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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Umm Haram

Known For: Warrior and Martyr
Dates: 649 A.D.
Country: Afghanistan

About

It is said that Umm Haram was an aunt or close friend of the Prophet Muhammad. She accompanied the Prophet during the Hijra (migration from Mecca to Medina) and participated in a military expedition under the command of Muawiyah. The Prophet told her that he had a vision, which entailed her being amongst the first who would fight to conquer the islands (of the Mediterranean Sea).

After participating and successfully defeating forces in Cyprus she fell from a donkey, resulting in her death.1 In commemoration of her relationship with the Prophet, as well as her participation in the naval expedition, a mosque was built around her tomb in Cyprus. The Hala Sultan Tekke is an important holy site of pilgrimage for both the Muslim and non-Muslim world.2

Notes: Hala Sultan is the Turkish form of Umm Haram. Translated from Arabic, Umm Haram translated means “The Mother of the Pyramid.”

[1] “Women companions of Prophet Umm Haram: Traveling by sea for jihad,” IslamOnline.

[2] The Story of Hala Sultan Tekke.

More Information

Documentary on Hala Sultan Tekke.

Excerpta Cypria: Umm Haram, Google Books.

“Women companions of Prophet Umm Haram: Traveling by sea for jihad,” IslamOnline.

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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.