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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Maha Fetayhi

“Critique of Worldwide Media Coverage,” CNN Transcript

“Fitaihi … wants more than just being allowed to drive. She wants religious extremists, responsible for repressing women’s rights, to radically reform their attitudes. She wants respect.”

Known For: Former UAE Minister of Economy and Planning; Businesswoman
Dates: 1381 (AH)
1962 (CE)

Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Maha Fetayhi’s transition from social worker and mother of five to reformer began with TV appearances following 9/11. She talked about everyday life as a wife and mother in Saudi Arabia, wanting a better life, and voiced her opinion that Saudis were responsible for the attacks and that her country needed to change. Many women’s calls and messages proved their support for her view that narrow religious education is the root of the problem.

Ms. Fetayhi’s mission is to show the distinction between conditions that stem from Islam and those that are a result of social practices and customs.

Sources

Critique of Worldwide Media Coverage

Marriage Is a Responsibility, Are You Ready For It?”

Saudi Women See Changes, And Reasons to Expect More

Women lead a quiet revolution within Islam

More Information

Maha Fitaihi gives a lecture on marriage as a responsibility

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women alphabetically by their first names. Many Muslim names have alternative spellings once rendered into English so if you cannot find the name you are looking for, please try the general search tab where you can enter keywords of your choice.
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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.