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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Queen Noor

... I've seen it around the world, in the poorest countries and in countries riven with conflict. It is women who are the key to breaking out of poverty, breaking out of stagnation. ... It's women who can contribute to achieving real security -- not bombs and bullets and repressive governments.

—Queen Noor interviewed on “Larry King Live”(CNN ”Then & Now: Queen Noor,” August 22, 2005)

photo of Queen Noor Photo credit: Nader Daoud/AP Images

Known For: Queen of Jordan
Dates: Hijri 1370 – Present (AH)
Common Era 1951 – Present (CE)
Country: Jordan

About

Queen Noor is a dowager Queen whose philanthropic work is global in scope.  She works with various non-profits and organizations on a wide range of topics from refugee issues to environmental protection to international women’s rights issues.

Born Lisa Najeeb Halaby, she graduated from Princeton University with a degree in architecture and urban planning.  She began her career working on international urban planning projects in the United States, Middle East and Australia.  She met King Hussein of Jordan while she was working on developing the Amman Airport.  She converted to Islam and married King Hussein in 1978, whereupon her name became “Noor al-Hussein,” or “Light of Hussein.” They had four children together.
Queen Noor is currently the president of the United World of Colleges, an organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding through education.  She is a board member of Refugees International and a trustee of the Aspen Institute, among others.  Queen Noor is also involved with Seeds of Peace, a non-profit that works with youth from conflict areas to encourage coexistence and peace. 

Queen Noor’s work in Jordan includes the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation (NHF), which she chairs.  NHF focuses on supporting economic development initiatives, including micro-finance and health programs. 

Sources

Women’s Rights in the Middle East With Queen Noor, King Hussein Foundation, ”Biography of Her Majesty Queen Noor,” 2008

Lucia Raatma, Queen Noor, American born Queen of Jordan (LOCATION: Compass Point Books, 2006)

Videos

“Women’s Rights in the Middle East With Queen Noor,”

More Information

Queen Noor, Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life (New York: Hyperion,  2003).

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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.