Birth and Early Life
Sayyidatuna Nafisa al-Misriyyah (RA) belonged to the noble lineage of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt), descending from Imam Hussain (RA). She was born in Mecca on the 11th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, 145 AH, as the daughter of Hazrat Hasan al-Anwar (Rahimahullah). She spent her formative years growing up in the holy city of Medina.
Pursuit of Knowledge and Spiritual Growth
In Medina, she memorized the Holy Quran under the guidance of prominent scholars at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. She studied the famous Hadith compilation ‘Al-Muwatta’ and the sciences of Hadith directly under Imam Malik (RA) at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, emerging as a phenomenal scholar. Recognizing her profound erudition, people affectionately called her “Nafisat al-Ulum” (The Mother of Knowledge).
She married Ishaq bin Ja’far al-Sadiq (RA), the grandson of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (RA). Under his guidance, she mastered the science of Tasawwuf (Sufism). The couple was blessed with a son named Qasim and a daughter named Ummu Kulthum.
Later in life, she dedicated her entire time to intellectual advancement and spreading the light of Iman (faith) among the masses.
Journey to Egypt (Misr)
On the 26th of Ramadan, 193 AH, she arrived in Egypt. The scholars and rulers of the region went outside the city limits to warmly welcome Mother Nafisa and her accompanying family, which included her husband, children, and father.
- Initial Stay: She initially stayed for a few days at the mansion of a prominent merchant named Jamaluddin Abdullah al-Jussas.
- The Cairo Home: Later, accepting an invitation from a lady named Ummu Hani, she moved into a small house in Cairo and began teaching.
She designated specific days for imparting knowledge. The locals valued these sessions so deeply that no one would miss them. Men and women alike would wait eagerly to receive her blessings, as Allah Almighty had granted her the gift of Kabuliyat ad-Du’a (the guaranteed acceptance of prayers).
As the crowds attending her Dhikr (remembrance) and educational assemblies (majalis) grew exponentially, Ummu Hani’s small house could no longer accommodate them. Seeing this, a gentleman named Sariyy bin al-Hakam gifted her a massive house. Educational teachings and Dhikr gatherings were held there twice a week, drawing thousands of attendees. It was often said that on those specific days, every other house in Cairo seemed completely empty except for this single venue.
The residents of Cairo deeply revered Sayyidah Nafisa (RA), drawn by her prophetic lineage and her profoundly moving, God-fearing discourses.
Relationship with Imam al-Shafi’i (RA)
Imam al-Shafi’i (RA) held an immense desire to sit in the learning assembly of Nafisa al-Misriyyah (RA) and would frequently attend her gatherings.
Whenever Imam al-Shafi’i (RA) fell ill, he would send a messenger to her, saying, “Your cousin Shafi’i is sick and requests your prayers.” Upon her supplication, Imam al-Shafi’i (RA) would instantly find healing.
Sometimes, she would tell the messenger: “May Allah grant him recovery because He looks upon the honorable face of Imam al-Shafi’i.” (Meaning, she prayed that Allah look upon the Imam with His special mercy).
Remarkable Piety and Demise
Sayyidah Nafisa al-Misriyyah (RA) performed the Hajj pilgrimage thirty times on foot.
In the year 208 AH, she maintained a rigorous routine of observing voluntary (Nafl) fasts from the 1st of Rajab continuously until the start of Ramadan. During this period, she fell severely ill. When doctors pleaded with her to break her fast to preserve her health, she replied:
“I have been praying to my Lord to grant me death while I am in a state of fasting.”
While in this state, she began reciting verse 127 of Surah Al-An’am:
لَهُمْ دَارُ السَّلَامِ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
“For them will be the Home of Peace (Paradise) with their Lord. And He will be their protecting friend because of what they used to do.”
As she uttered these words, her soul departed to meet her Creator.
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
Burial and Legacy
Her husband, Hazrat Ishaq bin Ja’far al-Sadiq (RA), initially wished to transport her blessed body (Janazah) to Medina to bury her in the sacred cemetery of Jannat al-Baqi. However, the citizens of Egypt strongly resisted, pleading for her to be laid to rest among them.
The night passed without a consensus. That very night, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) appeared in a dream to Ishaq (RA) and instructed him:
“O Ishaq! Do not oppose the wishes of the people of Egypt regarding Nafisa. Because Nafisa is buried there, the people of Egypt will be granted divine mercy and blessings.”
Following this divine reassurance, Sayyidah Nafisa (RA) was laid to rest in the grave that she had dug with her own hands at the exact spot where she regularly offered her prayers. Today, her shrine stands in Cairo, Egypt, in an area known as ‘Darb al-Siba’.