النص المفهرس

712
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Umme Rûmân radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is the mother-in-law of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the
mother of 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ. A munafiq had accused 'A'ishah of
committing adultery. Some naive Muslims had also joined this person.
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam remained silent over the entire
matter. Allah revealed a few verses of the Quran absolving her and
mentioning her chastity. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam recited
these verses to his house folk. At that time, Umme Ruman ordered 'A'ishah
radiyallâhu 'anhâ to get up and express her gratitude to Rasûlullâh
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Although she was greatly grieved over her
daughter prior to this, was it possible that she utters even a word of
complaint concerning Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam?
Lesson: Such forbearance and restraint on the part of a woman is extremely
surprising because on occasions like this they generally blurt out something
wrong. For example, she could have said: "How unfortunate that my
daughter has been accused without any valid reason, more so now that her
chastity has been established." At such a time, in most cases, one becomes
very angry and annoyed and rebukes the person for having doubts on such a
pure and chaste woman. At times of grief and wrangling, do not side with
your daughter nor fight with her in-laws.
Another woman has also been mentioned in this entire incident. Her son,
due to ignorance and naivety, also joined those who accused 'A'ishah
radiyallâhu 'anhâ This woman reprimanded her son and sided with
'A'ishah. Her name is Umme Mistah. This is what you call standing for the
truth. That she did not side with her son - she sided with the truth and even
reprimanded her son.
Umme 'Atiyyah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She is a Sahâbiyah and participated in six battles with Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam. She used to tend to the sick and wounded, bandage
them, etc. She used to love Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam so
much that whenever she mentioned his name, she used to say: "May my
father and mother be sacrificed for you."
Lesson: O women! Strive in Dînî matters and love Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam just as this woman loved him.

713
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Barîrah radiyallâhu 'anhâ
She was someone's slave-girl. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ purchased her
and set her free. She used to live with her and be in her service and the
service of Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam. Once, some meat came
for her. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam asked for it and ate some of
it.
Lesson: What a blessed opportunity it is to be in the service of Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam. He had full conviction in her love for him. It
was because of this that he asked her for something that belonged to her
and ate it and understood that she will be very happy to give it to him. O
women! Serving the Dîn entails serving Rasûlullah sallallâhu 'alayhi wa
sallam. And this is the sign of love for him.
Fatimah bint Abî Hubaysh, Hamnah bint Abî Jahsh, and Zaynab,
the wife of 'Abdullah bin Mas'ûd radiyallahu 'anhu
It is mentioned in the Hadith that these three wonen came to Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam to ask him a mas'ala. We have therefore
mentioned them together. Furthermore, their circumstances are quite
similar. The first woman came to ask about istihâdah. The second woman
is the sister-in-law of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the sister
of Zaynab bint Jahsh radiyallahu 'anhu. She had also asked him the ruling
concerning istihâdah. The third woman had asked him a mas'ala
concerning charity. She is the wife of 'Abdullah bin Mas'ûd radiyallahu
'anhu, a great Sahâbi.
Lesson: O women! This is what is known as desire for the Dîn. If you do
not know any mas'ala, you should make it a duty to ask a pious 'âlim. If
you are shy to ask a particular mas'ala, pose the question to the 'âlim's wife
and she will convey it to her husband.
Note: After mentioning the stories of Rasûlullah's sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam wives and daughters, we mentioned the lives of twenty five women
who were present in his time. There are many other women, whose lives
have been mentioned in different books. We have not mentioned them out
of fear that this book will get too lengthy. We will now mention those
women who came after Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

714
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
The female teachers of Imam Hafiz Ibn Asâkir
He is a great scholar of Hadith. Out of all the teachers from whom he
acquired this knowledge of Hadith, more than 80 of them were females.
Lesson: How sad it is that a time has come when women do not even attain
the status of being students in acquiring the knowledge of the Dîn.
Hafid bin Zahr at-Tabîb's sister and niece
This is a famous doctor. His sister and niece also possessed great
knowledge in this field. There was a great caliph by the name of Mansûr.
These two women were appointed to treat all those who were in his
household.
Lesson: This branch of knowledge has completely disappeared from
women. If a woman wishes to take up this profession, has a good intention,
does not engage in any cheating, does not prescribe any harâm medicine,
and is not neglectful in fulfilling her Dînî obligations; then there is great
reward in this and extremely beneficial to humanity at large. These days,
many ignorant "doctors" have deluded many women. If they had
knowledge, this degeneration would not have taken place. If those women
whose father, brother or husband is a doctor make an effort to learn this
branch of knowledge, they will be able to do so very easily.
The slave-girl of Imam Yazid bin Hârun
He is a great imâm of Hadith. Towards the latter part of his life his eye
sight became weak and he was unable to read any books. This slave-girl
used to help him. She used to read the book, learn the Hadith and mention it
to him.
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! In those days slave-girls used to be 'âlimahs.
Today, the majority of free women are jâhils. For the sake of Allah, try to
erase this black spot (from our society).
The slave-girl of Ibn Simak
This person was a great 'âlim of his time. Once he asked his slave-girl:
"How is my lecture?" She replied: "It is good, but you repeat the same thing
over and over again." He replied: "I repeat it again and again so that those
who are not intelligent will understand it." She replied: "By the time the

715
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
less intelligent understand it, the intelligent will have become agitated and
perplexed."
Lesson: To comprehend such an intricate matter from an 'âlim's lecture,
can only be accomplished by an 'âlim. From this we can gauge that this
slave-girl was an 'âlimah. O women! Do not become lower than slave-girls.
Endeavour to acquire knowledge. If there is any 'âlim in your house, try
and learn Arabic as well because complete enjoyment in knowledge is in
this (learning Arabic). It is easier for you than boys since the responsibility
of earning (a livelihood) is not upon you. You should occupy yourself in
this (acquiring knowledge) with confidence. As for sewing and other
related crafts, you can learn those in a few weeks. Why should you waste
your entire life in that?
The aunt of Ibn Jauzi
This person is a very great 'âlim. When he was young, his aunt used to take
him to the great places of learning. All the things that he heard while he
was young were such that by the time he reached ten years of age, he began
delivering lectures like an 'âlim.
Lesson: Look at the concern that she had in order to impart Dînî knowledge
to her children. She must have been very old at that time and yet she herself
used to take him. The minimum that you can do is that as long as your child
does not acquire Dînî knowledge, do not sink him into western education.
Stop him from bad company and warn him against it. Stress upon him the
importance of going to madrasah. Today the situation is such that mothers
do not even have any desire to educate their children. If they have any
desire, it is for western education with the hope that their children will
become a tax-collector or an officer, etc. even if he goes to hell and takes
his parents with. Remember, that the most important thing is Dînî
knowledge. If a child does not have that, he does not have anything.
The mother of Imam Rabî'atur Ra'y
He is also a very great 'âlim. Imam Malik and Hasan Basri, who are very
well known, were his students. His father's name is Farukh. His father was
employed as a soldier during the caliphate of the Banû Umayyah. He was
sent out to fight in many battles. His wife was expecting Rabî'atur Ra'y
while the father was away in battle. The father was away for 27 years. In

716
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
the meantime, the son was born and became a great 'âlim. When the father
was departing to go into battle, he gave his wife 30 000 gold coins. This
courageous mother spent all this money in the child's education. When the
father returned after 27 years, he asked her about the gold coins. She replied
that all are kept safely. In the meantime, Rabî'atur Ra'y was busy teaching
Hadith in the musjid. When the father went to the musjid, he noticed the
scene before him and saw that his son has developed a massive following.
He could not control himself out of extreme happiness. When he returned
home, his wife asked him: "Tell me what is better. The 30 000 gold coins or
this great bounty (referring to their son, Rabî'atur Ra'y)? Of what value are
those gold coins?" When she informed him that she used all that money for
her son's education; he was overjoyed and said: "I swear by Allah that you
have not wasted those gold coins."
Lesson: Have you seen what type of women these were! How they valued
Dînî knowledge that this woman spent 30 000 gold coins for her son's Dînî
education. O women! You too should not worry about how much you
spend (on your children's Dînî education). In whatever way you can. make
sure that they acquire Dînî knowledge.
The mother and sister of Imam Bukhari
There is no one who can equal Imam Bukhari when it comes to the
knowledge of Hadith. He was fourteen years old when he began travelling
in order to seek knowledge. His mother and sister undertook the
responsibility of paying for all his studies, travels and other expenses.
Lesson: A mother sometimes pays for her child's expenses. But as for a
sister who has no responsibility whatsoever in this regard, why should she
pay? From this we can deduce that when the women of that time merely
heard about Dînî knowledge, they were prepared to sacrifice their wealth
and possessions. O women! You should also be like this.
The sister of Qâdî Zâdah Rûmî
He was a great 'âlim. After acquiring knowledge from the 'ulamà of Rûm,
he had a desire to go abroad in order to further his studies. He began
making preparations for the journey secretly. His sister came to know about
his plans so she took out a considerable amount of her jewellery and
concealed it with her brother's goods and did not inform him about it.

717
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Lesson: How great this woman was. She had no desire for name and fame.
All she wanted was that knowledge should exist. O women! There is great
reward in helping to ensure that knowledge exists. Help the different
madâris in whatever way you can.
Note: After mentioning the lives of the women during the time of
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam we mentioned the lives of those
who came after him and displayed great zeal for Dinî knowledge. We will
now mention the lives of those women who were inclined towards sufism.
Muâdhah 'Adawiyyah
She had a strange condition. At the approach of day, she used to say:
"Perhaps this is the day in which I will die", and she used to abstain from
sleeping till the evening so that at the time of death she will not be
unmindful of the remembrance of Allah. At the approach of night, she used
to abstain from sleeping as well. When she felt sleepy, she used to run
around the house and say to her self: "The time to sleep is still to come."
Meaning that once I die, I will be able to sleep right until qiyâmah. She
used to offer 600 rak'ats of nafl salât in a day. She never ever raised her
eyes to the skies. Ever since her husband passed away, she never lied down
on her bed. She met 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anha and heard Ahadîth from
her.
Lesson: O women! This is what you call love and remembrance of Allah.
Open your eyes (and take heed)!
Râbi‘ah 'Adawiyyah
She used to cry profusely. When she used to hear about hell, she used to
faint. When anyone offered her anything, she used to refuse it and say: "I
do not want the world." When she turned 80, her condition was such that
when she walked she was about to fall. She used to keep her kafan with her
all the time. Her place of prostration used to get wet with her tears. All her
extraordinary and astonishing ways are quite well known. She is also
known as Râbi'ah Basriyyah.
Lesson: O women! You should also develop some fear of Allah and
remembrance of death, after all she was also a woman (so it's not
impossible for you to do the same).

718
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Mâjidah Qurashiyyah
She used to say: "When I take a step, I think that death is going to be next."
She used to say: "It is very strange - the people of the world have been
informed of the departure (to the hereafter) but they are so unmindful as if
they have not even heard about this departure and that they will live here
forever." She also used to say: "No bounty of jannah and no pleasure of
Allah can be attained without any effort."
Lesson: O women! How beneficial these advices are. Let them sink into
your hearts and practice on them.
'A'ishah bint Ja'far Sadiq
She had an eminent status. She used to say: "If I am put into hell, I will
inform everyone that I used to regard Allah as One and yet I am being
punished."
Lesson: O women! Very few persons are blessed with such a status. Those
who are blessed with it are done so on account of their total obedience.
Adopt this obedience and remember that regarding Allah to be One means:
you should not worship anyone else, you should not hope from anyone else,
you should not fear anyone else, you should not think of pleasing anyone
else, you should not worry about displeasing anyone else, if anyone praises
you, do not feel happy, if anyone insults you, do not feel sad, and if anyone
troubles you, do not worry about him. You should merely think that Allah
wished it to be so. I am a servant - I should be pleased under all
circumstances. The person who regards Allah to be One in this way will not
have to worry about hell in any way. This is what this woman meant - it is
as if she was explaining the barakah and greatness of regarding Allah as
One in the manner that has been explained.
The wife of Rabah Qaysi
She used to spend the entire night in 'ibâdah. When one eighth of the night
used to pass, she used to say to her husband: "Wake up." If he did not wake
up, she would awaken him after some time. Eventually, towards the latter
part of the night she used to say: "O Rabah! Wake up. The night is passing
by and you are still sleeping." At times she used to pick up a blade of grass

719
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
and say: "I swear by Allah, in my eyes this world is more valueless than
this blade of grass." After offering her salat, she used to adorn herself with
beautiful clothes and ask her husband if he had any desire. If he replied in
the negative, she used to take out the clothes and occupy herself in nafl
salât till the following morning.
Lesson: O women! Have you seen how she used to engage in the 'ibâdah of
Allah and at the same time fulfil the rights of her husband and even urge
him towards Dîn. You should try and put all these things into practice.
Fâtimah Naysâpûrî
There was a very pious 'âlim by the name of Dhun Nun Misrî. He says that
he benefited tremendously from this woman. She used to say: "The person
who does not remember Allah goes and falls into every type of sin, and
blurts out anything and everything that comes on his tongue. As for the
person who remembers Allah all the time, he becomes dumb to vain talks
and begins to have shame and respect for Allah." Abû Yazîd says: "I have
not come across a woman like Fatimah." From wherever any news came,
she used to have knowledge of it before hand. She passed away in the year
223 A. H. in Makkah while going for 'umrah.
Lesson: Look at the great advice that she has given. If one acts on this, one
will be saved from all sins. We also learn that this woman used to get kashf,
although this does not necessarily imply great status. However, if a good
person experiences this, it is considered to be good.
Râyi‘ah or Râbi'ah Shâmiyah bint Ismâ‘îl
She used to spend the entire night in 'ibâdah and fast all the time. She used
to say: "When I hear the 'adhan, I think of the angel who will call out on
the day of qiyamah. When I look at the heat (hot weather), I think of the
heat of qiyâmah." Her husband was also a very pious personality by the
name of Ibn Abî al-Hiwarî. She used to say to him: "I love you just as one
loves one's brother." What she meant was that her nafs did not have any
desire. She used to say: "When a person occupies himself in the 'ibâdah of
Allah, then He makes the person aware of his faults and shortcomings.
Once a person becomes aware of his shortcomings, he has no time to look
at the faults and shortcomings of others." She used to say: "I can see the
jinns moving around, and I can also see the hûrs."

720
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Lesson: O women! This is what you call 'ibadah. See what a good cure she
showed for the treatment of this sickness which you have, i.e. looking and
searching for the faults of others. Look at your own faults and you will
never see anyone else's faults. We learn that she also used to get kashf. We
have already mentioned this above.
Umme Hârûn
She had great fear for Allah, used to engage in a lot of 'ibâdah, and always
used to eat dry bread. She used to say: "At the approach of night, my heart
used to become very happy. But when day comes, I get very sad. I stay
awake the entire night." She did not apply any oil to her hair for thirty
years. However, when she used to open her hair, it used to be clean and
shining. Once she came out of her house and heard a person telling another
person: "Catch (seize)!" (Upon hearing this) the day of qiyâmah came to
mind and she fell down unconscious. Once while she was in the forest, a
lion confronted her. She said to it: "If I am your sustenance, eat me." This
lion turned around and went away.
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How intoxicated she was in His remembrance
and how much she feared Him! As regards the incident with the lion, that
could be considered to be her karâmat. O women! You should also create
this remembrance and fear of Allah in your hearts. Qiyâmah is bound to
come, so make some preparations for it.
'Umrah, the wife of Habib 'Ajamî
She used to spend the entire night in 'ibâdah. Towards the latter part of the
night she used to say to her husband: "The caravan has moved on and you
are still sleeping." Once her eyes began paining. Someone came to ask her
about it, so she replied: "My heart is in even more pain."
Lesson: O women! Develop this type of pain of the love for Allah that all
other types of pains are insignificant compared to this one.
'Amatul Jalîl
She was a great 'âbid and zâhid. Once, several pious persons were
discussing the characteristics of a wali. Eventually they all decided to go

721
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
and ask 'Amatul Jalîl. When they posed this question to her, she replied:
"No minute of a wali passes without his being occupied with anything other
than that which is connected to Allah. If anyone shows him something else
to do (and he does it), he is an imposter."
Lesson: How great she must have been for other male sufis to go and ask
her such questions. What a good means of recognition she showed them! O
women! You should also have an urge for this. Give preference to the
remembrance of Allah over all your other pre-occupations.
'Ubaydah bint Kilâb
Mâlik bin Dînâr was a very great sûfi. This woman used to come and see to
his needs. Some sûfis consider her to be greater in status than Râbi'ah
Basriyyah. Once she heard a person saying: "A person can only be a
complete muttaqi when he considers going to Allah the most beloved of all
things." Upon hearing this, she fainted.
Lesson: What a great desire and yearning she had to go to Allah that the
moment His name was mentioned, she fainted. Today the situation is such
that a person does not even like to hear about death. The only reason for
this is that love for the world has entered the heart and the person does not
even feel like going. Remove this from the heart, only then will you have a
desire to go to Allah.
'Afîrah 'Abidah
One day, many pious persons went to her and asked her to make du'â for
them. She replied: "I am such a great sinner that if a person becomes dumb
on account of sinning, I will not be able to speak," (that is, I will become
dumb). However, it is sunnah to make du'â, therefore I will make du'â."
Thereafter she made du 'â for all of them.
Lesson: Despite her being a great 'âbid and zâhid, she humbled herself and
considered herself to be a sinner. Today the situation is such that a person
reads a few tasbîhs and considers himself to be a saint. Allah does not like
haughtiness. You should therefore consider yourself to be low and think to
yourself that thousands of shortcomings continue to be filled into you.
When you make any 'ibâdah, think of these things as well and you will not
consider yourself to be great anymore.

722
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Sha wanah
She used to cry profusely and say: "I want to cry to such an extent that I
have no tears left. Thereafter, I must cry blood to such an extent that I have
no blood left in my body." Her servant says: "Ever since I set eyes on her, I
benefited to such an extent that I never had any desire for the world nor did
I look down upon any Muslim." Fudayl bin 'Iyad is a very great and well
known saint. He used to go to her and ask her for du'âs.
Lesson: Being able to cry out of Allah's love or His fear is a very valuable
gift. If you are unable to cry, at least adopt the expression of a crying
person and Allah will have mercy on such humbleness. Look at the great
benefit in sitting in the company of the pious - as mentioned by her servant.
You should also seek pious company and keep away from evil persons.
'Aminah Ramlîyyah
There was a sufi by the name of Bishr bin Harith who used to come and
visit her. Once Bishr fell ill, so she came to visit him. Imâm 'Ahmad bin
Hambal also came to visit him. He heard that this 'Aminah came from
Ramlah to visit Bishr, so he said to Bishr: "Tell her to make du'a for me."
Bishr asked her to do so. She made the following du'â: "O Allah! Bishr and
'Ahmad are seeking refuge from jahannam. You grant refuge to both of
them." Imâm 'Ahmad says that in the night, a piece of paper fell from
above. On it, Bismillah was written and thereafter the following words were
written: "We have accepted the du'a and We have many other bounties in
stock."
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How her du'a got accepted! O women! All
these blessings are on account of obedience. The person who fulfills the
commands of Allah, Allah fulfills his du 'âs. Therefore try to fulfil all His
commands.
Manfûsah bint Zayd Abî al-Fawaris
Whenever any child of hers used to pass away, she used to take the child
into her lap and say: "Your going away before me is better than your
staying after me." What she meant was that by the child passing away
before her, he will be able to intercede on her behalf and he himself will
gain salvation. If he lived after her, it is possible that he may commit

723
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
thousands of sins and Allah knows best whether he will be eligible to
intercede or not. She also used to say: "My patience is better than
restlessness. Although there is remorse over your separation from me, there
is more happiness over the reward."
Lesson: O women! If you console yourself in this way when anyone passes
away, 'Insha' Allah, it will be sufficient for you.
Sayyidah Nafisah bint Hasan bin Zayd bin Hasan bin
'Alî radiyallahu 'anhum
She is from the progeny of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam because
she is the granddaughter of Zayd who is the grandson of 'Alî radiyallâhu
'anhu. She was born in Makkah in the year 145 A. H. She was brought up
in 'ibâdah. When Imâm Shâfi'î went to Egypt, he used to visit her
regularly.
Lesson: O women! Her knowledge and piety was the reason for such a
great Imâm to visit her. You should also acquire knowledge of the Dîn,
practice upon it, and thereby attain piety and greatness.
Maymûnah Saudâ'
A sûfi by the name of 'Abdul Wahid bin Zaydân says: "I made the
following du'â: 'O Allah! Show me the person who is going to be my
companion in jannah.' I was given a reply that my companion will be
Maymûnah Saudâ'. I asked: 'Where is she?' I was given a reply that she is
in Kûfah and belongs to a certain tribe. So I went there and inquired about
her. The people replied that she is mad and that she tends to the sheep. I
went into the jungle and saw her offering salat while the sheep and wolves
were on one side. When she completed her salat, she turned to me and said:
'O 'Abdul Wahid! Go! The time to meet is in jannah (and not now).' I was
very surprised that she knew my name? She replied: 'Don't you know that
when the souls have already met over there (referring to the 'alam-e-
arwâh), they become attached to each other and recognize each other?' I
asked her: 'I see all the sheep and wolves together in one place. How did
this happen?' She replied: 'Go and mind your own business. I have put my
relationship with Allah in order, and He made the relationship between the
sheep and wolves in order (both of them are living in harmony without the
wolves attacking the sheep)."

724
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Lesson: This woman was given the power of kashf and karâmat as well. All
this barakah was on account of total obedience to Allah. O women! Prepare
yourselves for the obedience of Allah.
Rayhânah Majnûnah
A sûfi by the name of Abû ar-Rabî' says: "Muhammad bin al-Munkadir,
Thâbit Banânî," and I were guests at the house of Rayhanah. Before the
expiry of half the night she woke up and said: 'The lover gues to his
beloved, and the heart is filled with such joy that it seems that it would
burst any moment. When half the night passed, she said: "One should not
attach one's heart to such things which if you set your eyes on them, you
perceive a difference (i.e. a decrease) in your remembrance of Allah. At
night, one should strive very hard in 'ibâdah, only then can one become His
friend.' When the entire night passed, she screamed and said: 'Oh! It has
been destroyed!' I asked her: 'What happened?' She replied: "The night is
gone in which one can concentrate fully in Allah.""
Lesson: Look at how she valued the night. The person who experiences the
sweetness of 'ibâdah, will value the night greatly. O women! You should
also set aside a certain portion of the night for your 'ibâdah. Look at how
well she explained the harm of directing your attention towards anything
that distracts you from the remembrance of Allah. You too should not
worry too much about money, possessions, clothes, jewellery, children,
properties, utensils, houses, etc.
A female murid of Surî Sagtî
One of the murids of this shaykh says: "My shaykh had a female murîd. She
had a son who was studying in a madrasah. His teacher sent him
somewhere on an errand. He fell into some water and drowned. When the
teacher heard about this, he went to Hadrat Surî and informed him. Hadrat
Surî got up and went to this female murîd's house. He then began speaking
to her about patience, so she said: 'Why are you speaking on this subject to
me?' He replied: 'Your son drowned and passed away.' She was very
surprised and said: 'Are you sure it's my son?' He replied: 'Yes, your son.
She replied: 'It's impossible. My son did not drown.' Saying this, she went
to the place where they claimed that he drowned. Upon reaching there, she
368
These two persons were also great sûfis.

725
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
called out: 'O Zar!' Her son replied: 'Yes mother' and came out of the water
alive. Hadrat Surî went to Hadrat Junayd and asked him to explain this
incident to him. He replied: 'This woman has a special status and rank in
that whatever calamity is to befall her, she comes to know of it before hand.
She did not know of this drowning and therefore said that it did not
happen."
Lesson: Each walî receives a different status and a different ranking. One
should not think that this walî is higher than that walî who does not know
what is going to happen to him before hand. Allah has the choice to deal
with whomsoever He wishes in whichever way He wishes. Be that as it
may, it is still a great karâmat. All this is through the barakah of obedience
to Allah and Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. One should
endeavour in this direction and thereafter if Allah wishes, He will grant
such a person a status like this, or one even greater than this.
Tuhfah
Hadrat Surî Sagtî says: "Once I went to a clinic. I saw a young girl tied in
chains. She was crying and reciting love poems. I asked the guard about
her. He informed me that she is mad. Upon hearing this, she cried out even
louder and said: 'I am not mad, I am an 'âshiq (lover).' I asked her: 'Whose
lover are you?' She replied: 'I love the one who has given us all these
bounties and who is present with us all the time.' That is, Allah. In the
meantime her master came and asked: 'Where is Tuhfah?' The guard
replied: 'She is inside and Hadrat Surî is with her.' He entered and showed
me great respect. I said to him: 'This girl is worthy of more respect than me.
Why have you reduced her to such a state?' He replied: 'All my wealth has
been spent on her. I purchased her for 20 000 dirhams thinking that I will
be able to sell her at a big profit. But she does not eat anything, does not
drink anything; the only thing that she does is cry all day.' I said to him:
'Sell her to me.' He replied: 'You are a poor person, how will you pay for
her?' I went home and made an earnest du 'â to Allah. After a little while, a
person knocked on my door. When I opened the door, I saw a person
standing there with many purses of money in his hand. I asked him: 'Who
are you?' He replied: 'I am 'Ahmad bin al-Muthanna. In a dream I was
ordered to come and give you this money.' The following morning I went to
the clinic. Co-incidentally, I saw the master crying. I told him not to be sad
because I have brought the money. Even if he asks for double the amount. I

726
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
will give it to him. He replied: 'Even if I get the entire world I will not sell
her. I am freeing her for the sake of Allah.' I asked him: 'What's this all
about?' He replied: 'I saw in a dream that Allah is displeased with me. You
be a witness that I have left all my wealth in the path of Allah.' When I
turned, I saw 'Ahmad bin al-Muthanna crying as well. I asked him: 'What's
the matter with you?' He replied: 'I am also giving all my wealth as charity
in the path of Allah.' I said: 'Glory be to Allah! It is the barakah of Tuhfah
that these persons have been guided.' Tuhfah got up crying from there and
went out. We followed her but after a little while lost track of her. We all
went towards Makkah. 'Ahmad al-Muthanna passed away on the way. The
master and I reached Makkah. While making tawaf, I heard a fearful sound.
I went near the person and asked: 'Who are you?' The person replied: 'Glory
be to Allah! Have you forgotten? I am Tuhfah.' I asked her: 'What did you
receive?' She replied: 'I have attached my heart to myself and separated it
from others.' I said to her: 'Ahmad bin al-Muthanna has passed away.' She
replied: 'He has received high stages.' I said to her; 'Your master is also
with me.' She said something silently and when I looked carefully, I saw
that she was dead. When the master saw this condition of hers, he fell down
powerless. When I shook him, I saw that he was also dead. I enshrouded
both of them and buried them."
Lesson: Glory be to Allah! How intense her love for Allah was! O women!
You should also have this desire. My shaykh, Hajî Imdadullah Sahib
Muhajir Makkî, has written this incident in his book Tuhfatul 'Ushshâq in
greater detail.
Juwayriyah
She was the slave-girl of a king. He freed her. Upon seeing the great
'ibâdah of the sûfi 'Abû 'Abdullah Turâbî, she married him and used to
engage in 'ibâdah as well. Once she saw beautiful tents in her dream. She
asked for who these were. A reply came that they are for those who recite
the Quran in tahajjud. After seeing this dream, she abandoned sleeping at
night. She used to awaken her husband and tell him that the caravan is
moving on.
Lesson: O women! You should engage in 'ibâdah yourself and urge your
husband as well.

727
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
The daughter of Shah bin Shujâ‘ Kirmânî
This pious servant of Allah abandoned his kingship and adopted sûfism. He
had a daughter. Another ruler proposed to her but the father refused. Upon
seeing a poor, pious young man offering salât in a beautiful manner, he got
her married to him. When she left her parents' home and came to her
husband's home she saw a piece of dry bread which was hidden in a water-
pot. Upon seeing this, she asked: "What is this?" The boy replied: "This is
the left-over of last night. I have left it so that I may open my fast with it."
Upon hearing this, she turned to go. The boy said: "I knew from the very
outset that a king's daughter will not be happy with my poverty." She
replied: "The king's daughter is not displeased with your poverty, instead,
she is displeased that you do not have any trust in Allah. I am surprised at
my father who told me that you are a virtuous young man. How can a
person who does not place his trust in Allah be virtuous and pious?" This
boy began apologizing. She said: "I don't want to hear any apologies. Either
I remain in this house or this bread remains here." The boy immediately
gave this bread in charity and she remained with him.
Lesson: O women! This girl was also a woman. You should also learn some
patience and reduce your desire for wealth and possessions.
A young daughter of Hadrat Hatim
He was a great sufi. Once a rich man was on his way when he felt thirsty.
Hadrat Hâtim's house was on the way. He came and asked for water. After
drinking the water, he threw some money and continued on his journey. His
house folk were all very poor, so they became very happy when this money
was given to them. He had a young daughter who started crying. When the
house folk asked her the reason for her crying, she replied: "An
insignificant person saw our condition and we became rich. How sad it is
that Allah is aware of our condition all the time but our hearts are not
happy."
Lesson: How intelligent this girl was! It is extremely sad that now even
elderly women do not have the intelligence to have their trust in Allah.
Instead, they depend on His creation by thinking that a certain person will
benefit them or a certain person will help them. For the sake of Allah put
your hearts in order.

728
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Satt al-Mulûk
She was from Arabia. All the 'auliya' and 'ulama' of her time used to
honour her. Once she went to visit Baytul Maqdis. At that time, a sûfi by
the name of 'Alî bin 'Albas Yamanî was present over there. He says: "I was
in the musjid when I saw a thread filled with nur extending from the sky to
the dome of the musjid. When I went to look, I saw this woman offering
salâ. under the dome and the thread was attached to her."
Lesson: This nur was the nur of piety. It is formed in the heart of all pious
persons. At times, Allah displays this nur outside as well. But the actual
place of this nûr is the heart. O women! Adopt piety, do good deeds and
stay away from that which is prohibited.
The slave-girl of 'Abû 'Amir Wa'iz
He says: "I saw a slave-girl being sold at a very cheap price. She was pale
in colour and her stomach and back were almost joined (describing how
thin and skinny she was). Her hair had become stuck together due to the
dirt that was on it. I felt sorry for her and purchased her. I said to her: 'Go to
the market and purchase some goods for Ramadan.' She replied: 'All thanks
is due to Allah that the entire year is equal in my eyes.' She used to fast
during the day and engage in 'ibâdah at night. When 'îd approached, I
intended purchasing something for her. She said: 'Your temperament is
such that you are very attached to the world.' She then commenced offering
salât. She recited a verse which made mention of hell. Upon reading this
verse, she sneezed and fell down dead."
Lesson: This is what you call fear of Allah. Be that as it may, it is beyond
us to adopt such fear. However, the minimum you can do is that you should
abstain from sins irrespective of whether they be connected with the limbs,
with the heart or with the tongue.
Note: We have now mentioned the lives of 100 women: 25 from the
previous ummahs, 15 that were of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam
family, 25 that were present in his time, 10 that came after him and who
had great love for Dînî knowledge, and 25 that were inclined to sufism.
There are many other stories, but these will be sufficient in order to learn a
lesson from them.

729
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF
WOMEN FROM THE QURAN AND HADITH
Up to now, we have mentioned the stories of 100 women. The purpose of
these stories was to show their good characteristics. We felt it would be
suitable to quote Quranic verses and Ahadîth which mention the
characteristics of pious women, their praiseworthy mannerisms, and their
status. When women read these and realize that Allah and His Rasûl
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam has specifically mentioned them, their hearts
will be filled with joy and they will have a greater desire for good deeds and
good characteristics, and even difficult matters will become easy for them.
Quranic verses
Allah has said that those women who are Muslims," who put their îmân in
order,"
370
who are obedient,"
371
who give in charity, who fast, who protect
their honour and chastity,3 2 who remember Allah abundantly3/3 - Allah has
set aside forgiveness and a great reward for them
Allah has said that pious women have the following qualities: they are
obedient, and they protect their honour even if the husband is not at home.
Allah has further stated that such women are good women, who are
steadfast on the Sharî'ah, whose beliefs are in order, who are obedient, if
they commit any act that is contrary to the Shari'ah they repent
immediately, who occupy themselves in the 'ibâdah of Allah, and who fast.
Ahâdîth
1. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah's mercy descends on
a woman who wakes up for tahajjud and awakens her husband as well."
2. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who passes
away in her virginity, while delivering a child or while in her nifas shall
receive the status of a martyr."
369
That is, they carry out the work of Muslims - offering salât and fasting regularly, abstaining
from sins, and doing good deeds.
370
That is, they do not give any precedence to their opinions and ways over that of the Quran
and Hadîth.
37T
That is, they are not proud and haughty.
372
That is, they do not appear in front of strangers, they do not raise their voices, they do not
wear clothing that is contrary to the Sharf'ah, they do not speak and joke with anyone
unnecessarily, and they protect themselves from all other types of immoralities and shameful acts.
373
That is, they remember Him in their hearts and they also take His name with their tongues.

730
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
3. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who loses
three of her children and exercises patience considering it to be an act of
reward, will be entered into jannah." A woman asked: "What if she only
loses two children in this way?" He replied: "The reward for two is the
same." Another narration mentions that a Sahabî asked about one child and
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam also mentioned a great reward for
such a mother.
4. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who
miscarries, that child will draw its mother towards jannah as long as she
exercises patience hoping to be rewarded."
5. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The best possession is a
pious wife: when the husband looks at her he is pleased with her, when he
orders her to do something she obeys, when the husband goes out, she
protects her honour and chastity and remains in her home."
6. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Among the Arab women,
the women of the Quraysh surpass all other women in two aspects: they are
very compassionate to their children and they protect the wealth of their
husbands."
Lesson: We learn from this that women should possess these two
characteristics. These days, women spend the wealth of their husbands very
lavishly. They should display far more compassion and attention to
reforming their habits and mannerisms than what they display for their
children's food and clothing. If they do not do this, their compassion and
tenderness will be incomplete.
7. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Marry virgin women
because their relationship with their husbands is soft and tender,34 and they
are pleased with the minimum that is spent on them."
Lesson: We learn from this that modesty, consideration and contentment
are good characteristics in a woman. This does not mean that one should
not marry widows. Instead, this is actually in praise of virgin women. There
are certain Ahâdîth in which Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam made
du'â for a certain Sahabî for marrying a widow.
, 375
374
That is, on account of modesty and shame, they are not inconsiderate and outspoken.
375
The purpose of this Hadîth is that these characteristics which are found in virgin women are
good characteristics and should be sought after. If any widow has these characteristics, she will be
considered to be on par with a virgin in this regard. And if a virgin co-incidentally does not
possess these characteristics, she will also be considered to be bad.

731
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
8. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman offers her
five times salât, keeps the fasts of Ramadân, safeguards her honour, and
obeys her husband; she can enter jannah from whichever door she wishes."
Lesson: This means that if she is steadfast on the necessary forms of
'ibâdah, there is no need to engage in other forms of 'ibâdah which are
very taxing. The status and reward that one receives for engaging in the
other forms of 'ibâdah can be obtained by a woman by merely obeying her
husband, tending to her children, and fulfilling her domestic tasks.
9. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who passes
away in such a state where her husband is pleased with her will enter
jannah."
10. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The person who has been
blessed with four things has in fact been blessed with the treasures of this
world and the hereafter. They are: a grateful heart, a tongue that remembers
Allah, a body that exercises patience at the time of calamities and
difficulties, a woman who does not cause any taint or blemish with regard
to her honour and her husband's wealth."
Lesson: In other words, she should not lose her honour nor should she
spend her husband's wealth without obtaining his pleasure.
11. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "A noble and rich woman
who is widowed and yet becomes dirty on account of serving and rearing
her children to such an extent that they mature and live on their own or pass
away, shall be close to me in jannah just as the index finger and middle
finger are close to each other."
Lesson: This does not mean that there is more reward for a woman to
abstain from remarrying. What this means is that if a woman feels that by
her remarrying, her children will go astray and she has no inclination
towards beautifying herself and no desires, then this will be her status.
12. A person said to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "O
Rasûlullah! A certain woman offers plenty of nafl salâts, fasts abundantly
and gives a lot in charity. However she causes much verbal harm to her
neighbours." He replied: "She will go into jahannam." The same person
then said: "A certain woman does not offer many nafl salâts, does not fast
abundantly nor does she give a lot in charity; she merely gives pieces of
panîr (a type of cheese) in charity. However she does not cause any harm to
her neighbours." He replied: "She will go into jannah."
13. A woman came to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam with two
children, one she was carrying and the other she was holding by the hand.