On International Women’s Day, many share their sentiments regarding the role and value of a women. As Ahmadi Muslim woman, we are fortunate to have amongst us many exemplary role models that have demonstrated throughout their lives the true worth of a righteous woman. On this occasion, Hadhrat Sayyedah Nusrat Jahan Begum (may Allah be pleased with her, is one such woman who led a life for which words cannot do justice and time cannot do be enough to share her magnificent qualities.
Hadhrat Sayyedah Nusrat Jahan Begum (may Allah be pleased with her), was the virtuous wife of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian– the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Born in 1865, the literal meaning of her birth name, which is Helper of the World, was to become a Divine indication of the profound impact this pious individual was to have upon the world. It is impossible to relate all her qualities and exemplary way of life in one article, however she was the very embodiment of the verse in the Holy Quran which states that ‘Surely women who submit themselves to Him, …. – Allah has prepared for all of them forgiveness and a great reward.’
Hadrat Amman Jan is the first modern day female example of a true “Salihah”, that is a righteous servant of Allah Almighty. Her entire life bears testimony to her grand status as an exemplary role model for us all. She was a personification of Islamic values, a pillar of support for the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and faithful to the institution of Khilafat from its start. Her home was one of peace and tranquillity, with every member of her home experiencing her love and devotion. Sahibzadi Amatul Qayyum Sahibah has described Hadrat Amman Jan’s house as having; “…a heartwarming domestic atmosphere. There was no backbiting, nor was anything hurtful ever spoken.”
She was an outstanding wife, and Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him) has described his respected parents’ relationship: “as if they shared one heart beating in both their chests”. Her values and moral training influence the Jama’at even today, as she was the matriarch of a blessed progeny, that includes 4 of 5 of the Caliphs of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Community. She is also the best modern-day example of a “Mo’minah” – a true believer, because her every act was motivated to win the Pleasure of Allah Almighty. Performing good deeds was the principal occupation of her life, and as Hadrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) highlighted in his Khilafat Centenary speech; “…faith and good deeds are an integral part of one another. Without faith, deeds are nothing and without good deeds, faith is incomplete”. Hadrat Amman Jan most clearly understood this. That is why her inspirational life was a life filled with worship and sacrifices. Her exemplary conduct is an inspiration for us all, particularly for us ladies burdened with the difficult but most rewarding task – the moral training of our children.
Her daughter, Hadhrat Nawwab Mubaraka Begum sahiba (may Allah be pleased with her), has described her remarkable methods of training children in a few basic principles, teaching her children to refrain from lying, developing the habit of listening to parents without being overbearing or harsh. Like all women she had a multitude of domestic responsibilities; however, she proved that multitasking is not a modern-day phenomenon for women. More importantly, she showed how these routine responsibilities should not divert us from the worship of Allah Almighty.
On one occasion a lady visited Hadrat Amman Jan with her newborn daughter. Hadrat Amman Jan then enquired of the ladies visiting if they had offered their prayers. The lady with the child excused herself, explaining that her baby had wet herself and that she would go home and offer prayers after changing her. At this point Hadrat Amman Jan expressed some wise words. She said; “Never omit prayers using your children as an excuse. In this way, your children become a cause of Allah Almighty’s Wrath, when really they are a reward from Allah Almighty”.
She led a humble, simple lifestyle which was reflected in her day-to-day living. She made extensive financial sacrifices, proving that she had the resources if she so wished to live a more comfortable life, but opting to achieve the eternal pleasures of the Hereafter rather than the transient comforts of this world and patience and forbearance were the two core qualities in Hadrat Amman Jan (may Allah be pleased with her).
May Almighty Allah grant Hadhrat Amma Jaan (may Allah be pleased with her) the loftiest place in paradise, and may Almighty Allah enable us all to be rightly guided with the blessings of Khilafat.