to her cousin, Waraqa, and he explained that Muhammad (saws) was visited by the same angel that visited the other prophets with revelation. He told Muhammad (saws) that he would be driven out by his own people and he would be a Prophet. Muhammad (saws) could not believe it but later revelations continued to come, confirming this reality.

Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, continued supporting her husband, the Seal of the Prophets (saws) as he continued receiving revelation from the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. She spent her wealth in the cause of Islam and when the Makkans carried out a total political and economic boycott of the Muslims, she endured likewise. Khadija, a woman who grew up in the lap of lavishness, bore the hardships of sacrifice because she knew the Hereafter was more important than this life. Some Muslims during the boycott, including women and children, were so desperate and hungry that they would even eat leaves of trees to survive, but she persevered nevertheless. Unfortunately the boycott left Khadija extremely weak and she soon passed away. The Prophet (saw)’s uncle also passed away around this time, a double blow for the Messenger of Allah because the people who supported him most were now gone from this world.

Not only did Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, provide financial assistance to the cause of Islam but she also consoled the Prophet (saw), was the first believer and was a prime example for the Muslim women at the time.

Even after her death, the Prophet (saw) would send food to Khadija’s friends and always remembered her regularly. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, would proclaim her natural feminine jealousy to the Prophet (saw) whenever he spoke of Khadija. She asked him why he remembered her so much when now, Allah had blessed him with a younger, better wife. The Prophet (saw) got disappointed by this question. How could he not remember the woman who was there for him when the whole world was against him? How could he not appreciate the sacrifices of this noble woman of Quraish who gave up her content life for a life of sacrifice and utmost patience? And how could he disregard the pure beauty and faith of the woman who even Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and the angel Jibreel had said salaam to? No, he could not and would not forget his Khadija, his first love, and neither should we. Her example as one of the four best women of the world shines brilliantly for us.

1. Her unshakable faith and acceptance of Islam as the first follower is an exemplary quality for us all! Whenever we see a chance for good, an opportunity to accept the truth and share it with others, we should hasten towards it without second thoughts. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) encourages us in Surah Hadeed, verse 21 to “Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allâh), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allâh and His Messengers.” Even if we are the only people in our city to start a halaqa or study circle, the only person in our MSA to stand up for a positive idea or only Muslim in our school or workplace who avoids the bad and turns towards the pleasure of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), we should rejoice that we are in the company of a noble woman such as Khadija in our efforts.

2. We see that Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, supported the Prophet (saw) in his most difficult moments through her consoling words, advice and wisdom. She was there for him when the world was against him. This demonstrates a key aspect of the Muslim marriage: mutual consultation, loving for the other what is best and making the life of one’s spouse easier. Khadija was a solid rock, a haven of security, for the Prophet (saw). We should ask ourselves: are we solid rocks for the spouses, parents and da’ees in our lives? Or do we just let them bear the burden of the world on their shoulders by themselves without doing our part to nurture, cultivate and encourage their good intentions and efforts more? A simple phrase such as “Thank you, Jazak Allahu khair, Great job, I love what you are doing and we all appreciate it” while you really mean it will probably encourage someone more than you imagine!

3. The most important quality of Khadija is that she preferred the Hereafter over the Dunya. She was willing to sacrifice her temporary lifestyle of comfort in order to gain the pleasure of her Creator. In life today, sacrifice is hardly a common word spoken of let alone thought of as a practical action to implement in our world of laziness and hedonism. But truly, life is a test and Allah will reward those who struggled, were patient and sacrificed. Allah, the Most High, says in Suratul A’la, verses 16-17: “Nay, you prefer the life of this world, Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.”

Take this moment as you read to think about your priorities and what kind of person you would like to be known as to Allah on the Day of Judgment. One who passed the real test of existence – the one which the scales and our deeds alone will determine – or frugal pursuits of this temporary life.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) raise us all in the companion of the Prophets, Companions and Mothers of the Believers, among whom Khadija’s example resonates strongly. May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) help us to conquer our own nafs (soul) in order to come closer to Him and His Jannatul Firdous (Highest of Paradise), ameen.

References:
(1) Great Women of Islam, Darussalam.

Photo Courtesy: W