In the Company of Umm al-Izz Bitar
In the company of a woman of God
August 2025 will be forever etched in the hearts of seekers who crossed paths with Shaykh Ismail al-Kurdi and his family in the small towns of northern England and the vast green landscapes of Wales. It was the Shaykh’s second visit to the UK, a time of immense blessing to host the son of both the physical and spiritual lineage of great giants.
Much could be said about Shaykh Ismail and his son Sidi Abdulrahman, whose melodious and enrapturing recitations of the poetry of the awliya softened even the hardest of hearts. But here, I want to share what we experienced in the company of Umm al-Izz Bitar, in the hope that her nasiha may benefit fellow sisters.
A Life of Service
Umm al-Izz is a woman of few words, but immense presence. Her life has been one of tireless service to the countless students and guests who have passed through her door. Her son recounted how there were times she would prepare hundreds of platters of food in her modest kitchen. When disposables were scarce, dishes would be washed and served again, without complaint.
From the days when greats like Shaykh Abdurrahman ash-Shagouri would visit with their companions, to the steady stream of seekers coming to sit with Shaykh Ismail, she never tired of the work nor shied away from its demands. She saw it only as a means of attaining Allah’s pleasure, sometimes serving with her young children at her feet.
A Quiet Presence
Travelling with her, we witnessed how her quiet presence drew sisters to her, each opening their hearts and pouring out their heartaches and needs. She listened attentively, concern and love etched upon her face. Even when in transit, she would pause to lend an ear.
Her advice was always to return to Allah: to His remembrance, to His forgiveness, and to the Qur’an. She reminded sisters of the power of Surah al-Baqara, a protection in daily life and an answer to many problems, and encouraged them to keep their tongues moist with istighfar.
Her parting counsel to a group of sisters was simple yet profound: remember Allah in the everyday acts of service you engage in, and be grateful for the blessings in your lives.
A Heart Anchored in Dhikr
Despite the constant travel, Umm al-Izz herself was constantly engaged with the awrad, litanies, and adhkar she had inherited. In any quiet moment she would return to the Qur’an, revising its verses with devotion. Remarkably, she memorised the entire Qur’an later in life which is a testament to her perseverance and love for the Divine book.
A Message of Hope
There is so much that could be said about this dear teacher and great woman of Allah. But more than anything, what I wish to share is a message of hope. For many of us, daily responsibilities can cause us to loosen our grip on the very ropes of strength we need. Umm al-Izz showed us that it is possible to weave suluk, the path of wayfaring, into the fabric of daily life, making it the very forefront of all that we do.
May Allah preserve our teachers, and may we be blessed with their company again and again.
