- Biographies ,- Shaykhah Shuhdah, Fakhr-un-Nisa

Fakhr-un-Nisa was daughter of a distinguished scholar, Abu Nasr Ahmad
ibn 'Umar Al-Abri. She herself was an illustrious Hadith scholar and a
skilful calligraphist. She was born in 484H in the Iranian city of
Denvar. She had her early studies from her father and learnt
calligraphy from him. She achieved perfectionin the art, driving the
master calligraphist of the time appreciate her.
She received learning of Hadith and studied other branches of
knowledgeunder the guidance of the reputed scholars like Abu 'Abdullah
Hasan ibn Ahmad Nomani, Abu Bakr Muhammadibn Ahmad-As-Shashi, Ahmad
ibn Abdul Qadir ibn Yusuf and Abu-Al-Husayni. Shuhdah commanded great
name in the studiesof Hadith and the seekersof learning came from
distant places and took it a pride if they were allowed to join her
session of Dars. Many scholars of great fame were said to be regular
audience of her Dars and would acquire authority from her to report
the Ahadith on behalf of her. She not only exhibited her erudition in
study of Hadith but also would make scholarly speeches on history,
linguistics andliterature, leaving lasting impression on heart and
soul of the audience. She came to acquire the title of Fakhr-un-Nisa
(Pride of the Women) for her erudition, calligraphic artand highly
acclaimed oratory.
Her husband died after forty years of marriage. She endured the great
shock with courage and patience and occupied herself with learning
andeducating. The Caliph Al-Muqtadi Bi-amr-Allah granted her a large
estate to enhance the scope of her scholarly activities. She, with the
help of new fortunes established a grand Darsgah on the banks of river
Tigris where hundreds of students hadhad their studies. Its all
expenses were borne by Shuhdah herself. Shuhdah retained her loyalty
to the virtuous jobof brightening the world with the light of
knowledge till the last moment.
She died in 574H at the age of more than 90. Her funeral prayer was
said at Jama'e Al-Qasr in Baghdad. Thousands of sorrowful people
including the scholars, students and the state dignitaries
participated in her funeral proceedings. The noted Muhaddith, ibn
Jawzi says, "Shuhdah was a pious and devoted lady."
(ibn Khallikan, Sved Amir Ali)