Muslim Women: Past and Present

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Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

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Ameena Begum

Known For: Sufi Religious Figure and Poet
Dates: 1892 – 1949 (CE)
Country: United States

About

Born Ora May Baker on May 8, 1892, Amina Begum was a relative of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. In her late teens she met Sufi leader Hazrat Inayet Khan who was touring the United States lecturing and giving musical performances.  The two fell in love but were forbidden by Amina’s family to marry.  Amina nevertheless booked passage on a ship to London where she and Hazrat were married.  They lived in Russia, the UK, and France during their married life and had four children.

Amina embraced Sufism wholeheartedly and was given the title “Pirani,” a unique feminine equivalent of “Pir,” the title given to a Sufi master. An ambassador of Sufism to the West, she wrote an article in 1915 called “Women’s Seclusion in the East” appearing in The Sufi magazine that demystified and provided reasons for women’s seclusion according to tradition in certain Islamic cultures.  She was also the author of a collection of poetry called Thy Rosary of a Hundred Beads that served as means of reflection on the teachings of her husband.  She supported her husband and enabled him to carry out his mission to bring Sufism to the West. Hazrat said of his wife: “If I had not been helped by her, my life, laden with a heavy responsibility, would have never enabled me to devote myself entirely to the Order as I have.”1

 

[1] “Hazrat Inayat Khan,” International Sufi Movement.

Sources

“Hazrat Inayat Khan,” International Sufi Movement.

“Noor Inayat Khan: Life of a Spy Princess,” BBC Timewatch.

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women by their Country. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.