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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Sarah Mendly

There is so much ignorance and prejudice surrounding Islam. Islam does not advocate the killing of innocent people in any shape or form, or the oppression of women.

photo of Sarah Mendly Photo courtesy of Sarah Mendly. Photo credit: Alberto Mariscal.

Known For: First Muslim to Enter & Win, Miss Nottingham Pageant; Participant, Miss England Beauty Contest
Dates: Hijri 1402 (AH)
Common Era 1982 (CE)
Country: United Kingdom

About

Ms. Mendly gained worldwide media coverage as the first Muslim to enter and win the Miss Nottingham Pageant as a British representative. The pageant has provided Sarah with an opportunity to shed light on the issues and perspectives of British Iraqis. She hoped her background will make her stand out from the rest of the contestants.

“I’m Iraqi, and there’s never been an Iraqi Muslim girl in any beauty contest based in England,” she said. “My mum and I want to show that there are attractive British Iraqi girls who are proud of being both British and Iraqi. I also felt it would be a good way to raise awareness of certain charities, such as Children of War and Breast Cancer Research. Winning would mean I could use the publicity for a good cause.”

Ms. Mendly also has a hidden talent for poetry. She started writing at the very early age of nine. She entered a national poetry competition at the age of 16, and became a finalist. She later went on to publish her writings. Aside from poetry, she also enjoys playing the piano, which she has done since the age of 8. Ms. Mendly has various hobbies and interests, among them, listed highly are her keen interest in following global politics.

Ms. Mendly is a biomedical science honors graduate who’s parents left Saddam Hussein’s tyranny and went on to reside first in Abu Dhabi and then on to the United Kingdom. Mendly was born in Abu Dhabi and moved to Britain when she was 18-months-old. Currently, she is studying towards obtaining her Master’s (MPH) in Public Health and International Health with a view to go on to work as a public health consultant for a strategic health authority.

Sources

The Times, “Muslim with dream to be Miss England,”  2005

BNET, Carole Malone: “Sarah’s Stand is a Light of Hope ,2005

BBC, “Sarah Mendly, Miss Nottingham 2005 Finalist,” 2005

BBC Anger over Muslim beauty entrant

The Independent, “Muslim Women Brave Wrath of Fundamentalists by Competing in Miss England Beauty Contest,” 2005

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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.