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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Nur Jahan

… a genuine gift for aesthetic discernment … an eye for indigenous Indian decoration, combined to produce in Nur Jahan an artistic force…

—Ellison Banks Findly. Nur Jahan: Empress of Mughal India. Oxford University Press, 1993).

Known For: Empress of the Mughal India
Dates: Hijri: 985-1055 (AH)
Common Era: 1577 – 1645 (CE)
Country: India

About

Empress Nur Jahan was responsible for the many artistic, architectural, and cultural achievements of the Mughal Dynasty’s Jahangir Era (1013-1037 (AH), 1605-1627 (CE)). She was of Persian origin, born on a caravan traveling from Teheran to India.

Nur’s husband, Emperor Jahangir, was addicted to alcohol and opium, rendering him powerless at decision-making. He relegated all state affairs to her. She controlled all promotions and demotions within the royal government, and even had coins struck in her name, an honor usually reserved for men.

She took special interest in the affairs of women, by providing land for women and opportunities for orphan girls. Nur came from a line of poets, and she and encouraged the women of the court to write and share their poetry.

Nur designed the Moghul gardens of Kashmir and Agra using a Persian-inspired garden layout with flowing streams and disciplined geometry. She oversaw the construction of her father’s mausoleum in Agra, where she popularized a marble technique that that was used pervasively in the design of the Taj Mahal. Her tomb in Pakistan, which she designed herself, attracts many visitors with its pleasant walks and picturesque gardens.

Sources

Dowe, Badriya Yasmeen. “Women of power and influence.” Yemen Times, August 28-31, 2008, Opinion Section.

Nur Jahan: Empress of Mughal India.

Female Heroes of Asia: India: Nur Jahan

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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.