Al-Wafa bi Asma al-Nisa
Arabic cover
AuthorAkram Nadwi
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageArabic
SubjectHadith studies
GenreBiography
PublisherDar al-Minhaj
Publication date
2021
ISBN9789953620077
OCLC1252541014
920.71
Websitealsalam.ac.uk
An introductory note in English for the book Al-Muhaddithat, released in 2007

Al-Wafa bi Asma al-Nisa (Arabic: الوفاء بأسماء النساء) is a 43-volume Arabic biographical compendium that documents the lives of women who contributed to the narration of hadiths or played crucial roles in their dissemination. Authored by Akram Nadwi, this magnum opus spans over two decades and is recognized as the largest work in its genre, encompassing a repository of over 10,000 entries.[1][2] Initially intended for release in Morocco, the compendium eventually found publication through Dar al-Minhaj in Jeddah in January 2021. The English translation of its preface, titled Al-Muhaddithat, was first introduced in 2007. Beyond its scholarly weight, this opus reshapes the landscape of hadith scholarship, bringing attention to the often-overlooked contributions of women. It serves as a catalyst for contemplation, delving into nuanced inquiries regarding the status and recognition of women in Islam, particularly exploring their roles, authority, and responsibilities within the religious sphere.

Background

In 1989, Akram Nadwi assumed the role of a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, responding to a specific request from Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi. During his tenure, he encountered a Time magazine article asserting that Islam obstructed women's education, contending that women played no role in educational and knowledge-based research within Islam. The author offered to retract the statement contingent upon the identification of five knowledgeable women, a perspective that deeply resonated with Akram Nadwi.[3]

Motivated to challenge this viewpoint, Nadwi embarked on extensive research, compiling biographies of women who had narrated hadiths. Initially envisioning a list of 20 to 30 women, his research expanded globally, spanning countries such as Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, India, and Turkey. Over a span of 15 years, his efforts culminated in an impressive 43-volume collection.[4] The initial release of the first part occurred in Morocco, but due to concerns about its quality, the second part faced a delayed release of almost a year. Finally, in January 2021, Dar al-Minhaj in Saudi Arabia published this work.[5]

Content

Opening with nearly 800 pages, the initial volume immerses readers in an exploration of the intricate world of hadith narration and scholarly methodologies. It accentuates the roles played by women narrators and scholars. Enhancing this narrative are captivating visual aids – photographs, diagrams, illustrations, and maps – portraying their journeys in pursuit of hadiths. Additionally, facsimiles of pertinent certificates offer a tangible glimpse into their scholarly pursuits. The biographical journey commences with an in-depth focus on the household of the Prophet in the second volume. Volumes 3-10 weave through the life stories of female narrators from the Prophet's era, while volumes 11-13 shed illuminating insights on those who succeeded the companions' generation. Subsequent volumes are organized by centuries, presenting a mosaic of 9328 biographies. The concluding volume, number 43, unfolds biographies from the 15th-century hijri, offering a nuanced portrayal of individuals actively contributing during that epoch.[6]

Methodology

In this biographical compilation, the primary focus is on presenting factual information rather than delving into extensive analysis, resulting in a somewhat blurred distinction between hadith narrators and scholars. The author amalgamates information from diverse sources, significantly expanding the scope by incorporating individuals from various biographical and reference works. Geographically, a deliberate effort is made to showcase female hadith scholars on a global scale, transcending the geographical confines of the Middle East. The depth of information in each biography fluctuates based on available data, with the most expansive entry exceeding two hundred pages, providing an intricate exploration of the individual's life and contributions. Furthermore, the author systematically documents corrections made to the works of other hadith narrators, with a primary emphasis on those of male origin.[6]

Source

This compilation is derived from documents such as class registers and ijazahs, which grant men the authority to teach. It also includes commendations from 'ulema, providing insights into their experiences with female educators.[1]

Reception

The Dhaka Post underscores the significance of this work as a crucial reference for historians, emphasizing its role in shaping the narrative of 21st-century Islamic intellectual history. Notably, it serves as a potent rebuttal to persistent misrepresentations of Islam, refuting false accusations of hindering women's progress and obstructing their education. As The Dhaka Post asserts, the book transforms into a historical document, unveiling the truth and countering misguided portrayals of Muslims' stance on women's education.[7] The Majalla, in its appraisal, lauds this opus as a comprehensive encyclopedia dedicated to notable female hadith narrators.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 Khan, Rushda Fathima (18 March 2021). "Rediscovering The Role Of Muslim Women Scholars In Islamic History: 43 Volume Work With 10,000 Biographies Published". The Cognate. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  2. ↑ Ruegel, Wafa (19 January 2021). "Devotion to Women's Names: Biographical Encyclopedia of Women in the Noble Prophetic Traditions". Muhammadiyah Association of Scholars. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  3. ↑ Hedayatullah, Muhammad (14 January 2021). "Cambridge Teacher's 43-Volume Compilation: Chronicles of 10,000 Women Muhaddis". Kaler Kantho (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  4. ↑ Iqbal, Amin; Qasmi Nadvi, Ashraf Alam; Saad, Arif Khan (4 November 2022). "Interview with Dr. Akram Nadvi: Advocating the Balanced Tenets of Islam". Shomoyer Alo (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 21 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  5. ↑ Mumtaz, Mardia (2021). "Al-Muhaddisat: A Holistic Analysis". Center for Social and Cultural Studies, University of Chittagong (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  6. 1 2 "al-Wafāʼ bi-Asmāʼ al-Nisāʼ: A 43 volume biographical dictionary on the lives of 9,328 female scholars". Aga Khan Library. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 21 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  7. ↑ Minhaj Uddin, Muhammad (14 January 2021). "Exploring the Contributions of Muslim Women Scholars: A 43-Volume Compilation". Dhaka Post (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  8. ↑ Al-rashid, Abdullah (17 October 2023). "The 'unknown' Arab and Muslim women scholars, who taught some of history's most esteemed men". The Majalla. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
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