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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Zakia Mahasa

photo of Zakia Mahasa

Known For: Muslim Judge Master in Chancery, preside and decide cases in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City
Country: United States

About

Zakia Mahasa is an American Muslim judge who was appointed in 1997 to preside over Circuit Court cases of Baltimore city. Zakia obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, Maryland, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland Law School in Baltimore, Maryland. She currently practices in the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court in Baltimore.1 She specializes in family law and has served as master in chancery—akin to a magistrate judge—since 1997.2 Zakia is a member of the National Association of Women Judges and in 2010 was honored with the Leadership in Law award.3

Zakia converted to Islam as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland. Initially, her parents expressed concern over her decision, particularly since Zakia would soon enter law school and might encounter certain obstacles as a Muslim woman.4 In time, however, they came to embrace her choice. Throughout her career, Zakia has remained strong in her identity as a Muslim female in the legal world. In an article written about her in Azizah Magazine, Zakia said of her faith: “I don’t wear it on my sleeve. But I don’t hide it. It’s who I am.”5

 

[1] Azizah Magazine Speaker Bio: Zakia Mahasa
[2] Zakia Mahasa: Lawyer Profile
[3] AMWA: “American Muslim Women’s Association Marks anniversary with dinner”
[4] Azizah Magazine Speaker Bio: Zakia Mahasa
[5] Islam for Today: “America’s First Muslimah Judge”

Sources

Islam for Today: “America’s First Muslimah Judge”

AMWA: “American Muslim Women’s Association marks anniversary with dinner”

Zakia Mahasa: Lawyer Profile

Azizah Magazine Speaker Bio: Zakia Mahasa

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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.