The Fragrant Biography of Aatika bint Abi Sufra

Aatika, a painting by Bint Ibadh

This virtuous, noble woman has grown up in a house of honour and grandeur, where she lived in an Arabic Islamic environment, between the end of the first Hijri (lunar) century and the beginning of the second lunar century.

And when hatred between Azd and Al-Hajjaj ibn Yousef Al-Thaqafi increased, due to the injustice and tyranny of Al-Hajjaj, many of the Azd joined Jama'at Al Muslimeen (The Group of the Muslims, i.e. Ibadhis), and on top members of Al-Muhallab's family. Among them was Aatika bint Abi Sufra. She was from the family of Al-Muhallab ibn Abi Sufra, the famous leader, and perhaps she was his sister.

Aatika was one of the most intense of the people in enthusiasm toward the Madhhab (sect). She was spending her money for the sake of spreading the principles of Ahl Al-Da'wa (People of the Mission), and the needy among them. Her spending was not for seeking of the perishing life of this world or its fleeting comfort but was for seeking Allah's reward in the Day of Resurrection. Abu Sofyan Mahboob ibn Al-Raheel said: "Aatika sent Jabir a camel and he commanded a man to slaughter it and distribute its meat between the neighbours. But the man increased Jabir's share and Jabir said to him: "Did all our neighbours get an equal share to this?" The man replied: "No." Then Jabir said to him: "Make it equal between us and our neighbours." And he forbade him from being not equitable.

Aatika knew that the knowledge of Halal (lawful) and Haram (unlawful), and obtaining understanding in the religion, are one of the most important things a Muslim should adhere to in order to worship Allah with insight; and so will not fall in doubtful things, besides the unlawful ones. She, therefore, was adhering to hunting benefits; as she was asking scholars whenever she was uncertain about matters of her religion or her life in this world. It was reported that Abu Sofyan Mahboob ibn Al-Raheel said: "Abu Nooh Salih Al-Dahhan entered upon Aatika Bint Abi Sufra and found her at home. He said: "It seems as if I see a man's seat." She said: "Yes; Imam Jabir ibn Zaid went out from me just now." He said: "Have you won anything from him?" She replied: "Yes; I asked him about three things that kept in my mind:-

1-     I asked him about wearing Khuffs (leather socks). He said: "If you were wearing them to protect your feet from the heat of sand, its coolness, and its roughness, then there is no harm, and do not bother even if they were exposed. But if you were wearing them for other than that, then do not expose them.

2-   And I asked him about jewelry with me that belongs to a female orphan and is evaluated by money. So it is borrowed from. He said: "If you are going to lend it, then you will be held responsible."

3-    And also about a slave, who was one of the most valuable money I had ever earned. I had strongly intended in my heart to free him for Allah's sake. But later, I appointed him as a trustee over my country estate. He said: "Discharge him and do not admit him to any of your benefits."

Reference:

The Fragrant Biography of the Ibadhi Woman, by Badria Hamad Al-Shaqsia.

Translated by Bint Ibadh.