A Biography of Jawahir Bint Saleh Fattani
Jawahir bint Saleh Fattani was the second daughter of Saleh Zain Al-Abideen Fattani. She was born in Mecca in the year 1330 AH (approx. 1911/1912 CE) in the Soug Alley of the Qashashia district. Her mother was Khadijah bint Mohammed bin Ismail Fattani, and her younger brother was Mahmoud Saleh Fattani.

Jawahir received her initial education from her father, Sheikh Saleh, who was a scholar residing in Mecca to pursue knowledge and earn a living in partnership with Mohammed bin Ismail Fattani, one of his loyal associates and a student in his scholarly circle.

Jawahir was known for her pleasant conversation and her affection for her maternal uncle, Mohammed Noor bin Mohammed bin Ismail Fattani. She often had the opportunity to hear community stories from him and speak with him in her modest and respectful manner. He, in turn, placed his trust in her, frequently assigning her the management of the family's finances and dispatching her to secure the large family's needs for clothing and provisions. Jawahir possessed a hint of the beauty inherited from her mother, Khadijah, may God have mercy on her. She had a distinguished ability to interact with others, especially with her cousin Asiya, the daughter of her uncle Abdullah bin Mohammed Ismail Fattani, and maintained good relations with her sister Nafeesah and her brother Mahmoud Saleh Fattani's wife, Aminah.

Migration and Marriage
With the outbreak of the World War and the spread of fear due to political and social conflicts in the region, Jawahir emigrated to Malaysia, the land of her ancestors. Their journey was arranged by Sheikh Mohammed Noor Fattani, who feared the devastations of war, poverty, and scarcity for his family. Jawahir traveled with her mother Khadijah, her sisters Nafeesah and Kulthoom, and her younger brother Mahmoud. The family arrived at the port of Pulau Pinang (Penang), the island where their returning Hajj ship, carrying hundreds of pilgrims—including her grandfather Mohammed bin Ismail Fattani's family—docked.

Jawahir was in the prime of her youth among those who migrated to Malaysia, accompanied by her cousin Abdulghaffar Mohammed Noor Fattani and his brothers. Their stay extended for over a year, during which Jawahir married Abdulghaffar in Malaysia.

When the signs of the World War subsided, Sheikh Mohammed Noor brought his children and the rest of the Al Fattani family back to Mecca, where they settled. Abdulghaffar secured a modest position at the Presidency of the Judiciary in Mecca. Jawahir lived with him in a small house where they raised their children: Zainab, Abdulaziz, and Zubaidah. This small house was situated adjacent to the large family house, centrally located among three Al Fattani residences: the Soug Alley house, the small house, and the new large house.

To help cover the family expenses, Jawahir developed several hobbies, including the production and sale of embroidered textiles (or possibly 'circular items/dishes' based on the translation of "المدورات").

Family Life and Social Connections
Jawahir maintained frequent contact with her relative Maymounah Faraj, her younger sister Saleemah, and Aisha Faraj. She also visited the homes of Al Syoufi and Mohammed Banjar, in addition to family visits during special occasions and holidays. So dedicated was she to these visits that she often requested a horse-drawn carriage (Al-Kro) to reach Maymounah Faraj's house.

Jawahir also enjoyed visiting her brother Mahmoud's enclosure in Jarwal, a place cultivated with trees and flowers, whenever her brother’s wife, Aminah, invited her. She played a key role in maintaining strong family ties with her cousin Asiya bint Abdullah, her sister Nafeesah, Aminah, and other young women. She would spend morning hours with Asiya bint Abdullah and her brother's wife Aminah Mohammed Noor Fattani, along with her sisters Zakiyah, Khadijah, and Fatimah, discussing life and its affairs. In the evenings, they would gather for a sleepover in the large house, uniting with her daughters Zainab and Zubaidah, Asiya's daughters Azizah and Safiyyah, and the other girls. Khala Maryam Sabbaghah, the wife of Mohammed Awan, would also join them for the night, known for her witty conversation and jokes. She would entertain them by playing a game of chance they called 'Game of the Line' (La'bat Al-Khatt). Life continued with such family harmony.

Children and Final Years
Jawahir had two daughters and one son.

Her eldest daughter, Zainab, married Abdullah Misbahi, a man of good financial standing who worked as a Financial Comptroller for the Ministry of Finance. They had three daughters: Nawal (the eldest), Aisha, and Na'ilah.

Zubaidah married her cousin Mahmoud. Zubaidah's son, Talaat, was the first grandson, and Jawahir was overjoyed. She affectionately called him Al-Basha (The Pasha), doted on him greatly, and was fiercely protective. Zubaidah later had three more daughters and a son named Bahjat.

Abdulaziz married his cousin Yasin's daughter and had one son, Fawaz, and two daughters.

Jawahir loved social gatherings, hosting her friends and cousins for family sessions. They would listen to the radio, a source of entertainment at the time, and play Carom and Chess. They also enjoyed listening to records played on a gramophone (Al-Bakab), the sole source of entertainment for women then, featuring Yemeni songs such as "Yahya Omar Qal" and "Tarboushak Ahmar Ya Barbari" while playing their games.

Jawahir was devoted to serving her mother, Khadijah, who lived on the upper floor of Jawahir's apartment. She attended to her morning and evening, cleaning her room and surrounding areas, until her mother passed away in 1376 AH (approx. 1956/1957 CE). Jawahir and the Al Fattani family mourned her loss deeply.

Passing
The days continued with Jawahir Saleh Fattani remaining a figure of trust, affection, and respect among her family, Al Faraj relatives, and neighbors until she passed away in 1405 AH (approx. 1984/1985 CE), at the age of approximately 75. She left a lasting legacy within the family.

May God have mercy on you, Jawahir Al Fattani, for your good manners, your love and connection with your relatives, and your excellent raising of your children. May we be reunited with you in His eternal resting place. Amen.

Best regards,
Kamel Mahmoud Fattani
7/6/1444 AH