As we celebrate Muslim Heritage Month in October, it is essential to recognize the diverse and profound impact of Muslim women throughout history. In this article, homage is paid to seven history-making Muslim women who have left an indelible mark in a multitude of professions and fields. From science to art to athleticism, literature to activism, these pioneering individuals have shattered barriers and defied stereotypes, illuminating the richness of Muslim Heritage and the boundless potential that lies within it. Their stories, in conjunction with inspiring Muslim girls worldwide to pursue their aspirations, exemplify the strength and resilience of Muslim women and underscore the essential role and influence they have in shaping our world.
1. Fatima Al-Fihri
Did you know that many fundamental university concepts, such as ‘fellows’ holding a ‘chair,’ students ‘reading’ subjects, and earning ‘degrees,’ originated from Madrasas? Surprisingly, the first-ever university wasn’t the University of Bologna or Al Azhar. Instead, Al-Fihri, an exceptional 9th-century woman, is the founder of the world’s first university, Al Quaraouiyine. Born to a wealthy family in Qayrawan, Tunisia, her passion for learning was instilled by her educated father, Mohammed Bnou Abdullah Al-Fihri, a merchant. Later, after her family moved to Fez, Morocco, and following the unfortunate passing of her father and husband, Al-Fihri selflessly used her inheritance to establish Al Quaraouiyine for the community’s betterment. The university offered free courses in a wide range of subjects, from poetry and philosophy to logic, rhetoric, geography, science, mathematics, and more. Al-Fihri’s exceptional legacy lives on, with Al Quaraouiyine still in operation today and housing one of the world’s oldest libraries.
2. Nadiya Hussain
Nadiya Hussain is an accomplished baker and the winner of the Great British Bake Off in 2015. Nadiya pursued education intending to become a social worker, but life took unexpected turns when she met her husband, Abdal. Together, they moved to Leeds, had three children, and Nadiya continued her education through Open University while also baking. The couple discovered their love for watching cooking shows, including Bake Off, and after some encouragement from Abdal, Nadiya applied to the show. Overcoming anxiety and self-doubt, Nadiya not only participated in the show but went on to win it, catapulting her into the world of cooking and TV. Her life transformed, she has written cookbooks, children’s storybooks, novels, and continued to explore the culinary world with her TV series. Nadiya believes in living each day with passion and gratitude, treating every moment as an adventure.
3. Alina Ilnazovna Zagitova
Zagitova, a prominent Russian figure skater, has achieved an extraordinary list of accomplishments in her career. She holds the distinction of being the first skater from her country to secure gold medals in the Olympic Games, the World Figure Skating Championships, the European Figure Skating Championships, and the Grand Prix of Figure Skating. Notably, she also made history as the first Muslim woman to triumph in these prestigious competitions. Even more remarkable is the fact that she achieved all of this by the age of 17. The pinnacle of her illustrious journey thus far occurred during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games when, at just 15 years old, she captured the gold medal with a performance characterized by grace, composure, and technical brilliance.
4. Stephanie Kurlow
Revered as the trailblazing hijabi ballerina of the world, Kurlow embodies living proof that unwavering passion can triumph over any obstacle on the journey toward one’s dreams. Her journey into the realm of dance began in her early years, and she developed a lifelong connection with the art. Yet, when Kurlow made the pivotal decision to wear the hijab at the age of 11, she faced rejection from numerous ballet classes. In response to these challenges, her resolute mother took the initiative to establish a ballet academy where Stephanie could unabashedly pursue her aspirations. Today, at the age of 18, Stephanie Kurlow has showcased immense dedication in overcoming the hurdles associated with her hijab, serving as a source of inspiration for girls everywhere. Her unwavering determination has catapulted her into the limelight, resulting in collaborations with international brands like Gaynor Minden, Tarese Clemens, and Converse. These partnerships have earned her recognition spanning continents, from Australia and Europe to Africa and across the Middle East.
5. Maysoon Zayid
Zayid stands out as one of the most prominent Muslim female comedians, boasting a versatile career as an actress, writer, and disability advocate. Notably, she co-founded and serves as a co-executive producer for both the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. Her influence extends far and wide, having made appearances on notable platforms such as 60 Minutes, CNN, ABC News, and the Oprah Winfrey Networks. Moreover, her TED Talk in 2014 garnered the highest number of views for that year. Beyond the screen and stage, she has garnered widespread acclaim by selling out renowned New York comedy clubs and embarking on extensive national and international tours. Zayid notably headlined the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and The Together Live Tour. Her impressive resume includes a role alongside Adam Sandler in “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” and a contribution to Glamour magazine as a writer. Zayid’s comedic prowess is nothing short of remarkable, as she has effectively shattered stereotypes surrounding female and Muslim comedians, firmly establishing herself as a thriving comic in her own right.
6. Anousheh Ansari
Ansari is celebrated as the first Muslim astronaut, but her achievements extend far beyond this remarkable milestone. She also holds the position of CEO at the XPRIZE Foundation, a global leader in the development and operation of large-scale incentive competitions aimed at addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges. Since assuming her role at the foundation, she has spearheaded a series of innovative initiatives geared toward fostering greater integration and utilization of data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Notably, one of these projects was devised in response to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and the Gender Data Gap. Its primary focus is to promote the ethical creation and utilization of diverse datasets aimed at rectifying biases inherent in AI-driven algorithms applied across various sectors of society. Furthermore, Ansari’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in the establishment of internal policies designed to assess and enhance the diversity metrics within the foundation and among the teams participating in its prize competitions.
7. Dr. Hayat Al Sindi
Born in Saudi Arabia, a country where women traditionally faced educational disparities compared to men (though there have been improvements in this regard), Sindi was fortunate to be raised in a family that prioritized her education. Her journey led her to academic institutions of global renown, including King’s College London, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. It culminated in her attainment of a Ph.D. in biotechnology from Cambridge University in 2001, marking a significant milestone as the first woman from the Persian Gulf to achieve this distinction. Beyond her extraordinary academic achievements, Sindi is deeply committed to addressing critical challenges, such as the lack of access to adequate healthcare resources and technology in underprivileged regions. Her primary objectives revolve around advancing science education, particularly among young women, and promoting the application of biotechnology in developing areas. Sindi’s admirable commitment to leveraging her education for the betterment of society underscores her role as a trailblazer in championing solutions to complex issues in the developing world.
The women featured in this article, alongside many others who have made significant global impacts, rightfully merit acknowledgement, and as such their stories should be shared. They consistently strive to improve our world, challenge stereotypes, and stand as a source of inspiration for Muslim women across the globe, encouraging them to seize opportunities, pursue their passions, and actively contribute to their communities.