Forget everything you thought you knew about Muslim women throughout History. While today’s hijab-wearing teachers, doctors, and community leaders are inspiring, the truth is that Muslim women have been breaking barriers and making moves since the early days of Islam. I’m talkin’ female scholars, poets, rulers – you name it. These ladies were forces to be reckoned with.
See, here’s the thing. Islam gave Muslim women major “girl power” cred. Mothers? Nothing less than queens. Wives? A man’s faith was incomplete without praising his lady. Yes, Islam puts ladies on a pedestal. And you best believe Muslim women made the most of their new status, ruling empires and rockin’ the academic world.
So next time you think Muslim women are a modern phenomenon, check yourself. Sisters have been trailblazing since back in the day. You dig?
10 Influential Muslim Women in Islamic History
Let’s keep it 100 – Muslim women have been holding it down in Islamic History. They were scholars, rulers, warriors, entrepreneurs – straight-up bosses. The Prophet Muhammad’s squad looked up to the leading ladies in his family for guidance and wisdom.
So, in honour of International Women’s Day, let’s highlight some iconic Muslim queens from back in the day. These ladies were forces of nature, making moves and leaving their mark on Islamic heritage in many dope ways. They set the stage for Muslim women today to keep excelling and inspiring.
Big up to the strong Muslim sisters through the ages! Their stories need to be told. From running empires to dropping knowledge, they changed the game forever. Mad respect. Let’s get into it!
Hazrat Khadijah Bint Khuwalyid
Among the most revered Muslim women in early Islamic History is Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the blessed first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Even before marrying the Prophet, Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her) was a distinguished figure known as the Mother of the Believers.
Born in 555 A.D. in Mecca, Khadija defied expectations for women by becoming a successful merchant and one of the most honoured figures in the city. She proposed marriage to the Prophet Muhammad, an act unheard of at the time. Their union was loving, and Khadija continued to impart her wisdom and support.
Khadija was the first believer in Islam, embracing the Prophet’s prophecy and comforting him when others doubted. The Prophet said she stood by him “when no one else did.” She remained loyal until she died in 619 A.D.
Through her faith, intellect and determination, Khadija demonstrated the important role of women in Islam. She provided a shining example of honor, devotion and courage that echo through the ages. Muslim women have long drawn inspiration from the beloved Khadija, the Mother of the Believers, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon her.
Hazrat Aisha Bint Abu Bakr
The name Hazrat Aisha is associated with a powerful and influential Muslim woman who had a profound impact on Islamic History. Being the beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Hazrat Aisha was highly respected as the Mother of the Believers and played a significant role in the nascent Muslim community.
Unlike many women of her time, Hazrat Aisha was not confined to domestic duties. She vigorously participated in political affairs after the Prophet’s death, even commanding armies in the Battle of Bassorah against Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib. Her spirit of activism demonstrated the growing authority of Muslim women.
However, Hazrat Aisha’s most enduring legacy was as a scholar. It is estimated she narrated over two thousand hadiths – accounts of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and deeds. These hadiths remain integral in guiding Muslim worship, conduct and law.
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Through her political engagement, scholarship and narration of hadiths, Hazrat Aisha demonstrated the expanding influence of women in the Islamic tradition. Hers is a lasting legacy that continues to inspire Muslim women around the world.
Hazrat Fatima Bint Muhammad
Hazrat Fatima, the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was one of the most knowledgeable and resolute Muslim women in the early History of Islam. Being the child of Prophet Muhammad and Khadija (may Allah’s peace be upon them), she had the immense blessing of being directly taught Islam by the greatest teacher himself.
Despite witnessing the immense trials and tribulations of the early Muslim community, Hazrat Fatima’s devotion to Allah remained remarkably resolute. She shared a deep bond of love with her father, the Messenger of Allah.
It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad said about his daughter: “Whoever injures Fatima, they injure me. Whoever harms me harms Allah, and whoever harms Allah practices unbelief.“
He also affirmed: “O Fatima, if you are pleased, Allah is pleased.” This highlights the honor and weight her father gave to Fatima’s character.
Fatima married Ali ibn Abi Talib, drawing even closer to the inner circle of the Prophet. Though she passed away in 632 A.D., Hazrat Fatima’s legacy as a role model of piety, modesty and strength continues to inspire Muslim women through the centuries. She remains the embodiment of a true believing woman.
Hazrat Zainab Bint Ali
The courageous life of Hazrat Zainab bint Ali represents the strength and resilience of Muslim women throughout History. As the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and daughter of Hazrat Fatima, she witnessed tremendous hardships from a young age.
Zainab’s journey was not an easy one. She faced the chaos and conflict that arose after her Mother Fatima’s passing. Witnessing the tragic loss of her father Ali ibn Abi Talib, as well as her brothers Hassan and Hussein during the Battle of Karbala, was a heart-wrenching experience. Despite the struggles she faced, Zainab’s strength and resilience serves as an inspiration to all those who face adversity with courage and determination.
Despite profound grief, Hazrat Zainab demonstrated remarkable bravery. As she was marched to Damascus by the oppressive Umayyad ruler Yazid, she boldly stood up to him and condemned the injustice, unafraid to speak truth to power.
Though exiled after the massacre of her family, Zainab persisted in spreading the pure faith of her grandfather. She encouraged Muslims to stay steadfast in their beliefs and stand firmly against oppression as she did.
Centuries later, Hazrat Zainab’s extraordinary courage continues to inspire Muslims around the world. Hers is an enduring legacy of faith in adversity, demonstrating the vital role Muslim women play in carrying forth Islamic values.
Asiya, the wife of Pharoah
Among the most remarkable Muslim women in Islamic History is Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh. Despite being married to one of the most tyrannical rulers in History, Asiya demonstrated extraordinary conviction and strength.
Unlike other wives who submitted to their husband’s cruelty, Asiya refused to be defined by Pharaoh’s evil. She safeguarded her mind, soul and faith against his corruption. Asiya chose to devote her life to God rather than surrender to Pharaoh’s dictatorship.
For this reason, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recognized and said
Many men attained perfection, but none among the women in Islam reached perfection except Mary, the daughter of “Imran, and Asya, Pharaoh’s wife. And the superiority of `Aisha to other women is like the superiority of Thrid to other kinds of food.
Asiya’s story serves as an eternal lesson for Muslim women. Her courage to stand for truth and righteousness, even at the cost of her life, continues to inspire. Asiya exemplified the strength of those who place devotion to Allah above any earthly reward.
Centuries later, Asiya’s conviction remains unmatched. For Muslim women confronting injustice, her story is a guiding light to stay steadfast in faith and virtue. Asiya fulfilled the highest ideal of a Muslim woman.
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Maryam, Mother of Isa (Jesus), is one of the most revered women in Islamic History. Allah himself honors Maryam’s lofty status in the Quran, declaring she was chosen above all women.
As mentioned in Surah Aal-e-Imran, the angels said to Maryam:
“O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.”
This verse highlights Maryam’s rank and virtue in the sight of Allah. Though she faced immense trials as a single mother, Maryam responded with complete devotion and submission to the will of God.
Maryam sets an example of piety, modesty and unwavering faith for Muslim women. Through her story, we learn the value of steadfast prayer, unwavering trust in Allah, and rising above gossip and judgment of others.
Above all, Maryam exemplifies the height of spirituality a Muslim woman can reach through sincerity and devotion. Her legacy as the Mother of a great Prophet was cemented forever in Islamic History.
Muslim women draw inspiration from Maryam’s strength of character in the face of adversity. Hers is a timeless story of relying fully on Allah and achieving the highest station through faith.
Shuhdah al-Baghdadiyyah
In the rich History of influential Muslim women stands the legendary Shuhdah al-Baghdadiyyah. Known widely as “Pride of the Women”, Shuhdah was a prolific 11th century scholar, teacher and calligrapher who dedicated her life to knowledge.
Shuhdah studied extensively under the top scholars of her time, mastering Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) to an extraordinary degree. Her intellect, eloquence and beautiful Arabic script were renowned far and wide.
Students travelled from across the region just to hear Shuhdah’s scholarly lectures on diverse topics like History, language, art and literature. Her words left a lasting mark on their hearts.
Even after her husband’s death after 40 years of marriage, Shuhdah persevered in her pursuit of scholarship. Her patience and devotion were inspiring.
The Caliph at the time granted Shuhdah funds to establish a higher learning institution where hundreds pursued knowledge, all expenses paid by her generosity.
Shuhdah’s legacy perfectly represents the Islamic emphasis on continual learning and education. As a pioneering Muslim woman scholar, she remains an aspirational role model for Muslim academics today. Her story is an enduring testament to the vital contributions of women to the Islamic intellectual tradition.
Khawla bint al-Azwar
The most courageous Muslim women in early Islamic military History was Khawlah bint al-Azwar. Hailing from the noble Bani Assad tribe, she was a fierce Arab warrior who fought for the Rashidun Caliphate.
Khawlah’s skills first came to light during the Battle of Sanita al-Uqab in 634, part of the pivotal Siege of Damascus. When her brother Zirrar, commanding the Muslim forces, was injured and captured, Khawlah took matters into her own hands.
Armed and disguised in traditional Arab warrior attire, she fearlessly charged the Byzantine rearguard alone in a daring attempt to rescue her brother. Khawlah was not recognized as a woman until questioned by the commander Khalid.
Though the Byzantines ultimately prevailed, Khawlah’s valor and combat abilities were unmatched. She went on to play a major role in the subsequent Muslim conquest of the Levant.
As one of the earliest Muslim women warriors, Khawlah bint al-Azwar demonstrated courage and skill equal to any soldier. Her audacious exploits made her a companion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and cemented her place in Islamic military History. Khawlah remains an inspiration for Muslim women breaking barriers to this day.
Ash-Shifa
The most distinguished early Muslim women was Ash-Shifa bint Abdullah, renowned for her expertise in medicine. Originally named Layla, she earned the title “Ash-Shifa” (the healing woman) for her exceptional skill as a physician.
Ash-Shifa embraced Islam prior to the Hijrah and was one of the earliest migrants from Makkah to Madinah. She pledged her steadfast loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), even when professing faith was dangerous.
The Prophet honored her with a house in Madinah. His high regard for Ash-Shifa influenced future caliphs as well. Caliph Umar regularly sought her counsel and appointed her as a marketplace official – likely one of the first Muslim women to hold public office.
Ash-Shifa narrated numerous hadiths, with Companions like Hafsah transmitting on her authority. Between her forceful personality, wisdom and diverse talents, she wielded immense influence in the early Muslim community.
As one of the most distinguished medical experts and female scholars of her era, Ash-Shifa bint Abdullah remains an inspirational example for professional Muslim women. Hers is an enduring legacy of faith combined with pioneering success in her field.
Fatima Al Samarqandi
Often overlooked in histories of remarkable Muslim women is Nana Asma’u, a scholar and teacher who empowered women in 19th century West Africa.
Asma’u was born in 1793 in what is now northern Nigeria. She was blessed to be the daughter of Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. Asma’u benefitted immensely from the extensive Islamic education provided by her family.
From a young age, Asma’u established herself as an authority in Quranic studies, jurisprudence, theology and other Islamic sciences – highly unusual for women at the time. She composed poetry in multiple languages and was a talented orator.
Asma’u leveraged her knowledge to help provide religious education for women, who were often denied access to scholarship. She established a network of students and teachers that expanded women’s learning opportunities.
Through her prolific writings and advocacy for women’s education, Asma’u empowered generations of Muslim women. She helped cement the authority of women to teach, study and interpret Islamic knowledge.
Asma’u’s legacy is a testament to the vital contributions Muslim women have made, when given the opportunity, as champions of Islamic thought and instruction. She remains an inspirational example of female scholarship.
Conclusion
Muslim women throughout History have made great strides in scholarship and leadership, paving the way for generations of women to come. From Aisha and Shuhdah to Khawlah, these women’s stories are a testament to their courage, conviction, and thirst for knowledge. Their contributions to our heritage continue to inspire Muslim women to follow in their footsteps and reach the greatest heights in our faith.
