Sufi Order Celebrates Final Night of Lady Nafisa’s Birth Anniversary
Sufi Order Celebrates Conclusion of Nafisa al-Elm Anniversary Festivities
Chicago, IL – the Sufi order concluded its week-long celebration honoring the birth anniversary of Nafisa al-elm, a revered figure known for her piety and scholarship, on Wednesday. the closing night featured prominent Islamic scholars and preachers,including Dr. Ahmed Omar Hashem, Habib Ali Al-Zifri, and Sheikh Jaber Al-Baghdadi.
Throughout the week, the Sufi order hosted a series of lectures and events, drawing upon the expertise of renowned scholars from Al-Azhar University and various Sufi orders. Notable figures like Dr. Magdi Ashour,executor of the Shadili order and former fatwa secretary of the Fatwa House,and Dr. Ahmed Shehata Al-Azhari, fatwa editor of Fatwa House, shared their insights. The event also highlighted the work of scholars and preachers like Muhammad Wisam Khidr, who are dedicated to promoting moderate Islamic views and countering extremism.
A Life Dedicated to Knowledge and Faith
Nafisa al-Elm, born in Mecca in 145 AH, spent her formative years in Medina. She immersed herself in Islamic learning at the Prophet’s Mosque, studying hadith and jurisprudence under esteemed scholars. Her profound knowledge earned her the title ”Nafisa al-Elm,” meaning “Nafisa of Knowledge.”
A devout pilgrim, Nafisa al-Elm performed Hajj thirty times, often walking the arduous journey. During one pilgrimage, she famously grasped the kaaba’s screen and prayed, “My God, my Lord and my Master, take care of me and please me with Your pleasure in me and bestow upon me.There is no reason to hide.”
Her life and teachings continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, piety, and devotion to God.
A Legacy of knowledge and Devotion: Interview with Dr. Ahmed Shehata Al-Azhari
NewsDirect3.com had the chance to speak with Dr. Ahmed Shehata Al-Azhari, a prominent Islamic scholar and Fatwa editor of Fatwa House, following the concluding night of the Nafisa al-Elm anniversary festivities. Here’s what he had to say:
NewsDirect3: Dr. Al-Azhari,thank you for taking the time to speak with us. The week-long party honoring Nafisa al-Elm featured prominent scholars and experts. What is the significance of commemorating her legacy?
Dr. Al-Azhari: Nafisa al-Elm’s life embodies the very essence of Islam – a harmonious blend of knowledge, piety, and devotion to god.Her unwavering dedication to Islamic learning, her countless pilgrimages, and her profound prayers continue to inspire Muslims globally.
NewsDirect3: Could you elaborate on the impact Nafisa al-Elm had on Islamic scholarship?
Dr. Al-Azhari: Despite living in a time when women’s access to education was limited, Nafisa al-Elm excelled in her studies, becoming a renowned scholar of hadith and jurisprudence. Her thirst for knowledge and dedication to scholarship paved the way for generations of Muslim women to pursue Islamic learning.
NewsDirect3: The festivities not only highlighted her scholarship but also emphasized her piety and devotion.
Dr.
Al-Azhari: Absolutely. Nafisa al-Elm’s life was a testament to her deep faith and unwavering submission to Allah. Her famous prayer at the Kaaba, begging for God’s pleasure and guidance, resonates with Muslims even today.
NewsDirect3: How do these celebrations contribute to contemporary Islamic discourse?
Dr. Al-Azhari: By remembering and celebrating the life of Nafisa al-Elm, we reaffirm the core values of Islam – knowledge, piety, and devotion to God. It serves as a reminder to Muslims, especially during challenging times, to stay true to their faith and strive for excellence in all spheres of life.
NewsDirect3: Thank you, Dr. Al-Azhari, for sharing your insights.