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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Tindu

Known For: Mongol Queen of Baghdad
Dates: d. 822 AH/1419 CE


Country: Iraq

About

Malika Tindu was a member of the Mongol Jallarid dynasty and initially enters the historical scene as the beautiful daughter of King Awis. With the Mongol position in Iraq weakening against the attacks of the invader Tamerlane, Tindu was married to the last Mamluk king of Egypt, al-Zahir Barquq. In return for this match, her father received the aid of the Egyptian army to fend off invasions. However, Tindu was unable to adjust to life in Cairo and longed to return to Iraq and her husband permitted her to return to Iraq despite the love he felt for her.

Following the dissolution of her first marriage, she married her cousin Shah Walad, the Governor for the Caliph. After his death, she ascended to the throne in 814 AH.

As queen, the khutbah was said in her honor, coins were minted in her name, and she was a great patroness of mosques. She continued to rule for the next eight years and after her death, her son inherited the throne.

Sources

Fatima Mernissi, “Forgotten Queens of Islam.” Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2003.

Woman Muslim Leaders throughout the Times

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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.