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 Sulayman

Known For: Princess and Teacher
Dates: Hijri d. 142 (AH)
Common Era d. 759 (CE)

Country: Syria

About

Zaynab bint Sulayman was the daughter of Sulayman ibn Ibrahim ibn Rahmat, a cousin of al-Saffah who was the former governor of Basra, Bahrain, and Oman during the caliphate of al-Mansur and established the Abbasid caliphate. Thus, Zaynab was born into a privileged household and led an exceptional early life for she was, by birth, a princess.

Born into such a lifestyle, Zaynab received an outstanding education, but she particularly excelled in learning and mastering the hadith. She found her niche in society not as a princess of the ruling class but as a teacher. Through this course of study, she acquired an honored position and a reputation as one of the most distinguished traditionists of the time. Moreover, she gave lessons to some of the most esteemed men of her time in Syria. After that, she moved to Egypt where she lived out the rest of her days. She continued teaching to spread her acquired knowledge until she died.

Over the years her prodigious skill as a teacher gave her the moniker “Mustanadud-Dameshyak” or “A Lady Authorized from Damascus.”

Sources

“Women Scholars of Hadith.”

“Female Companions.”

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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.