Internationally recognised leadership expert, John C. Maxwell said, “Too often, leaders put their energy into organisations, buildings, systems or other lifeless objects. But only people live on after we are gone. Everything else is temporary.” Similarly, American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn, whose legacy will be recognised for generations to come, said, “The legacy we leave is part of the ongoing foundations of life. Those who came before leave us the world we live in. Those who will come after will only have what we leave them. We are stewards of this world, and we have a calling in our lives to leave it better than how we found it, even if it seems like such a small part.”
Much has been seen in the media that Muslim women are steeped in stubborn stereotypes as submissive, oppressed and in need of rescue. Such pervasive generalisations about Muslim women are not only offensive but ultimately also unhelpful to the female subjects they purport to describe. Yes, it may be true to a certain extent in the male dominated societies and stereotypical views of some regions particularly.
At the same time we can’t deny the fact that in certain parts of the world Muslim women are being denied access to education, the ability to drive or even the right to cast a vote or represent themselves in politics. But how does that matter if a Muslim woman has right to choose things allowed in the religion.
Some argue that the Qur’ān gives women the right to participate in public affairs as there are examples of women who took part in serious discussions and argued even with Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) himself. In addition, during the Caliphate of Umar, a woman argued with him in the mosque, proved her point regarding Mehr, and caused him to declare in the presence of many people that a woman is right and Umar is wrong for that particular incident.
Women of this era have great legacy to continue from the Muslim women of Islam’s formative period. They are more than historical figures in the history of Islam but unfortunately these first Muslim female pioneers have become mere history lessons. Surprisingly, they embody political, social and financial models with modern applicability.
Let us go through some examples here that have left great lessons for women and to the humanity as a whole. The life of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) represents a powerful model for Muslim women’s excellence in scholarship, political engagement and even military leadership. She excelled in public speaking, commanded an army on the battlefield and instructed both men and women in Islamic jurisprudence. Now, who will say that she can’t be a role model for a Muslim woman?
Another great example is Sumiyyah bint Khabbat (may Allah be pleased with her). She was one of the first women to believe in the oneness of God, the God of Abraham, Jacob and Joseph which was being propagated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him). She did not enjoy the benefit of wealth or political stature. In fact, she lived with her husband and son under the control of an influential pagan family. This shows the acceptance of truth; believe in her and confidence in the decision-making. She never went back to her ancestors’ faith, which was idolatry in spite of worldly offers and then life threats. She was systematically tortured and eventually killed by a spear through her heart. The story of Sumiyyah’s sacrifice removes the misconceptions of women as weak beings. She fought for what she believed and died on the same belief.
There is much to learn from Ramlah Umme Salim (may Allah be pleased with her) whom the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) stationed with the army during the early Muslim battles against the Arab pagans. She helped supply water to the soldiers and nursed the wounded. In this manner, she participated in the Battles of Uhd and Khyber. She possessed great military and nursing skills.
Another companion of the Prophet, Nusayba Umme Amara (may Allah be pleased with her) is credited with being the first female Muslim soldier during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him). Nusayba fought in the Battles of Uhd, Hunain, Yamama and Hudaibiyah. Initially, she accompanied the Blessed Prophet. During the Battle of Uhd, the Prophet Muhammad’s archers deserted their posts. In response, Nusayba physically defended him with her own sword. In a famous hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) it is recorded as saying that when he turned to his left, he saw Nusayba; when he turned to his right, he saw Nusayba. She in fact sustained a deep wound to her shoulder as a result of combat in that battle.
There was a time, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) asked Shafa Bint Adwiya (may Allah be pleased with her) to teach one of his wives how to read and write. Shafa was an intelligent woman skilled in politics and respected for her wisdom. Prior to converting to Islam, she used to administer medical treatment to patients. After her conversion, she asked the Prophet if she could continue and he encouraged her to do so. This name of a woman is an example for all the women in medical industry today.
Muslim women’s education and professional contributions were positive during that era. This lesson is particularly relevant for the female population of particular Muslim countries where low literacy rates continue to be a problem. This Prophetic model also stands against those minority groups who discourage education of women.
Later, during the Khilafat of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Umar himself consulted and valued Shafa’s opinion. Further, he placed her in a leadership position by entrusting her with the administration of the marketplace in Medina. As such, she was responsible for ensuring that all business transactions were in accord with the law. She protected consumers against fraud and other unsavoury practices.
Impressed with Shafa’s capabilities, Caliph Umar appointed another woman, Samra bint Nuhayk to oversee the market in Makkah as well. The significance of these appointments played great roles in the marketplace in Arabian economies at that time. Shafa’s contributions create another leadership model for Muslim women who are into business and economics. The first lady of Islam and the first wife of Prophet, Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her), was one the successful business women of the time. A great business leadership example for women aiming at proving themselves in the business world today!
If we look at the 21st century, numbers are countable but worth noting that Muslim women have started playing their roles in the Egyptian, Tunisian, Libyan, and other revolutions. We have great examples of women leaders in politics who have left and leaving the legacy from the countries like Indonesia (Megawati Sukarnoputri), Turkey (Tansu Çiller), etc.
Many other Muslims from across the world have excelled and marked their places in the field of religion, medicine, academia and a myriad of professions. A number of contemporary Muslim women are on the path of the continuing legacy of strong Muslim female leadership. You may also, in fact, include your classmate, colleague or neighbour becomes one among them.
Let us see above examples with new eyes and let us build the women leadership, be the heroic protagonist much like them some 1500 years ago. Ask yourself, what will your legacy be after you die? What do you leave for your children to learn from you? What have you given or contributed to this society you can be counted on?
Let us begin today! Even if you are in your teens or early 20’s, it’s not too early to begin thinking about the legacy you want to build and the imprint you want to leave on the world. It is easy to be selfish and only think about our personal desires but let us challenge ourselves to start thinking about what we can do to make our world a better place for future women generations.
Let me finish with English translation of this inspirational couplet of Allama Iqbal (Wujood-e-Zan Se Hai Tasveer-e-Kainat Mein Rang / Issi Ke Saaz Se Hai Zindagi Ka Souz-e-Darun), which says, “It is the existence of the woman that gives the universe its colours / She is the leading instrument in the grand orchestra of life itself.”