Bahishti Zewar

Bahishti Zewar, described as an ancient tome of Islamic belief, was written by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Rahmatullah E Alaih). "Bahishti Zewar" (translated as "Heavenly Ornaments") is a comprehensive handbook of fiqh (jurisprudence), especially for the education of girls and women. The volume describes the Five Pillars of Islam and also highlights more obscure principles. For years it has remained a favorite with the people of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent.

Women and Bahishti Zewar

Among (Hanafi Deobandi) Muslims, it is a popular practice to present this volume to a new bride. The motivation behind this gesture is that the young woman is taking up a new identity and new life as a wife and mother-to-be. She should be well versed in the rites, rituals and tradition of Islam.

External links

English Translations of Bahishti Zewar are available online:

*Bahishti Zewar [http://www.islamsa.org.za/library/books/bzewar/bahishti_zewar.htm]
*Bahishti Zewar [http://www.jamiaashrafia.org/fiqh1.php]