By Munna HazimeDo you feel it? The soles of millions stomping in a synchronous march in respect of the empowered woman. March 8th, otherwise known as International Women’s Day, celebrates the tenacity and perseverance of women. Originating from the women’s labor movement in the United States to being recognized by the United Nations in 1975, International Women’s…
By Asiya BharadiaHow often do we doubt our own courage and strength when it comes to proudly showcasing our faith, our trust and belief in Allah ﷻ? It’s only natural that we do – we are humans after all. But the story we’re about to delve into now is one of courage, strength and sacrifice that goes…
By I am a proud Middle Eastern woman, and let me tell you why. Ever since I was a young child, I envisioned women as being strong, beautiful creatures capable of many things. I first learned this invaluable lesson from watching my fierce mother, who overcame so many challenges, with an ever-present smile on her face….
By Saira BhattiOn this #ThrowbackThursday, I want us to explore the female icons that have been integral to Islamic history, the spread of the faith, and innovation. We have plenty of current icons today — like Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, advocating for girls education and building schools while attending Oxford University (no big deal). Meanwhile,…
By yathripabdelgadirAs Eid inches closer, we should take a moment to remind ourselves what this particular Eid is all about; whether it be why we celebrate Eid al-Adha in the first place, or why the prophet Abraham (AS) is so closely associated to this holiday. Many know prophet Abraham (AS) for the mere fact that he…
By emmaBy all accounts a woman of strong intellect and deep compassion, Zubaidah bint Ja’far (766- 831) used the enormous wealth and power derived from her position as the wife of the fifth Abbasid Caliph, Harun al-Rashid (786-809), to serve others as well as to promote Islam. The Abbasid Caliphate was the third Islamic caliphate, and…
By NidaEver since I was a young girl, flipping through the pages of my Islamic Studies textbook in Sunday school, I’ve been exposed to the history of Islam. Amongst the many paragraphs and historical text I came across, I found a list of martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of Islam. I must…
By maha“Whenever women protest and ask for their rights, they are silenced with the argument that the laws are justified under Islam. It is an unfounded argument. It is not Islam at fault, but rather the patriarchal culture that uses its own interpretations to justify whatever it wants.” -Shirin Ebadi When we think about Nobel Peace…
By HabeebaRunning with fire in one hand and water in the other, Rabi’a explained, “I am going to burn paradise and douse hellfire so that both veils may be lifted from those on the quest, and they will become sincere of purpose. God’s servants will learn to see Him without hope for reward or fear of…
By SaniaAs one of the few Sahabiyat (female companions) who physically fought in battle in defense of the Messenger of Allah (SWT) and an advocate for Muslim woman’s rights, Nusaybah bint Ka’ab was not only renowned for her courageous efforts on the battlefield, but was also as a loving wife and mother. She was an Ansariyyah…
By SaraFatima al-Fihri isn’t a household name, but she should be, because she founded the world’s first University (which, incidentally, is still thriving today). She was born in Tunisia into a wealthy family; her father was a successful businessman. She also had one sister named Mariam (it is unclear if her mother died young). They were…
