before you go around repeating the common misconception that Islam is a religion that puts down women, please consider some of those wonderful Muslim women in our history (not intended to be a complete list):
Aisha is an incredibly famous, respected figure in our history. She was the wife of prophet Muhammad, and she played a large role in many aspects. She is the major narrator of the Prophet’s saying; most of our records go back to what she had said. She had incredible memory, she was an extremely well-respected scholar. She acted against the cultural standards for women and sought scholarship and became a renowned political figure.
Her father was Sultan of Delhi and had appointed her as the next ruler after his death. She did indeed rule from 1236-1240 before she was overthrown by rebellious nobles in the kingdom who could not agree to being led by a woman. While she ruled, however, she established many libraries and schools across India, and she lead armies and did not follow the dress code for “women” but rather dressed like her father when he was sultan.
Fatima built the university of Al Qarawiyyin, which is the oldest existing, continually operating and the first degree awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records, and is sometimes referred to as the oldest university. She also founded the oldest library (also in that university) which is still open.
She is most remembered for taking part in the Battle of Uhud (625), in which she carried sword and shield and fought against the Meccans. She shielded the Prophet Muhammad from enemies during the battle and even sustained several lance wounds and arrows as she cast herself in front of him to protect him. It is said that after she sustained her twelfth wound, she fell unconscious and the first question she asked when she awoke (a day later in Medina) was “did the Prophet survive?”
She also asked: "Why does God only address men (in the Quran)?“ Soon after this exchange, the Prophet received a revelation in Chapter 33, Verse 35 that mentions women can attain every quality to which men have access. The verse also conclusively settled that women stand on the same spiritual level as men.
She was the prophet’s granddaughter and the wife of Ali bin Abi Talib. She was the leader of Al-Bayt for a time period, and she was also known for giving a speech so powerful that the Caliph released her and the other prisoners at Karbala. She was extremely wise, patient, and fought for her family.
Once a slave, Lubna rose to become the palace secretary of the Caliph and his son in Cordoba (year 961). She was also a mathematician, and excelled in other sciences. She presided over the library and was said to have great writing, grammar and poetry skills.
She ruled Yemen in her own right, and was said to be extremely intelligent. She excelled in her knowledge of history and her poetry.
oh boy, a Muslim pirate woman. ok so she was in Granada, and then she was driven out with many people by Christian Spain in 1492. She and her husband fled back to Morocco and ruled a city. When he died, she became the sole ruler and the city grew immensely in strength. Then, to fight the forces that drove her out of her home, she actually became a pirate and turned her city into a major naval operations base against those forces.
