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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Fatima Jinnah

My sister was like a bright ray of light and hope whenever I came back home and met her. Anxieties would have been much greater and my health much worse, but for the restraint imposed by her.6

– Mohammad Ali Jinnah

Known For: Figure in the independence movement of Pakistan
Dates: Hijri 1311 – 1387 (AH)
Common Era 1893 – 1967 (CE)
Country: Pakistan

About

Fatima Jinnah, known as Madr-e-Millat or mother of the nation was the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. She was born July 30, 1893 in Karachi in what was then British India.1

Fatima attended Dr Ahmad Dental College and opened her own dental practice in Calcutta in 1923.  A few years later, she gave up her practice and went to live with her brother after his wife Rutie passed away, leaving behind their only daughter Dina.2

In the years that followed, Fatima accompanied her brother on his official tours. By joining him, she taught Muslim women that they could stand beside men during the freedom struggle. In addition, she joined the All India Muslim League and helped form the All India Muslim Women Students Federation in Delhi in 1941.

During the transfer of power after partition in 1947, Fatima played a significant role in the settlement of Muslim migrants from India in Pakistan.3 However, her most significant contribution came in 1965 when she defied tradition by running against President Ayub Khan during his re-election bid.  Although, she was not the winning candidate, her campaign set a precedent.  By running, she paved the way for future generations of women to be able to participate in public life in Pakistan.4 She passed away soon after in 1967.5

 

[1] Profile of Fatima Jinnah.
[2] Jazbah Magazine: Fatima Jinnah (1893 - 1967).
[3] Profile of Fatima Jinnah.
[4] Jazbah Magazine: Fatima Jinnah (1893 - 1967).
[5] Profile of Fatima Jinnah.
[6] ibid.

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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.