PART-1
By Dr Barkat Ali Khan and Dr Iqra Shamsher
In every era and civilization, the strength of a nation has been measured not only by its wealth, armies, or political power, but by the character and capability of its women. A woman is not merely a part of society—she is its soul, its foundation, its heartbeat. If society is a structure, she is its cornerstone; if it is a tree, she is its roots. Without strong, educated, and empowered women, no society can truly thrive. The role of women in nation-building is neither a new debate nor a modern revelation. It is a timeless truth, recognized throughout human history and enshrined in the teachings of Islam more than fourteen centuries ago.
Islam elevated women’s status at a time when much of the world was still questioning their humanity. It granted them rights to education, inheritance, property, and dignity—rights that formed the moral and social backbone of Islamic civilization. When we turn to the earliest chapters of Islamic history, we find women not as silent observers, but as active contributors to faith, knowledge, and community building. Hazrat Khadijah (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stands as one of history’s greatest examples of female leadership. She was not only a devoted wife and mother but also one of Arabia’s most successful businesswomen.
Her wisdom, wealth, and unwavering support became the foundation upon which the early Muslim community was built. When the Prophet (PBUH) first received revelation, it was Khadijah (RA) who consoled him, strengthened his resolve, and became the first believer in Islam. Her life reminds us that women’s economic and moral strength are essential to the stability of any society. Hazrat Ayesha (RA), another towering figure, reshaped the intellectual landscape of early Islam. Renowned for her sharp intellect, eloquence, and knowledge of Hadith, she became one of the most influential scholars in Islamic jurisprudence. Her narrations of the Prophet’s traditions form a cornerstone of Islamic thought.
Hazrat Ayesha taught men and women alike, trained scholars, and provided guidance on theology, ethics, and law—proving that the quest for knowledge knows no gender. Hazrat Fatimah (RA), the beloved daughter of the Prophet (PBUH), embodied purity, devotion, and moral excellence. Her life was simple yet profoundly impactful—she symbolized the strength of faith and the power of humility. As a daughter, wife, and mother, she upheld values that continue to inspire Muslim women across generations: modesty, patience, and dedication to family and faith. Beyond the early Islamic period, history offers countless examples of Muslim women who shaped education, science, and culture. Among them stands Fatima al-Fihri, a name that continues to echo through the corridors of academia even after twelve centuries.
Born in the 9th century in Fez, Morocco, Fatima founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which UNESCO and the Guinness World Records recognize as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Through her vision, she proved that women are not only seekers of knowledge but also founders of institutions that nurture generations. Another remarkable figure is Rufaida al-Aslamia (RA), recognized as the first female nurse and surgeon in Islamic history. During the time of the Prophet (PBUH), she tended to the wounded in battle, established mobile clinics, and trained other women in medical care. Her legacy continues today as a symbol of compassion, service, and professionalism—qualities essential to both healthcare and humanity.
In the centuries that followed, Muslim women continued to shine as scholars, poets, rulers, and reformers. Lubna of Córdoba, a mathematician and calligrapher in 10th-century Spain, managed the great library of Córdoba and contributed to the Golden Age of Islamic learning. Similarly, Queen Arwa al-Sulayhi of Yemen, a 12th-century ruler, governed with wisdom, promoted education, and ensured justice in her realm, proving that leadership and femininity are not opposites but complements. We believe that mothers are the first educators of the nation. If education is the key to national progress, then a mother’s lap is the first school of humanity. Every visionary, leader, and thinker begins life under the nurturing guidance of a woman. A mother does not only give birth—she shapes character, instills values, and builds the moral framework upon which societies stand. (Continue……..)
(Both writers are seasoned academics at Gomal University and contribute a range of articles. They can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
