Book: Great Women of Islam
Author: Mahmood Ahmad Gadanfar
INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to yet another post in the series – Muslim Women’s Bookshelf: An A-Z Guide to Inspirational Reads.
As Muslim women, we often look to the exemplary women of Islam for inspiration and guidance. In “Great Women of Islam Who Were Given the Good News of Paradise,” author Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar presents the stories of remarkable Muslim women who were given the glad tidings of Jannah (Paradise) during their lifetime. In this post, we’ll explore the key themes and takeaways from this inspirational read.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar was a prominent author and is best known for his books – Great Women of Islam, Commanders of the Muslim Army etc.
This book was originally in Urdu and was revised by Sheikh Safi ur Rahman Al Mubarakpuri and translated by Jamila Muhammad Qawi
BOOK SUMMARY:
In “Great Women of Islam Who Were Given the Good News of Paradise,” Ghadanfar focuses specifically on the women who were given the glad tidings of Jannah during their lifetimes. Through the biographies of these remarkable women, readers gain insight into the qualities and characteristics that are most beloved by Allah (SWT) and earn His pleasure. The book presents the stories of Mothers of Believers and sixteen women companions of the Prophet PBUH.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
From the early days of Islam to the present day, Muslim women have played vital roles in shaping the ummah (community). The book offers a reminder of the important contributions that women have made to Islamic scholarship, spirituality, leadership, politics and business They were active on the battlefield too, giving aid to the injured etc.
The Sahabiyat (women Companions) were the pure virtuous crusaders of Islam and their achievements and influence are found in every sphere of that momentous period in the history of the world, when the whole of humanity would be transfigured forever. They were as active in religion as in politics, as courageous in war as in the peaceful and persuasive propagation of the teachings of Islâm. These noble selfless women could be found in the battlefields among the foremost ranks of those taking part in Jihad. They were to be found in the political arena, in the field of education, in the courts of Islâmic jurisprudence, in the interpretation of Shari’ah,’ in trade and commerce, in agriculture, in medicine and in nursing. In short there was no sphere that did not benefit from their intellect, their wisdom and their gentle yet firm strength of character.
Great Women of Islam
The women featured in the book are renowned not only for their faith and piety, but also for their generosity, kindness, and courage. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating these qualities in ourselves and striving to emulate the examples set by these remarkable women.
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
In an era where Muslim women have been portrayed as being confined to imagined/cultural/patriarchal boxes and closed spaces in both media and the general psyche of people, it is heartwarming to learn about the Mothers of the Believers and the female Sahabiyat. Not only do we read about their accomplishments, but we also learn about the strong and powerful spaces they occupied, free from the constraints of culture and patriarchy. The stories of these women serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for me to strive to be the best Muslim woman I can be.
Whether you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, or to gain more information about Ummul Mumineen or the female Sahabiyat, “Great Women of Islam Who Were Given the Good News of Paradise” is definitely worth checking out.
AVAILABILITY:
