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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Umrah bint Abdur-Rahman

The Jurist, Umrah bint Abdur Rahman was brought up by Hazrat Ayeshah (R.A.A.). She related a great number of hadis through her which are authentic. Her memory is sharp.

Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Islamic scholar and founder of the Hanbali school of jurisprudence (Afsar Bano, Status of Women in Islamic Society – [LOCATION: Anmol Publications PVT. LTD., 2003], 281) 

Known For: Early Jurist and Hadith transmitter
Dates: Hijri Unkown-103 (AH)
Common Era Unkown-721 (CE)
Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Umrah, or ‘Amra, bint Abdur-Rahman was a pupil of Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s wife and an influential hadith transmitter. Umrah is known for having had the best knowledge of the hadith passed down to her from Aisha. With her extensive knowledge, Umrah was considered an authoritative voice of hadith and overrode many other male scholars during this period. Umrah had a special relationship with Aisha; it was believed she acted as Aisha’s secretary and was responsible for all correspondence . Umrah was the granddaughter of one of the Prophet’s companions, Asad ibn Zararah Ansari.

Later in her life, Umrah was often relied upon by Islamic scholars to provide reliable hadith,  and she was classified as a jurist. She died at the age of 77.

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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.