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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Bibi Ayesha

It makes no difference if you are a man or a woman when you have the heart of a fighter.

Known For: Afghanistan’s Female Warlord
Dates: Hijri 1370-Present (AH)
Common Era 1951-Present (CE)

Country: Afghanistan

About

The warlords of Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan seem to be a group entirely comprised of men, yet the Afghan female warlord Bibi Ayesha bucks this tradition. Bibi Ayesha is also known as Kaftar, or pigeon, but the diminutive nickname veils a will of steel and a violent, checkered past. Over the past 25 years, she has fought the Taliban, Russians, and rivals in northern Afghanistan’s Narin district in the Baghlan province.

Unlike many Afghan women heard about in the media, Bibi Ayesha does not bend to the patriarchal norms of Afghan culture and has fought on the frontlines of battle. However, she does insist upon the escort of a male relative or muhram into battle. Of male relatives, she has four sons of her own who also act as her lieutenants—two of her sons have been killed in battle. In addition to her sons, she claims to have 150 men under her command although UN estimates place the figure closer to 50.

According to fellow Afghans, Kaftar is known as a cruel commander who has made a great many enemies in her years as a warlord. Such is the fear that she inspires, that the brigands and bandits who are a constant threat in Afghanistan step warily around her and her family.

Sources

Coghlan, Tom. “Afghanistan’s Feared Woman Warlord.” BBC NEWS, 2006.

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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.