Influential Women in Islamic History: Shaping the Foundations of Knowledge

Muslim women have played an integral role in shaping Islamic scholarship, contributing as hadith narrators, jurists, spiritual guides, and educators. Despite challenges, their dedication to learning and teaching has left an indelible mark on Islamic intellectual traditions. This article explores the lives and contributions of some of the most influential women in Islamic history, highlighting their profound impact on religious and scholarly legacies.

Karima al-Marwaziyya 

Karima al-Marwaziyya (d. 1073) was widely regarded as the preeminent scholar of Sahih Al-Bukhari during her time. Her exceptional knowledge earned her the admiration of contemporaries, such as Abu Dh?r of Herat, who directed his students to learn from her exclusively. Karima’s influence extended through her teachings to luminaries like Khatib al-Baghdadi and Al-Humaydi, securing her place as a cornerstone in the transmission of one of the most revered hadith compilations.

Karima’s scholarly rigor and authority are reflected in her frequent appearance in ijazas (certifications of knowledge), underscoring her pivotal role in preserving the hadith tradition. She stands as a testament to the critical role women have played in safeguarding Islamic knowledge across generations.

Amrah bint Abdu-Rahman

Amrah bint Abdu-Rahman, a prominent second-generation Tabi??n scholar, studied directly under Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Amrah became one of the most authoritative narrators of Aisha’s teachings, alongside Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad and Urwah ibn Zubair.

Her mastery of both hadith and jurisprudence gave her immense credibility. This was demonstrated when she corrected a legal ruling in Madinah, advising the judge, Abu Bakr ibn Hazm, to reverse a decision on a theft case. Amrah’s intervention not only upheld justice but also highlighted her expertise and moral courage, qualities that earned her the respect of both scholars and jurists.

Umm al-Darda’ al-Kubra

Over 10,000 Muslim women are recorded as hadith scholars in history

Umm al-Darda’ al-Kubra was a towering figure in early Islamic scholarship, renowned for her wisdom, piety, and teaching. She narrated hadiths from the Prophet (PBUH) and other companions, earning her recognition as a trusted source of knowledge. Among her students was Caliph Abdul-Malik ibn Marwan, exemplifying her influence on both scholarly and political circles.

She taught in both Damascus and Jerusalem, where she conducted study circles that included male and female students. 

Umm al-Darda, deeply devoted to teaching, had a large group of students. One day, a student asked her about the challenges of teaching so many: "Have we wearied you?" She replied, "You (pl.) weary me? I have sought worship in everything. I did not find anything more relieving to me than sitting with scholars and exchanging knowledge with them."

Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him, mentions in his book Al-Bidayah wa'l-Nihayah that many men used to learn from Um al-Darda and seek jurisprudential knowledge from her. He narrated that Ibraheem bin Yahya al-Ghisani reported from his father, who said that his grandfather mentioned: “The Caliph Abdul-Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, would sit in the teaching circles of Um al-Darda, which were located by the north wall of the mosque in Damascus during his caliphate.”

Her dedication to education and mentorship made her a beacon of learning, underscoring the critical role of women in fostering Islamic intellectual traditions.

Fathima of Cordoba

Fathima bint Al-Muthanna, a Sufi saint of 12th-century Andalusia, played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual journey of the renowned philosopher and mystic Ibn Arabi. Known as his spiritual mother, she guided him through profound transformations in his intellectual and spiritual life.

Fathima’s contributions illustrate the importance of women in Islamic mysticism, where they served not only as seekers of divine truth but also as mentors and guides for future generations of scholars. Her story highlights the deep spiritual impact women have had on the development of Islamic thought.

Abida al-Madaniyah

Women in Islamic history taught caliphs and renowned jurists

Abida al-Madaniyah’s journey from servitude to scholarship underscores the inclusivity of Islamic knowledge. Initially a slave gifted to the traditionist Habib Dahhun, she earned her freedom and married her former master, who recognized her intellectual capabilities.

Abida became a renowned transmitter of hadith, ensuring that her knowledge was passed on to future generations.Abida al-Madaniyah was a distinguished female hadith scholar who studied under prominent teachers in Madinah. She transmitted approximately 10,000 hadiths from her Madinan teachers.Her granddaughter Abda bint Bishr, followed in her footsteps and became a scholar as well.

 Her story is a powerful reminder that scholarship in Islamic history transcended social and economic barriers, with women like her rising to prominence through their dedication and skill. 

Zaynab bint Suleiman

Zaynab bint Sulayman, born into the privileged household of Sulayman ibn Ibrahim ibn Rahmat, a cousin of al-Saffah and former governor during the caliphate of al-Mansur, exemplifies how privilege can be directed toward scholarly pursuits. As a princess of the Abbasid dynasty, she enjoyed a remarkable early life that provided her with exceptional educational opportunities. Zaynab excelled particularly in the study of hadith, and while she could have remained in the realm of royalty, she chose to carve out a path as a teacher. Her expertise and dedication to learning earned her a respected position as one of the most distinguished traditionists of her time. Zaynab taught some of the most respected 

Zaynab bint Sulayman: Princess turned renowned scholar

scholars in Syria before relocating to Egypt, where she continued her work until her passing. Her exceptional teaching earned her the title “Mustanadud-Dameshyak,” or “A Lady Authorized from Damascus,” marking her legacy as a key figure in Islamic scholarship.

A Lasting Legacy of Knowledge and Influence

The contributions of these remarkable women stand as a testament to the vital role of female scholars in Islamic history. Whether preserving hadith, guiding spiritual development, or shaping legal traditions, their efforts ensured the continuity and growth of Islamic knowledge. Their stories challenge contemporary misconceptions about the role of women in Islam, offering a powerful reminder of their foundational contributions to the faith’s intellectual and spiritual traditions. By rediscovering their legacies, we not only honor their achievements but also highlight the profound impact of their work on the Islamic world. This reflection can inspire modern initiatives to promote gender-inclusive education in Islamic studies, encouraging a more equitable and comprehensive approach to religious scholarship that includes women’s voices at the forefront.