Esteemed female scholar who taught Hadith in the royal palace

Amatul Lafit bint Nasih (RA) was a distinguished female jurist (Faqih), spiritual saint, and calligrapher of the Hanbali Madhhab. A descendant of the renowned Sahabi Saad bin Ubada Ansari (RA), she earned the titles Ansariyya and Khazrajyya. Due to her association with the Hanbali school of thought, she was also known as Hanbaliya.

Amatul Latif (RA) was a close associate of Taapsee Nari and Rabeya Khatun (RA), the sister of Salahuddin Ayyubi (RA). In her personal life, she was married to Musa bin Ibrahim, an Emir of the Ayyubid dynasty and the ruler of Hims and Tal-Bashir. Coming from a respected Dwini family renowned for its religious scholarship and diverse contributions, Amatul Latif (RA) was celebrated for her profound knowledge and dedicated service.

Amatul Latif bint Nasihuddin Abil Faraz Abdur Rahman Bin Nazam Khazrajiya Ansariyya played a significant role in the politics of the Arab world. She established numerous madrasas and centers of learning and authored several influential religious texts, especially her acclaimed works on Hanbali Fiqh. While her full name is known, details about her birth date remain unknown.

Amatul Latif (RA), a descendant of Sa'd bin Ubada (RA), came from a family with roots in Medina. Her ancestors later moved to Siraj, and eventually settled in Sham, where she gained widespread recognition and respect.

Amatul Latif's (RA) paternal grandfather, Abul Faraz Abdul Waheed bin Muhammad Siraji (RA), was a distinguished Faqih, Mufti, preacher, and writer. In his early years, he resided in Baitul Moqaddas before moving to Damascus, where his scholarship earned him the title of "Shaikhush Sham."

The family of Amatul Latif (RA) became known as "Baytu Ibnil Hanbali" due to their significant contributions as scholars of the Hanbali Madhhab. Her grandfather, Najam bin Abdul Wahab (RA), was a close friend and companion of Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (RA).

Her father, Nasiuddin Abdur Rahman (RA), was a prominent Faqih, Muhaddith, preacher, writer, historian, and a courageous warrior, honored with the title "Shaikhul Hanabila" and widely known as "Ibnul Hambli." Shaykh Nasiuddin (RA) fought alongside Salahuddin Ayyubi (RA) in the historic Battle of Hittin and the campaign to reclaim Baitul Muqaddas.

Amatul Latif’s (RA) family, renowned as “Baytu Ibnil Hanbali,” earned this title due to their impactful contributions as scholars of the Hanbali Madhhab. Her grandfather, Najam bin Abdul Wahab (RA), was a trusted friend and companion of Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (RA).

Her father, Nasiuddin Abdur Rahman (RA), was a respected Faqih, Muhaddith, preacher, writer, historian, and courageous warrior, recognized as "Shaikhul Hanabila" and widely known as "Ibnul Hambli." Shaykh Nasiuddin (RA) notably joined Salahuddin Ayyubi (RA) in the historic Battle of Hittin and the campaign to liberate Baitul Muqaddas.

Amatul Latif (RA) was instrumental in founding several renowned madrasas, including Madrasatul Hadis, Madrasatus Sahibah, and Madrasatur Ribat. Following the passing of Rabeya Khatun (RA) in 643 Hijri, she faced a challenging period, being imprisoned in a fort for three years. After her release, Amatul Latif (RA) married and relocated to Hims with her husband, where she continued her scholarly and spiritual work.

Allama Ibn Qasir and Al Alam were prolific authors, having written numerous books, including works on history. However, only two of their books have survived through the annals of history. These are *Kitabut Tasdeed Fi Shahadatit Tawheed* and *Kitabu Birril Walidaini*. Unfortunately, the rest of their writings have been lost to time.

In 653 Hijri (1255 AD), this remarkable woman passed away in a place called Rahba and was buried next to Madrasatul Hadith. At the time of her death, she left behind an immense fortune, valued at six lakh silver coins. In addition to this, she generously donated a significant amount of immovable property, leaving behind a lasting legacy of both wealth and charity.

(Source: Siaru Alamin Nubala : 7/26; Tarikhul Islam: 14/741)

Translated by Mazdud