Emperor Akbar’s Mother
Mulla Abdul Nabi (d. 991 AH) was among the leading scholars during the reign of Emperor Akbar. A mosque built by him still stands on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi and is known as Masjid Abdul Nabi. He had been Akbar’s teacher and, as a result, enjoyed free access to the royal court. Akbar appointed Mulla Abdul Nabi to the post of Sadr al-Sudur, the chief official responsible for religious affairs, charitable grants and related judicial appointments in the imperial administration. Owing to his close relationship with Akbar, Mulla Abdul Nabi enjoyed a position of exceptional honour at the time. Mulla Abdul Qadir Badauni states that in no other kingdom had the post of Sadr ever acquired the importance and authority that it attained during Mulla Abdul Nabi’s tenure. In the words of Badauni:
Dar zaman-e hech badshahi in chunin sadre ba-istiqlal nagashta…
“Under no other sovereign had a Sadr ever enjoyed such independent authority…”
Akbar held him in such high regard that he would straighten his teacher’s shoes and personally visit his house to listen to the traditions of the Prophet of Islam (SAW). Under Mulla ‘Abd al-Nabi’s influence, Akbar’s religious devotion increased to such an extent that he would recite the adhan, the call to prayer, himself and, at times, even sweep the mosque in pursuit of spiritual merit.
On one occasion, during his birthday celebration, Akbar wore a saffron-coloured garment, an act consistent with his broader policy of promoting harmony. When Mulla ‘Abd al-Nabi saw this, he became displeased, interpreting the colour as a Hindu symbol. In the full court, he struck Akbar with his staff.
Although deeply upset, Akbar remained silent and withdrew to his palace. There, he informed his mother, Maryam Makani, of what had occurred: “Today, in full court, Mulla ‘Abd al-Nabi struck me. Had he advised me privately, I would have accepted it, but this public act has caused me distress.”
Maryam Makani, a woman known for her intelligence and learning, listened carefully and replied:
“My son, do not allow resentment to take root in your heart. This will be a means of salvation for you in the Hereafter. Until the Day of Judgement, people will remember that a powerless scholar struck a king, and the noble king endured it with patience.” (Ma’athir al-Umara, Vol. 2, p. 560)
Maryam Makani’s response was far more than a passing remark. It reflected spiritual insight and sound judgement, revealing a depth of intellect that marked her not as an ordinary woman, but as a truly accomplished Muslim lady. It is likely that such moments occurred repeatedly throughout her life and that Akbar’s notable qualities were shaped, in part, by her guidance and upbringing.
Her response also sheds light on another dimension: Akbar’s wearing of saffron garments formed part of his policy of promoting Hindu-Muslim unity. At times, he adopted certain outward customs to foster harmony and strengthen relations between Hindus and Muslims.
These actions were intended to build goodwill. Literal-minded scholars were displeased by them; however, Maryam Makani, owing to her perceptive understanding, recognized that Akbar’s actions were not mere imitation but a deliberate diplomatic strategy. Consequently, she did not share Mulla ‘Abd al-Nabi’s anger. This incident illustrates her intellectual clarity and spiritual maturity.
Among modern scholars, Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani was, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the only one who fully understood Akbar’s approach and acknowledged its wisdom. He wrote that Akbar’s adoption of saffron clothing and similar gestures was not an attempt to embrace Hindu culture, but rather an act of ta’lif al-qulub—the winning of hearts. Akbar’s objective was to promote closeness between Hindus and Muslims.
Although Maryam Makani lived within the royal palace, she exercised a profound influence on Emperor Akbar as his mother. She shaped him into a humble and religiously inclined ruler. She was also sufficiently wise and farsighted to perceive the deeper purpose behind Akbar’s policies—something that, from that time to the present, many Muslim scholars have failed to recognize. To the author’s knowledge, the only exception to this general trend was Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani.
From a broader perspective, women play a vital role in shaping human character. To fulfill this role effectively, a woman must prepare herself in advance. Many of life’s difficulties arise because people face its challenges without adequate preparation. People know that securing suitable employment without proper educational qualifications is not possible; therefore, they first obtain the necessary credentials before seeking work. However, when it comes to the art of living, both men and women often enter life without first learning its principles. As a result, many fail to attain the success that nature has intended for them.
Many men and women lack what psychology describes as a balanced personality. For example, some have too much rigidity but not enough gentleness; others become angry easily and lack patience. It is each person’s responsibility, regardless of gender, to recognize these flaws and actively work to improve them, thereby developing a more balanced personality.
Just as a carpenter shapes and smooths wood to serve a particular purpose, every man and woman must likewise shape their own character. Through continuous self-examination and awareness, individuals should identify their weaknesses and shape themselves into balanced personalities. This inner effort is essential for everyone, and the success of both men and women depends upon it.
