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Archive for July, 2012

Equality of Men and Women The Quran makes it clear that Women and Men are equal in the eyes of God

Posted by Dr. Manzer Durrani in Islam: The Universal Message of Peace on July 27th, 2012

Equality of Men and Women

The Quran makes it clear that Women and Men are equal in the eyes of God

One of the most misunderstood areas in Islam is that of the position of women in the religion. The general perception in the West is that Muslim women are subjugated and almost seen as property. While not all Muslims deal with women as inferior, this is unfortunately true in some segments of the Muslim world and this treatment is supposedly justified by the religion. However, when we look at the basis of the religion, the Quran, we see a very different picture. In the Quran God makes it very clear that men and women are equal.

[3:195] Their Lord responded to them: “I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female – you are equal to one another. Thus, those who immigrate, and get evicted from their homes, and are persecuted because of Me, and fight and get killed, I will surely remit their sins and admit them into gardens with flowing streams.” Such is the reward from GOD. GOD possesses the ultimate reward.

[4:124] As for those who lead a righteous life, male or female, while believing, they enter Paradise; without the slightest injustice.

Guaranteed Happiness Now and Forever

[16:97] Anyone who works righteousness, male or female, while believing, we will surely grant them a happy life in this world, and we will surely pay them their full recompense (on the Day of Judgment) for their righteous works.

 

Equality of Men and Women

[33:35] The submitting men, the submitting women, the believing men, the believing women, the obedient men, the obedient women, the truthful men, the truthful women, the steadfast men, the steadfast women, the reverent men, the reverent women, the charitable men, the charitable women, the fasting men, the fasting women, the chaste men, the chaste women, and the men who commemorate GOD frequently, and the commemorating women; GOD has prepared for them forgiveness and a great recompense.

[40:40] Whoever commits a sin is requited for just that, and whoever works righteousness – male or female – while believing, these will enter Paradise wherein they receive provisions without any limits.

The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

How is it that such clear verses can be ignored? Why are women treated so poorly in some Muslim communities? The answer lies in the fact that those communities take other sources besides the Quran as the basis of their religion. There are many Hadith that denigrate women. Also the pre-Islamic cultures of much of the Muslim world did not value women and had little use for them. The following verses demonstrate this fact:

When one of them gets a baby girl, his face becomes darkened with overwhelming grief. Ashamed, he hides from the people, because of the bad news given to him. He even ponders: should he keep the baby grudgingly, or bury her in the dust. Miserable indeed is their judgment.(16:58-59)

When one of them is given news (of a daughter) as they claimed for the Most Gracious, his face is darkened with misery and anger! (They say,) “What is good about an offspring that is brought up to be beautiful, and cannot help in war?” (43:17-18)

Such attitudes can still be seen among some Muslims. Contrast this with the attitude and practice of the prophet Muhammad himself as demonstrated by his willingness to debate with a woman about her husband:

GOD has heard the woman who debated with you about her husband, and complained to GOD. GOD heard everything the two of you discussed. GOD is Hearer, Seer. (58:1)

One does not debate with someone who is inferior, you simply tell him or her what to do. Muhammad also spoke with his wives as equals, though they were not always worthy of his trust:

The prophet had trusted some of his wives with a certain statement, then one of them spread it, and GOD let him know about it. He then informed his wife of part of the issue, and disregarded part. She asked him, “Who informed you of this?” He said, “I was informed by the Omniscient, Most Cognizant.” (66:3)

It is clear from these verses that Muhammad dealt with women equitably, in spite of the culture that surrounded him. Thus, in his own life he demonstrated the equality of men and women just as he preached it from the Quran.

As culture affects the way women are perceived and treated in Muslim communities, it affects things in the Western world. It is significant that in the Bible God is referred to with the masculine pronoun and called Father. No wonder that in the West God is thought of as being masculine. This is not the case in the Quran, however. God is without gender in the Quran. Why should God have a gender when all He needs do is say “Be” and it is?

In Appendix Four of his translation Quran: The Final Testament, Dr. Rashad Khalifa indicates that perhaps one of the reasons God chose to reveal the Quran in Arabic is the very fact that “he” and “she” do not necessarily imply natural gender. This is similar to the use of pronouns in Spanish. Thus, though the masculine pronoun may be used to refer to the sun in Spanish as el sol, that in no way makes the sun a male. This same principle is true in Arabic.

And there is another more dramatic example of how the Quran demonstrates women’s equality in contrast to Biblical tradition. In the Quran it is clear that Adam and Eve are equally guilty for listening to Satan. The fall of mankind from the Garden of Eden is not blamed on Eve. This is shown more than once in the Quran (2:34-36, 7:19-22, 7:27). Here is just one example:

The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence.” He swore to them, “I am giving you good advice.” He thus duped them with lies. As soon as they tasted the tree, their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Their Lord called upon them: “Did I not enjoin you from that tree, and warn you that the devil is your most ardent enemy?” (7:20-22)

Throughout these verses, God refers to both Adam and Eve as being tempted by and giving in to Satan. Thus we see that God makes it clear that men and women are equal. He directly tells us in verses, He shows us in examples from the Quran of His prophet, and He counteracts the cultural bias of language and tradition. For those who read the Quran there is no excuse—men and women are equal.

 

Ref:http://www.submission.info/perspectives/women/equality.html

 

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PAKISTANI STARS: OUR WOMEN SCIENTISTS-DRS.TAZEEN MOHSIN & SHAZIA ANJUM

Posted by Dr. Manzer Durrani in Our Heroes on July 25th, 2012

Tazeen Mohsin, 42, genetics researcher at the University of Karachi, Pakistan. Family has played an important role in Tazeen Mohsin’s career, particularly when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.

Tazeen Mohsin

Mohsin: ‘I got enormous help from my husband. But not everyone has the same luck’

Suhail Yusuf

Mohsin was completing a PhD in plant biochemical genetics at the time and had to put her studies on hold for almost a year while she underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Now in remission, she has been awarded her PhD and her thesis has been published. She has also received a Young Scientists Award, a three-year research grant that will enable her to continue her research into the enhancement of glutenin, a nutritious protein, in bread.

Mohsin credits her husband with supporting her throughout her career and helping her to balance her research, teaching and family responsibilities.

“The support from [a] husband is very important — it’s like a whole new world opens up for you,” she says. “I got enormous help from my husband. But not everyone has the same luck.”

She recalls another female researcher who got married after receiving her Master of Philosophy degree. “She tried to do her doctorate many times, but could not sustain her research because of a lack of support from her husband and in-laws.”

Women scientists face numerous hurdles in Pakistani society, Mohsin says. They are less likely to study science as there is a lack of investment in girls’ education. Parents also invest less in their daughters’ higher education because they usually expect them to remain at home once they are married.

Poverty is another hurdle. Although Mohsin lost her father at a young age, she had no financial difficulties because he had been a landlord and the family generated a significant amount of revenue from the land. For less fortunate women, scholarships and grants are the only options.

She says it is important for women scientists to be able to share their experiences, something that is currently lacking. She suggests a physical or virtual forum where women can share ideas and exchange research.

But Shazia Anjum, 39, former research associate at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, does not feel that women are disadvantaged in her sphere of work in Pakistan.

Shazia Anjum

Anjum: ‘[In Pakistan], women have their freedom … I don’t feel discriminated against’

Shazia Anjum

“[In Pakistan], women have their freedom. I see women working with men. I don’t feel discriminated against,” says Anjum, who has more than ten years of research experience in chemistry and was previously assistant professor at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences in Karachi. She admits that this may not have been the case five years ago, but believes that globalisation has precipitated change in Pakistan.

“People are more aware of what is happening elsewhere in the world and have realised that progress cannot be achieved if more than 50 per cent of the population is sitting at home doing nothing,” she says.

Anjum, who has visited Malaysia and Spain for her professional development, has authored and co-authored more than 80 research papers and has a US patent for isolating four anti-bacterial and anti-diabetic compounds from the evergreen shrub myrtle in Pakistan. In 2006 she was awarded the Izaz-i-Kamal Presidential Award, which few women have received.

Anjum’s father died when she was very young, so her mother decided to go to school — the first woman in her family to do so — to earn the money she would need to raise her two daughters. “I remember I was in grade three when my mother was taking her exams for grade eight,” Anjum recalls.

When Anjum chose to study chemistry, she became the first woman in her family to go to university. “It was a challenge for me. I had to speak out and convince my mother that I was committed,” she says.

Anjum has recently decided to return to Pakistan to pursue a career in her native country, and she hopes to establish a research institute in her home town of Bahawalpur.

According to Anjum, the real challenge to the scientific community in Pakistan is not gender discrimination, but the lack of facilities and dwindling political and financial support for research. Pakistan’s current regime, which was elected into office in 2008, does not support science, she says. “They are not investing funds in higher education. There is a huge brain drain.”

Closing the gap

Women scientists such as Anjum are still the exception rather than the rule. Most believe that much work remains to be done to break down stereotypes and close the gender gap, particularly at the top.

The scientists themselves have a key role to play in developing more top female researchers, says Mary Abukutsa-Onyango. “Only women taking up leadership positions in science will have an impact on women who go through it [pursue a career in research].” She believes that mentoring programmes — such as the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development scheme, which pairs budding researchers with senior professionals — can finally help to make this happen.

 

Reference:http://www.scidev.net/en/features/successful-women-scientists-how-did-they-do-it–1.html

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A True Son of Pakistan, Col.Riaz Jafri tells it like it is! Elections! Elections! Elections!

Posted by Dr. Manzer Durrani in Politics on July 25th, 2012

LETTER TO EDITOR

July 25th, 2012

 

Elections Elections Elections

Hamid Mir summed up his Capital Talk show by saying that they (the panelists) had analysed the problems of Pakistan and the panacea for all of them was elections, elections, and elections.

I beg to disagree.  Who would all do they think shall be given the party tickets for the next and the next thereafter ad infinitum elections to contest and win?  The same chips of the same block –  Baap nahi tau Beta, Beti nahi tau Bahu, Bhanja nahi tau bhateeja, Chacha nahi tau Mama,  – – – – again ad infinitum. What choice would the poor electorate have except to choose one among from the same luteras?

There will be no change whatsoever and the same professional and hereditary corrupt plunderers will rule over this hapless nation unless some Khomeini or Mao rids them of the gnawing sharks and leeches!

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)

Rawalpindi 

Pakistan

E.mail: [email protected]

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WOMAN MUSLIM LEADERS and FEMALE LEADERS IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES throughout the times

Posted by Dr. Manzer Durrani in Global Issues on July 25th, 2012

WOMAN MUSLIM LEADERS

and

FEMALE LEADERS IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES
throughout the times

 

 Opposition Leader Hind al-Hunnud, Arab World

A member of the Quaish Tribe in the Kingdom of Kindah, she was one of the leaders of the opposition to Muhammed. She led a battle against him in 624, where her father and brother were killed and she then led a battle of vengeance against Muhammed. In the end she submitted to him and became a Muslim convert.

 

631-56 Politically Influential ‘A’ishah Bint Abi Bakr, Arab World

A powerful force in the political turmoil that followed the death of her husband, the Prophet Muhammed. She became an authority on Muslim tradition, and very important for her role in the civil war. She was defeated and captured in a battle in 656 and only released on promising to abandon political life. Her religious teachings became important for the Shiite branch of the Muslim faith. She lived (613-78).

 

681  Khanum Pisutu of Uighuristan (Central Asia)

The Uighur Khans governed portions of Central Asia in the centuries immediately following the Muslim expansion, and then fade from view. It is not entirely clear that the Turkic people called Uighurs who now dwell mostly in Western China are the same folk; the name is the same, but it could have been adopted by later-arriving tribes. The country was invaded by the Got Turks in 681.

 

Ca 690-701 Queen Dahlia al-Chain of the Moors (Berbian tribe in Tunisia)

Her name means the “priestess” or the “prophetess”, and she assumed personal command of the Barbarian forces, and under her leadership, the Arabs were briefly forced to retreat, but since the Arabs were relentless, she ordered a scorched earth policy. After her defeat, Dahia al-Kahina took her own life, and sent her sons to the Arab camp with instructions that they adopt Islam and make common cause with the Arabs.  Ultimately, these men participated in invading Europe and the subjugation of Spain and Portugal.

 

720-.. De facto Joint Ruler Hababa of Bagdad (Iraq)

She was slave singer of the 9th Ummayyad Caliph, Yarzid II Ibn ‘Abd al-Malik who was hostage to her carm. She choked on a pomegranate seed and he died of grief a few weeks later. Later historians stigmatized him and held him in contempt for letting himself be infatuated by a slave.

 

734-41 Khatun and Regent Mo-ki-lien of Mong (Mongolia)

Is known as Khatun Mo-ki-lien, which was the name of her husband. He was poisoned by his minister, and she acted as regent for their son, Yu-jan, who was again succeeded by her minor brother, Tängri Khagan, who died in 741.

 

Ca. 774 Governor Cara Zon of Carcasson (Spain)

A Marurian-Arab Princess. She defended the city-state against Charles the Great.

 

775-809 Politically Influential Caliph-Consort Al-Haizuran of Bagdad (Iraq)

Also known as Khayzuran (literally, Bamboo) she was a slave, born most likely in Yemen, and gained substantial influence during the reigns of her husband, al-Mahdi (775-785), who allowed her to make many important royal decisions. After his death, it was Khayzuran who kept the peace by paying off the Caliph’s army in order to maintain order. She arranged for the accession of her son, al-Hadi, even when he was away from the capitol. When al-Hadi proved less tolerant of Khayzuran’s political maneuverings than had al-Mahdi, it was speculated that it was Khayzuran who arranged his murder in favour of her second, more tolerant son, Harun. Whatever the truth, Khayzuran is more fondly remembered than many of the caliphs themselves.
  908-32 Politically Influential Shaghab of Baghdad (Iraq)
Succeeded in maneuvering the religious and military elite into recognizing her only 13 year old son, Muqtadir, as caliph. She had origially been a slave.

Empress Wei Shi

926 Regent Dowager Empress Shulü Hatun of Qidan (China and of Mongolia)

Also known as Khatun Shu-lü Shih of Purtmish, she was regent after the death of her husband Abaoji until her son Yaoku was elected as his successor as ruler of The Qidan nationality, which originally dwelt in the upper reaches of the mountains. It was nomadic and its main activities were fishing and hunting.

 

Around 950 Queen Yehudit of the Falasha Agaw (Ethiopia)

Also known as Yodit, Esato or Judith, she attacked the Christian southern provinces of Ethopia as far as the mountains of Tigre around 975. The Ethiopians saw her invasion as a punishment for having failed to be obedient to their Coptic patriarch. While the Agaw held power, the Amhara and Tegre culture entered a “dark age” about which little is known, and a large part of the Ethiopian civilization was lost or destroyed during this time.

 

Until 970 Princess Alan-Goa of the Hori-Tumat Dynasty in Mongolia

Succeeded by Bodonchar

 

Around 976 Politically Influential Dowager Queen of Persia (Iran)

Together with vizier Abu’l-Husain ‘Abd-Allah ibn Ahmad ‘Utbi, she assisted her son, Nuh II ibn Mansur, of the Samanid Dynasty (d. 997) who ascended to the throne as a youth.

 

981 Regent Hint bint Ishaq of Thima (Arabia)

 

 

997-1028/29 Regent for the Caliph-Governor Sayuda Sirin Hatyn of Gabal of Persia

Reigned in the name of both her son and grandson, both of the Bayide Dynasty

 

Around 1000 Leader Badit bint Maja of the Politically Organized Islamic Society (Ethiopia)

Either leader of a tribe or substate-entity.

 

1020-24 Regent Naib us Sultanat Sitt al-Moluk of Egypt

Also known as the Lady of Cairo, her name means “Lady of Power”, and assumed power after having arranged the “disappearance” of her brother Imam Hakim bin Amr Allah. She had his son al-Zahir proclaimed Imam and Caliph and she became regent. She appointed competent ministers, managed to setting the economy in order and brought peace to the country. (d. 1024)

 

1046-62 Regent The Caliph-Mother of Egypt

For the Fathamide-Caliph. She was a Sudanese ex -slave.

 

1061-1107 Joint Ruler al-qa’ima bi mulkini Zainab al-Nafzawiyya of the Berber Empire (Northern Africa)

Contemporary sources name her “the one in charge of her husband’s realm”, and she was joint ruler with her husband, Yusuf Ibn Tashfin of an Empire covering most of Northern Africa.

 

1084-1137 Regent Dowager Sultana Saiyida Hurra Arwa bint Ahmad as-Sulayhi of Tihama (Arabia)

Ruled in the name of Saba, who died in 1197/99 and then reigned alone, though together with other co-regents. From sometime in the 1130s she was the sole ruler. She was succeeded by Sultan al-Mansur bin al Mugaddal.

 

1086-94 Regent Dowager Queen Khanum of the Tanguts (Dangxiang)(China and Mongolia)

Regent for son Li Qianshum (1086-1139), who ruled in Jingbian/Ningxian.

 

Until 1087 Co-Ruler al-Sayyida al-Hurra Malika Asma Bint Shibab al-Sulayhiyya of Yemen

Her title means “The Most Noble Lady who is independent, the woman sovereign who bows to no superior authority, Queen”. She was married to Sultan Ali al-Sulahi, who entrusted much of the management of the realm to her. She also enjoyed the privilege of the Khutba – having the Friday’s prayer preached in her name – the ultimate proof of sovereignty. In 1067 her husband was taken prisoner on a pilgrimage to Mecca and she was taken prisoner by the Bane Najah family, when she was released she continued to direct her son’s rule along with her daughter-in-law ‘Arwa, until her death in 1087.

 

1091-1138 Co-Ruler al-Sayyida al-Hurra Malika ‘Arwa bint Ahmad al-Salayhiyya of Yemen

The wife of al-Mukarram Ahmad (1067-84), she was joint ruler with her mother-in-law Queen Asma. After her husband’s death she became ruler in her own name, having the Friday’s Prayers said in her name. She lived (1047-1137).

Unnamed Muslim Lady

1092-94 Regent Dowager Princess Turhan Hatun of Seljuk Persia (Iran)

The Seljuqs were a Turkish people whose history begins around the year 1000, by which time they were the dominant presence in Transoxiana and Turkestan. They overran the western part of the Ghaznavid Emirate in 1040, and shortly thereafter took over all of Persia and Mesopotamia from the Buwayhids. The death of Sanjar in 1118 signaled the decline of the Great Seljuq Empire, which broke up into several smaller states.
 

1107-24 Regent Dowager Sultana of the Seljuk-Principality of Malatya in Anatolia (Turkey)

Widow of Sultan Kilj Arslan, and married to three Turkish chiefs in succession who acted as guardians of her son, Sultan Tughril Arslan. In 1124 the principality was concord by the Danishmendide-Turks.

 

Ca. 1120-30 Ruler Al-Hurra Alam al-Malika of Zubayd (Yemen)

A singer or slave of the king Mansur ibn-Najah (Ca. 1111-23), who was so impressed by her political astuteness that he placed her in charge of the realm’s management and “made no decisions without consulting her”. In 1123 he was poisoned by his vizier Mann Allah, but Alam continued to govern but she never had the Khutba proclaimed in her name at the Friday night prayer. Zybayd was a principality in western Yemen near San’a, with whom it was in a perpetual state of war. The title of al-hurra was bestowed on women who were active in politics, but did not denote Queenship.

 

1142 Regent Dowager Khanum Ta-pu-yen of Qara Khitai (Turkestan)

After the death of her husband, Ta-pu-yen, she was regent for her son Ye-lü Yi-lie.

Khanum of Mongolia

1151-77 Khanum Regnant Tabuyan T’a-Pu-Yen Gantian Huanghou of Qara Khitai (Turkestan now Kyrgyzstan)

Leader of the Central Asian Khanate – in what today is partly Kyrgyzstan and partly Chinese Turkestan the region Sinkiang Uighur Autonomous Region/Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu. The state was  founded by the Khitan ruler Yeh-lü Ta-shih when he conquered the Kharakhanid Turks in 1137. In 1141 Yeh-lü consolidated his conquest by defeating the Great Seljuk sultan Sanjar near Samarkand. The khanate was weakened in about 1200 by attacks from the Khwarizm shahdom and in 1218 it collapsed precipitately when the Mongols invaded. The governmental  institutions of Qara Khitai were taken over by the Mongols to form the foundations of their own imperial administration.

 

1163-77/78 Dowager Khanum Regnant Yelü Pusuwan Chengtian Taihou of Qara Khitai (Turkestan)

In the 1120s China’s Liao Dynasty was ousted by the Liaos, or Khitans, and were driven west into Central Asia,  where, after defeating the Seljuq Turks of Persia under the Sultan Sanjar in 1141, they founded the Qara-Khitai Empire with Samarkand as its capital covering present day’s Mongolia, Northern-China, Kyrgyzstan and other central Asian territories.

 

1170/72 Regent Dowager Sultan Turhan of Hwarizim Sahi of Uiguristan (China and Kazakstan)

Reigned for Sultan Sah Abd’l Quasim Mahmud 1170/72, who was deposed as ruler of the kingdom. The origin of Uigur ethnic group can be traced back to the nomadic people living around Lake Baikal and the area between the Irtish River and Lake Balkhash in the third century B.C. During the long history, these people amalgamated the north and south Xinjiang (China), Mongolian, Han and Tibetan clans. And the present Uigur ethnic group came into being. The Uigur has its own language and alphabet, which belongs to the Turki Austronesian, Altai Phylum. In their language, “Uigur” means “solidification and union”. The Uigurs rely heavily on agriculture as their main source of survival. They plant cotton, wheat, corn and paddy. The largest grape base of China is also located in the Turpan Basin.

 

1172-74 Politically Influential Terken Khatun (I) of the Khwarezmian Empire (Iran)
After the death of her husband, Shah Il-Arslan, his sons began fighting over who would succeed him. Sultan Shah was the younger son, but he was considered the formal heir and she placed him on the throne. The elder son, Tekish, fled to the Qara Khitai and was given a large army, and he soon set off for Khwarazm. She and her son decided to flee, and Tekish installed himself in Khwarazm unopposed in December 1172, but she gained the support of Mu’ayyad al-Din Ai-Aba, a former Seljuk Amir who had set himself up in Nishapur since the collapse of Seljuk power there, he led an army into Khwarazm, but was defeated, captured and executed. Her son eventually found refuge with the Ghurids, but she was hunted down and killed by Tekish’s forces.

 

1200-20 De-facto Co-Ruler Terken Khatun (II) of Khwarezmian Empire (Iran)

After the death of her partner, ‘Ala’ al-Din Tekish (1172-1200), she so dominated the court of their son, ‘Ala’ al-Din Muhammad II (1200-20) and quarreled so bitterly with his heir by another wife, Jalal al-Din, that she may have contributed to the impotence of the Khwarazmshahi kingdom in the face of the Mongol onslaught. She had a separate Divan and separate palace and the orders of the sultan were not considered to be effective without her signature. The Shah ruled the heterogeneou peoples without mercy. In face of Mongol attacks, Khwarazm empire, with a combined army of 400.000, simply collapsed.  Harezmshah Muhammed had retreated to Samarkand towards the end of his domination and he had to leave the capital city of Gurgenç to her.
  1208-20 Queen Ahmadilidyn of the Urmiya Dynasty of Persia
Succeeded her father as head of the Ahmadilit-dynasty.
  121?-18 Ruler Salbak Turhan of Uiguristan (Kazakstan)
The Qara-Khitai Empire with Samarkand as its capital covering present day’s Mongolia, Northern-China, Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian Territories. In 1210 the Qara-Khitai Empire lost Transoxiana to the Khwarazim Shahdom, previously a vassal. The empire ended in 1218, when it was annexed  by the Mongol Empire of Chingiz Khan.
1218 Regent the Dowager Sultana of the Selsjuks in Aleppo (Syria)
Widow of Al-Zahir for son al-Aziz. Her troops was involved in the fight against the crusaders.
1236-40 Sultan Galalat ad-Din Begum Radiya bint Shamas al-Din Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate (Most of Northern India)
Also known Razia Begum or Radiyya Altamish, she was The daughter of the first Mameluk king of Delhi, Sultan Ilutmish, she came to the throne after deposing her brother and having him killed. She used the title al-dunya wa al din, which can be translated into “the blessed of the earthly world and of the faith”. She was a very able leader and military commander, but was deposed and executed in 1246/47.
  1236-42 Regent Dowager Princess Dayfa Khatun bint al-Adil Muhammadn of Yamkhad (Syria)
Dayfat Hatun was the widow of ad az-Zahir Ghazi Ghiyath ud-Din I, who ruled (1186-1216) and after the death of her son, al-‘Aziz Muhammad Ghiyath ud-Din II (1216-1236) she became regent for her grandson al-Nasr II Yusuf Salah ad-Din (1236-1260). The capital of the Kingdom was Aleppo, an ancient city in northwestern Syria, about 130 km east of Antiochia.
  From 1237 Regent the Dowager Sultana of the Selsjuks in Aleppo (Syria)
for Sultan al-Nazir, fighting with the Latin kings and counts in the area.
  1241-… Joint Ruler Empress Kassi of Mali
According to custom, the emperor and the principal wife ruled jointly. She was married to her paternal cousin, Suleyman (1241-60), and was extremely popular with the royal court. After her husband divorced her in order to marry the commoner Bendjou, she rallied support of the noble ladies, who refused to pay homage to the new Empress. Kassi was then forced to seek refuge in a mosque, where she initiated a revolt, which ended in the defeat of her Faction.
  1241-48 Grand Khanum Regnant Törägänä of the Qagans of China
Also known as Töregene Khâtûn, she was head of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, which ruled most of China and Chinese Turkestan. Her son, Guyuk, was Khan 1246-48.
  1242-46 Regent Dowager Khanum Ebüskün of Qara Khitai (Turkestan)
For Qara Hülägü. The dynasty used to rule over a vast empire, but had been forced back to present day’s Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
  1248-51 Empress Khanum Hatun Ogul Gamys of The Yuan Dynasty in China
Also known as Oghul Qamish or Ghaimish. After the death of her husband, Greath Khan Güyük, she became  regent for her three young sons Qucha, Naqu and Qughu and thereby became ruler over parts of China, Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakstan and Turkestan. In 1250 she received three envoys of Louis IX of France. She accepted their presents as a tribute and demanded that the king of France made more explicit submission to her. In 1251 fighting broke out between rival Factions of the ruling family, she was convicted of sorcery, sewn up in a sack and drowned in 1252.
Unnamed Sultana 1249-50 Regent Shajarat al-Dur of Egypt and Syria
1250 Sultan Regnant (Queen of the Muslims)
1250-57 Co-ruler

In 1249, the French army under Louis IX of France attacked Egypt. Shagrat who was regent for her husband Salih, who was in Damascus, organized the defence of the realm. After her husband’s death his son Turan became ruler, but she retained control, and defeated  the Crusaders at Damietta. The leaders of the army plotted against Turan and have him murdered. On May 2, 1250, they put Shagrat al-Durr on the throne, thus beginning the Mamluk dynasty. As sultan she has coins struck in name, and she is mentioned in weekly prayers in mosques. These two acts only can be done for the person who carries the title of sultan, but the Caliphate at Baghdad did not approve of Shagrat, who stepped down after for only two months. But she married her successor Aibak, a Mamluk soldier. Reports tell of their great love for one another, and for seven years she continued to rule. An historian who lived at the time comments: “She dominated him, and he had nothing to say.” Shagrat continued to sign the sultan’s decrees, has coins struck in both their names, and dared to be addressed as Sultana. She was killed 1257 apparently after having murdered her husband.
  1252-61 Regent Dowager Khanum Organa Hatum of the Khanate of the Eastern Turkiut (Xinjiang) and of Qara Khitai (China, Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan) and of Khurasan (Iran)
Head of the Ghafa Sid Horde (or Qara Khitai/ Chagataiid Horde) and ruled over a vast territory after the death of Qara Hulegu as successor of Qara Hulegu, who reigned 1247-52 and 1252. She was succeeded by Khan Alughu. Her name also spelled as Orqina Khatum.
  1255-57 Regent Dowager Khanum Boraqcin of Hwarizim Sahi (or the Khanate of Kipchak) (Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan)
Widow of Batu, who was khan (1227-55). When he died in 1255 his son and heir, Sartaq, had gone to pay court to Grand Khan Mongka, his father’s friend. But he died before he could return home to the Khanate of Kipchak. Mongka nominated the young prince Ulagci, who was either the brother or son of Sartaq, and made Boraqchin regent of the Mongol tribe (The Golden Horde) in West Turkestan, roughly covering present day Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Unnamed Persian Lady 1257-82 Regent Dowager Sultan Turhan Hatun ‘Ismat ad-Duyan Wa’l-Din of Qutlug Khan (Iran)
Also known as Qutlug or Kutlugh, she ruled as regent for son Sultan Haggag (Hağğağ) until 1267, and afterwards alone. She had the khutba (prayer for the sovereign) proclaimed in the mosques, the ultimate sign of legitimate reign. She was deposed by Ahmad Teguder and replaced by her stepson as ruler of Qutluq Khan or Kirman. Her daughter, Padisha, later reigned the Kingdom of Kirman.
  1260-62 Regent Dowager Princess Turhan Hatun of Banu-Salgar (Iran)
The Mongol Empire after 1260 laid fragmented as the four Mongol states  – the Golden Horde in the west, Il-Khans in Persia, Chagatai empire in Mongolia, and Kublai Khan in China – and the Mongols in Persia were further divided into a number of smaller states in addition to the Il-Khans. One of them was Banu-Salgar.

 

1261-63 Regent Dowager Princess Terken Khatun of Fars (Iran)

After the death of her husband, Atabeg Sa’d II bin Abi Bakr bin Sa’d bin  Zangi, she was duly confirmed by ruler of Fars by the Ilkhan Hülegü. She then married a kinsman, presumably as part of some now forgotten dynastic pact, but he killed her in a drunken frenzy and subsequently rebelled against the Ilkhan. After his defeat and death in 1263/64, Hülegü nominated her infant daughter, Abish Khatun to be the ruler of Fars.

Persian Woman

1263-75 Atabeg Regnant Abisha Hadud Khatun of Fars (Iran)
1283-87 Governor of Fars

Also known as Abish Khatun or Aubee Khatton, she was nominated as ruler by the Ilkhan of the Khwarazham Empire in Persi, after her mother, Terken Khatun, was killed. Her name was read in the khutha and struck on the coinage. In 1274, when she was about fifteen, she was taken to the Ilkhan’s ordu (Court), and married to Tash-Möngke (Mengü Temür), a younger son of Hülegü This was a marriage, forbidden in Islamic law, between a Muslim woman and a shamanist, but presumably the will of the Ilkhan transcended all other considerations. She became his chief wife and had two daughters by him, Kürdüjin and Alghanchi. When her husband was sent as governor to Fars, she was retained in the ordu, but 1283, the new Ilkhan, Ahmad Tegüder (1282-84), recalled him from Shiraz and appointed her in his place. Her financial recklessness, coinciding with a drought throughout Fars, meant that she defaulted on her revenue payments, so that Ahmad Tegüder’s successor, Arghun (1284-91), ordered her to appear at the ordu. Perhaps relying on the good offices of Öljei Khatun, Hülegü’s widow, to protect her from the Ilkhan’s wrath, she declined to go and behaved outrageously toward the officials sent to supersede her. She was eventually forced to capitulate and submitted to the Ilkhan (Öljei Khatun did indeed intercede for her), dying at the ordu in 1287, after having lived (ca. 1269-87).
  1285-87 Maat Layla Sultan of Harrar (Ethiopian Sup state)
Succeeded her brother as head of the Semitic speaking Islamic Ethiopian Boarder State.
  1291-95 Safwad al dunya wa ad-Din Padshah Hatun of Qutlugh Khan (Iran)
Padshah became ruler and took the title Safwad al dunya wa ad-Din (Purity of the earthly world and of the faith) after Djalal da-Din Abu’l-Muzzafar was deposed as head of the Mongol tribe, which reigned in the southeastern Iran. She had her stepbrother Suyurghatamish arrested and eventually killed. She was daughter of Kitlugh Turkan or Turkan Khatun, Queen of Qutlugh Khan or Kirman (1257-82). In 1295 her husband’s successor Great Khan Baydo of the Ilkhan dynasty, had her put to death on the advise of the leader of Suyurghatamish’s clan, his widow, Khurdudjin.
Unnamed Chinese lady 1307 Dowager Empress Khanum Bulugan of the YuanDynasty in China
She was widow of Temur Oljetu (Cheng Tsung) who ruled (1294-1307) as successor to Khubilaikhan (Shizu) and acted as regent for her step-grandson Wu Tsung, also known as Khaishan or Hai San. She was born as Princess Bulukhan of the Baya’ud.
  1316-17 Regent and Principal Minister Qutlug Sah Hatun of Persia and Iraq
After the death of her husband, Ghiyath al-Din Muhammed Uljaytu (1282-1304-16) the 8th Il Khan she was regent for their son, ‘Ala al-Dunaya wa ‘l-din Abu Said (1304-1317-1335). The dynasty had reigned Persia and Iraq  China since Kubilai Khan of Mongolia and China appointed his brother, Halagu (1256-1265) as tributary sub-ruler. With the death of Abu Sa’id the Il-lkhanid dynasty in Iran virtually came to an end.
  1316 Ruler Dawlat Khatun of Luristan (Persia)
Succeeded her husband, Izz al-Din Muhammad, the 13th sovereign of the Mongol Bani Kurshid dynasty, which ruled Luristan in southwestern Persia. She proved to be a poor administrator, and therefore she abdicated after a short period in favour of her brother-in-law, Izz al-Din Hassan.

 

1325-36 Politically Influential Baghdad Khatun of the Ilkhanate in Persia (Iran)

First married to Shaykh Hasan Buzurg, founder of the Jalayirid dynasty, whom she married in 1323. Two years later, they divorced on the orders of her uncle, Abu Said, the Ilkhan, and they married in 1327, and now enjoyed a period of unprecedented power as the harem favorite, even acquiring the honorific title of Khudawandigar [sovereign]. 1331-32, she briefly fell from grace because of accusations that she had plotted the assassination of Abu Said with her former husband, but in the following year she was restored to favour.  Another blow to her authority came in 734/1333-34, when Abu Sa’id married her niece, Dilshad Khatun, and elevated the latter to the rank of principal wife. She displayed her resentment at her diminished status and when, according to Ibn Battuta, Abu Sa’id died in 1335, she was accused of poisoning him and was beaten to death in her bathhouse either by order of his amirs or his successor, Arpa.
  1332-33 Regent Dowager Empress Khanum Ptashali of  the YuanDynasty of China
Leader of the Qagans Mongolian Dynasty which ruled most of China and surrounding territories, during the reigns of Irinjibal (1332) and Toghon Temur (1333-70). In 1368 the Yuans were replaced by the Ming Dynasty after a period of internal revolt.
A contemporary picture of an unnamed Persian queen 1338-39 Acting Caliph Governor and Principal MinisterSati Beg Hatun of the Mongols Il Khans Empires in Persia (Iran)
Used the title Al-sultana al-radila Sati Bek Khan Khallad Allah mulkaha – The just sultana Sati Bek, may Allah perpetuate her reign, and was daughter and sister of some of the earlier rulers. After Mohammad was overthrown, she took power and married Suleiman, who became titular co-ruler. The Mongols Il Khans controlled Persia  as a sort of local Mongol authority under the Great Horde.
Unnamed Ethiopian Lady Ca.1344-ca.52 Sultan Regnant Mo’at Laila of Ifat (East Shoa, Ethiopian Substate)
The Muslim sultanate situated in the northeastern Shewan foothills was one of the boarder-states threatening the Ethiopian state but it was about one hundred years later.
  1348-79 Sultan and Maha Radun Malikat Rahandi Kambadi-Kilagi of the Maldive Islands, Sultan of Land and Sea and Lord of the
twelve-thousand islands
One of three daughters of Sultan Salah ad-Din Salih Albendjaly, who was succeeded by her brother. The vizier ‘Abdallah al-Muhammad al-Hazrami married the sultan’s mother, and had him put to death. Meanwhile, Khadija had married Jamal-ud-din, who managed to take over the reigns of power for his wife. As vizier he issued orders in her name. Succeeded by sister, Myriam.
  1366-71 Regent Khanum Beng Shi of Yuan China
For the pretender Ming Sheng.
  1370-73 Khanum Regnant Tulun Beg of the Golden Horde in Russia and Serbia
Member of the Akurdu Dynasty.
  1379-81 Sultan Myriam Raadafati Kambadi Kilege of the Maldive Islands
Also known as Queen Siri Suvama Abaarana. Her sister, Sultan Khadija, reigned three times beginning in 1337. Myriam was the last of the Lunar Dynasty and was deposed by a Moslem cleric by the name of Fagi Mohamed son of Kaeumani Kaulhannaa Kilege of Maakuratu, who was succeeded by his daughter Daainu Kambaa in 1383.
  1383-88 Sultan Malikat Daainu Kambaa Radafati Kambadi-Kilagi of the Maldive Islands
Also known as Fatima, she was daughter of Sultana Myriam, who was deposed by Fagi Mohamed in 1381. Daainu was deposed by her husband who ascended the throne as Sultan Abdulla II and reigned a month and a half before being assassinated by Osman of Fehendu.
Unnamed North African Lady 14…. Tribal Leader Lalla Aziza in Morocco

Very influential during her lift-time in her Berban tribe, she is now considered a saint who protects chasseurs and the aèdes berbères.

 
  14…. Malika Tindu of the Jallarid Dynasty (Iraq)
Ruled sometime during the 15th century, and had the khubta – Friday’s prayers – preached in her name.
Unnamed Muslim Lady 1411-19 Governor and Sultan Tandu of Baghdad (Iraq)
Also known as Tindu, she belonged to the Jalarid Dynasty, a branch of the Ilkhan Mongol rulers, and daughter of king Awis. She was first married to al-Zahir Barquq, the last Mamluk king of Egypt. She did not like life in Cairo and her husband let her go back to Baghdad, where she married her cousin Shah Walad bin Ali, the Governor for the Caliph, and after his death she acceded to the throne, had coins stuck in her name and the khutba (sovereign’s prayer) proclaimed in her name in the mosques. She was one of the last Mongol rulers in the area.
  1432 Regent Dowager Sultana Aisha Sia of Ternate (Indonesia)
After the death of her husband Paduka Sri Sultan Bessi Muhammad Hasan,Kaicili Komalo Pulu, Sultan of Ternate (1377-1432), who established himself as paramount ruler of the Moluccas, taking the title of Kolano ma-Lukku in 1380, for grandson Kaicili Ngolo-ma-Kaya, who succeeded as Paduka Sri Sultan Gapi Baguna II. She was daughter of another sultan of the state.
Unnamed Arab Lady Around 1450 Chieftainess Sharifa Fatima of the Zaydi (Yemen)
The daughter of the religious leader, Imam al-Zayel al-Nasir Li Din Allah, she and her tribe took San’a by force of arms in the mid 15th century.
  1461-70 Regent Dowager Sultana Mhduma Gahan of Bahmani Sahi (India)
For Nizanu Shah (d. 1463) and Sams ad-Din Muhamed Shah II (1463-82).
Unnamed Muslim Lady 1467 Princess Regnant Bigum Hatun of Qara Quyünlü (Iraq)
Ruler of a Turkish Tribe in  Mesopotamia
  1470-ca. 92 Regent Khatun Mandughai of Mongolia
Also known as Mandugaya Setsen Khantun, she was widow of Grand Khan Mandaghol, the 27th successor of Jengis Khan, who was succeeded by his nephew, Bolkho, in 1467. When he was assassinated three years later, the mother of his five-year-old son, Dayan Qagani, had deserted the child, and Mandughai took him under her protection, proclaimed him khan, and became his regent. She assumed command of the Mongol troops and defeated their enemy, the Oirat. In 1481 she married Dayan, and 1491-92 she again lead the army to fend off the Orat.
  1470-90 We Ban-ri Gau Daeng Marawa Makalappi Bisu-ri La Langpili Patta-ri La We Larang , Arumpone of Bone (Indonesia)
Styled Arung Majang before her accession on the death of her father. Her ceremonial name was Malajangi-ri China, and she was mother of two sons.
  1470-… Sultana Narisa Malik uz-Zahir of Samudra Pasai Kesepulih (Indonesia)
Daughter of Sultan Kadir al Malik uz-Zahir ibnu al-Marhum of Pasai and married to Sultan Muhammad of Aceh, who reigned (1465-77)

Valide Sultan in the 1400s

 1481-92 Amina Gul-Bahar Khanum Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

The Valide Sultan was the mother of the sultan, and had an important place in the imperial family. In some aspects she was considered as a joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire. She was married to Mohammed II and mother of Bajazet (1481-1512), and lived (1434-94)

Spanish Muslim lady

1482-92 Regent ‘A’isha al-Hurra of Cordova (Spain)

Gained support from the nobles and military leaders to depose her husband, ‘Ali abu al-Hasan (reigned 1461-82), who was being infatuated by his Christian concubine, Isabella, who had converted to Islam and taken the name of Soraya. Her son, Muhammad Abu ‘Abdallah was proclaimed as caliph. She played a prominent role in the last years of the Muslim reign in the south of Spain, which was conquered by their Catholic majesties, Isabel I of Castilla and Fernando of Aragon.
  1482-1530 President of the Regency Council The Makhduma-e-Jahan of The Bahmani Deccan (Oudh) (India)
As Dowager Queen, she was Regent for son Mahmud Shah Bahmani, who ascended the throne at the age of 12 years, when some usurpers had been overthrown.
Unnamed Muslim Woman 15.. Princesss Regnant Nur Begum of Hunza (Afganistan)
The daughter of Girkis Han, she ruled for 12 years of the mountainous region on the boarder to China. Succeeded by nephew Ayaso I.
Unnamed North African Lady 1510-52 Governor Sayyida al-Hurra of Tetouán (Morocco)
First confirmed as prefect and then appointed governor of the city state of Tetouán (“Hakima Tatwan”). She was the undisputed leader of the pirates in the western Mediterranean. She was married to Sultan Al-Mandri and after his death she married Ahmad al-Wattasi, who reigned (1524-49). After her first husband’s death, she gained the title al-hurra (Sovereign Lady). She was member of the Andalusian noble family, Banu Rashid, who immigrated to Morocco after the Christian conquest of Muslim Spain. She was deposed in 1552.

 

 1520-34 Gulbehar Hatun Mahidevran Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Also known as Aisha Hafsa Khanum, she was  mother of Suleiman II, the son of Selim I. In some aspects the Valide Sultan was considered as a joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire.
  1521-32 Regent The Dowager Queen Njai Tjili of Ternate (Indonesia)
Regent for sons Deijalo and Bohejat. In 1532 Prince Kaitjil became sultan.
Roxelana of the Ottoman Empire 1523-58 De-facto Ruler Kadin Roxelana of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
Very influential during the reign of her husband Sultan Süleiman II (1520-66). She had originally been bought as a slave by Süleiman’s friend Ibrahim Pascha. The Pascha later gave her to the Sulatan as a gift. she is believed to have been born in Russia and lived (ca. 1507-58)
1529-30 Regent Dowager Sultan Dudu of Janupur (India)

After the death of her husband, Muhammed, she was regent for Galal Han, who was deposed in 1533. Under her family’s reign, the state became the home of Muhammadan culture and refuge for men of letters. She was killed in 1530.
Ethiopian Lady 1543-52 Regent Dowager Sultana Bat’ial Dël Wanbara of Harar (Ethiopia)
In charge of the territory after her husband, Imam Ahmad had been killed. She reigned jointly with ‘Ali Jarad. She had accompanied her husband on his expeditions of conquest in the Christian highlands. At times she had to be carried on their shoulders up and down steep and rocky mountain slopes, twice in a state of pregnancy. She gave birth to Muhammad in 1531 and Ahmad two years later. After the defeat and death of her husband and the capture of her young son Muhammad, she fled to the north-west of Lake Tana, and eventually succeeded in returning to Harar, then at the center of Adal power. Her first task was to make arrangements for the exchange of her eldest son Muhammad for Emperor Galawdewo’s brother, Minas. Del Wanbara was determined to revenge her husband’s death and, nine years later, agreed to marry the Emir of Harar, Nur Ibn Mujahid, son of her first husband’s sister, seeing in him the best prospect of achieving her aim. Emir Nur began by rebuilding Harar, which had been sacked, and enclosed the town with a wall which can be seen to this day. Having reorganized his forces, he undertook a new conquest of the Christian highlands and, in 1559, killed Emperor Galawdewos in battle. She was daughter of Imam Mehefuz, governor of Zayla andde facto ruler of the state of Adal. She married Imam Ahmad and, ignoring the protests of his soldiers,
1544-? Politically influential Mihrumâh Sultana of theOttoman Empire
Only daughter of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent by Hürrem Sultan. Her father ored his her, and complained with her every wish. She married Rüstem Paþa, Governor-General of Diyarbakýr, who was shortly afterwards appointed grand vizier. According to Ottoman historians, Hürrem, Mihrumâh and Rüstem Paþa conspired to bring about the death of Þehzade Mustafa, who stood in the way of Mihrumâh Sultan’s influence over her father. The fact that Mihrumâh encouraged her father to launch the campaign against Malta, promising to build 400 galleys at her own expense; that like her mother she wrote letters to the King of Poland; and that on her father’s death she lent 50.000 gold sovereigns to Sultan Selim to meet his immediate needs, illustrate the political power which she wielded.  Her husband was grand vizier in the periods 1544-1553 and 1555-1561, and she and her mother formed an inner circle in the government which evidently influenced the sultan’s decisions particularly in issues concerning the succession and the future of the sultanate. They were accused of putting pressure on her father to execute his eldest surviving son, Mustafa. At that critical point when Sultan Süleyman was faced with open protest from the army and negative public opinion following the murder of Mustafa, Süleyman was forced to replace his son-in-law in the position of grand vizirate with Kara Ahmed Pasha, a war hero and favourite of the army. But within two years under pressure from the inner circle under Hürrem, Kara Ahmed was eliminated and Rustem resumed the grand vizirate, keeping the office until his death in 1561.
  Ca. 1545-ca.1570/80 Sultan Hudah bint Sarmah al-Fasi of Fazzan (Libya)
Grandchild of Muhamad al-Fasi Fezzan. The state mainly consisted of oases in the Sahara Desert, and the population is largely Arab, with Berber and black African influence. Located on caravan routes connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Sudan, Fazzan was  long important in the trans-Saharan trade. From the early 16th to the early 19th century  it was the center of the Bani Muhammad dynasty, which originated in Morocco.
Unnamed Tartar Lady 1549-51 Regent Dowager Princess Syun Beka of Kazan (Russia)
Regent for son. Today Kazan is the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan.
  1556-64 Regent for the Governor Mah Cucak Bigum of Kabul, Afganistan
Reigned for Governor Miza Muhammad Hakim (1556-85) hereditary representative of the Grand Mogul of India. She was murdered in 1565
Unnamed Mughal Lady 1560-62 De-facto regent Maham Anga of the Mughal Empire (India)

The chief nurse of Emperor Akbar, she gained influence after she convinced Akbar to dismiss his minister, Bairam. Her power began to wane in 1561, when Akbar appointed Atkah Khan as chief minister. Five months later her son, Adham Khan, Akbar’s foster-brother, attempted to assassinate Atkah Khan, but was executed, and she died shortly after, and the emperor, who was now 19 ruled alone from then on.

1574-83 Politically Influential Nurbanu Sultan Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Nur Banu took an active part in the governance of the empire as the chief advisor of her son, Murad III. Of Italian origin, she was married to Selim III, and lived (1530-83).  (or to 1595)
Amina of Zaria 1576-1610 Queen Amina Sarauniya of Zazzua, Zaria and Abuja
1580-82 Queen of Kano (Nigeria)
Probably the granddaughter of Sarkin (king) Zazzau Nohir. Zazzua was one of a number of Hausa city-states which dominated the trans-Saharan trade after the collapse of the Songhai empire to the west. At the age of sixteen, Amina became the heir apparent (Magajiya) to her mother, Bakwa of Turunku, the ruling Queen of Zazzua. With the title came the responsibility for a ward in the city and daily councils with other officials. Although her mother’s reign was known for peace and prosperity, Amina also chose to learn military skills from the warriors. Queen Bakwa died around 1566 and the reign of Zazzua passed to her younger brother Karama. At this time Amina emerged as the leading warrior of Zazzua cavalry. Her military achievements brought her great wealth and power. When Karama died after a ten-year rule, Amina became Queen of Zazzua. She set off on her first military expedition three months after coming to power and continued fighting until her death. In her thirty-four year reign, she expanded the domain of Zazzua to its largest size ever. Lived (ca. 1533-ca- 1610)
Persian Queen 1577-80 Regent Dowager Queen Mahid-I Uliyah of Persia

Regent for Esmâil II (1576-78) and Shah Mohammed Khodâbanda (1578-87) of the Safavid Dynasty, which was of Turkmen origin and established themselves first at Tabriz, which had been the capital of the Mongol Il Khans, in Turkish speaking Azerbaijanistan. They also brought the Shi’ite branch of Islam to Persia.
Unnamed Indian Princess 1580-90 Regent Dowager Sultana Cand Bibi of Bijapur(India)
1596-99 Regent of Ahmadnagar
After her husband, ‘Ali ‘Adil Shah II, was killed in 1580, she was regent for her nephew, Ibrahim ‘Adil Shah II, and ruled with great prudence and intelligence till the young king came of age. When order was restored in Bijapur kingdom, Chand Bibi went back to her motherland Ahmadnagar, where the ruler, Murtada Shah, died at a moment when the foreign relations of the state were strained to breaking-point and was imminent, she returned to Bijapur, and mustered some reliable troops in consideration of the defence of Ahmadnagar fort against the mighty army of the Mughals led by their able general. After this great defence, Chand Bibi came to be known as Chand Sultana. Later the Mughals succeeded to turn the troops of Chand Bibi and had a siege over Ahmadnagar in 1008/1599. This time, emperor Akbar himself rushed to Deccan and pitched his tents outside the city. Chand Bibi became desperate and resisted the Mughal attacks with such courage that the invaders were repelled at many places. At length, Hamid Khan, the traitor allowed the Mughal force to enter Ahmadnagar, and entered the palace of Chand Bibi to kill her. At that moment of disaster, Chand Bibi came out of her apartments and fought bravely and was killed, and thus, Ahmadnagar was captured by the Mughals in 1600. She was daughter of Hussain NIzam shah of Ahamadnagar, and lived (1550-99).
  1584-1616 Raja Ijau I of Patani (Thailand)
Also known as Ratu Hijau “The Green Queen”, she succeeded brother as ruler of the Malayan kingdom-sultanate, and was succeeded by sister in 1616. Her aunt, Raja A’isyah had sometime been regent for Sultan Bahdur after Sultan Manzur Syah who ruled (1564-73). She was succeded by sister.

Unnamed Ottoman Sultana

 1595-1603 Politically Influential Safiye Vailde Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Took an active part in the governance of the empire as the chief advisor of her sons  Murad III and Mehmed III. She lived (1550-1605)
Unnamed Ottoman Sultana 1603-05 De-facto Ruler Handam Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
Her full title was Daulatlu Ismatlu Hansam Validi Sultan ‘Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari, and she was very powerful during the reign of Ahmed Khan I (1613-17), and lived (1576-1605).
 

1607-09 Sultan Kuda Kala Kamanafa’anu, Sultana of Land and Sea,Lady of the Thousand Islands and Sultans of the Maldive Islands

In spite of the fact that the island was Islamic, the rulers continued to use ancient Sanskrit titles alongside their Islamic styles until the middle of the twentieth century. The sultanate was attacked by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century but regained its independence in 1573. They also fell prey to the marauding raids of the Ali Rajas of Cannanore, who frequently kidnapped princes and influential nobles and carried them off to the Laccadives. Although close trading relations were established with the Dutch in Sri Lanka, the Maldives remained aloof from the Western powers for another two centuries. She was never secure as ruler due to a long civil war. She died at sea or on Mahibadu Island, Ari Atol, while on pilgrimage to give alms.
  1607-27 Panembahan Putri Bunku of Sukudana (Indonesia)
Succeeded husband.

 

 After 1609-before 1630 Sri Paduka Ratu Sepudak of Sambas (Indonesia)
A descendant of the Majapahit Kings and the last Hindu ruler of the kingdom. Her youngest daughter, Putri Mas Ayu Bungsu’s husband, Radin Sulaiman, became Sultan of Sambas. He was son of the Sultan of Brunei.
Nur Jahan 1611-28 De-facto Ruler Empress Nur Jahan of India
Married to the Mughul Emperor Jahangir, she  was an excellent conversationalist, a fine judge of Persian poetry and a poet herself. Her accomplishments made her an irresistible companion for the emperor. Nur Jahan was a patron of painting and architecture whose interests also extended to the decoration of rooms as well as the designing of ornaments, brocades, rugs and dresses. After his death in 1627 she resided in Lahore until her own death. Born as Mehr un-Nissa in Persia. (d. 1645)
  1616-24 Raja Ratu Biru of Patani (Thailand)
In 1584, Patani entered its golden age with the rule of four successive Queens, Ratu Hijau (“The Green Queen”), Ratu Biru (“The Blue Queen”), Ratu Ungu (“The Violet Queen”) and Ratu Kuning (“The Yellow Queen”). Biru was the second of three sisters on the throne.
  1617-18 and 1622 Naib-i-Sultanat (Regent) Valide Sultana II of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
After the death of her husband, Sultan Ahmed Khan I (1603-17), she was regent for son. Mustapha Khan I (1717-23). She was born in Europe, and lived (1576-1623).

 

 1618-20 Kahadija Mahfiruz Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Also known as Daulatlu Mahfiruz, her full title as mother sultan Osman II, was Daulatlu Ismatlu Mahfiruz Validi Sultan ‘Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari. In some aspects the Valide Sultan was considered as a joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire. She lived (1590-1620)
  1623-32 Naib-i-Sultanat (Regent) Kösem Mahpeyker Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
1632-51 De-facto regent
Her full name and title was Daulatlu Ismatlu Kulsum Mahpeyker Validi Sultan ‘Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari.Kösem was regent for son Murad, (1623-40) who succeeded at the age of 11, for Ibrahim (1640-48) who was mentally disturbed and for grandson Mehmed IV, who succeeded at the age of 7 in 1648. In 1651 she plotted against her daughter-in-law, but was killed instead. Of Greek origin, she lived (1589-1651)
  1624-35 Raja Ratu Ungu of Patani (Thailand)
During the reign of the of three sisters the Malayan Kingdom-Sultanate wasexpanded its borders to include Kelantan and Trengganu and became the most powerful Malay state after Johor. It was during this time that Patani became renowned for manufacturing cannon, producing three of the largest bombards ever cast in the region – ‘Mahalela’, ‘Seri Negara’ and ‘Seri Petani’. With each measuring over six metres in length. Also known as “The Violet Queen”, she was succeeded by daughter.
Unnamed Maharani From 1626 Regent Aayat Bahs Bigum of Golkonda (India)
After the death of her husband, she became regent for Sultan Abd Allah (1613-26-72). The Golkonda state broke from Gulbarga in 1518 and remained independent under eight sultans until 1687 when it was conquered by the Great Mughal Aurangzeb.
  1632/33 Sultan Alimah I of Nzwani, Comoro Islands
Formerly known as Anjouan, an Island in the  Mozambique Channel off north west Madagascar  between Mayotte and Njazídja in the  Indian Ocean. The hilly island is only  424 square kilometers.
Procession of the Queen of Patani 1635-88 Raja Ratu Kuning of Patani (Thailand)
Known as “The Yellow Queen”, she succeeded her mother Queen Raja Ungu as the last of four succesive Queens. During her reign the country fell into gradual decline. This decline probably prompted her to submit to Siam as a vassal state and send the ‘Bunga Mas’ to Ayutthya. She died without an heir and the country descended into decades of political chaos and conflict. Fortunately for Patani, Siam was too weak to take advantage of the situation, being too busy driving off crippling Burmese invasions into her territory, culminating in the pillaging and complete destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767.
  Around 1635 Datu We Tan-ri Sui of Mario-ri Wawo (Indonesia)
Daughter of  I-Dangka We Tan-ri Tuppu, Arumpone of Bone (1590- 1607) and her husband and successor  La Tan-ri Ruwa Paduka Sri Sultan Adam (1607-08). She was married to La Pakkou To’ Angkone Taddampali, Prince of Bone and their son became Sultan and Arumpone of Bone in 1672, at a time when he had already succeeded her as Datu of Mario-ri Wawo. He lived (1635-96). It is not known when she lived.
Name plate of Sultan Safiat 1641-75 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Ratu Safiat ud-din Taj ul-‘Alam Shah Johan Berdaulat Zillu’llahi fi’l-‘Alam binti al-Marhum Sri Sultan Iskandar Muda Mahkota Alam Shah, Sultana of Aceh (North Sumatra) (Indonesia)
Born as Raja Permusairi Putri Sri ‘Alam, she was installed on the death of her husband and relative, Paduka Sri Sultan Iskandar Thani ‘Ala ud-din Mughayat Shah Johan Berdaulat Zillu’llahi fi’l-‘Alam ibnu al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Shah, who had succeeded her father, Sultan Iskander, in 1636. She lost Pahang to Johor soon after her accession. Her reign ushered in half a century of rule under women sovereigns, beginning with her husband’s other widow, ‘Taj ul-Alam. Her female successors, were all chosen by the increasingly powerful regional nobles and territorial magnates unwilling to submit to surrender power to a strong ruler. All four were chosen after they had past childbearing age, so that husbands or sons could not establish themselves in the supreme authority. Her throne name Safiat ud-din Taj ul-‘Alam Shahmeans “Purity of the Faith, Crown of the World”, and she was succeeded by Sultana Nagiat, and (d. 1675)
  1651-56 Naib-i-Sultanat (Regent) Khadija Turhan Hadice Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
Had been Valide Sultan since 1648, and took over as regent for her son, Mehmed IV (1648-51-87) after her mother-in-law was killed. As her predecessor as regent, she took part in the deliberations in the Imperial Diet seated behind a curtain, she authorized all appointments and cooperated closely with the Grand Vizier as “The Guardian and Representative of the Sultan”. Of Russian origin, she lived (1627-83).
Unnamed Zanzibar Lady 1652-1697 Sultan Fatimah of North Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Succeeded Sultan Bakiri, her brother, who had been sultan of the whole island. In 1652 Sultan ibn Seif of Oman drove her off the island, but for the next forty years, the Portuguese continued to maintain the upper hand and she was soon able to return to Zanzibar. In 1697 the Arabs captured Zanzibar and took her prisoner, deporting to her Muscat. After 10 years she was allowed to return, but her island remained under Arab control.
Unnamed Central Asian Khanum 1662-67 Regent Dowager Fatima Sultan Saiyia Burhan of Kasimov/ Borjegin-Sibil (The Golden Horde) (Russia)
1677-81 Sultan Regnant
Also known as Sultana Sayyidovna , she was first regent or Saiyia Burhan, before becoming ruler of the Ilkhan Kingdom of Qasim in Central Asia in her own right and had the Khutba (sovereign’s prayer) proclaimed in her name in the mosques, the ultimate sign of legitimate rule. She was a descendant of the Tatars golden horde and said to be the last Mongol sovereign. The state was annexed by the Russian 1681 and she died the same year.
Princess Rashanara Begum 1662 De-facto Ruler Imperial Princess Rashanara Begum of the Indian Mongul Empire
Seized the power during the illness of the Emperor Aurangzer.
Unnamed Noble Muslim Lady 1675-77 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Naqiat ud-din Nur ul-‘Alam Shah, Sultana of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
Granddaughter of Sultan ‘Ali Mughayat II Ri’ayat Shah, who ruled 1604-07, and married Laksamana ‘Abdu’r Rahman bin Zainal Abidin, Orang Kaya Kaya Maharaja Lela Melayu, son of Zainal Abidin bin Daim Mansur, Tengku of Ribee. Perhaps mother of Sultan ‘Ala ud-din Ahmad Shah Johan Badr Berdaulat, but she was succeeded by Sultana Zaqiyat. Her Throne-name Naqiat ud-din Nur ul-‘Alam Shah means Light of the world, Purity of the Faith. (d. 1677)
  Ca. 1676-ca. 1711 Sultan Alimah II of Nzwani, Comoro Islands
Arabic-style sultanates developed in Nzwani as early as the sixteenth century with different areas of the island first ruled by chiefs known as Fani. Later, the chiefs were involved in conflicts and appealed to Europeans to intercede on their behalf. Eventually, in 1886, the island became a French protectorate and was formally annexed by France to its possessions in 1909.
  1678-88 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Zaqiyat ud-din ‘Inayat Shah binti al-Marhum Raja Mahmud Shah, Sultana of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
Succeeded sultana Naqiat. She was daughter of Raja Mahmud Shah bin Raja Sulaiman Shahand and married to a great-grandson of Sultan Mukmin, who reigned 1579. Succeeded by her sister, Sultana Zinat. Sultana Zaqiyat (d. 1688).
  1680s Sultan Nur al-Azam of Sulu (Philippines)
Sulu is an archipelago in the extreme southwestern corner of the Philippines, just east of Sabah (Malaysia), the northeast corner of Borneo. The region is the home of a people outsiders call Moros, a feroce and deeply independent sea-going nation; it was never conquered by the Spanish authorities in the Philippines. She succeeded Salah ud-Din Bakhtiyar and was succeeded by al-Haqunu.
  1687-91 Regent H.H. Sultana Mariyam Kaba’afa’anu Rani Kilege of the Maldive Islands
After the having poisoned her husband, Iskander Ibrahim, she became regent for their infant son, Sultan Muhammad I. She was killed off Dunidu Island when a spark from a victory salute blew up a powder magazine, destroying the royal vessel in which she was sailing. Her son died shortly after of the wounds he received in the explosion that killed his mother.

Contemporary Picture of Saliha Dilasub

 1687-89 Saliha Dilasub Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Her full title as mother of the sultan was Daulatlu IsmatluMahfiruzl Validi Sultan ‘Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari, and in some aspects she was considered as a joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire. Mother of Süleiman II (1687-91), she lived (1627-89)
  1688-99 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Zinat ud-din Kamalat Shah binti al-Marhum Raja Umar of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
The last of four consecutive female rulers, she succeeded her sister-in-law, sultana Zaqiyat. Born as Putri Raja Setia, she was great-granddaughter of Sultan Mukmin, who ruled 1579. In 1699 Sayyid Ibrahim Habib, obtained a decree from Mecca stating that female rule was contrary to the tenets of Islam. He deposed her, married her and assumed the Sultanate. They had two sons who both became sultans.

Unnamed Ottoman Sultana

 1695-1715 Mah-Para Ummatallah Rabia Gül-Nüz Ummetulla Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
Mother of Mustafa II (1695-1703) and Ahmed III (1703-30). She did not play any major role during their reigns, but she was asked to approve and authorize the replacement of Mustafa by Ahmed, which she did. As the senior representative of the dynasty, her approval was considered to be imperative. Daughter of the Venetian Retimo Verzizzi, she lived (1647-1715).
  1700-07 Regent H.H Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Tara Bai Sahib Maharaj (Sita Bai Ali Sahib) of Satara (India)

In 1714 her son, H.H Kshatrtiya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar Shrimant Raja Shahu Sambahaji II Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1698-1760), became ruler of Kolhapur. Tara Bai lived (1675-1761).
  1700-17.. Sultan Aisa of Ma’yuta (Mayotte, today a French Possession)
At a not known date, she was succeeded by daughter, Sultan Monavo.
  17.. Sultan Nyau wa Faume of Ngazidja (Comoro Islands)
The island is also known as Grande Comore.
  17… Sultan Adji di Kurin-dana Malaka of Berau (Indonesia)
Berau is a scarcely populated area in the Island of Borneo.
  17.. Inas Embun Serin of Undang Luak (Malaysia)
The state was one of nine minor states which joined in the Negeri Sembilan Confederation.
Unnamed Arab Lady 17.. Amira Ghaliyy al-Whhabiyya in Saudi Arabia
A Hanibali from Tarba, she led a military resistance movement to defend Mecca against foreign take over in the beginning of the 18th century. She was given the title of Amira, the female equivalent of the title of Amir – military leader.
  1704 Regent Princess Fatima of the Maldive Islands
When the news of the possible drowning of Isdu King Siri Muthei Ranmani Loka/ Sultan Ibrahim Mudhiruddine who after his abdication was known as Isdu Ibrahim Bodu Kilegefan, while returning from the Hajj pilgrimage reached Malé in 1704, his wife and regent Princess Fatima attempted to usurp the throne in her own right. Her rival and brother-in-law, Admiral-in-chief Hussain was banished to Naifaru. Fatima was however displaced from the Eterekoilu – the residence of the Sultans – by the Prime Minister Mohamed Faamuladeyri Thakurufan who was crowned as King Siri Kula Sundhura Siyaaka Sasthura – Sultan Mudzhaffar Mohamed Imaduddine II.
  1707-16 Raja Devi P’ra-Chao of Patani (Thailand)
Successor of the male ruler, Raja Emas Jayam Bagunda, who reigned 1704-07 and 1721-28.
  1714-1715, 1720, 1724-1738 and 1741-1749 H.H. Bata-ri Toja Daeng Talaga Sultana Zainab Zakiat ud-din, Arumpone of Bone 
1715 and 1728-1738 Ruler of Soppeng
1719-20 Datu of Luwu (Indonesia)
Succeeded her father, H.H. La Patau Paduka Sri Sultan Idris. Styled DatuChita and Arung Timurang before her accession and during the times she had vacated the throne. First abdicated in favour of her brother. After his deposition she again became ruler, but abdicated immediately in favour of her eldest half-brother. Restored for the third time on his deposition, in 1724. Married to Sultan Muharram Harun ar-Rashid of Sumbawa, Prince Pabukajuwa of Bone and Datu Ulaweng, Arung Zallieng, Adatuwang of Sidenreng, who was Regent of Bone 1724-1725, and finally to Daeng Mamuntuli, Arung Kayu, Regent of Bone 1726-1728. All but the third marriage ended in Divorce. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Tipuluna had no children, and she was succeeded by a female relative, Siti Nafisha, and lived (1687-1749).
  1723-47 Dato’ Putri Siti Awan Setiawanm I of Johol (Malaysia)
The state of Johol is one of the component states of the Negri Sembilan
Federation. Originally known as Pasir Besar, it was renamed Luak Johol in
1723. The ruler is one of the four traditional electors of the Yang
di-Pertuan of the Negri Sembilan federation. Setiawanm I was the first ruler and she was married to Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lelei Perkasa Setia Wan.
Unnamed Kalmykian lady

1724-37 Regent Dowager Princess Dharmapala of The Volga Kalmyks (Lower Volga Area in Russia and Kazakstan)
1741-45 Regent
The first time she was regent for Cerlu Donduk, who reigned (1725-35) until he was deposed, the second time was after the death of Donduk Ombu, Prince of the Kalmykians. (d. 1741)
  1728-32 Rani Herrabichi Kadavube Adi Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
Succeeded by Rani Junmabe.
  1730-95 De facto Ruler Begum Mamola Bai of Bhopal (India)
1777 Regent
Exercised a dominant influence during the reign of her husband, Yar Mohammad Khan (1728-42) after their marriage. After his death, she was de facto ruler during the reign of her stepson Faiz Mohammad Khan, who concentrated on religious contemplation. After his death she acted as regent and quickly proclaimed Faiz’ brother, Hayat, as Nawab, but Faiz’ widow,Bahu Begum, lead a revolt and set up an alternative government which lasted until 1780. Also during Hayat’s reign she was the effective ruler, and it was she who took decisions on military campaigns and all other administrative affairs. She was born as a Hindu Rajput Princess, and lived (1715-95).

 

 1730-39 Saliha Sabkati Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

After the death of Ahmed III a revolt of the Janissaries put her son with Mustafa II,Mahmud I (1750-54) on the throne, and she became Sultan Valide and in some aspects considered  joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire. Affairs of state were largely in the capable hands of the Nubian agha Beshir (1653–1746), who was the power behind a number of successive grand viziers At the tune Ottoman Empire was involved in wars with Persia. 1737 Emperor Karl IV entered the war with Russia on Russian side, but by the separate peace of Belgrade (1739) he restored North Serbia to Turkey. Mahmud was succeeded by his brother, Osman III. Saliha Sabkati  lived (1680-1739).
  1738-41 H.H. I-Danraja Siti Nafisah Karaeng Langelo, Arumpone of Bone (Indonesia)
Succeeded Sultana Zainab Zakiat ud-din. She was second daughter of H.H. I-Mappainga Karaeng Lempangang Paduka Sri Sultan Safi ud-din, Sultan of Tallo, by his first wife, H.H. I-Tanitaja Siti Amira Maning Ratu, Arung Palakka and Heir Apparent of Bone, whose father was sultan 1720-21. Siti Nafisah died unmarried and lived (1729-41).
  1739-96 Politically Influential Nawab Aliya Sadrunissa Begum, Nawab Begum of Oudh (or Avadh) (India)
She was the oldest daughter of Burhan-ul-Mulk, Subedar of Avadh. Married to her cousin and father’s successor Mirza Muhammad Muqim (Safdar Jung) (1739-64) in around 1724. When her father died in 1839, Nadir Shah plundered Delhi in 1739, and the Avadh landlords and small chiefs who had been effectively subdued by her father, raised their heads and arms in the attempt to secure their individual independence. In his capacity as the Nawab of Avadh, her husband was hesitant to face them despite his superior military strength. Had it not been for Nawab Begum’s forceful promptings which eventually culminated in success, there may have been no further history of Avadh. Her court and courtiers maintained the peace and pomp of Faizabad. Her son, Shuja-ud-daula’s, died in 1775, and together with her daughter-in-law, Bahu Begum she secured the continued existance of the capital of Avadh, Faizabad. Imprisoned in 1781 by grandson together with daughter-in-law. She lived (Ca. 1712-96).
Unnamed Volga Kalmykian 1741 Regent Dowager Princess Gan of The Volga Kalmuks (Lower Volga Area) (Russia)
Regent for Kandul, who reigned in 1741. Gan later converted to Christianity and took the name Vera. Originally the Kalmyks lived in Central Mongolia. Reaching the Volga region in 1630. Since the 16th century, Tibetan Buddhism has been the Kalmyk’s religion, and they are the only European Buddhist people, living to the northwest of the Caspian area. They live on the northwest shores of the Caspian Sea in the lower regions of the soviet Dagestan. Kalmyks are of the Turkic language group.
Uzbek Lady 1746-70 Sovereign Princess Irdana Bi Erdeni of Khokanda (Uzbekistan)
Succeeded by Sulaiman who reigned for less than a year as Prince of Khokanda, which is a city near Tashkent, now located in a far eastern part of Uzbekistan. Founded in 1732, it stands on the site of the ancient city of Khavakend, obliterated by the Mongols in the 3rd century. It was ruled by the  Dzungarian Kalmucks until 1758, when it became part of China.
  1746 Sultan Mwana Mimi Hadiga of Patta-Pate and Witu (Kenya)
There were 4 sultans that year. Pate is an island of the coast of Kenya.
  1747-ca.60 Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lele Perkasa Setiawan Dato’ Rambut Panjang, Dato’ Undang of Luak Johol (Malaysia)
Succeeded by another woman; Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa SetiawanDato’ Putri Setiawan II , Dato’ Undang of Luak Johol (1760-90)
  1748-50/53 Sultan Ratu Sarifah Fatima of Bantam (Bali) (Indonesia)
Appointed sultan after her husband, Mangkubumi was arrested after an uprising against the Dutch occupiers. She was deposed and banned from the state by the same Dutch regents.
Mughal Queen 1748-54 De facto co-ruler Queen Udham Bai of the Mughal Empire (India)
Became powerful after the death of her husband, Muhammad Shah (Rawshan Akhtar) (1719-48), who lost the province of Kabul to Persia and during whose reign other provinces became practically independent. Her son, Ahmad Shah Badahur, was no stronger, and she dominated him completely. When The Marathas in Punjab rebelled, her son chose to flee, abandoning her and the other women at court. He was captured, blinded, and deposed and died in confinement in 1775.
Unnamed Maharani 1753-56 Regent H.H Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Rani Savitri Bai Raje Sahiba of Dewar (Senior) (India)
Widow of Tukaji Rao I Puar she was regent for adopted son, Krishnaji Rao I Puar (1753-89)

 

 1753 Nominal Regent Princess Sanfa Rendi Kabafa’anu of the Maldive Islands

Nominally reigned as Regent for her brother Hasan Manikufa’anu Sultan al-Ghazi al-Hasan ‘Izz ud-din Baderi. Her father Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II reigned ( 1721 -50 )
  1753-57 Nominal Regent Princess Amina Rani Kilegefa’anu of the Maldive Islands
1757-59 Rani-Sultana
In 1752 her father, H.H. Sultan al-Mukarram Muhammad ‘Imad ud-din III, was seized by the Ali Raja of Cannanore and transported to Kavaratti island in the Laccadives. Male was occupied. The occupation was ended by Muleegey Dom Hassan Maniku, a direct descendant of the penultimate Christian King Joao. The sultan died in captivity in 1757. The de facto regent was Muleegey Dom Hassam Maniku. Her sister Amina Kkanbafa’anu was regent in 1773.
  1754 and 1761 Governor-Regent Muglani Suraiya Bigum of Lahore(India)
Regent for Muhammad Amin Han, who lived 1751-54 and was governor for the Emperor of the Mongul-Afgan Empire of India in 1754.

 

 1754-56 Sehsuvar Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Mother of Osman III (1754-57). Of Russian origin, she lived (1682-1756).
Unnamed Indian Rani 1760-73 (†) Regent H.H Shrimant Akhand SoubhagyavatiJiji Bai Sahib Maharaj  of Kolhapur (India)
Jijibai was regent for adopted son, since her husband H.H Kshatrtiya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar Shrimant Raja Shahu Sambahaji II Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1698-1760) only had a posthumously born daughter with one of his seven wifes. He was Raja of Satara (with his mother as regent) and then of the newly created state, Kolhapur) Jiji Bai lived (1716-73),
Unnamed Jaipur Mahrarani 1768-78 Regent Dowager Rani Chandawatiji Maharani Sahiba of Janipur (India)
Regent for son H.H. Saramad-i-Raja-i-Hindustan, Raj Rajeshwar Shri Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sawai Shri Prithvi Singh II Bahadur, who lived (1763-78). He was married to several wifes, and was succeeded by brother.  
  1773-74 Joint Regent Princess Amina Kkanbafa’anu the Maldive Islands

Her brother, Sultan Al-Haj Muhammed (1766-77), appointed her and her huband, Ali Shah Bandor Vela’ana’a Manikufa’anu, as joint regents, when he went on a pilgrimage to Mecca . He drowned on his return in 1774. Her sister, Princess Amina Rani Kilegefa’anu, had been regent 1753-57.
  1777-80 Opposition Leader Bahu Begum of Bhopal (India)
Widow of Nawab Faiz, and disputed the succession of his brother, Hayat, to the throne. She began a revolt against the de facto ruler her step-mother-in-law, Mamola Bai, supported by members of another branch of the family. She began holding courts at her husband’s tomb and set up a parallel government in Islamnagar. For three years she regularly held Dunbars (Assemblies) as an act of defiance against Mamola Bai.
Rani Suimri Begum 1778-1803 Regent Dowager Rani Suimri Begum ofSandhana (India)
1803-36 Rani Regnant
For Musffard ad-Daula Zafar Nab Han (Aloyis Baltasaar Reinhard) – illegitimate son of her husband, Bum Raja (1773/76-78), who was born in Luxembourg as Walther Reinhard. After her stepson’s death, she became Rani in her own right, and continued to perform her contracted military duties, leading her troops into battle in person. However she concentrated her efforts on developing the agriculture of Sardhana, which became famous as an island of green in a land of desolation, using her troops to keep out marauders and to enforce her policy, instead of plundering her neighbors as was the general practice at the time. She played a prominent part in the politics of the time, the fall of Moghuls, the rise of the Mahrattas, and the establishment of the British. She emerged as a sovereign Princess of her own territories, which she had enlarged and improved, so that she accumulated vast wealth. Born as Johanna Noblis (d. 1836)
  1782-92 Sultan Halimah III of Nzwani (Comoro Islands)
Her name is also spelled Alimah. She was de-factor ruler with Abdallah I until 1788 and in 1792 he again ruled until 1706. The island was formerly known as Anjouan.
  18.. Mfahme Nyau wa Faume of Bambo (Comoro Islands)
Today Bambo is the capital of  the Comoro Islands
  18.. Sultan Ja Mhaba Hadija bint Ahmed of Bajini  (Comoro Islands)
Succeeded Hashimu bin Ahmed and he also ruled after her. His successor died 1886.
  18.. Embun Serin, The Undang Luak Inas of Inas (Malaysia)
The state which is also known as Jelai was one of nine minor states joined in the Negeri Sembilan Confederation

 

 1807-08 Ayse Seniyeperver Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Also known as Daulatlu Ismatlu Aisha Sina Parvar Validi Sultan ‘Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari, she was mother of Mustafa IV (1807-08) and lived (1761-1828)

 

 1808-17 Politically Influential Naksh-i-Dil Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Advisor of her husband 1733-73 and for Sultan Selim III 1773-1789. Very powerful under reign of son, Mahmud II (1808-39), she lived (1768-1817).
  1812-19 Dowager Tengku Puteri Raja Hamidah binti Raja Haji of Johor (Malaysia)
Her husband, H.H. Sultan Mahmud III Shah Alam ibni al-Marhum Sultan ‘Abdu’l Jalil Shah, Sultan of Johor and Pahang Dar ul-‘Alam, died without naming a heir in 1811. It seems that Hamidah was one of the actors in the succession struggle, which resulted in her stepson, H.H. Sultan Husain Mu’azzam Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Shah Alam, Sultan of Johor and Pahang Dar ul-‘Alam, ascending the throne in 1819. She was daughter of Raja Haji bin Raja Chelak, 4th Yang di-Pertuan Muda of Riau, and (d. 1844)
 

1814-24 H.H Karaeng Bontomasugi Sultana Siti Saleh II of Tallo(Indonesia)
Succeeded her father H.H. I-Mappainga Karaeng Lempangang Paduka Sri Sultan Safi ud-din and married to La Potto, Datu Baringang and Prince of Bone. Her ceremonial name was Tumenanga-ri-Kanatojenna
  1814-37 Politically Influential Badshah Begum of Oudh (Avadh) (India)

Her husband, Ghazi-ud-din Haider, preferred death for his son, Nasir-ud-din Haider, rather that his succession to the throne. Badshah Begum was childless. She, therefore, matched her husband’s whim by having Nasir-ud-din’s mother killed (another wife of Ghazi-ud-din), and by then adopting Nasir-ud-din. She brought up Nasir-ud-din as her own, and later took up arms against her husband. It was no ordinary confrontation. Badshah Begum had armed her women to the teeth, who,  overpowered the King and sabotaged all his stratagems. The outcome  was that Nasir-ud-din, did become the King of Avadh. When Nasir-ud-din later in his turn wanted to disinherit his son, Farid-un-Bakht, she took him under her wings, and refused to be threatened. Nasir-ud-din sent a brigade of women soldiers into the royal zenana to have her removed. The women of the zenana were no less armed so that a fierce battle took place with volleys of musket ammunition flying through Lucknow. The old Begum may have lost some fifteen or sixteen of her retainers, but the final victory was hers. She left the palace with a British guarantee that neither her life nor the life of the infant Farid-un-Bakht would ever be endangered again. In 1837 King Nasir-ud-din Haider died of poisoning. The British Resident  had already drafted a paper ready for the signature of the next King of Avadh. But Badshah Begum wante Farid-un-Bakht to be king, and she marched at the head of some two hundred heavily armed men towards the Palace. Her troops removed the incumbent ruler and his relations. Her troops could hardly contain their zeal, or ignore the fiery leadership of their heavily covered Begum. The following day the British opned fire and most of the Begum’s men were killed or wounded, and she were sent to the fort of Chunar which was in British territory, where both she Farid-un-Bakht died in captivity. (d. 1846).
 

1815-ca 56 Sultan Dewa Aung Isteri Kaina of Indragiri (Indonesia)
The region is also called “Land of thousand ditches”. This name pictures that most of the areas consist of wetland, rives streams and swamps. And small ditches, plotting the coconut plantation land which is the vegetation of the local people. Inhil community in general is of Malay culture. Nevertheless, there are also outsiders in this area from Banjar and Bugis ethnics. These outsiders then settling one generation to another, and producing a cultural form which is the combination of Riau Malay culture and Banjar and Bugis culture.
 

1815-ca. 56 Dewa Aung Isteri Kania of Klungkung (Indonesia)
1849-ca. 56 Susuhuna (Empress) of Bali and Lombok

The latter was a title given to the Klungkung rulers by the Dutch colonial powers
  1819-38 Rani Mariambe Adi Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
Succeeded mother, Junumabe Adi-Raja Bibi II. In 1824 she made a formal written recognition of the suzerainty of the East India Company over the Island of Minicoy, which her mother had been forced to transfer in 1790. She and her successors, however, continued the tributary arrangement. Mariabe was succeeded by daughter, Rani Hayashabe, who was first succeeded by son and in 1907 her daughter, Imbichi, ascended to the throne.
Qusida Begum Sahiba 1819-44 Regent Dowager Begum Kudsiyya Begum ofBhopal (India)
After the death of her husband, Mawab Nazar Mohammad Khan, she became regent for daughter, Sikandar. After she ascended to the throne, she continued to guide and counsel her daughter. It was her aim to demonstrate that a Muslim woman could rule as effectively as any man. She abandoned the wail, learnt to ride and led her forces in combat. She had a difficult relationship with the British, recognizing the importance of maintaining good relations with them, but the other hand she resented their inference in her government.Also know as HH Qusida Begum Sahiba or Princess Qudsia, she lived (1801-81).
 

1819-56 Politically influential Subadar Nawwab of Oudh (India)
Very powerful during the reign of Abul Mozaffar, and that of his son Soleyman (1827-37), his son Ali (1837-42), his son Amjad Ali  (1842-47) and finally during the reign of Wajid Ali, who was deposed in 1856, and died 1887.
 

1823-35 H.H. I-Mani Ratu Sultana Salima Rajiat ud-din, Arumpone of Bone (Indonesia)
Styled Arung Data before her accession. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Kassi, she was unmarried and succeeded by brother, La Mapaseling Sultan Adam Nazim ud-din .
Unnamed Indian Rani 1825-37 Regent Dowager Nawab Sardar Bibi Sahiba of Radhanpur (India)
After the death of her husband H.H. Nawab Sher Khan Sahib Bahadur (1794-1813-25), she was regent for her infant stepson H.H. Nawab Muhammad Zorawar Khan Sahib Bahadurn (1822-25-74).
Unnamed Zanzibar Lady Around 1828 Chief Sheha Mwana wa Mwana of Tumbai (North Zanzibar)
Also known as Khadija bint Nwale, she succeeded father as Sheik of the state in North Zanzibar. Married to Hassan II of Zanzibarwho reigned before 1828 until 1845. Her successor reigned until 1856.
  1831-41 Regent Nawab Yamuna Bibi Sahiba of Balasinor (India)
After the death of her husband, Nawab Shri Jalal [Edul Khan] Sahib Bahadur, she was regent for son Nawab Shri Zorawar Khan Sahib Bahadur.
 

1833-40 Ruler ‘Aisha of Tuggurt (Algeria)
Also known as Aichouch, she succeeded Sultan ‘Ali IV bin al-Kabir as ruler of a Berber state in the south of the  country. Succeded by ‘Abd ar-Rahman.
  1838-52 Rani Hayashabe Adi Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)

Succeeded mother, Rani Mariambe, and first succeeded by son. In 1907 her daughter, Imbichi, ascended to the throne.
 

Until 1838 Rani Regnant Singhasari Cokorda of Karang Asem Singhasari (Indonesia)

Until 1827 she reigned jointly with Gusti Gede Jelantik Sasak, 1827-35 with Gusti Ngurah Made Karang Asem and finally with Gusti Ngurah Bagus Pañji Karang Asem until 1838.
Unnamed Ethiopian Noble Lady 1839-51 (†)  Governor Weyzero Elleni of Hamasen (Eritrea)
Murdered together with grandsons in the fighting with the Emperor of Ethiopia.

 

 1839-53 Bezmrâlem Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Also known as Daulatlu Ismatlu Bazim-i Alam Validi Sultan ‘Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari, she was mother of Abdülmecid I (1839-61) and lived (1807-52)
Sultan Jumbe Fatimah 1842-67 and 1871-78 Sultan Jumbe Fatima bint Abderremane  of Mwali/Mohéli (Comoro Islands)
Succeeded her father, Ramanetaka, cousin of Radama I of Madagascar, who conquered Mwali. Also known as Reketaka Jombe Sudy or Djoumbé Soudi or Djoumbé Fatouma . Jumbe Fatimah was married two times and was deposed by the French Colonial powers in 1867 but was reinstalled and ruled until her death.  She lived (1837-78)
  1842-51 Regent Dowager Sultan Rovao of Mwali/Mohéli (Comoro Islands)
Reigned in the name of daughter together with her second husband, Tsivandini
Sikander Begum

1844-49 Regent Begum H.H. Sikander Begum Sahiba of Bhopal (India)
1859-68 Nawab Begum Regnant

Had been proclaimed Reigning Begum at the age of 15 months in 1819 under the regency of her mother, BegumQuisada, who resigned in 1844, and on a special Dunbar conveyed in Bhopal, the British Political Agent, J.D. Cunningham, read out a proclamation from the Governor-General that Sikander would be the sole regent and exercise full executive powers on behalf of her 9 year old daughter, Shahjehan. She was the most aggressive, dynamic and charismatic. She rode, played polo, went tiger hunting and was an expert swordswoman. She reorganized the army, whose commander she was. She backed the winning horse in the 1857 mutiny and became the star of several British Dunbars held for Indian rulers. She was a devout Muslim but did not take the veil, but was the first Indian ruler to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. She had separated from her husband,Gahangir Muhammad, who had been titular ruler, after a short period. She lived (1818-68).
Jahan Begum 1844-59 H.H. Nawwab Sultan Shah Jahan Begum Sahiba,Nawab Begum of Bhopal (India)
1868-1901 Nawab Begum Regnant

In 1844 she was proclaimed titular ruler of the state under the regency of her mother, Sikander Begum, in whose favour she abdicated. At a Dunbar held 17 day’s after her mother, Sikander Begum’s death in 1868, she was crowned Begum of Bhopal for the second time in her life. At the ceremony the British Agent of the Governor-General declared that her daughter, Sultan Jahan, would be heiress apparent. Shahjehan’s husband…became titular Nawab, and she tried to leave as much as the governing to him as possible, but he came at odds with the British, and was stripped of his title and position. During most of her reign, she was at odds with Sultan Jahan, and died without them being reconciled. She was interested in culture and an accomplished poet, and lived (1838-1901).
1848-73 Politically Influential Maleka Jahan Khanum of Persia
Her official name was H.M The Mahd-i-‘Aliua, also spelled Mahd-e Olia, “Sublime Cradle,” she was grand-daughter of Fath ‘Ali Shah, who was shah (1797-1834), wife of her cousin Mohammad Shah (1834-48) and mother of Nasser-ed-Din Shah (1848-96). She was one of the strongest women of the Qajar (Kadjar) Dynasty. Wielding her power from the Harem, once her son ascended the throne of Persia. She ensured the strengthening and survival of the Qajar nobility against the rivalries by commoners elevated to positions of prominence as a result of policies of successive Qajar (Kadjar) Shahs. She is characterized as an accomplished and cunning woman of some political gifts, strong personality, and characterized the undercurrent of matriarchy in the Qajar elite. She lived (1805-73)
Tsarina Kurmandjan Datka of Alay Around 1850 Reigning Tsarina Kurmandjan Datka of Alay (Kirgistan)
Also known as Kurmanjan Mamatbai Kyzy, or Alai Queen, she was an outstanding leader of Kyrgyz nation. She had refused to live with the husband she was forced to marry and ruled the country alone when her second husband died, during the gloomy time of feudal despotism she could maintain a free spirit of independent nomad’s life, traditional way living and Kyrgyz culture in Alay region. She was respected by all the foreign rulers she met during her reign, even by Kokand Khan – guardian of Muslim norms. At that time, it was considered astounding that a woman could govern such a huge territory as the Fergana valley. After the Kyrgyz territory was annexed by Russia in 1876, she continued the resistance movement. She lived (1811-1907)
 

1857-60 Regent H.H. Panchai-tana I-Basse Tan-ri Waru Kajuwara Sultana Um ul-Hadi Pelaiengi Pasimpa of Bone (Indonesia)
1860-… Datuk of Supa (Akataparang)
Also known as Basse Kajuwara Hadie Abel Hadie Pelai-eengi Paseempa, she was widow of her cousin, H.H. La Parenringi Paduka Sri Sultan Ahmad Saleh Muhi ud-din, and regent for her infant son La Pamadanuka until his death. She was daughter of her husband’s uncle, La Tan-ri suki, ArungKajuwara, by his wife, the Adatuwang of Sawito. She was formerly styled Arung Kajuwara and succeeded her mother’s brother as reigning Datuk of Supa, where she was succeeded by the female ruler, Datuk Madallung, who reigned until 1902.
 

1858-59 Arumponi Regnant Bassee Kajuwara Hadie Abdel Hadie Pelai-eengi Paseemba of Bone (Indonesia)
Succeeded by Ahmad Singkarru Rukka Arung Palakka, who reigned until 1871.
 

1858-59 Queen Basse Kajuwara Hai-de Abdel Haide Pelai-e’engie Paseempa of Celebes at the Moluccas (Indonesia)
Today the island is called Sulawesi Selatan. Among the many ethnic groups are the seafaring Bugis dominates the southern part, whereas the northern part is inhabited by the Torajas whose unique culture rivals that of Balinese. Famed for their seafaring heritage and Pinisi Schooners for centuries, the Bugis posses to the present day one of the last sailing fleets in the world. The Bugis vessels have sailed to as far as the Australian coast, leaving behind drawing of their ships on stone with words that have been integrated into the Aboriginal language of North Australia.
  1861-1902 Adatuwang We Tan-ri-Paderang Bau Jella of Alita (Indonesia)
Succeeded Aru Anipong and was succeeded by La Pangorisang – both male rulers. Daughter of H.H. La Parenrengi Paduka Sri Sultan Ahmad Saleh, Arumpone of Bone and I-Basse Tan-ri Waru Kajuwara hadi Abel Hadi Pelaiengi Pasimpa, Datu of Supa – daughter of La Tan ri Suki, Arung of Kajuwara. We Tan-ri was married to H.H. Paduka Sri Sultan Husain ibnu Sultan Muhammad Idris, Sultan of Gowa (1895-1906)
Unnamed Muslim Lady 1861-… Al Sitt Bader Amin al-Din of the Druze in Lebanon
Became acting leader of the Druze Tribe after her husband, Said Beik Jumblatt had tried to reestablish the leadership of the Jumblatts, but was accused of fueling sectarian conflict between the Druze and the Maronites by the Ottomans, who sentenced him to life in prison, where he died of tuberculosis. The leadership afterwards went to her son Nassib. Said’s other son, Najib, who managed to win over the Ottomans, who gave him the esteemed title of Pasha and appointed him governor of the Shouf in 1884.

 

 1861-76 Pertherhiyal Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Mother of Murad, and as Sultan Valide she was in some aspects considered  joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire
Queen Warqito Mastawat of Walo 1868-76 Regent Dowager Queen Warqito Mastawat of Walo (Ethiopia)
She was mother of the young Imam Amede Beshir, one of the two claimants to the leadership of the Weresek (Mammadoch) clan of Wollo. Emperor Tewodros had seized Amede Beshir, had him baptized as his godson, and had fought the mother of the other claimant, the rival Queen Mestawat. Although bitter rivals, both Mestawat and Werqitu were foes of the Emperor. Werqitu was not initially eager to help the Shewan prince even though his father had been a close ally. She initially decided to send emissaries to the Emperor to inform him that the Shewans were in her camp, and that she would exchange them for her son. Tewodros however was extremely furious when he found out about the escape of the Shewans. Her son died during the siege, and her grief and anger knew no bounds. Until the very end, she never stopped attacking Tewodros’ army, and never held back aid from anyone who rebelled against him.

 

Unnamed ruling Malaysian princess 1869-72 Regent Tengku Intan binti Tengku Alang Husain,Tunku Ampuan of Negri Sembilan (Malaysia)
Regent for son, H.H. Tuanku Antah ibni al-Marhum Raja Radin Sunnah, Yang di-Pertuan of Sri Menanti, who was elected as ruler on the death of his uncle in 1869.

 

  1870-86 Adatuwang Regnant Pasule Daeng Bulaeng of Sawito (Indonesia)
Married La Tan-ri Suki, Arung Kajaura, Prince of Bone. Her daughter  I-Basse Tan-ri Waru Kajuwara Hadi Abel Hadi Pelaiengi Pasimpa was regent for her infant son, the Sultan of Bone, before succeeding Pasule’s brother as Datu of Supa in 1860. Pasule was succeeded in Sawito by the male ruler Palagau Aru Patojo, who reigned until 1902.

 

  1871-95 H.H. I-Banri Sultana Siti Fatima, Arumpone of Bone(Indonesia)
Styled Arung Timurung and Datu Chitta before she succeeded her father, Ahmad Singkarru Rukka Arung Palakka. She married I-Magulaga Karaeng Popo, Prince of Gowa (d. 1902), whose mother was I-Tenri Pada Sultana Siti Aisha [Besse-Barru], Arung of Barru, daughter of To’ Patarai Sumanga Rukka, Arung of Barru. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Bola Mapare, and she was succeeded by her half-brother. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Bola Mapare, and mother of a son and a daughter, and (d. 1895).

 

  1872-73 and 187..-18.. Sultan Singa Madi Jimba Aicha of M’Bude (Comoro Islands)
In 1873 she was taken as a captive to Itsandra.. As she was however treated well and even married Mussafubu it is possible that she has continued to be Sultan in Name. In this case her successor, Jumbe Boina Fumu, was possibly only a  kind of governor. In 1880 she submitted to Saidi Ali of the Comoros. She was succeeded by Jema Niema bint Jumbe Fumu at a not known date.

 

Tjoet Njak Dien with some of her men 1873-1901 Guerilla Leader “Ibu Perbu” Tjoet Njak Dien in Aceh (Indonesia)
“Ibu Perbu” means Queen, and  in 1862 she married Teuku Ibrahim Lamnga. In 1873 Her father and husband joined the fight against the Dutch, and she followed them into the jungle. After both her father and husband was killed and the Indonesian forces defeated by the Dutch, Dien took over both her late husband’s and father’s army commands and led them in guerilla warfare Her second husband was Teuku Umar, who was another relative. They  led the two armies into a series of successful assault missions. In 1899  Dien’s husband was killed in battle, and she was again left to lead the rebel army alone, and retreated further into the jungle. She continued to lead the fight until the army was destroyed in 1901. One of her followers, Pang Laot Ali, felt sorry for Dien’s condition, hoped that the Dutch might give medical treatment for her. He deserted to the Dutch and bought the Dutch army into Dien’s camp in Beutong Le Sageu. They were completely caught by surprise and fought to the last man and woman except for Gambang and Dien. Only due to her blindness was Dien captured and even then she held a rencong (a traditional Acehnese dagger) in her hand trying to fight the enemy. Her daughter Gambang, however escaped deep into the jungle, where it is known that she continued the resistance until her death, which is believed to have taken place in 1910. She spend the rest of her life teaching the Koran in Sumedang, West Java. She lived (1848-1908). In 1964 she was declared a National Hero.

 

Perestü Valide Sultan

 1876-87 Perestü Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)

Mother Abdülhamid II (1876-1909), she was the last Valide Sultan and theoretical joint ruler.

 

  1878… Regent Warquito Mastawat of Gera Walo (Ethiopia)
Regent for chief Muhammad Ala, who became Ras Mika’el in 1878. The boarder state was incorporated into Ethiopia in 1896.

 

  Around 1884 Sultan Mzade Badgini binti Munké Mwembwani of Badgini (Comoro Islands)
Succeeded Umam wa Dari, who reigned (1852-84) and was succeeded by Khadija.

 

Sultana in the Comoro Islands Ca. 1884, 1884-8.. and 1887-ca.88 Sultan Khadija binti Mugné Mku of Badgini (Comoro Islands)
It is not clear what happened to her after Hachimu bin Mugne Mku seized power in 1885, After he had been driven out in 1887 she was first arrested but later reinstalled as Sultane by Saidi Ali of the Comoros and French. Later she is known to have been in exile in 1888 and to have joined Hachimu the following year. (d. 1889)

 

  1885-1902 Sultan Aisya of Indragiri (Indonesia)
Succeeded by sultan Mahmud

 

Njapdungke of Bamum 1888-94 Regent Queen Mother Regnant Njapdungke of Bamum (Cameroon)
Also known as Setfon or Nazabidunke. Initially regent for her son, Ibrahum Njoya, who was Fon of Bamun 1888-1923, in 1918 he also became sultan of Fumban, he was deposed in 1923, and lived (1885-1933). After he took over the reigns himself she became his closest advisor. Bamun was under indirect colonial rule by the Germans. She (d. 1913)

 

Comoran Princess 1888-89 Regent Princess Balia of Mwali (Mohéli) (Comoro Islands)
Member of a regency council for the absent Sultan Salima.

 

Unnamed Philippine Girl 1888-1906 Regent Rajah Putri of Magindanao (The Philippines)
Daughter of Sultan Qudaratullah Muhammad Jamalul Azam or simply Sultan Untong and maried Datu Utto or Sultan Anwaruddin Utto of Buayan, who also maneuvered to be declared jointly as Sultan of Maguindanao. Openly, he was supporting the bid of his brother-in-law, Datu Mamaku, brother of Rajah Putri to become the new Sultan of Maguindanao. But the Spaniards opposed his inclination vehemently, and Rajah Putri became the ruler of the state.

 

  1893-94 Sultan Mugalula of Nyamwezi at Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Abdicated as Sultan of Nyamwezi the same year. Abdicated as sultan and was succeeded by daughter Abd Msavila II in Nyamwezi, who also abdicated.

 

  1895 Sultan Abd Msavila II of Nyamwezi (Tanzania)
Daughter of Sultana Mugalula, who reigned 1893-95 Msavila abdicated and was succeeded by Chief and sultan Katugamoto, who was deposed in 1898.

 

Nyirauhi V Kanjogera of Rwanda

1895-96 Reigning Umugabekazi Nyirauhi V Kanjogera of Rwanda
1896-ca. 1916 Regent
1916-31 Reigning Umugabekazi
Became Umugabekazi (Queen Mother) by the death of her husband King Kigeri IV Rwabigi and twice acted as regent for her son Yuhi V wa Musinga (1896-31). Rwanda was a Belgian colony at the time.

 

  Around 1900 I-Tenri Pada Sultana Siti Aisha, Arung of Barru (Indonesia)
Married to H.H. Sri Sultan Muhammad Idris ibni Sultan ‘Abdu’l Kadir Muhammad ‘Aidid, Sultan of Gowa.

 

Jahan Begum 1901-26 H.H. Sikander Saulat, Iftikhar ul-Mulk, Nawab Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Bhopal (India)
1901-02 Chief Minister of Bhopal
Also known as Sarkar Amman, she succeeded her mother, Sikander Begum. She was a forceful ruler, and reformed the administration of state. She attended the coronation of George V in 1911 dressed in a burqa with her awards worn on the outside. During the trip, she visited Paris, k a spa in Bad Nauenheim in Germany, spend a week in Génève and traveled by the Orient Express to Istanbul, where she met the sultan-emperor, Mehmet Reshad. She also visited Hungary, Italy and Egypt where she embarked on her return journey to a Bhopal struck by plague. Later that year she attended the Imperial Dunbar in Delhi. In 1926 she returned to London to settle the rules of succession in a British court. She abdicated in favour of son while still in London, and after some further legal conundrum, her granddaughter, Abida was declared heir apparent. Sultan Jahan argued in favour of the rights of the firstborn, regardless of gender. After her abdication, she became an advocate of women’s rights, and in 1928 she discarded purdah. Shah Jahan lived (1858-1930).

 

  Until 1902 Datuk I-Madellung Karaeng Kajuwara, Datu of Supa(Ajataparang) (Indonesia)
Succeeded another female ruler; Bassee Kajuwara Hadie Abel Hadie Pelai-eengi Paseemba, who ascended the throne in 1860. She was succeeded by nephew and husband of her daughter Besse Bulo, H.H. Haji Andi La Mappanjuki Karaeng Silayar Sri Sultan Ibrahim ibnu Sultan Husain, who was Arumpone of Bone in 1931-46 and 1950-60 trough his mother We Tan-ri Padarang, Princess of Alita, eldest daughter of H.H. La Parenrengi Paduka Sri Sultan Ahmad, Arumpone of Bone. Madellung (d. 1902)

 

  1907-11 Rani Imbichi Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
Succeeded brother. She was daughter of Rani Hayashabe Adi Raja Bibi who reigned 1838-52 in succession to her mother, Rani Mariambe Adi Raja Bibi,who reigned  (1819-38).

 

Queen Shahzadi of Persia  1909-25 Politically Active Queen Shahzadi Maleka Jahan Khanum of Persia
Her name meant “Queen of the World”. She was married to her cousin Mohammad Ali Shah who reigned 1907-09 until he was deposed. She was a strong presence, and she was about to reclaim the throne of Persia for her son Soltan Ahmad Shah, (1898-1909-25-30), after he was deposed, but events had conspired against her. Went with her family into exile in Rome, and lived (1875-?)

 

1919-29 Politically Influential H.M. Queen Soraya Shah of Afganistan
Influenced her husband, King Amanulluh Shah, who was one of the most liberal rulers of the country. He abolished slavery, liberalized the family code, child marriage was limited, women got right to choose their own husband, etc. In 1928 Soraya and her daughters appeared unveiled. Conservative forces forced her husband to abdicate in 1929, and they went into exile first in India and then in Rome. She was his third husband, he married two more times, and lived (1892-1960) She was the daughter of  Mahmud Beg Tarzi, sometime Minister for Foreign Affairs, and lived (1897-1968)

 

  1921-31 Rani Ayisha Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
Succeeded Ahmad Adi-Raja Bibi and was succeeded by Abdul-Rahman Ali Adi-Raja II.

 

  1921-? Regent Dowager Rani Saida of Badalpur (India)
Reigned in the name of her grand-son who studied in United Kingdom.

 

  1921-1939 Al-Sitt Nazira Jumblatt of the Druze  of Lebanon
Her husband, Fouad Jumblatt was murdered by Shakib Wahab, a member of the Arslan clan. Her son Kamal Jumblatt was four years old, and grew up in an atmosphere of tight security and fear due to his mother Nazira’s continued support of the Lebanese state and its French patrons. When the Druze in Syria revolted against the French in 1925 , Nazira played a key role in keeping the Shouf mostly out of war and worked tirelessly to find common ground among the French authorities, the Maronites and the Druze. Her son studied in France until 1939, and later became one of the chief acteurs in the civil war from the 1970s onward until his assassination.

 

1935-49 Vice-President of the State Council and President of the Cabinet Princess Abida Sultan Begum of Bhopal (India)
1960-61 Titular Nawab Sahiba , Begum Sultan of Bhopal
Her full name is Colonel Suraya Jah, Gauhar-i-Taj, Nawab Abida Sultan Begum Sahiba, but is normally known as Begum Abida Sultan. She was appointed as Heir Apparent to her father and recognized as such by the Indian government in 1928. In 1950 she moved to Pakistan. were she was a Delegate to UN in 1954, Ambassador to Brazil and Chile 1954-59. She was also an active politician and supporter of Miss Fatima Jinnah’s candidacy for President of Pakistan. She Contested the succession after the death of her father, HH Sikander Savlat Ifrikar il-Mulk Haji Sir Muhammad Hamidullah Khan Badur, in February 1960, but the Indian government ruled against her in January 1961 in favour of her sister, H.H.Sikander Saulat Iftikhar ul-Mulk Haji Nawab Mehr Tai Sajida Sultan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Bhopal (1960-95). Aida lived (1913-2002)

 

1941-79 Politically Influential HIH Princess Ashraf Pahlavi of Iran
In 1946 her twin brother, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, send her to negotiate with Stalin in the Kremilin, to secure the return of some Soviet occupied parts of Iran. She was Head of the Woman’s Organization of Iran and a Special Ambassador to the United Nations. Her first two marriages ended in divorce, her third husband died. According to Iranian usage, her sons two sons and their children had the title H.H. Prince and father’s surname. Her daughter is H.H. Princess and the husband’s surname. (b. 1919-)

 

  Before 1944 Regent Princess Sharifah Leng binti al-Marhum Yang di-Pertuan Muda Syed Abdul Hamid of Tampin (Malaysia)
The daughter Sultan Sharif Abdul Hamid ibni al-Marhum Yang di-Pertuan Muda Sultan Muhammad Shah al-Qadri (1872-94) she was regent for her nephew Syed Akil bin Syed Dewa al-Qadri, Tunku Besar of Tampin, who died at the age of 20, and whose brother, Syed Muhammad bin Syed Dewa al-Qadri,  ruled until 1944.

 

  1946-47 Rani Mariyumma Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
Her principality was incorporated in the Republic of India.

 

1952-53 Head of the Regency Council H.M. Queen Zein al-Sharaf of Jordan
In the official Jordan biography it says that her political instincts and courage allowed her to successfully fill a constitutional vacuum after the assassination of the late King Abdullah in 1951, while the newly proclaimed King Talal was being treated outside the Kingdom for his mental illness. When he was deposed in August 1952 she was regent until her son, Hussein I, until he turned 18 in May the following year. She played a major role in the political development of the Kingdom in the early 1950s, and took part in the writing of the 1952 Constitution that gave full rights to women and enhanced the social development of the country. Born in Egypt as daughter of the Court Chamberlain, Sharif Jamal Ali bin Nasser, she was mother of three sons and a daughter, and lived (1916-94).

 

Tuttu Goma 1952-53 Candidate for the Throne Princess Fatima Ibrahim Didi Tuttu Goma of the Maldive Islands
In 1944 the throne was first offered to the erstwhile Prime Minister Athireegey Abdul Majeed Rannabandeyri Kilegefan, but he declined and remained in exile until his death in 1952. The throne was then offered Tuttu Goma was daughter of Eggamugey Ibrahim Faamuladeyri Kilegefan and Princess Gulistan Imaduddine, the daughter of Sultan Mohamed Imaduddine VI (1892-1903)  and Eggamugey Umm-Kalthum Didi. The Islamic clerics headed by the chief justice Abdullah Jalaluddine vetoed the age old custom of a female ruler, so a council of regency reigned until 1953.

 

1959-70 Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Yadar Sadykovna Nariddinova, Uzbekistan (Autonomos Soviet Republic in the USSR)
1952-59 Deputy Premier, Minister of Construction Industry in Uzbekistan, 1959-70 Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Soviet before becoming “Head of State” of the Republic. 1970-74 she was President of the Federation Council of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. (b. 1926-)

 

1960-95 Head of the Princly Family H.H.Sikander Saulat Iftikhar ul-Mulk Haji Nawab Mehr Tai Sajida Sultan Begum Sahiba,  Nawab Begum of Bhopal (India)
Recognized by the Government of India as ruler of Bhopal, at the 13. of January 1961 with effect from 4. February 1960. After the death of her husband, Muhammed Iftikhar Ali Khan of Pataudi (1910-1917-52), she was regent for her son Mansur Ali Khan (b. 1941), who was captain of the Indian Cricket team 1960-75. Under the name of Begum Sajida Sultan, she was member of the Indian Parlament for Bhopal 1957-62. She lived (1915-95) and was succeeded by her grandson.

 

1963 Fatima Jinnah, Pakistan

Sister, secretary and political advisor of the “father” of Pakistan, Muhamad Ali Jinnah. She had widespread popular support but lost the elections. Lived (1894-1965)

 

1968-96 Partner in Power Siti Hartinah, Indonesia
Also Known as Ibu Tien (Mother Tien), she was the most loyal aide and the closest and most influential advisor of her husband, President Suharto. She was known to express preferences as well as dislikes toward certain cabinet ministers, often connected with their personal lives. She was known as “Madame Ten Percent”, because of her corruption. Born as Princess of Mangkunegara  in Surakarta, Central Java, and lived (1923-96).

 

1971-73 Governor Begum Ra’ana Liquat Ali Khan, Sind (Pakistan)
She was the widow of Prime Minister Liquat Ali Khan who was murdered 1951. She was ambassador to the Netherlands 1954-56, to Tunisia 1961-64 and Italy 1961-66. Born as Ra’ana Pant, she lived (1905-90) [Perhaps governor 1973-76].

 

  1975-78 First Secretary of the Communist Party Ibodat S. Rakhimova, Tajikistan (Autonomous Soviet Republic in the USSR)
As first secretary she was the actual leader of the republic. She was the only women on that post during the history of the USSR. Vice-President 1955-66 and Secretary 1978-89 of the Supreme Soviet.

 

1979-80 Regent-in-exile Dowager Shahbanou Farah Diba Pahlavi of Iran (in Egypt and France)
She is widow of The Shah, she was Acting Head of the Imperial Family and acted as regent for son who became shah on his 20th birthday 31/10-80. (b. 1938-)

 

  1980-81 Chief Minister Syeda Anwara Taimur , Assam (India)
Still politically active in 2006. (b. 1936-).

 

1980-85 Partner in Power Dr. Anahita Ratebzad, Afghanistan

Shared power with her partner, President Babrak Karmal. She was ambassador to Yugoslavia 1978, Minister of Social Affairs 1978-79, Minister of Education 1980,  and Member of the Presidency of the Revolutionary Council and the Politburo of the Communist Party 1980-85. She was the highest ranking woman in the parcham faction of the party and an expert propagandist. Her former husband, Dr. Qamaruddin Kakar used to be king Zahir Shah’s personal physician. (b. 1928-) .

 

1982-83 Vice-Premier Caroline Diop Faye, Senegal
1971-ca. 84 Deputy President of the National Assembly. 1978-81 Minister of Social Affairs,  
1981-83 Minister-Delegate by the Premier Minister and 1982-83 Minister of State (Third in Cabinet)

 

1987-89 Chairperson of the Executive Council  Kaqusha Jashari (Kosova/Yugoslavia)
1989 Chief Secretary of the Communist Party
Forced to resign after the first Kosovan riots in the republic. In 2000 she was member of the Kosovo Transitional Council (Legislative) and Chairperson of Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (PSDK) which she had chaired since 1991.

 

1988-90 and 1993-96 Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan
Co-Chairperson 1984-94 and from 1994 Leader of Pakistan People’s Party. 1977-84 in house arrest, 1984-86 in exile. She also held the Portfolios of Defence, Atomic-Energy, Finance, Economy, Information  and Establishment. Both in 1990 and 1996 she was removed from office by the President on charges of corruption and later convicted. From 1998 she has lived in exile  London and the United Arab Emirates. Her three children were born in 1988, 1989 and 1993. (b. 1953-).

 

  1988-09 Acting Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet RozaAtamuradovna Bazarova, Turkmenistan (Autonomous Soviet Republic in the USSR)
1975 Deputy Premier Minister and 1975-88 Member of the Presidium of Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. (b. 1933-).

 

1989 Acting Prime Minister Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Pakistan
Senior Minister without Portfolio and Second in Cabinet 1989-90. Acted as deputy to her Daughter, Benazir Bhutto, and was acting Premier when she gave birth to her second child in 1989 and on various other occasions.  Widow of President Zulfiar Ali Bhutto, who was executed by the military regime. Born in Afganistan (Ca. 1929-).

 

1989-99 Vice-Premier Aïssata Moumouni, Niger
Second in cabinet for many years. Since 1997 with the title of Minister of State.

 

1991-96 and 2001- Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh
Vice-Chairperson of The Nationalist Party 1982-84 and Leader since 1984. Her husband, President Zia-ur-Rahman was Premier Minister 1976-77 and President 1977-81 until he was assassinated. Khaleda was detained seven times during almost nine years of autocratic rule. In the face of mass upsurge spearheaded by the seven-party alliance, led by Khaleda, and the eight-party combine, led by Hasina, Ershad resigned in 1990 and handed over power to neutral caretaker government, bringing an end to his nine-year autocratic rule. During her first tenure as Premier she was in charge of a number of other portfolios – among other’s that of Defence. 1996-2001 Leader of the Opposition. Mother of two sons.  (b. 1945-).

 

1991-ca. 96 Governor Professor Lale Ayataman, Mugla (Turkey)
1996-99 she was deputy to the Grand National Assembly for the Motherlands Party (ANAP). Chairperson of the European Committee for Environment and Regional Affairs and Vice-Chairperson of the Group of European Democrats (Conservatives).

 

1993-96 Minister President Tansu Çiller, Turkey
Assistant Professor 1974-83 and 1983-90 Professor of Economics at Bosphorus University. Minister of State and Chief Economic Coordinator 1991-93,  Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs 1996-97. She was Deputy Chairperson , 1990-93 and from 1993 Chairperson of DYP, The True Path Party. In the 2002-elections the party got 8,5% of the votes, becoming the third largest party, but it was not enough to reenter the parliament, where the minimum vote required is 9%. Mother of two children. (b. 1946-).

 

1993- President of the Government-in-Exile Maryam Rajavi, Iran (in Paris)
From 1985-92 Commander-in-Chief of Muhjedin-Army operating from Iraq. She is head of the 250 member exile-parliament. Half of its members are women and the exile-government is dominated by women.

 

  1994-95 Deputy Chief of Government Salma Ahmed Rashed, Libya
1992-94 Assistant Secretary for Women and 1994-95 Secretary in the General Secretariat of the General Peoples’ Congress for Women’s Affairs (Deputy Chief of Government). 1996 Ambassador to the League of Arab Nations as the first woman.

 

1994 and 1996-99 Vice-Premier Minister Bozgul Dodkhudoeva, Tajikistan
1993-94 Minister of Education.

 

1994-96 Vice-Premier Minister Munira Abdulloyevna Inoyatva, Tadjikistan
1993-94 Deputy Minister of Labour, 1994-99 also Minister of Education and since 1999 Presidential Advisor of Social Affairs

 

1994-95 Minister of Foreign Affairs Sy Kadiatou Sow, Mali 
1998-2000 Governor of the Capital District of Bamako
1994-95 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malians Abroad and African Integration and 1995-98 Minister of Town Planning and Housing.

 

1995-99 Vice-Premier Minister Abad Sehedana Rezeva, Turkmenistan

Former vice-chair of the Parliament. From 1999 minister of Education. Another version of her name is Abad Sehedovna Irzayeva Risaveva.

 

1995- Vice-Premier Minister Dilbar Mukhammadkhonovna Ghulomova, Uzbekistan
Chairperson of the State Committee for Women’s Affairs from 1994.

 

1996-2001 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Bangladesh
Also known as Hasina Wazed, she is leader of the Awami League since 1981 and Leader of the Opposition 1991-96. As Premier one of her many other portfolios is that of Defence. Mother of 2 sons (b. 1945-).

 

1996-98 Vice-Premier Minister Larisa Gutnichenko, Kyrgyzstan
1995-96 Minister of Justice  and 1996-98 Deputy Premier Minister for Social and Cultural Policy.

 

1996-98 Vice-Premier Minister Mira Jangaracheva, Kyrgyzstan
In 1992-95 Deputy Mayor of Bishkeh, 1995-96 Presidential Advisor of Social Affairs. From 1998 Minister of Labour and Social Welfare. (b. 1952-).

 

1997-2006 Vice-President Prof. Dr. Masoumek Ebtekar, Iran
In charge of Environment (b. 1960-)

 

1997, 1998 (March-April), 1999, 2000 (November), 2001, 2002 (January), 2003 (June) and 2004 (June/July) ActingMinister of Foreign Affairs H.R.H. Princess Hajah Masna binti Omer Ali of Brunei, Brunei
Since 1995 Ambassador-at-Large and Second in Command of the Foreign Ministry and  Acting Foreign Minister and Head of Delegations to APEC, ASEAN, ASEM and other international summits on various occasions. She is the sister of HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkian Muizzaddin of Brunei and married to Pengiran Lela Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haja Abu Bakar. Her full title is Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri or Yang Teramat Mulina Pengiran Anak Puteri. (b. 1948-)

 

1997-2001 Governor Selvi M. Fathima Beeri, Tamil Nadu (India)

In 1983 she was appointed judge in the Kerala High Court. 1989-93 Judge in the Supreme Court of India as the first woman. She was removed from the post of governor after having appointed J. Jayalalitha Jayaram as chief minister in spite of her conviction for corruption. (b. 1927-) .

 

1999-2000 Vice-Premier Minister Rima Khalaf Hneidi, Jordan
1993-95 Minister of Trade and Industry, 1995-98 Minister of Planning, 1999-2000 Deputy Premier Minister and Minister of Planning. she resigned in 2000 because of disagreement with the Premier Minister about the economic policies. Later same year she became Assistant Secretary General of the UN and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States.

 

1999- Vice-Premier Minister Djamal Geklenova, Turkmenistan
Ca. 1998-99 Minister of Consumer Goods and since 1999 Deputy Premier Minister in charge of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Turkmen Statistics and Forecasts Committee and Minister of Textile Industry and Foreign Trade.

 

1999- Vice-Premier Minister Nigina Sharapova, Tajikistan
Among others in charge of Women’s Issues.

 

1999 Vice-Premier Minister Aitkul Baigaziyevna Samakova, Kazakstan
1997-99 Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, 1999-2002 Minister Without Portfolio and Chairperson of the National Committee on Family and Women’s Issues and from 2002 Minister of Environmental Protection

 

1999-2000 and 2001- Minister of Foreign Affairs Dodo Aïchatou Mindaoudou, Niger
1995-96 she was Minister of Social Development, Population and Women.

 

2000- Minister of Foreign Haja Mahawa Bangoura Camara, Guinea
In 1995 she was Ambassador to  USA and later to the United Nations. Her official title is Minister to the presidency charged with Foreign Affairs and an alternative version of her name is Camara Hadja Mawa Bangoura

 

2000 President of the Executive Committee Nuria Abdulahi, Harari (Ethiopia)

Only in office for around one month.

 

2001-04 Executive President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Indonesia
When Megawati  Setyawati Soekarnoputri became leader of the Democratic Party in 1993, she triggered the opposition against President Quarto. In 1999 her party won the most seats in the Parliament, but Abdulrahman Wahid was elected President. This caused serious riots all over the country and she was elected vice-President the following day. In August 2000 the ailing President Wahid charged her with the running of the daily business of the government and state and she chaired the cabinet meetings. At the 23rd of July he was ousted and she inaugurated as President. Ibu Mega, as she is known, is daughter of Indonesia’s founding father Sukarno, is married for the 3rd time and mother of 3 children. (b. 1946-).

 

2001-02 Premier Ministre Mame Madior Boye, Sénégal
Former assistant to the Attorney General of the Republic, judge and first vice President of the Regional High Court in Dakar and former President of the Court of Appeal in Dakar. Councillor to the Supreme Court of Appeal and Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in 2000-2001. In 2002 she took over as Minister of Defence after the former incumbent resigned after almost 1.000 persons died in a ferry-disaster. (b.1940-).

 

 

 2001-02 Vice-Premier Minister Sima Samar, Afghanistan
Appointed Deputy Leader of the Transitional Council or Deputy Premier Minister and Minister of Women’s Affairs, after the woman-hating Taleban-regime was ousted. She had been leader of a women’s organization for a number of years. (b. 1957-).

 

 

 2002- Vice-Premier Minister Enebay Geldiyevna Atayeva, Turkmenistan
2001 minister of Social Affairs and Labour, and since 2001 Minister of Economy and Finance. In 2002 she was appointed Deputy Premier Minister responsible for the Banking Sektor. Her name is also transcribed as Ataeva Enebay Gelgievna.

 

 

 2002- Vice-Premier Minister Galina Karimovna Saidova, Uzbekistan
Deputy Premier Minister in charge of Analysis and Information.

 

 2002-03 Vice-Premier Minister Kétia Rokiatou N’Diaye, Mali(Second in Cabinet)
Former Civil servant she was Director of the Cabinet of the President 1992-94 and the Special Advisor 1994-96. She is 3rd. Vice-President of the Rassemblement Pour Le Mali (Party) and Minister of Health from 2002. (b. 1938-).

 

  2003- Prefect Mudira Abu Bakr of the Dukan Region (Iraq)
The region is situated in the in northern Suleimaniyah Province in the part of Kurdistan which is controlled by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

 

2003-06 Minister of Foreign Edna Adan Ismail, Somaliland
A former World Health Organization representative in Djibouti, she founded and is the Co-Patronn and Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Somaliland’s first Maternity Hospital. Somaliland is a self-declared and de-facto independent republic.

2006 Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria

Former Vice-President of  the World Bank and Corporate Secretary. Minister of Finance 2003-06, and when she was appointed Foreign Affairs in June 2006, she continued as the  Head of the Economic Reform Team, but resigned from the government after being fired from this post in August.

2006- Minister of Foreign Affairs Joy Ogwu, Nigeria

Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Foreign Affairs Institute through many years. (b. 1946-).

 

http://www.guide2womenleaders.com/Muslim_Leaders.htm

Dr. Fehmida Mirza
Details of Dr. Fehmida Mirza
Dr. Fehmida Mirza is the first women Speaker of the National assembly of Pakistan. She was elected on March 19, 2008 as 19th Speaker of the National assembly. She has the distinction of being the 1st women Speaker in the Muslim World.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza has been elected to the Pakistani Parliament in three consecutive terms in 1997, 2002 and 2008 as MNA from Badin NA-225 Sindh. She won the February 18, 2008 election with huge margin of over 70,000 votes. She had been a Member of the National assembly Standing Committees on Population Welfare and Women Development, Health, Social Welfare and Special Education, Commerce and Industries.
Born on December 20, 1956, Dr. Mirza did her MBBS from Liaqat Medical College Jamshoro Sindh, Pakistan, in 1982 and completed house job in gynecology and pediatrics. She remained in the Medical Profession from 1983 to 1989.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza has intrinsic inclination for philanthropic and humanitarian work. She arranged relief and rehabilitation for the affectees of the devastating cyclone and floods in Sindh Province during the years 1999 and 2003 and provided medical treatment, rations, clothing and other essential items for the displaced people out of her personal resources.
In view of the high prevalence of Thalecimia Disease in the District of Badin, Dr. Fehmida Mirza established Thalecimia Centre with assistance of District Government in year 2005. This center is presently providing free medical treatment and blood transfusion services to the people of Badin and its adjoining areas.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza also arranged various free ENT, Cardiac, ophthalmological, chest, nephrological and neurological camps in District Badin. She also arranged vaccination and immunization drives against hepatitis, cholera etc. with the assistance of civil society and NGOs. She played had provided clean potable water to many villages in District Badin on her own expenses. Dr. Fehmida Mirza supports and grants financial assistance to the poor and deserving students of the area. She also pays the dowry expenses of the poor marrying couples.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza is a senior Pakistani politician and parliamentarian. She contested election on the platform of Pakistan Peoples Party. She was Secretary Information (PPP) Sindh. She has traveled to USA, UK, Canada, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Saudi arabia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. She likes reading.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza’s belongs to a political family. Her father, Qazi abdul Majeed abid was a seasoned politician who held different ministerial portfolios in Federal and Provincial (Sindh) cabinets from 1982 to 1990 including Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Food and agriculture, Education, Water and Power and Provincial Minister for Communication. Her Uncle, Qazi Mohammad akbar was also a long serving Provincial Minister in Sindh.


 

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WOMEN IN ISLAM:First Lady of Islam, the Boss of The Holy Prophet (PBUH), the First Martyr of Islam, The Women Path Finders of Islam

Posted by Dr. Manzer Durrani in Islam: The Universal Message of Peace on July 25th, 2012

 

An Interview of the Author of a Book on The First Lady of Islam

Khadija, The First Lady of Islam: An Interview with Maxine Meilleur

 

“Khadija was adorned beautifully as she rode a white, she-camel on her way around the city. Resting
upon Khadija’s head was a floral tiara, and her hair was threaded with blue ribbons and strands of
lustrous pearls. She wore bracelets of agate, coral and rock crystal, and she held a jeweled fan in her
hand. A team of Nubian slaves carrying flambeaus marched in front and on the right and the left sides of
the she-camel.

Mohammad also rode a horse, and he, his uncles, the young men of Bani Hashim and their guests,
returned in the evening to the house of Abu Talib in the same panoply as they had gone earlier that day
to the house of the bride.”

Khadija, The First Lady of Islam, is a recently published jewel of Islamic historical fiction that eloquently
narrates the entire life of one of the most honored women in Islam–an exquisite testimony to her life
and her contributions to the religion. Delicately crafted by Maxine Meilleur, this comprehensive, well-
researched work is a must-have for Muslim and non-Muslim history buffs, book lovers, and Khadija
admirers.

Read on about the author and her journey in writing Khadija (RA), The First Lady of Islam.

Because Khadija (RA), The First Lady of Islam, is a detailed, flavorful account of the life of this mother of the believers, from birth to death, it is bound to raise the reader’s curiosity as to what is fact and what is fiction. What sources formed the cornerstone of your research?

The idea of exploring Khadija came when I was in Kuwait. My family is Shi’a so we know a lot about
Fatimah (RA), Zaineb (RA), Ali (RA), etc., but I was taken by Khadija (RA). No one knew much about her and this made me
zealous to study what her life was probably like.

“To recreate Khadija’s life and bring her back to life, the author had to read between the lines of the
historical record and thoroughly research the culture and society that existed at the time of Khadija…The
sources that do exist for Khadija’s life are obscure, confused and very often contradictory. History more
often than not ignores women or relegates them, even the women titled “The Great”, into the permanent
shadow of men.”

While writing about the life of the first revert to Islam, Khadija, have you encountered criticism on the caliber of your work or even the authenticity of your faith?

So many people are afraid that I will be the subject of a fatwa [a legal opinion or ruling by an Islamic
scholar]! Others absolutely refuse to discuss or even consider what Khadija’s life was like. I agree that
she is a revered person and [presenting] her in a bad light would be problematic, but what’s wrong with
talking about the history of Islam? It will help [us] to appreciate the Prophet and his family more if we can visualize the [day-to-day] details of their lives.

What sort of “clearance” did you need from Muslim scholars in order to write this book? .

I went to several people, from the conservatives to the liberals. While some of the conservatives refuse
to discuss or allow such a work to progress, I at least got their opinion and their arguments. I still asked
them for guidance and what NOT to write – what would be offensive. I asked the liberals what areas they
wanted to read about and then [returned] to the conservatives and told them what the liberals [had] said
and got their opinion on it. I tried to find something that everyone (or most people) would agree on.

In spite of the shameful pre-Islamic Arabian practice of female infanticide, the relationship
between Khadija(RA) and her monotheistic father, Khuwaylid, is portrayed as one of love and respect
in your book.

“Taking the babe from her mother’s arms, Khuwaylid gazed upon its elegant face saying and
repeating, “Praise be to God, Praise be to God, Praise be to God,” his attention totally captured by the
newborn girl’s strangely generous and calming aura.

“What is her name, my husband?” Fatimah(RA) asked, to which he replied, “Khadija (RA), a noble, elegant and
generous name for a noble, elegant and generous girl.”

Are parallels of this relationship seen in the one she had with Mohammad (PBUH)?

[The first man a woman comes to know in this era is her father.] Women’s ideas of men are thus formed
based on their relationships with their fathers. Khuwaylid must have been a caring, sharing man.

Given your military background, having served in the U.S. Army for almost a decade, readers of
Khadija (RA), The First Lady of Islam, will be looking for a second treat, perhaps a historical account of Nusaibah bint Ka’ab or Khawlah bint Al Azwar, both admired Muslim women warriors. Is this an endeavor you have already entertained?

No, I was thinking about Noor Jehan, the woman behind the Taj Mahal, but I’ve taken to liking Khadija (RA) instead.

Although many Muslims use Khadija’s role as a successful business woman to argue for Muslim
women’s participation in the work force today, her pre-Islamic days are generally not used as
basis for rule making. How did you tackle that in your book?

The politics of some countries limit women in the workforce today. Khadija inherited a business when
there was probably no other woman in the caravan business. So, she no doubt faced a lot of bias and
institutional discrimination against women in business. But some women in Khadija’s time engaged in
weaving and other crafts, food preparation, herbal medicine, midwifery, etc. They had to have traded
amongst themselves and sold their goods. Some people today can’t get their minds around the fact that
Mohammad married and loved a woman so accomplished. After his marriage, he continued to support
her work – her business.

Ms. Meilleur is the author of “Khadija, The First Lady of Islam,” and the successful owner of Kuwait’s only used bookstore Better Books, a literary haven ten years in the making that offers visitors thousands of books of all genres, tea, plush reading space and even the occasional yoga class. When asked if she would consider an adaptation to film of her book by the right filmmaker, Ms. Meilleur answered with a resounding yes!

 

The Pioneering Role Of Women Under The Umbrella Of Islam

(Original Source: http://www.55a.net/firas/english/?page=show_det&id=127&select_page=2 )

By Dr. Nazmy Khalil Abulata

Translated by: Yasmine Muhammad Moslim; Revised by: Magdy Abd Al-Shafy Abd Al-Jawad

Edited by: Defending-Islam staff

Studying the History of Islam and the holy history of the Life of Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) in a careful and objective way – despite the misunderstandings of some Muslims today – one will be introduced to the pioneering role of Muslim women. Such a leading role was emphasized through protecting the Call to Islam, martyrdom for the sake of God, sacrifice, consultation, medical treatment, struggle, giving opinions, learning, and bringing up children, all of which are proved by events, facts and true reports of the Sunna [1] and Islamic History.

1. Khadija (Radhia Allahu Anha) is the first believer in Islam:

When Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) returned from the Cave of Hira for the first time, he went to Khadija (his wife) (Radhia Allahu Anha) and said: “Cover me! Cover me! (out of fear as he had already saw the Angel Jibril (Alayhi Salaam).” She covered him until his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, “I fear that something may have happened to me.” Khadija replied: “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the destitute and calamity-afflicted ones.” Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal, who was an old learned man. Khadija said to Waraqa: “Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!” Waraqa asked: “O my nephew! What have you seen?” Allah’s Apostle described what he had seen. Waraqa said, “This is the same one who keeps the secrets (Angel Jibril) whom Allah had sent to Moses.”[2]

Imam Ahmad has reported that Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said (about Khadija): “She believed in me when others disbelieved in me, she affirmed my faithfulness when others accused me of lying, and she supported me with her money while others deserted me”.

The pioneering role of Khadija (Radhia Allahu Anha):

Khadija (Radhia Allahu Anha) played a pioneering role. She never abandoned the Messenger of God (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) during his troubles.  Furthermore, Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), as a man, never devalued the opinion of Khadija (Radhia Allahu Anha), as a woman. He never ignored her advice. Instead, he accompanied her to her erudite cousin where she started the discussion and showed leadership, which was not disapproved by Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). Also, he never felt ashamed that he was weak at the beginning of (receiving) the Divine Revelation while she coped well with the situation. This is, actually, a lesson for male degree holders, as today some of them degrade women and their role.

2. Sumaya Bint Al-Khayat (Radhia Allahu Anha), the first martyr in the History of Islam:

She encountered the polytheists with the strength of a female believer who had a firm will and died of excruciating torture.

 

Although the unbelievers used to beat her belly and her private parts with a steel bar as they became filled with rage at her pioneering attitude and resistance, and in spite of her slavery and torture, she was strong and venerated. On the contrary, in spite of the pretended mastery of the polytheists, they were very humble before her.

What a heroic role! What great honour a Muslim woman had when she became the first martyr in the history of Islam! O slaves of manhood, wake up! O those who have a complex about womanhood, I wonder which man did as Sumaya (Radhia Allahu Anha) did.

3. Asma’ [3] (Radhia Allahu Anha) was the first one to have risked her life for Islam (commando) in the History of Islam:

She played the role of commissariat for the Immigrants’ Army and the role of an intelligence agent as she used to transmit necessary information of the enemy. It has been narrated in Sahih Muslim that when Al-Hajjaj crucified her son, Abd Allah Bin Al-Zubair (Radhia Allahu Anhu), and sent his messenger to her, she refused to attend his court. So, Al-Hajjaj came to her himself. “How do you find what I did with the enemy of God?” Al-Hajjaj said. “I find that you ruined his life, while he ruined your life in the Hereafter.” she replied. “I have been informed that you call him: the son of the Woman of the Two Belts. I swear by Allah, I am the Woman of the Two Belts; with one of them, I suspended high the food of the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and Abi Bakr, making it out of the reach of pack animals. The other is the necessary belt for a woman . The Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) told us that, in the Thaqif Tribe, there would be born a great liar and a great assassin. We have seen the liar,(Mussailama), and I do think the murderer is none but you.” Thereupon, he (Al-Hajjaj) stood up and never replied to her.

These are only some glimpses of the courage of Asma (Radhia Allahu Anha) a woman who was one who confronted the tyrant, Al-Hajjaj – a man who was a case in point- and supported reformers and prophets – the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and the Immigrants with him (Radhia Allahu Anhum).

4. Umm Salama (Radhia Allahu Anha), a woman who rescued Muslims from ruin:

On the day of Al-Hudaibiya Treaty, people disobeyed the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and therefore the Muslims were about to be ruined [4]. Allah protected them with the wisdom of Umm Salama (Radhia Allahu Anha) and her good advice. Imam Al-Bukhari has reported: “when the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) concluded the Al-Hudaibiya Peace Treaty with the Quraish Tribe, he said to his Companions:  ‘Get up and butcher your sacrifices, then have your heads shaved’. By God, no one did so although he repeated his order three times. When none of them got up, he went to Umm Salama (his wife) and told her about what the people had done. She said: ‘O Prophet of Allah, do you want them to follow your order?

 

Go out, do not speak to any of them until you butcher your she-camel (sacrifice) and call your barber to shave your head’. He got out and did not speak to anyone until he did that, i.e. butchered his sacrifice and called his barber to shave his head.

 

When Muslims saw that, they got up, butchered their sacrifices and shaved the heads of each other”. [5] It is the fraternity of Islam appearing in how Umm Salama (Radhia Allahu Anha) rescued Muslims from the disobedience of their Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). Furthermore, he (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) never devalued her advice, as some men do nowadays with their wives. Instead, he followed her advice. I wonder if men today try to draw a lesson from that.

5. Umm Atiya (Radhia Allahu Anha) defended men:

Imam Al-Bukhary reported that the husband of Umm ‘Atiyya participated in twelve military campaigns (Ghazawats) with the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). Umm Atiya accompanied him in six of them. Imam Muslim narrated on the authority of Umm ‘Atiyya, the Ansarite, who said: I took part with the Messenger of God (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) in seven battles. I used to stay behind in the camp of men, cook their food, treat the wounded and nurse the sick. [6]

On the day of the Battle of Uhud, when men ran away, she resisted and defended the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). So, she used to stand up for Muslim men and the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam).

6. The first military field hospital established by a Muslim woman:

It is mentioned in the history of Islam that Raffida (Radhia Allahu Anha) set up the first mobile military field hospital in the History of Islam. She pitched a field tent where medical care was provided for the wounded.

In short, if we try to mention the glorious feats of women in the History of Islam, we would find that such pioneering feats are countless. I wonder how far women nowadays tread in the steps of those of the early age of Islam.

Remarks

(1) Sunna: The deeds, sayings, and silent approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam); this constitutes the second source of Shari’a (Islamic Law). It is obligatory for Muslims to follow the Sunna as well as the Quran.

(2) Al Jaami` Al-Saheeh, Vol.1, No.1-3  and Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 0301.

(3) Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (died 73 A.H.): A meritorious female Companion, she was one of the first to adopt Islam. She was called “the Woman of the Two Belts” because she split her belt to bind the food carried for Abu Bakr (Radhia Allahu Anhu) and the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) on their Migration journey. She composed good poetry, and was the last woman immigrant to die.

(4) When the disbelievers agreed to the Treaty (of Hudaibiya), one of the things stipulated was that the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) should return to them (i.e. the pagans) anyone coming to him from their side, even if he was a Muslim; and would not interfere between them and that person. The Muslims did not like this condition and got disgusted with it. The disbelievers would not agree except with that condition. (Al Jaami` Al-Saheeh, Vol.3, No.3-874).

(5) Al Jaami` Al-Saheeh, Vol.3, No.3-891

(6) Sahih Muslim, Book 19, Number 4462

 

Women in Islam

Allah has created every living being in pairs, male and female (51:49).

In islam a woman has a distinct and separate identity. Islam has given her the right to own property. She is the owner of her earnings. She can dispose of her earnings and property as she wishes within the bounds of halal (lawful) and haram (unlawful). Islam has given women a right to inheritance. She has a claim on the property of her dead father, husband or childless brother.

A woman has a right to develop her talent and seek employment within limits of Islam.

Women have a very important place in Islamic Society. Unlike a number of other religions, Islam holds a woman in high esteem. Her importance as a mother and a wife has been clearly stated by Prophet Muhammed (SAW).

Some of the famous sayings of the Prophet (SAW) are:

‘Paradise lies at the feet of your mothers?

Once a person asked the prophet who deserves the best care from me? The prophet (SAW) said your mother (3 times), then your father and then your closest relatives.

He (SAW) also said “Fear Allah (SWT) in respect of women; and, the best of you are they who behave best to their wives; and, a Muslim must not hate his wife, and if he is displeased with one bad quality in her, let him be pleased with one that is good; the more civil and kind a Muslim is to his wife, the more perfect in faith he is.”

These sayings clearly prove the important position given to women in Islam but there are still people, especially in the West, who have misgiving’s about the status of women in Islam. To these people, the Muslim women is seen almost as a prisoner in the four walls of the house, a non-person and someone who has no rights and is living always under the domination of a man.

These nations are totally wrong and are based on ignorance rather then knowledge of Islam. One of the rites of Hajj is a fast walk between As-Safa and Al-Marwah, which is observed to remember the event of Hajar; mother of Prophet Ismail, who ran between these two Hills to find water. This is another proof of the importance given to two women by Islam.

Why are man and woman not Equal?

Allah (SWT) has made man and woman identical, so it would be against nature to try to have total equality between a man and a woman .

That would destroy the social balance. Society would not prosper but would instead have insoluble problems such as broken marriages, illegitimate children and the break up of family life. These problems are already in Western society. Schoolgirl pregnancies an increase in abortion, divorce and many other problems have copped up because of permissive outlook and the so called freedom of women.

 In Islam, Eve (RA) and Adam(RA) were equal in disobediance, which led to their exile.

Women in other religion and societies

In order to judge the false ideas held by Western people, it would be useful to look at the attitudes to women in different societies in the past. During the Roman Civilization, for example, a woman was regarded as a slave. The Greeks considered her a commodity to be bought and sold. Early Christianity regarded women as temptress, responsible for the fall of Adam. However, women according to the Qur’an is not blamed for Adams first mistake. Both were jointly wrong in their disobedience to food both repented and both were forgiven.

In India, the Hindus until recently considered their women worse then death, pests, serpents or even hell. A wifes life ended with the death of the husband. In the past, a widow had to jump into the flames of her husbands funeral pyre.

In the pre-Islamic state of Arabia, a women was regarded as a cause for grief and unhappiness and baby girls were sometimes buried alive after birth.

 

“And when the female (infant) buried alive ?is questioned for what crime she was killed” (Qur’an 81:8-9).

Among the sayings of prophet Muhammed (SAW) in this regard are:

“Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favour his son over her, god will enter him into paradise”

“It is generous (in character) who is good to women and it is the wicked who insult them”.

In France, 587 CE, a meeting was held to study the status of women and to determine whether a woman could truly be considered a human being or not. Henry VIII in England forbade the reading of the Bible by women and brought out the middle ages the Catholic Church treated women as second ?class citizens. In the Cambridge and Oxford uni, male and female students were not given the same right until 1964. Before 1850, women were not counted as citizens of England and they did not have any personal rights until 1882.

If we keep this picture in mind and look into the position of the women in Islam liberated women from the dark age of obscurity 14 hundred years ago.

Islam is a religion of common sense and is in line with human nature. It recognises the relatives of life. This does not mean it has recognised equality of man and woman in every respect. Rather, it has defined their duties in keeping with their different biological make up.

Islamic Marriage

The family in Islam is a unit in which a man and woman unite to share life together according to the rules and regulations laid down by the Shari’ah.

A great deal thought is necessary therefore before the couple decide two marry piety should come before all other consideration.

Prophet (saaw) said: “Do not marry only for the sake of beauty, maybe the beauty becomes the cause of moral decline. Do not marry even for the sake of wealth; maybe the wealth becomes the reason of disobedience; marry rather on the grounds of religious devotion”

Is marriage obligatory

When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear for the remaining half.

Marriage should not be put off or delayed if one has the means to do so.

Prophet (saaw) said: ” Marriage my tradition who so ever keeps away there from it is not from amongst me”

.  In Islam, women are equal to men in the sight of God but they have in some respects different roles in life to men because of their different natures.

Women differ psychologically, physiologically, and biologically from men. This makes them more suitable than men for certain responsibilities and less suitable than men for others.

Islam recognises these differences.

For Muslim men and women – for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God’s praise – for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward.

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.  Oppression of women is the result of removing their rights. There are some ‘Islamic’ countries where women’s rights are being stepped on, but this is the law of the people, it is not the religion of Islam.

Islam gives men & women rights that are different in some aspects to those they have in the western world. The main difference in the way these rights came about is also important. In the West, rights became part of the law only after women had been through great political struggles and also partly due to the necessity of women working in factories during wars.

 

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In a truly Islamic society women have the following rights in Islam:

  • The right and duty to obtain education.
  • The right to have their own independent property.
  • The right to work to earn money if they need it or want it.
  • Equality of reward for equal deeds.
  • The right to participate fully in public life and have their voices heard by those in power.
  • The right to provisions from the husband for all her needs and more.
  • The right to negotiate marriage terms of her choice.
  • The right to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she simply can’t stand him.
  • The right to keep all her own money (she is not responsible to maintain any relations).
  • The right to get sexual satisfaction from her husband.
  • and more…

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. The Qur’an has much to say both about women, and to  women. One Surah  (Chapter in the Qur’an) is called `Women’, another is named after Maryam the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him). Women appear in many other parts. In stories of the prophets we have:

  • – Hawwa (Eve) the wife of Adam, no longer the temptress who leads Adam to sin but a partner jointly responsible with him and jointly forgiven by Allah soon afterwards.
  • – There is the wife of Nuh (Noah) (peace be upon him) who betrays her husband and is held up along with the wife of Lot as an example of a disbeliever (66:10-11).
  • – There is the wife of Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him), who laughs at the news the angel brings, of the baby she is to have in her old age.
  • – the wife of Pharaoh, who saves the infant Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) and, along with Maryam, mother of Jesus, is one of the two female examples of the good believer held up in Surah 66:10 & 11.
  • – The wife of Aziz, who tried to seduce Yusuf (Joseph)(peace be upon him), is nevertheless treated with some sympathy, when she shows her friends how handsome he is and they all cut themselves with their knives because they are distracted by his beauty;

It is noteworthy that the four women mentioned as examples are presented to both male and female Muslims to show how it is possible to be true believers in difficult circumstances, and disbelievers in favourable circumstances.

– The two good examples believed in spite of the attitudes of those close to them, Pharaoh’s wife saving Moses from her husband’s wicked command to kill all the Hebrew firstborn sons, and Maryam confronting accusations of immorality when she brought home her baby after the virgin birth.

– The two bad ones disbelieved in spite of being married to prophets of Allah.

In neither case do these examples show the traditional picture of the `submissive’ woman.

Then there are the contemporary women of Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him) household, his wives and daughters. One of his wives, Umm Salamah, complained to him that the Qur’an was addressed only to men, and then a long passage was revealed to the Prophet* addressed clearly to men and women in every line, which states clearly the equal responsibilities and rewards for Muslim men and women.

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Aishah,  Prophet Muhammad’s wife, caused a scandal when she went out into the desert to look for a necklace she had lost there and got left behind by the caravan. She was rescued by a young man and came back with him and rumours spread that she had been dallying with him. This caused great pain to her and to the Prophet and it was a long time before they were relieved by another revelation (24:4), demanding that people making such accusations against chaste women must produce four eye witnesses to the act or suffer a flogging themselves and have their evidence rejected ever after.

There are passages specifically addressed to the wives of the Prophet as a group. For example:

“O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any of the (other) women. If Ye do fear (Allah) be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak Ye a speech (that is) just.

And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like those of the former times of ignorance, and establish regular prayer, and give zakat (welfare due) and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, Ye members of the family, and to make you pure and spotless.

And recite what is rehearsed to you in your houses of the Signs of Allah and His Wisdom, for Allah is All-Subtle, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 33:32-34)

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Other verses of the Qur’an were revealed in answer to questions from ordinary women, like the one concerning the practice of divorce by abstinence within the marriage (zihar). A woman complained to the Prophet about this practice, which left the woman with no sexual satisfaction, but still not free to marry another husband and a verse was revealed condemning this practice.

“Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah…”(Qur’an 58:1)

Another passage was revealed in answer to a woman’s complaint about the way her husband wanted to have intercourse with her (2:223).

So the Qur’an is a book which has a lot to say TO women and ABOUT women. It does not condemn all women in the image of Eve as Christianity has been known to do; that it is often on the side of women who complain about injustice, in marriage, divorce and in false accusation.

 

Women are made of the same soul as men. Their capacity for good and evil is identical with that of men. In 49:13, of the Qur’an we find that it is good deeds and awareness of Allah which make the believer, male or female, noble in the sight of Allah:

Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious. (Qur’an 49:13)

and also in the Qur’an:

Whoever does right, whether male or female, (all) such will enter the garden (Qur’an 40:40)

The works of male and female are of equal value and each will receive the due reward for what they do:

“Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any one of you, male or female…”(Qur’an 3:195)

“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him will We give a new life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to their actions.” (Qur’an 16:97)

The same duties are incumbent on men and women as regards their faith:

“For Muslim men and women – for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God’s praise – for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward. “(Qur’an 33:35)

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Under normal circumstances women are allowed to do all the things that men do. Women are given exemption from certain duties, some of which are:

  • – Fasting when they are pregnant or nursing or menstruating,
  • – Praying when menstruating or bleeding after childbirth, and
  • – The obligation to attend congregational prayers in the mosque on Fridays.
  • – They are not obliged to take part as soldiers in the defence of Islam, although they are not forbidden to do so.
  • – Even when they are menstruating, on special days, like the two Id festivals, they are still allowed to come to the Id prayers, and menstruating women can take part in most of the actions of the Hajj pilgrimage.

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Islamic law makes no demand that women should confine themselves to household duties. In fact the early Muslim women were found in all walks of life.

The first wife of  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Khadijah, mother of all his surviving children, was a businesswoman who hired him as an employee, and proposed marriage to him through a third party; women traded in the marketplace, and the Khalifah Umar, not normally noted for his liberal attitude to women, appointed a woman, Shaff’a Bint Abdullah, to supervise the market.

Other women, like Laila al-Ghifariah, took part in battles, carrying water and nursing the wounded, some, like Suffiah bint Abdul Muttalib even fought and killed the enemies to protect themselves and the Prophet and like Umm Dhahhak bint Masoud were rewarded with booty in the same way as the men.

The Qur’an even speaks favourably of the Queen of Sheba and the way she consulted her advisors, who deferred to her good judgement on how to deal with the threat of invasion by the armies of Solomon:

She (the Queen of Sheba) said, “O chiefs, advise me respecting my affair; I never decide an affair until you are in my presence.’ They said, `We are possessors of strength and possessors of mighty prowess, and the command is Thine, so consider what thou wilt command.’ She said, `Surely the kings, when they enter a town, ruin it and make the noblest of its people to be low, and thus they do. And surely I am going to send them a present, and to see what (answer) the messengers bring back.” (Qur’an 27:32-35)

A much vaunted Hadith that the Prophet said, `A people who entrust power to a woman will never prosper’, has been shown to be extremely unreliable on several counts. It is an isolated and uncorroborated one, and therefore not binding in Islamic law, and in addition there is reason to believe it may have been forged in the context of the battle which Aishah the Prophet’s widow led against the fourth Khalifah Ali. In view of the examples set by women rulers in history, it is also clearly untenable and false.

To sum up, the qualifications of women for work of all kinds are not in doubt, despite some spurious ahadith to the contrary. Women can do work like men, but they DO NOT HAVE to do it to earn a living. They are allowed and encouraged to take the duties of marriage and motherhood seriously and are provided with the means to stay at home and do it properly.

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The Muslim woman has always had the right to own and manage her own property, a right that women in this country only attained in the last 100 years. Marriage in Islam does not mean that the man takes over the woman’s property, nor does she automatically have the right to all his property if he dies. Both are still regarded as individual people with responsibilities to other members of their family – parents, brothers, sisters etc. and inheritance rights illustrate this.

The husband has the duty to support and maintain the wife, as stated in the Qur’an, and this is held to be so even if she is rich in her own right. He has no right to expect her to support herself, let alone support his children or him. If she does contribute to the household income this is regarded as a charitable deed on her part.

Because of their greater financial responsibilities, some categories of male relations, according to the inheritance laws in the Qur’an, inherit twice the share of their female equivalents, but others, whose responsibilities are likely to be less, inherit the same share -mothers and fathers, for instance are each entitled to one sixth of the estate of their children, after bequests (up to one third of the estate) and payment of debts. (Qur’an 4:11)

For parents a sixth share of the inheritance to each if the deceased left children; If no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth…

Women are thus well provided for: their husbands support them, and they inherit from all their relations. They are allowed to engage in business or work at home or outside the house, so long as the family does not suffer, and the money they make is their own, with no calls on it from other people until their death.

Women are NOT expected to do the housework. If they have not been used to doing it, the husband is obliged to provide domestic help within his means, and to make sure that the food gets to his wife and children already cooked. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself used to help with the domestic work, and mended his own shoes. Women are not even obliged in all cases to suckle their own children. If a divorcing couple mutually agree, they can send the baby to a wet-nurse and the husband must pay for the suckling. If the mother decides to keep the baby and suckle it herself, he must pay her for her trouble! This is laid down in the Qur’an itself,

The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term, but he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms…If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If Ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided Ye pay what Ye offered on equitable terms …(Qur’an 2:233)

 

Nevertheless the womanly state in marriage is given full respect in Islam. No Muslim woman could feel ashamed to say she was only a housewife. She is the head of her household, although the husband has the final say in major decisions. According to a Hadith:

The ruler is a shepherd and is responsible for his subjects, a husband is a shepherd and is responsible for his family, a wife is a shepherd and is responsible for her household, and a servant is a shepherd who is responsible for his master’s property. (Hadith: Bukhari)

The wife must defer to her husband in respect for the fact that he maintains and protects her out of his means (Qur’an 4:34), but not if he tries to make her break the laws of Allah. If the husband wilfully fails to maintain his wife, she has the right to divorce him in court.

Women are also entitled to respect as mothers. Allah says:

And we have enjoined on man (to be good to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him…(Quran 31:14)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Paradise lies at the feet of mothers…
and in another Hadith the Prophet (peace be upon him) told a man that his mother above all other people, even his father, was worthy of his highest respect and compassion.

Although the Islamic marriage contract is a civil agreement between the two parties, not a sacrament like the Christian one, it is not just a relationship of material convenience. The words used to describe marriage in the Qur’an are poetic and beautiful:

And among His signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that Ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts, verily in that are Signs for those who reflect. (Qur’an 30:21)

They are your garments and Ye are their garments (Qur’an 2:187)

Love, mercy, intimacy and mutual protection and modesty are the qualities expected of an Islamic marriage. Even in Paradise marriage remains as one of the great joys:

Verily the Companions of the Garden shall that day have joy in all that they do; they and their spouses will be in groves of (cool) shade reclining on thrones of (dignity); fruit will be there for them, they shall have whatever they call for; `Peace’, a word (of salutation) from a Lord Most Merciful. (Qur’an 36:55-57)

Husbands are expected to treat their wives kindly during marriage and even during and after divorce. Allah says:

… Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If Ye take a dislike to them, it may be that Ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. (Qur’an 4:19)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and the best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Hadith: Ibn Hanbal)

 

To conclude, these are the ideals to which Muslim women can aspire and frequently have done in the past. In a truly Islamic society, they are guaranteed:

  • – personal respect
  • – respectable married status
  • – legitimacy and maintenance for their children
  • – the right to negotiate marriage terms of their choice
  • – to refuse any marriage that does not please them
  • – the right to obtain divorce from their husbands, even on the grounds that they can’t stand them (Mawdudi)
  • – custody of their children after divorce
  • – independent property of their own
  • – the right and duty to obtain education
  • – the right to work if they need or want it
  • – equality of reward for equal deeds
  • – the right to participate fully in public life and have their voices heard by those in power

and much more! Is there any other religion that offers such rights for women?

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