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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Zaynab bint Khuzayma

Known For: Wife of the Prophet Muhammad, known as "Mother of the Poor"
Dates: 595-626 CE
Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Zaynab bint Khuzayma was born into a noble family. She was the widow of ‘Ubaida, who was martyred at the historic Battle of Badr.

Zaynab married the Prophet Muhammad around the year 626 CE. For her kindness and generosity to orphans and the needy, she was known as “Umm al-Masakin” or “Mother of the Poor.” She passed away just two years after their marriage at the age 31, one of the two wives—along with Khadjia—who died before the Prophet.

Sources

Awde, Nicholas, ed. Women in Islam: An anthology from the Qurān and Ḥadīths.

Wessels, Antonie. A Modern Arabic Biography of Muhammad.

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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.