Biography of Fatima bint Muhammadnoor Fattanī
This is a biography of Fāṭima bint Muḥammadnoor Fattanī, the twelfth daughter of the venerable scholar and teacher at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Sheikh Muhammadnoor bin Muhammad Ismail Fattanī. Her mother was Baraka bint Abdullah.

Early Life in Mecca
Fāṭima was born in Mecca in 1935 CE (1354 AH) at her paternal grandfather's residence, known as the "Grand House," located in Al-Qashashiyyah, Khardafūshi Alley (formerly known as Al-Hajar). Her mother, Baraka bint Abdullah, was the Sheikh's fourth wife. Fāṭima received her father's care and affection among his children. She grew up in the Grand House in Khardafūshi Alley, a large household that comprised seven families who managed their affairs collaboratively. Her mother, Baraka, played a role and had responsibilities within this large family structure, which sometimes exceeded twenty members, living under a strict, orderly routine typical of Meccan society at the time.

Following the death of Sheikh Muhammadnoor, the family and the Meccan community grieved. After the mourning period, the older children redistributed roles and responsibilities to manage the family entity. The eldest brother, Sheikh Ahmad Muhammadnoor Fattanī, gathered them to discuss the distribution of responsibilities for raising the younger children. When it came to nine-year-old Fāṭima, her mother, Baraka bint Abdullah, expressed a desire for independence, requesting separate housing to focus solely on her daughter's upbringing. She asked for the family's help in arranging residence in one of the Fattanī endowment (Waqf) properties until she could manage on her own. Her request was granted, and she was provided with a separate, self-contained residence in the Fattanī Waqf in Wazīr Alley, directly across from Khardafūshi Alley, situated among other family homes facing a large courtyard.

Independence and Education
Fāṭima's mother, Baraka bint Abdullah, was a resolute and serious woman, making her request for independence both bold and successful. After settling into their new home, Baraka secured a job, providing her with an income that helped cover their expenses and achieve self-reliance. Fāṭima received strict guidance from her mother but was also given the freedom to enjoy her childhood, playing with the neighborhood children in the courtyards of Khardafūshi or Wazīr Alleys. Baraka enrolled Fāṭima in the local Kuttāb (traditional school) to learn the Quran, its recitation (Tajwīd), reading, and writing. Her teacher provided excellent guidance, emphasizing virtues like chastity, modesty, independence, self-esteem, and household management.

Fāṭima's Independent Character and Family Bonds
Baraka would often take her daughter, Fāṭima Fattanī, to the Grand House in Khardafūshi Alley, where she would meet her siblings and cousins. Fāṭima was particularly drawn to her sister Āmina bint Muhammadnoor Fattanī, who had married her cousin and given birth to a son, Fadil. Fāṭima enjoyed playing with her nephew, caring for him, and carrying him to play with the other children in the Grand House's courtyard and the square outside. When Āmina's second son, Kāmil Mahmoud Fattanī, was born, Fāṭima helped her sister with his care. In return, Āmina was accepting and supportive, helping Fāṭima with her schoolwork, teaching her the Quran, arithmetic, and Arabic, especially during weekend breaks and seasonal holidays like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Hajj, and the summer months. Āmina's appreciation was evident; she would offer Fāṭima sweets and cake, and later named her own eldest daughter Fāṭima, after her younger sister.

A few years later, Fāṭima's mother married a man of good standing with a suitable income from public services. She was then compelled to entrust her daughter to her brothers in the large family. Fāṭima, who had reached puberty, was welcomed by her eldest brother, Sheikh Ahmad, and his firm yet compassionate wife, Āsiyā bint Abdullah. Fāṭima joined Āsiyā’s five daughters under the care of this respected family.

Household Management and Social Grace (Aunt "Futtū")
Joining Āsiyā bint Abdullah's household was an opportunity for Fāṭima to master domestic skills, from hosting guests with respect and attending to their needs to engaging in courteous conversations and exchanging sisterly affection with the family members. She also learned from Āsiyā's kitchen, perfecting a variety of Javanese and Arabic cuisines and different types of sweets. Fāṭima became an active member in fostering good relations among the female family members and exchanging visits with friendly neighboring families. The girls, captivated by her unique blend of respect, humor, and entertaining anecdotes in conversation, affectionately nicknamed her "Futtū". Futtū (Fāṭima Fattanī) became skilled at leading conversations in gatherings, spreading joy and affection.

Aunt Futtū, as she was lovingly called, was valued for her respectful nature. She proactively participated with her nieces—Ṣafiyyah, ʿAzīzah, Āsma, Ḥamīdah, and Su'ād—in preparing the feast for the morning of Eid al-Fitr, which featured delicious dishes like Kūzi, Dibbiyāzah, appetizers, and Kunāfah. She welcomed guests with warmth, engaging in friendly conversations and creating a cheerful atmosphere. Futtū also helped prepare the Hajj provisions, such as Ma'mūl (date pastries), Ghuraybah (shortbread), and Sha'iriyyah (vermicelli), often encouraging the younger children to participate in making the Sha'iriyyah under the supervision of the lady of the house, Āsiyā Abdullah. These were happy days the whole family looked forward to.

As Sheikh Ahmad Muhammadnoor Fattanī's daughters (Ṣafiyyah, then ʿAzīzah, then Āsma) married, Fāṭima (Futtū) assumed a leading role in managing the family kitchen and its cooking needs under the supervision of Aunt Āsiyā bint Abdullah, initially assisted by her younger sister, Khadijah. However, after Khadijah married her relative Zaynal-ʿĀbidīn, the kitchen of Sheikha Āsiyā Abdullah, renowned in the family, fell under the sole management of Fāṭima Fattanī. She earned praise for preparing the first day of Eid al-Fitr breakfast, managing the meals for the Day of ʿArafah and Minā, and overseeing catering for the Fattanī family's celebrations and women's gatherings. Her elder sister, Aunt Zākiyyah, and her other sisters also played significant roles in these events.

Life and Career in Riyadh
In 1956 or 1957 CE (1376 AH), Fāṭima's half-brother, Muhammad Muhammadnoor Fattanī, joined the military in Taif and married a girl from Medina, the sister of a colleague. He was later appointed as the Director of the Signal Corps at the Ministry of Defense in Riyadh. He invited Fāṭima to live with him there, and she accepted, living with him and his wife, treated with great respect.

During this time, the Ministry deployed the army to the southern region of the kingdom due to security events, and Muhammad, a military officer, was called for duty. He entrusted Fāṭima, the successful manager of their household affairs, to assist his wife in his absence and help raise their child, Riyāḍ, who was born around 1959 or 1960 CE (1379 AH) and was deeply cared for by his Aunt Fāṭima.

After several years in Riyadh, marked by occasional disagreements between Fāṭima and Muhammad's wife—always followed by reconciliation—and an incident where Officer Muhammad was wounded in the shoulder by a bullet during a military mission in the south, Muhammad enrolled in the War College. He graduated with the rank of Brigadier General and was subsequently promoted through several positions, eventually transferring to Jeddah. Muhammad, his wife, and children relocated to Jeddah. Fāṭima Fattanī remained in her brother's house in Riyadh and took the opportunity to complete her night studies, earning her Primary School Certificate.

Fāṭima applied for a position at the Institute for Deaf Children in Riyadh and was appointed as an Educational Supervisor at the Girls' Deaf Institute. Her half-brother, Abdullah Muhammadnoor Fattanī, and her nephew, Kāmil Mahmoud Fattanī, frequently visited her at her brother's villa during this period. After Muhammad moved to Jeddah, Fāṭima, now educated and employed with a monthly salary, gained full independence in managing her affairs. Due to her dedication, she was promoted to Director of the Internal Supervision Department for the Deaf. She shared mutual respect and affection with her colleagues, engaging in lively and courteous female conversations. When her husband (whom she would marry later) was promoted and his workplace was moved to Mecca, Fāṭima liquidated her employment rights and moved with him to Mecca, settling in a Waqf house in the Al-Aziziyyah district.

Social Life and Personal Development
Fāṭima's experience with Āsiyā bint Abdullah's resolute management and sound guidance contributed to her personal and social maturity. Fāṭima actively strengthened friendships with families close to the Fattanī family, including the Nūri Al-Mohandis, Awān, and Faraj families, among others. They exchanged friendly visits and often met for the Maghrib prayer at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Friday nights, during Eids, and other occasions.

During her time in Riyadh, she was affectionately called "Futtū" by close friends and "Sitt Futtū" by children and grandchildren, an address she enjoyed. Officer Muhammad Muhammadnoor Fattanī enabled her to join the Al-Nahḍah Women's Club in Riyadh, the first officially sanctioned women's club, which included elite ladies from respectable Riyadh families. The club's forum was often presided over by Princess Sara bint Faisal bin Abdulaziz, a gracious, kind, and humble social figure. Fāṭima was frequently invited to friendly meetings with the Princess and became known at the club as Futtū Fattanī. She was often invited to family events at King Faisal bin Abdulaziz's palace, including weddings. Her charming demeanor and respect earned her the friendship of her colleagues at the Institute, such as Mrs. Zizi Radwan and Ṣāliḥah Al-Bīshi.

Marriage
While working at the Girls' Deaf Institute, where she was popular among staff, Fāṭima Muhammadnoor Fattanī received a marriage proposal from Abdullah Al-Saʿīdān, an administrative employee in a security facility. He was known for his calmness and dignity, belonging to a prominent and well-respected family in Riyadh and Al-Kharj. Fāṭima accepted his proposal, and they married in a joyful ceremony limited to the two families. Fāṭima moved into their modest but impeccably clean and orderly three-room apartment in the Manfūḥah district of Riyadh. Their married life was characterized by mutual respect and affection, especially after the birth of their daughter, Al-Jawharah, in Riyadh, who brought them great happiness.

Life in Mecca and Final Years
In Mecca, Fāṭima maintained mutually respectful and affectionate relationships with her relatives, engaging in family visits while preserving her private life. She often made brief visits to her elder sister Āmina, caring for her during her sickness in old age until her passing, providing steadfast support. Fāṭima was an exemplary wife and mother, and their life with their daughter was peaceful, marked by exemplary household organization, cleanliness, and dietary discipline, particularly after her husband's retirement. She was known for her excellent hospitality, earning increased respect and love from her family in Mecca, especially during visits from her brother Muhammad Muhammadnoor Fattanī, his wife, and the children she helped raise, Riyāḍ and Adnān.

In 1997 or 1998 CE (1418 AH), Fāṭima's brother, the Supervisor of the Fattanī Waqf in Mecca and Jeddah, appointed her to assist with the endowment's administrative duties. He relied on her husband, Abdullah Al-Saʿīdān, who became the chief assistant, to follow up on Waqf transactions with the courts and government departments. Fāṭima became a key consultant for her brother and husband in managing the Waqf. She was tasked with distributing the endowment's revenue to beneficiaries in Mecca and to family members visiting from Malaysia for Umrah or Hajj. She organized the receipts and personally received the beneficiaries, enhancing her social standing and improving relations between them and the Supervisor.

Their only daughter, Al-Jawharah, married Bakhīt Al-Dawsari, a respectful young man from Wadi Al-Dawāser known for his humility and helpfulness, who worked for a Saudi company in Mecca involved in housing and catering for Hajj pilgrims. Abdullah Al-Saʿīdān consented to the marriage based on Bakhīt's high morals and good reputation. After a joyous wedding, Bakhīt became a key member of the family. Abdullah Al-Saʿīdān entrusted Bakhīt with reviewing the Fattanī Waqf transactions under the Supervisor Sheikh Muhammad Muhammadnoor Fattanī’s guidance, gaining his full trust.

The Passing of Loved Ones
Just days after their daughter's wedding, her father, Abdullah Al-Saʿīdān, experienced chest pain. He refused medical advice to stay in the hospital, insisting on returning home. His condition worsened, and he was rushed back to the hospital just before dawn. Abdullah Al-Saʿīdān passed away at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 CE (8/10/1440 AH). His funeral and mourning ceremonies were held, and he was buried in Al-Maʿlā cemetery after prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The Fattanī and Al-Saʿīdān families grieved the loss of the quiet, loyal, and righteous man.

The death of her devoted husband deeply affected Fāṭima (Aunt Futtū), but she remained strong through her faith and patience, staying in her apartment in the Aziziyyah Waqf property. She continued her good relationship with her brother and family, and her duty of distributing Waqf entitlements to beneficiaries in Mecca and Malaysia. However, she was increasingly troubled by a persistent cough and chest ailment but resisted seeking medical treatment. Lonely after her husband's death, she eventually accepted her daughter Al-Jawharah's request to move in with her and Bakhīt in their home in Aziziyyah to receive care. Her condition worsened, requiring hospitalization in Mecca until her pain subsided, after which she returned to her daughter's home, honored and cherished.

Fāṭima bint Muhammadnoor Fattanī passed away on January 24, 2015 CE (4/4/1436 AH) at the age of 82. She was affectionately remembered as Aunt Futtū and the Jewel of the Fattanī family, having lived a noble, generous life of profound love for others. She was prayed over at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and buried in the Al-Maʿlā cemetery. The Fattanī family held mourning ceremonies, attended by relatives, friends, and the Al-Saʿīdān family from Al-Kharj and Riyadh, all saddened by the loss of such a distinctive and virtuous person.