Muslim Women: Past and Present

Recommend a Muslim Woman

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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Lauren Booth

I was always impressed with the strength and comfort it (Islam) gave.

Source:“Tony Blair’s sister-in-law Lauren Booth converts to Islam,” Daily Mail.

Known For: Journalist for Press TV; Activist
Country: United Kingdom

About

In 2010, the news that Lauren Booth, half-sister of Cherie Blair and sister-in-law of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, had converted to Islam sparked a media frenzy. Lauren’s decision to become a Muslim came immediately after her trip to Qom, Iran, where she visited the shrine of Fatima Al-Masumeh in what she described as a “holy experience.”1

Prior to her conversion, Lauren was an active pro-Palestine advocate, journeying to Gaza in 2008 in light of Israel’s then blockade of the region.2 She remains an activist and currently works for Press TV, an English-language Iranian news channel.3 

In light of the media attention surrounding her conversion, Lauren published an article in The Guardian entitled “Lauren Booth: I’m now a Muslim.Why all the shock and horror?” In this personal, slightly sardonic account, she explained how she came to embrace Islam and described her new lifestyle, which includes shunning alcohol, performing the five daily prayers, and reading the Quran.4 Ultimately, Lauren sought to reveal her newfound religious understanding and show that Islam and Muslims are not so foreign as some might perceive them to be.

[1] “Tony Blair’s sister-in-law Lauren Booth converts to Islam,” Daily Mail.

[2]Ibid.

[3]Ibid.

[4]Lauren Booth: I’m now a Muslim,” The Guardian.

Sources

“Tony Blair’s sister-in-law Lauren Booth converts to Islam,” Daily Mail.
“Why are so many modern British career women converting to Islam?”, Daily Mail.
“Lauren Booth: I’m now a Muslim,” The Guardian.

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women chronologically by the Common Era century. 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 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.