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 Salamah

She was a woman of exceeding beauty, possessing a superior intellect and sound opinion. She was also known for her God-fearing nature, her strict adherence to her religion, her frequent worshipping, her piety and her eagerness to please her Lord and His Messenger.

Abdul Ahad Darussalam, The Honorable Wives of the Prophet [PUBLISHING INFO], 79-82

Known For: Prophet Muhammad’s Wife and ‘Mother of the Believers’
Dates: Hijri Unkown-63 (AH)
Common Era Unkown-680 (CE)
Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Umm Salamah, whose full name was Hind bint Abi Umayya ibn al-Mughira, was amongst the first converts to Islam, along with her husband, Abu Salamah. They migrated to Abyssinia (known today as Ethiopia) with other converts at a time when Muslims were facing severe persecution by members of the Quraysh in Mecca.  After some time, they returned to Mecca, but after realizing that the situation had not improved as they hoped, they again decided to emigrate to Medina.

Their plans were disrupted when members of Umm Salamah’s tribe stopped them on their departure.  Abu Salamah and his son, Salamah, were forced to continue to Medina, while Umm Salamah was forced to remain with her family. After one year, her cousin took pity on her and returned her son to her; soon after that, he released her to leave for Medina.

Umm Salamah braved the trip to Medina alone until she was joined by ‘Uthman ibn Talha,  who would not allow her to continue alone. He accompanied her to her husband in Medina before returning himself to Mecca.

Umm Salamah remained with her husband until his death at the Battle of Uhud. He left her alone with two children, Salamah and Zainab.  After the completion of the waiting period, the Prophet proposed to Umm Salamah and she eventually accepted.

Umm Salamah was known not to have any rivals amongst the wives of the Prophet. She had a wide knowledge of the Qur’an and how it had been interpreted by the Prophet. She narrated 378 hadith and is considered a companion narrator of hadith. 

Sources

Abdul Ahad Darussalam, The Honorable Wives of the Prophet(PUBLISHING INFO, 2004)79-82.

Ahmad Thompson,The Wives of the Prophet: Umm Salamah(LOCATION: Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd., 1993).

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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.