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Great Women in Islam
"Great Women in Islam" is the second English book by Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan. This book provides a foundation of understanding on the role of women in Islam and tackles common misconceptions on the subject. Not only does it discuss the roles of women in marriage and among their families– but also their roles as warriors, worshipers, scholars and callers to Islam. It gives its readers a guided explanation as each role is accompanied with stories of great women as told in the Quran and Hadith. We narrate the stories of about fifty great women whose names and exemplary behavior are enshrined in the history of Islam.
458 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 8, 2017
The book includes the following chapters: Women in the Holy Qur'an, The Mothers of the Believers, Daughters of the Prophet (saw), Women Warriors in Islam, Women Worshipers in Islam, Women Scholars and the Mothers of Male Scholars, Patient Women in Islam, Women callers to Islam and Women of Royalty in Islam.
I was aware of some of the information given in this book and also learned a lot of new things. I enjoyed chapters about women and their life events that I was unfamiliar with the most. I found it interesting how some of the women were linked in and connected to the Prophet (saw) and other companions through marriages and family ties etc. If memory serves the final chapter is the only one not related to the time of the Prophet (saw) and refers to women in later generations.
Be aware that although the book is 445 pages long the text is actually double spaced - in case you are deciding between which 'Women in Islam' book you want to buy (as I'm sure there are other authors out there who have written books on this topic) and opt for this one thinking it must contain more information based on the page number.
I was aware of some of the information given in this book and also learned a lot of new things. I enjoyed chapters about women and their life events that I was unfamiliar with the most. I found it interesting how some of the women were linked in and connected to the Prophet (saw) and other companions through marriages and family ties etc. If memory serves the final chapter is the only one not related to the time of the Prophet (saw) and refers to women in later generations.
Be aware that although the book is 445 pages long the text is actually double spaced - in case you are deciding between which 'Women in Islam' book you want to buy (as I'm sure there are other authors out there who have written books on this topic) and opt for this one thinking it must contain more information based on the page number.
December 16, 2014
Raising two daughters, I wanted to know about the real heroines in history, not the ones forced down my children's throat in public schools. This book opened my eyes to a number of women, I was unaware of. Women who stood side by side with our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in times of war and hardships; yet held fast to their religion, modesty, virtue and feminism. I recommend this book to all women, girls, men with daughters, married men and anyone else interested in learning about Great Women in Islam.
March 24, 2022
Macam biasa, kalau buku yang Berbahasa Inggeris ini, aku ambik masa sikit nak habiskan. Aku tak boleh habiskan dalam masa yang pendek, sebab kena baca satu-satu, cuba hadam & buat self-reflection.
Apa yang pasti, lepas aku dah habis baca 60 Great Women, Enshrined in Islamic History, dari Dr. Tareq As Suwaidan, inspiring! Aku rasa semacam puas, rasa berbunga-bunga. Sejujurnya setiap kali aku habis baca bab demi bab, ayat yang terlintas di fikiran aku ialah betapa tuhan menjaga kaum wanita dan memuliakannya. Banyak sangat wanita hebat dalam Islam yang ada dalam Quran & Sunnah yang boleh kita jadikan contoh tak kira dalam aspek apa sekalipun: kehidupan peribadi, dakwah, bisnes
Apa yang membuatkan aku boleh mengikuti tentang 60 Great Women Enshrined in Islamic History, penulis memulakan bab dengan memberikan penjelasan terhadap peranan wanita dalam Islam dan sekaligus menepis salah faham sesetengah pihak terhadap peranan wanita yang dianjurkan Islam. Kalau kita sejenis yang observer, kita akan nampak betapa banyak pihak yang tidak memahami peranan dan tanggungjawab wanita dalam Islam.
Dalam buku ini, ia mengetengahkan tiga bab utama : (1) Understanding the role of women in Islam
(2). Women in the lives of the prophets (3) Women Leaders. Dan ketiga-tiga bab ni sangat menarik untuk diterokai dan dihadam. Untuk aku, ia membuka mata dan perspektif yang baru, yang lebih luas. Pernah tak waktu dekat sekolah, kisah-kisah wanita Muslim ini disampaikan dengan gambaran yang terlalu sempurna sehingga susah kita nak relate? Pada aku, penulisan Dr Tareq As Suwaidan terasa lebih dekat.
Menariknya lagi, setiap kali kisah-kisah wanita hebat ini ditulis secara terperinci, penulis akan highlightkan kekuatan yang menyebabkan mereka dikenali. Secara tak langsung, kekuatan tersebut boleh dijadikan contoh buat kita. Setiap kali aku baca, aku akan amaze dengan peribadi wanita Muslim dan terfikir contoh macam mana lagi yang aku nak... untuk jadi seseorang yang lebih baik.
Kalau korang tanya, berbaloi tak? Bagi aku, sangat berbaloi. Terutama sekali bagi mereka yang nak tahu dengan lebih jelas, asas peranan & tanggungjawab wanita muslim. Pada aku, sebelum nak tahu lebih mendalam, kena tahu asas dulu, supaya kita tak mudah terikut-ikut dengan kefahaman yang belum jelas. Highly recommended!
Apa yang pasti, lepas aku dah habis baca 60 Great Women, Enshrined in Islamic History, dari Dr. Tareq As Suwaidan, inspiring! Aku rasa semacam puas, rasa berbunga-bunga. Sejujurnya setiap kali aku habis baca bab demi bab, ayat yang terlintas di fikiran aku ialah betapa tuhan menjaga kaum wanita dan memuliakannya. Banyak sangat wanita hebat dalam Islam yang ada dalam Quran & Sunnah yang boleh kita jadikan contoh tak kira dalam aspek apa sekalipun: kehidupan peribadi, dakwah, bisnes
Apa yang membuatkan aku boleh mengikuti tentang 60 Great Women Enshrined in Islamic History, penulis memulakan bab dengan memberikan penjelasan terhadap peranan wanita dalam Islam dan sekaligus menepis salah faham sesetengah pihak terhadap peranan wanita yang dianjurkan Islam. Kalau kita sejenis yang observer, kita akan nampak betapa banyak pihak yang tidak memahami peranan dan tanggungjawab wanita dalam Islam.
Dalam buku ini, ia mengetengahkan tiga bab utama : (1) Understanding the role of women in Islam
(2). Women in the lives of the prophets (3) Women Leaders. Dan ketiga-tiga bab ni sangat menarik untuk diterokai dan dihadam. Untuk aku, ia membuka mata dan perspektif yang baru, yang lebih luas. Pernah tak waktu dekat sekolah, kisah-kisah wanita Muslim ini disampaikan dengan gambaran yang terlalu sempurna sehingga susah kita nak relate? Pada aku, penulisan Dr Tareq As Suwaidan terasa lebih dekat.
Menariknya lagi, setiap kali kisah-kisah wanita hebat ini ditulis secara terperinci, penulis akan highlightkan kekuatan yang menyebabkan mereka dikenali. Secara tak langsung, kekuatan tersebut boleh dijadikan contoh buat kita. Setiap kali aku baca, aku akan amaze dengan peribadi wanita Muslim dan terfikir contoh macam mana lagi yang aku nak... untuk jadi seseorang yang lebih baik.
Kalau korang tanya, berbaloi tak? Bagi aku, sangat berbaloi. Terutama sekali bagi mereka yang nak tahu dengan lebih jelas, asas peranan & tanggungjawab wanita muslim. Pada aku, sebelum nak tahu lebih mendalam, kena tahu asas dulu, supaya kita tak mudah terikut-ikut dengan kefahaman yang belum jelas. Highly recommended!
December 16, 2024
Very good book that talks about women roles throughout the history, mentioning the values and wisdoms that are applicable in today’s society.
By comparing civilizations this book shows how islam protects woman rights like no other, it also highlights the importance of women role in building the society, tackling the misconceptions and keeping the right principles.
‘All struggles become easy when one is close to Allah through worship and excellence of character’ (page.176)
May Allah bless the one who gave me this book✨
By comparing civilizations this book shows how islam protects woman rights like no other, it also highlights the importance of women role in building the society, tackling the misconceptions and keeping the right principles.
‘All struggles become easy when one is close to Allah through worship and excellence of character’ (page.176)
May Allah bless the one who gave me this book✨
January 25, 2016
Covered something I already know. Despite this fact, I could read through. Can be useful for the people who want to get preliminary knoeledge about the Mothers of Believers anf some other Sahaba women.
January 18, 2025
It starts with a brief explanation between women in different civilizations, in modern times, and in Islam. Also stating the roles of women in life and in marriage. The main roles of men and women, followed by the equity.
Listing the women mentioned in the Holy Quran, mothers and wives of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, together with his daughters.
1. Women warriors, the Mujahidaat
2. Women worshipers
3. Women scholars and the mother of male scholars
4. Patient women
5. Women callers to Islam
6. Women of royalty
Below is one of the great women's stories that I love:
The Fighter: Nusayba bint Ka'ab Al-Maziniyyah (Um Amara)
She witnessed and played an active role in many of Islam's historic events, she is no doubt one of the most prominent female figures of Islam.
Nusayba went to the battleground with her husband and their two sons in The Battle of Uhud. She received twelve wounds from both arrows and swords while defending the Prophet Muhammad SAW on that day.
Prophet Muhammad SAW gave her permission to stay in Madinah before another battle, The Battle of Hamra Al-Assad. Upon the Prophet's return, the first matter he asked about was Nusayba's health.
Returning from The Battle of Al-Yamama she was greatly injured, her arm was cut off. Soon after, one of the great Companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, Nusayba RA passed away.
Listing the women mentioned in the Holy Quran, mothers and wives of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, together with his daughters.
1. Women warriors, the Mujahidaat
2. Women worshipers
3. Women scholars and the mother of male scholars
4. Patient women
5. Women callers to Islam
6. Women of royalty
Below is one of the great women's stories that I love:
The Fighter: Nusayba bint Ka'ab Al-Maziniyyah (Um Amara)
She witnessed and played an active role in many of Islam's historic events, she is no doubt one of the most prominent female figures of Islam.
Nusayba went to the battleground with her husband and their two sons in The Battle of Uhud. She received twelve wounds from both arrows and swords while defending the Prophet Muhammad SAW on that day.
Prophet Muhammad SAW gave her permission to stay in Madinah before another battle, The Battle of Hamra Al-Assad. Upon the Prophet's return, the first matter he asked about was Nusayba's health.
Returning from The Battle of Al-Yamama she was greatly injured, her arm was cut off. Soon after, one of the great Companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, Nusayba RA passed away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
Very densely informative and amazingly researched, but so accessible. The formatting of the book is very logical and concise but explained with context.
Really easy way to consume Hadith and Quranic Surahs, in an easily comprehensible and well explained way.
So inspiring!
Taught me lots.
I didn’t know Aisha was a dentist and doctor, I didn’t know how many brave women were mujahidaat fighting in battles, I didn’t appreciate all of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enough.
Very feminist, but completely true to the dīn: does not try to twist the dīn into modern and western interpretations, or ‘soften’ it, but simply selects and displays the rich history in Islam to highlight Islam’s inherent and original feminism.
Inshallah I’m going to be reading this to my kids like a bedtime story. I think everyone - man or woman, Muslim or not, young or old, should read this.
Really easy way to consume Hadith and Quranic Surahs, in an easily comprehensible and well explained way.
So inspiring!
Taught me lots.
I didn’t know Aisha was a dentist and doctor, I didn’t know how many brave women were mujahidaat fighting in battles, I didn’t appreciate all of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enough.
Very feminist, but completely true to the dīn: does not try to twist the dīn into modern and western interpretations, or ‘soften’ it, but simply selects and displays the rich history in Islam to highlight Islam’s inherent and original feminism.
Inshallah I’m going to be reading this to my kids like a bedtime story. I think everyone - man or woman, Muslim or not, young or old, should read this.
April 22, 2021
I so in love with this book. This book makes me wanting to read more about the women in Islam. Highly recommended for those who just started to get a hand on sirah ❤️
April 10, 2022
The book's an easy read and nice to the eyes. It's in English, even the ayaats cited are translated in English. It has some heavy stuffs but definitely, a good book to discuss with children 🍀
January 22, 2026
it is very well written with context and Qoutes and Reference from Quran.
I will recommend every young girl to read it.
I will recommend every young girl to read it.
July 1, 2023
Bahasanya tak terlalu susah, mudah difahami.
Penulis mulakan dengan hujah peranan wanita dalam Islam. Beliau membandingkan kedudukan wanita dalam ajaran Islam dengan fahaman lain. Kemudian beliau menunjukkan kesamarataan antara wanita dan lelaki berdasarkan ayat-ayat Al Quran.
Kemudian masuk bahagian kisah-kisah wanita yang hidup pada zaman Rasulullah SAW mengikut subtopik. Penulis mulakan kisah-kisah wanita yang disebut dalam Al-Quran seperti isteri Nabi Nuh, kakak Nabi Musa, isteri firaun dan yang lain. Selain kisah ummahatul mukminin dan anak-anak Baginda, penulis turut menceritakan kisah-kisah pemimpin wanita. Ada para mujahidah, ahli ibadat, ulama wanita dan ibu kepada ulama, wanita yang sabar, pendakwah dan kerabat pemerintah. Setiap kisah terselit pengajaran dan iktibar. Ada beberapa kisah dan nama yang baru pertama kali dengar. Sungguh hebat perjuangan dan kesabaran para wanita zaman dulu, merekalah idola bagi para muslimah kini. Menurut penulis wanita boleh menjadi mujahidah dalam keluarganya iaitu berusaha membentuk manusia menjadi hamba yang bertakwa kepada Allah. It is not easy and full of struggles 💪🏻
#booksharing #greatwomen #womeninislam
Penulis mulakan dengan hujah peranan wanita dalam Islam. Beliau membandingkan kedudukan wanita dalam ajaran Islam dengan fahaman lain. Kemudian beliau menunjukkan kesamarataan antara wanita dan lelaki berdasarkan ayat-ayat Al Quran.
Kemudian masuk bahagian kisah-kisah wanita yang hidup pada zaman Rasulullah SAW mengikut subtopik. Penulis mulakan kisah-kisah wanita yang disebut dalam Al-Quran seperti isteri Nabi Nuh, kakak Nabi Musa, isteri firaun dan yang lain. Selain kisah ummahatul mukminin dan anak-anak Baginda, penulis turut menceritakan kisah-kisah pemimpin wanita. Ada para mujahidah, ahli ibadat, ulama wanita dan ibu kepada ulama, wanita yang sabar, pendakwah dan kerabat pemerintah. Setiap kisah terselit pengajaran dan iktibar. Ada beberapa kisah dan nama yang baru pertama kali dengar. Sungguh hebat perjuangan dan kesabaran para wanita zaman dulu, merekalah idola bagi para muslimah kini. Menurut penulis wanita boleh menjadi mujahidah dalam keluarganya iaitu berusaha membentuk manusia menjadi hamba yang bertakwa kepada Allah. It is not easy and full of struggles 💪🏻
#booksharing #greatwomen #womeninislam
June 7, 2017
If you want to have a brief about extraordinary woman's , I considered this one could be good. Special for New Muslim , not very deep not much details and easily to understand.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews