- Biographies ,- Bibi Karimah bint Ahmad Maruzi

She had been a world reputed scholar in fifth century Hijrah. She was
daughter of Ahmad ibn Muhammadibn Abi Hatam. She was born in Iranian
town of Merv. She studied theology for years and learnt Ahadith from
great scholars. She went to Makkahafter having been qualified to
narrateHadith. She commenced delivering Dars at Makkah. The noted
Muhaddith of MuslimSpain, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Sabaq Saqli was a
devoted learner from her. He, after the Muslim rule at Saqqlyah
(Sicily) ended, had gone to Makkah where he achieved learning of
Hadith from her. He, afterwards went to Spain and made her abode in
Granada to narrate Ahadith, he had learnt at Makkah. Ibn Bashkwal
says…
(Abu Bakr Muhammad reported Ahadith from Karimah bint AhmadAl-Maruzi
and others, He came to Andalus and the people of Granada passionately
learned from him).
AIlama Khatib Baghdadi says in Tarikh Baghdad (History of Baghdad)
thathe, in 463H, during the days of Hajj, heard Sahih Bukhari from
Karimah. Hundreds of seekers participated in the Dars session of
Muhaddithah Karimah and quenched their thirst of learning. Besides Abu
Bakr Muhammad, Allama Khatib Baghdadi and Allama Abu Talib Zaynabi,a
number of other scholars of great esteem attained knowledge of Hadith
from her. Bibi Karimah was said to haveachieved perfectionin mysticism
besides other faculties of studies. She presumabty died about 464H
with the controversy on the exactness of the date.
(Khazinat-ul-Asfia, Tarikh Saqqlya)

- 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)

The Islamic marriage contract

Marriage in Islam is based on a contract between a man and woman
intending to be unified inmarriage. Thus, as in any contract in
Islam, there are elements which are considered essential to its
existence, called 'pillars', as well as the possibility of
stipulations of different kinds, legal effects of the contract, etc.
Each of these must be understood correctly in order to ensure that the
marriage has been performed according to the legal conditions and that
the rightful effects of the marriage are guaranteed to each of the
contracting parties.
The Pillars of a Marriage Contract According to the Majority of Scholars
Offer and acceptance are among the pillars. For most scholars,
theoffer must be from the woman's side and the acceptance from theman.
The two parties to the contract: the prospective husband and the
guardian of the woman.
Some also count the following among the pillars, although the majority
of these scholars
The presence of witnesses.
Dowry.
The Wording of the Contract
There are a variety of opinions as to exactly which phrases are
validin the transaction of the marriage contract. However, the best
format is that actually used by the Prophetand his companions. Also,
it is recommended that the contract be executed verbally. However,
due to need or necessity, it may be done through writing or signing.
Among the different possible phraseology, the very clear termssuch as:
"I marry you" is acceptedby all scholars. Anything which indicates a
temporary nature of the contract is forbidden. There is some
difference of opinion concerning the validity of other phrases such
as: "I present to you", "I give to you", "I sell to you", etc.
Does it have to be in Arabic?
According to the majority of scholars, it is not necessary for the
marriage contract to be executed in Arabic, even for those who have
the ability to speak Arabic. The scholars of theHanbali school, who
required the use of forms of the words Nikaahor Zawaaj (marriage),
required that the contract be transacted in Arabic for this reason.
The Different Types of Conditions or Prerequisites
At this point, we need to learn the definition of some general terms
in Islamic Fiqh (Jurisprudence), related to this issue, which come up
in many subject areas, including the one at hand.
Saheeh (Sound): A contract whichfulfils all of the pillars and the
prerequisites, and has full effect in the law.
Baatil (Void): A contract that has failed to fulfil specific pillars
or vital prerequisites. A contract which is Baatil is the opposite of
one which is Saheeh and has no legal effect at all. If a marriage
contract is found to be void, evenif it is only discovered after
consummation, the legal condition will be as if it never happened at
all. The lineage of the father (of a child produced in such a
'marriage') will not be established and there is no waiting period
('Iddah) upon the woman. An example of this would be if a man married
a woman who was married to someone else at the time.
Faasid (Defective): This is a contract which fails to fulfil someof
the prerequisites, but not the pillars.
With respect to marriage, there are four different kinds of conditions
which must be met:
1. Conditions Required for Initiating the Contract
These are the conditions that must be present with respect to the
pillars or fundamentals of themarriage contract.
2. Conditions Required for the Soundness of the Contract
These are conditions which must be fulfilled in order for the marriage
to have its proper legal effect. If these conditions are notmet, the
contract is 'Defective' (Faasid), according to Hanafi Fiqh,and 'Void'
(Baatil) according to the others.
3. Conditions Required for the Execution of the Contract
These are conditions which must be met for the marriage to have actual
practical effect. If these conditions are not met, then the marriage
is 'Suspended' (Mawqoof) according to Hanafi and Maaliki Fiqh; for
example, a minor girl until she reaches puberty.
4. Conditions Required for Makingthe Marriage Binding
If these conditions are not met, then the marriage is non-binding,
meaning that eitherof the two parties or others may have the right to
annul the marriage. If they accept the marriage with such
shortcomings, it becomes binding.
Prerequisites Required for Initiating the Contract
In this category, there are conditions concerning the two who are
getting married, as well as the form in which the contracttakes place.
Concerning the Two Getting Married:
The two people must meet the qualification of legal competence, i.e.,
they must be adult and sane. If they are not, the marriage will be
invalid.
Secondly, the woman cannot be from those categories of women that are
forbidden for a man to marry. For example, suppose a man married a
woman and later discovered that they had been breastfed by the same
woman. In this case, it is as if the marriage never took place
because these two were not allowed to marry each other and the
marriage becomes null and void.
Concerning the Contract:
There is near unanimous agreement on the following conditions relating
to the transaction of the marriage contract:
1. The offer and acceptance must be done in one sitting. In general,
this means that the response must be immediate. Exactly what is
considered a 'sitting' depends on custom and other related factors.
2. The acceptance must correspond to what is being offered. If the
guardian says: "I marry you to Khadeejah", a response of: "I accept
Faatimah as my wife" would not constitutea valid contract. An
exception to this is if the Wali (guardian) mentions a specific dowry
amount and the groom respondswith a higher amount. It is regarded that
there is no reason for dispute here since it is assumed that a higher
dowry willbe acceptable.
3. The Wali cannot rescind the offer. Unlike transactions of selling,
neither party can say: "I have changed my mind" once they have uttered
the offer/acceptance. It is immediately binding. In a sale, they both
continue to have the option to change their mind untilthe 'sitting' is
over and they part.
4. The marriage must be effectiveimmediately. If the Wali says 'I
will marry her to you after one month', there is no marriage andthe
two remain unmarried.
Note that the custom of saying: 'Iaccept' three times, which is common
in some Muslim cultures, has no legal significance. Once the first 'I
accept' has been uttered, everything after that is meaningless -
whether positive or negative.
Adding Stipulations to the Marriage Contract
This is where one party states a stipulation binding on the other
party for specific reasons or goals. The offer/acceptance is tied to
this stipulation by mention. There is a difference ofopinion among
the scholars concerning the validity of conditions of this nature.
Conditions of contracts are two types:
1) Those imposed directly by the Sharee'ah (Islamic Legislation) and
2) Those drawn up by one or more of the parties.
When any contract is entered into, the first type of conditions are
covered automatically, even ifthey are not stated in the contract.

Reflecting on the Quran - A cure for the hearts - I

The Noble Quran is the words of Allaah The Almighty that He has
revealed to be implemented as a complete way of life for people.
Therefore, undoubtedly, the recitation of the Quran is one of the most
beloved acts of worshiping Allaah The Almighty. It is also certain
that reciting the Quran without understanding or reflection is not the
goal: the main objective is that a reciter wholeheartedly ponders the
meaning of the Quran and fully reflects on, understands and thinks
about its secrets and pearls of wisdom.
The Quran Calls for Reflection
Allaah The Almighty invites us to reflect on His Book and ponder
itsmeanings and secrets; He Says (what means):{[This is] a blessedBook
which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect
upon its verses and that those of understanding would be
reminded.}[Quran 38:29]
The Quran reproaches those who do not reflect on it or extract its
meanings. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):{Then do theynot
reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allaah,
they would have found within it much contradiction. Andwhen there
comes to them information about [public] security or fear, they spread
it around. But if they had referred itback to the Messenger or to
those of authority among them, then the ones who [can] draw correct
conclusions from it wouldhave known about it. And if not for the favor
of Allaah upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan,
except for a few.}[Quran 4:82-83]
Also, people differ when it comesto their listening to the Quran.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):{And how many a generation
before them did We destroy who were greater than them in [striking]
power and had explored throughout the lands. Isthere any place of
escape? Indeedin that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who
listens while he is present [in mind].}[Quran 50:36-37]
Ibn Al-Qayyimsaid about these verses,
There are three types of people with respect to these verses:
(1) A person with a dead heart. This is the person who has no heart,
so this verse is not a reminder to him.
(2) A person with a somewhat living and ready heart, but who does not
listen to the recited verses of the Quran through which Allaah The
Almighty conveys His manifest signs. He does not listen to its verses
either, because they do not reachhim or because they reach him while
his heart is occupied with other things. The heart of this person is
not present, and hence this person does not receive the benefits of
the reminder, even though his heart is ready to receive it.
(3) A person with an alive and ready heart. When the Quranic verses
are recited to him he attentively listens: he does not keep his heart
busy with anything except understanding the verses that he is
listening to. This person has present, attentive ears and heart.
Therefore he benefits from the recited verses and witnessed signs.
Indeed, the first type of person is like a blind man who does not see;
and the second is like a person who sees but looks in the opposite
direction. Both do not perceive the Quran. The third typeis like a
person who sees and looks at his target, follows it with his eyes and
meets it in the middle, not far or near. This is the person who really
perceives it. Glory be to Allaah who made His words a cure for what is
in the heart!
Moreover a person may have a spirited heart that is able to extract
lessons and derive wisdom. This type of heart makesa person remindful
and able to learn lessons. Once he hears a verse it adds much light to
him. These are the perfect creatures ofAllaah who enjoy the greatest
faith and insight. They grasp what the Prophet,, told themas if they
witnessed it, but do notover-scrutinize it. It is said that the
example of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeqwith the Prophet,, is like that of two
persons who enter a house. One of them watches its details and minute
aspects whereas the other touches what is inside the house without
fully perceiving or comprehending its details, but only knows that it
has great things that his eyes could not have perceived. Both of them
then leave and then the latter asks the former about what he saw
inside the house – and whatever he tells him about it, hebelieves him
due to the proofs that he has witnessed. This is thehighest degree
ofAs-Siddeeqiyyah(steadfast affirmation of truth) and it is not
farfetched that Allaah, who is theConferrer of Favors, endows a slave
with faith like this, for the bounties of Allaah The Almighty are
beyond count and expectation.
If the owner of such a heart hears verses while he has insight in his
heart, this will add more light to his light. Conversely, a person who
lacks this type of heart but attentively listens and his heart is
witnessing this, will nevertheless receive the reminder. Allaah The
Almighty Says (what means):{And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour,
then a drizzle [is sufficient].}[Quran 2:265] Similarly, all acts of
goodness may vary in their types and ranks, like a downpour and
adrizzle, and so are their effects and causes. Likewise, people of
Paradise are of types: forerunnerswho are closer to Allaah The
Almighty and companions of the right, and between them are great
degrees of preference.
The Prophet,, Reflected upon the Quran.
Huthayfahsaid:"I prayed with the Messenger of Allaahone night and he
started recitingSoorat Al-Baqarah. I thought thathe would bow at the
end of one hundred verses, but he continued. I then thought that
hewould perhaps recite the whole Soorah in one Rak'ah, but he
continued. He then started reciting Soorat An-Nisaa', then started
Aal-'Imraan and recited leisurely. When he recited a verse which
referred to the glory of Allaah, he would glorify Him. When he recited
a verse which contained a supplication, he would supplicate. When he
recited a verse that dealt with seeking refuge with Allaah, he would
seek refuge with Him."[Muslim]
The Prophet,, wept when IbnMas'oodrecited before him the verse
fromSooratAn-Nisaa'(which means):{So how [will it be] when We bring
from every nation a witness and we bring you, [O Muhammad] against
these [people] as a witness?}[Quran 4:41]
Could this have occurred without reflection? The Prophet,, would
invite people to reflect on and understand the meanings of the Quran.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):{Indeed, in the creation of the
heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are
signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allaah while standing
or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation
of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our Lord, You did not create
this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us
from the punishment of the Fire."}[Quran 3:190-191] When this verse
was revealed theProphet,, said:"Woe to whoever reads it without
pondering on it."
The Righteous Predecessors' Reflection on the Quran
Ibn 'Abbaassaid:"Performingtwo Rak'ahs with reflection is better than
performing prayers all night without heart
(reflection)."Al-Fudhaylsaid,"The Quran was revealed to be
implemented, but people made its recitation their aim."People
asked,"How do we implement the Quran?"He replied,"By holding its
permissible acts to be permissible and its prohibited acts to be
prohibited, abiding by its orders and abandoning its prohibitions, and
reflecting on itswonders."
Some of the righteous predecessors would perform prayers all night,
reciting one verse and reiterating it, pondering its meanings and
reflecting on it. Their aim was not to read the Quran in full, rather
their main concern was to read with reflection and understanding.
Muhammad ibn Ka'b Al-Qurathisaid,"I read only Soorat Az-Zalzalah and
Al-Qaari'ah [chapters 99 and 101] during my prayers at night,
repeating and pondering on them, and this is more preferableto me than
reading the whole Quran hurriedly."