Muslim Women: Past and Present

Recommend a Muslim Woman

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.

  • By Category
  • By Name
  • By Century
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Al Udar al-Karimah Shaihaab ad Din Salah

no photo available Charity, Politics

Edna Adan Ismail

photo of Edna Adan Ismail Director and founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital

Fatou Bensouda

photo of Fatou Bensouda Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC) 2012

Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan

photo of Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan First Woman Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Somalia

Ibtihaj Muhammad

photo of Ibtihaj Muhammad Nationally Ranked Fencer

Jamila Afghani

photo of Jamila Afghani Head, Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organization (NECDO)

Jamila al-Medina

no photo available Singer, Musician

Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih

photo of Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih Judge, Sharia Court of Ramallah

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

no photo available The first convert to Islam, ‘Mother of the Believers’ and ‘The Best of Women’

Mariam “Al-Astrolabiya” Al-Ijliya

photo of Mariam “Al-Astrolabiya” Al-Ijliya Designing and constructing Astrolabes

Mariam Sultana

photo of Mariam Sultana Doctorate in astrophysics

Nabila Freidji

photo of Nabila Freidji CEO, Cash One

Nana Asma’u

photo of Nana Asma’u Poet, Scholar

Nawal El Moutawakel

photo of Nawal El Moutawakel Olympic Athlete

Ni’mah Isma’il Nawwab

photo of Ni’mah Isma’il Nawwab Poet, Writer, Lecturer, Photographer, Activist, Humanitarian

Noor Inayat Khan (Code Name: Madeleine)

photo of Noor Inayat Khan (Code Name: Madeleine) Special Agent WWII / Writer / Nurse

Nur Jahan

photo of Nur Jahan Empress of the Mughal India

Nusayba bint Ka’b al-Ansariyah

no photo available Early convert to Islam, first female to fight in defense of Islam

Nzinga Knight

photo of Nzinga Knight Evening wear designer

Oumou Sangare

photo of Oumou Sangare Music, Performing

Rabi’a al-Basri

photo of Rabi’a al-Basri Sufi Saint

Sabeeha Rehman

photo of Sabeeha Rehman Founder & Past President, National Autism Association New York Metro Chapter / Director of Interfaith Programs, ASMA

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

photo of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Documentary filmmaker with a focus on the Muslim world

Sitt al-Mulk

no photo available Fatimid Princess

Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan

photo of Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Ruler of Bhopal State, 1901-1926 CE

Tawakul Karman

photo of Tawakul Karman Chairwoman of Woman Journalists Without Chains

Umm al-Muqtadir-Billah

no photo available Mother of the Caliph
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women alphabetically by their first names. Many Muslim names have alternative spellings once rendered into English so if you cannot find the name you are looking for, please try the general search tab where you can enter keywords of your choice.
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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.