10 Extraordinary Influential Muslim Women That I know...
This is my Special list of influential Muslim women of all times
When I think about the profound impact Muslim women have had throughout history, I am filled with admiration and inspiration. Their contributions often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the modern achievements of women in leadership, scholarship, and activism. However, the legacy of Muslim women in the pre-modern world as scholars, poets, mystics, rulers, and warriors is equally deserving of recognition.
Islam elevated the status of women, placing paradise under their feet when they became mothers and making them pivotal to a husband’s faith. This newfound status allowed Muslim women to soar to great heights, distinguishing themselves throughout Islamic history.
10 Influential Muslim Women in Islamic History
Muslim women have been trailblazers, contributing as scholars, jurists, rulers, warriors, businesswomen, and experts in various fields. The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) looked to his household as beacons of guidance. On International Women’s Day, I want to share my knowledge and admiration for a few remarkable Muslim women from history.
1. Hazrat Khadijah Bint Khuwalyid
One of the most revered women in Islam is Hazrat Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Her legacy as a successful merchant and honoured figure in Mecca predates her marriage to the Prophet. Born in 555 AD in present-day Saudi Arabia, Khadijah was a pioneer of her time, a successful entrepreneur who defied stereotypes. She was the first to accept Islam and supported the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) throughout his mission.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once said, "She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me, and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand." Khadijah's unwavering support and belief in the Prophet’s mission make her one of the most influential women in Islamic history.
2. Hazrat Aisha Bint Abu Bakr
Another prominent figure is Hazrat Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). After the Prophet’s death, Aisha played a significant role in political affairs, leading an army against Caliph Ali at Basra in 656. Despite her eventual retreat from political life, she became a key transmitter of Islamic teachings, narrating 2210 hadiths. Her contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and education continue to guide Muslims worldwide.
3. Hazrat Fatima Bint Muhammad
Hazrat Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Hazrat Khadijah (RA), was a paragon of faith and devotion. Taught by the Prophet himself, Fatimah’s life was marked by loyalty and resilience, even in the face of immense trials. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said of her, "Whoever injures Fatima, he injures me; and whoever injures me injures Allah." Her marriage to Ali Abu Talib and her unwavering faith remain powerful examples for Muslim women.
4. Hazrat Zainab Bint Ali
Zainab, the daughter of Hazrat Fatima and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), stands out for her bravery and devotion. She witnessed the horrors of the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of her brother, Hussain. Her courageous stand against oppression in Yazid’s court remains a powerful inspiration for Muslims today.
5. Asiya, the Wife of Pharaoh
Asiya’s story is one of remarkable faith and strength. Despite being married to one of the most powerful and tyrannical rulers, she maintained her devotion to God. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned her as one of the greatest women of all time. Her unwavering faith in the face of adversity is an everlasting example for all Muslim women.
6. Mary, Mother of Jesus
Maryam (as) is honoured in Islam as one of the greatest women to have ever lived. The Quran praises her purity and devotion, and her life offers countless lessons in faith and resilience. The angels said to Mary, “O Mary, indeed Allāh has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.”
7. Shuhdah al-Baghdadiyyah
Shuhdah al-Baghdadiyyah, also known as Fakhr un Nisa, was a renowned scholar, calligrapher, and hadith expert in the 11th century. Her dedication to learning and teaching made her a beacon of knowledge, with students travelling from afar to hear her lectures. She established a higher learning institution, funded by her estate, which educated hundreds of students.
8. Khawla Bint al-Azwar
Khawlah was a formidable warrior in the early Islamic period, fighting alongside her brother in the Rashidun Caliphate’s conquests. Her bravery in battle, particularly during the Siege of Damascus, and her role as a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) make her an outstanding figure in Islamic history.
9. Ash-Shifa
Ash-Shifa bint ‘Abdullah was a skilled physician and a respected figure in early Islamic society. Embracing Islam before the Hijrah, she took the pledge to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Her expertise in medicine and her role in public administration under Caliph Umar highlight her significant contributions to early Muslim society.
10. Fatima Al Samarqandi
Fatima Al Samarqandi, a remarkable scholar from Samarqand, lived through tumultuous times but emerged as a beacon of knowledge. Her dedication to education and scholarship, even establishing an institution for higher learning, underscores her legacy as an inspiring Muslim academic.
These women, among many others, have left an indelible mark on Islamic history. Their stories are a testament to the strength, intelligence, and resilience of Muslim women, both past and present. Through their contributions, they have shaped the course of history and continue to inspire generations.
As we celebrate their legacies, let us remember and honour the remarkable Muslim women who have paved the way for future generations. Their stories deserve to be told and celebrated, not just on special occasions but every day.