by Members of MWN Hub Book Club

We can all name a few Muslim women in Islamic history who have shaped religious practices and challenged societal prejudices against women. The most revered women being Khadijah, Aishah and Fatima, but what of the other women? Do you know who they were and what they did? 

 

When coming across Builders of a Nation by Haifaa Younis, members of MWN Hub book club were quick to nominate that book as their next read. There was interest and excitement - finally a book, written by a woman not a man, highlighting the progressive role Muslim women played historically. The following reviews, shared by members, reflect on the women who most inspired them and the key insights gained from the book.

 

 

Bibi writes: 

This book highlighted how women helped shape the Muslim Ummah - they were warriors, businesswomen, leaders, and so much more. They were active contributors, not bystanders.

 

I expected to read some stories heard before, but I also looked forward to discovering more about the women whose names I’d come across, but didn’t know much about. What stood out whilst reading this book was how respected those women were in their societies.

 

I was most inspired by Umm Salamah’s story. When the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)* proposed to her, she openly shared her concerns about her age, her children, and her nature. I found it so powerful that she was able to speak honestly, and that the Prophet (pbuh) responded with kindness and understanding. It showed how much her voice mattered. I admired how she spoke up when offering advice to the Prophet (pbuh) and where her suggestion helped resolve a tense situation. For me, this showed the power of calm leadership and that women's opinions were not just heard, but respected at the highest level.

 

When asked about whether I agree this book highlights the importance of having a voice – it most definitely does. The women featured exemplify the importance of speaking up, taking up action and making a difference not just for themselves, but for others too.

 

Some of the key takeaways for me are - firstly, a reminder of the difference between culture and Islam - in Islam, women have always had rights, many of which we are still fighting for today. Secondly, everyone, both men and women, should read this book. Thirdly, women should never be afraid to stand up for what is right.

 

This book does well in reminding us that women have always had a voice and a right to be heard, it’s time we reclaimed that fully.

The women featured exemplify the importance of speaking up, taking up action and making a difference not just for themselves, but for others too.

Neelam writes: 

I was very excited to read this book. I come from a family where educating and empowering women has always been of great importance. My parents clearly understood that women are ‘builders of a nation’. 

 

I have not read a book like this before. It presents an overview of 37 Muslim women from our Islamic history. Some from the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) household, some from the female companions at the time of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and some Muslim women pioneers from the time after the passing away of our beloved Prophet (pbuh). 

 

This book reveals that in the early days of Islam, Muslim women played a very active role in shaping the Muslim Ummah. These women put their trust in Allah and put Him as the centre piece in their lives. They emphatically followed the practice of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and strove only to be the best they could in their faith. They made significant contributions and played their part in transforming the Muslim Ummah. 

 

Each Muslim woman mentioned in the book is very inspirational and we can learn so much from their lives. For instance, Sayyidah Khadijah who was an intelligent businesswoman and a great supporter of her husband - the Holy Prophet pbuh. Or Sayyidah Aishah who was well known for her inquisitive nature, resilience and her unending quest for improvement. Or Sayyidah Rufaydah who was a medic on the battlefield and had the first ever documented mobile care unit in battle! 

 

The Muslim women showcased in this book were proactive, curious and were never afraid to ask questions. Due to these qualities and characteristics they played a pivotal role in shaping the Muslim Ummah and the practice of the sunnah. The book references some verses of the Holy Quran, which were revealed in direct answer to one of these Muslim woman’s question or concern. 

 

Each Muslim woman had a desire for knowledge and wanted to be the best Muslim they could. They were reflective of themselves and strove for excellence in everything they did. They prioritised Allah, the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the Hereafter above this world. They were determined individuals who were heard and seen in the early Muslim society. They made bold decisions and took bold steps, and by doing so, made significant contributions towards the early Islamic society. 

 

The key takeaways for me from reading this book are, firstly the importance for Muslim women to gain knowledge. To enable them to better their own practice and advocate for what is right, and be able to recognise when things are on the contrary. 

 

Secondly, for Muslim women to put their trust in Allah and to nurture and deepen their connection with Him in order to strive for excellence in everything they do. 

 

Thirdly, a Muslim woman can and must advocate for herself - this is well documented throughout Muslim history. A Muslim woman should be seen and heard in her community. She should be actively participating in society. 

All the Muslim women mentioned in the book are part of our Muslim history and heritage. They are our heroes and we should learn about them and try to adopt their qualities and characteristics. 

This book presents a challenge to the Muslim communities around the world to really think about their narrative in regards to women and to reflect upon the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in regards to women. 

I would highly recommend reading this book. It is a brief but yet a very informative overview of the amazing Muslim women in our Islamic historical tradition. It would have been helpful if the author had used clear referencing in regards to the Hadith and/or historical literature that had been used to produce the book.

A Muslim woman can and must advocate for herself - this is well documented throughout Muslim history. A Muslim woman should be seen and heard in her community. She should be actively participating in society. 

Umma writes: 

The cloak of passivity and oppression hangs heavily on Muslim women. Today, there seems to be no escaping the many narratives written about the struggles to exert freedom be it either on grounds of identity or exercising human rights. To mention but a few - the struggles of the Palestinian women; the internal displacement of Sudanese women; Afghani and Iranian women living under a regime of gender apartheid; the hijab-ban in France and discrimination Muslim women in the UK continue to face.  

 

While positive storytelling on Muslim women is a little thin on the ground, Builders of a Nation by Haifaa Younis offers a refreshing interlude highlighting the achievements of Muslim women historically. She explains the women featured within this book were purposively chosen: ‘played pivotal roles in shaping Islamic society and actively participated in the construction of a new nation.’ They were single mothers, divorced women, widowed women and mature women. They were innovators and initiators of change.

 

Younis wrote the notion that Islam subjugates women is a misconception rooted in the way the faith is presently being practiced. In providing a counter narrative she has shown how Muslim women have been pioneers of social change. Key examples include Fatimah al-Fihriyyah, the first woman known to have founded an educational institute in the 9^th century (University of al- Qarawiyyin is one of the oldest universities in the world); Fatimah al-Fudayliyyah founded a public library in Mecca during the 19^th century; and social activist and nurse Rufaydah al-Aslamiyyah was the first to run a successful mobile medical care unit.

 

The women featured remind us of the importance of being resourceful and progressive thinkers. Most importantly, their faith empowered them to see beyond the limitations of their society. They were not reserved, shy or traditional – no far from it - they were builders of a nation.

 

This book is definitely worth reading for inspiration and courage.

*PBUH - is an abbreviation for Peace be Upon Him, which is a phrase used by Muslims after mentioning the name of Prophet Muhammad. 

*MWN Hub Book Club is a seasonal reading club that meets up every four months to discuss the chosen book.