The Golden Age of Muslim Civilization dated from 8th century to 14th century is littered Muslims making significant contributions to almost all aspects of life.
From medical science to algebra and advancements in astronomy Islam’s Golden Age produced a plethora of inventors, scientists and researchers.
While names like Al Zahrawi, Ibn al Haytham and Ibn-al Nafis are well known little recognition is given to women of that time period.
The women during that time worked alongside men and made huge strides in various fields, playing an essential role in development of the society and made their mark in that glorious era.
Now let’s honour and learn about some of the greatest women from the Golden Age of Islam.
1) Fatima al-Firhi.
In 859 a young princess named Fatima al-Firhi founded the first degree-granting university in Fez, Morocco. She and her sister had inherited wealth upon the deaths of their father and brother.
The university was inside Al-Qawariyyin Mosque which boasted a large number of students. Students were able to reside on at campus and had to pay no “tuition” fee.
At Al-Qawariyyin students were taught by teachers for a number of years in a variety of subjects ranging from secular to religious sciences.
At the end of the program, if the teachers deemed their students qualified, they would grant them a certificate known as an ijaza.
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2) Sutayta al-Mahmali.
Sutayta al-Mahamali (d. 987), was called by not one but three historians of her era – Ibn al-Jawzi, Ibn al-Khatib Baghdadi and Ibn Kathir – a genius.
Born in the 10th century in Baghdad, she excelled in her knowledge of algebra, hadith, the Qur’an and fiqh. She was a hafiz of the Qur’an, and issued fatwas.
Sutayta became the authority of a certain branch of algebra – the mathematics of inheritance.
It is said also that she invented solutions to equations which have been cited by other mathematicians, which denote aptitude in algebra.
It is mentioned by her biographers that she was known not only for solving individual problems, but for creating general solutions to types of problems, which would be a logical extension of the work of al-Khwarizmi and Abu Kamil.
3) Lubna of Cordoba.
Born a slave, Lubna rose to prominence in the Andalusian royal court.
As her origins were not royal or noble, it speaks to the amount of trust and respect the royal court must have had for her to be given such responsibility.
She was a accomplished mathematician and was famous for her poetry and knowledge of grammar.
Lubna also oversaw the library of Córdoba.
She was the driving force behind the creation of the famous library of Medina Azahara, which was home to more than 500,000 books.
She later became the secretary of the Caliph of Córdoba, Al-Hakam II and an advisor.
4) Sitt al-Mulk.
Sitt al-Mulk was the most prominent ruler of the Fatimid Empire.
After the disappearance of her half-brother, the caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, in 1021, she was instrumental in securing the succession of her nephew Ali az-Zahir, and acted as the de facto ruler of the state until her death on 5 February 1023.
After Ali came of age, she still wielded influence as a key advisor.
Largely, she was responsible for the smooth transition between the two reigns.
She is praised by contemporary chroniclers for her personal attributes and her public policies, evoking an aura of royal authority.
5) Mariam al- Astrulabi.
Born in Syria during the 10th century, Mariam’s interest in developing astrolabes was inspired by his father, known as Al- Ijliyy al-Asturlabi.
An astrolabe is a device that uses astral bodies like the sun and stars to either tell your position in latitude, or tell the local time.
Mariam al Astrulabi, took the craft of building astrolabes to the next level.
Mariam is known for her academic brilliance and an exceptionally focused mind that lay the foundation for managing the transportation and communication using astrolabes.
Her work impressed Sayf al-Dawlah one of the powerful Hamdanid rulers in northern Syria who employed her at his court.
6) Razia Sultan.
Razia Sultan the first female ruler of the Delhi sultanate was also the first female Muslim ruler of the subcontinent.
After initial unrest Razia rose to prominence. Razia Sultan fought on the forefront and won battles seizing various territories.
She mastered administration and ruled with authority. She would go on to establish a host of schools, academies, centres for research, and public libraries.
The syllabus in schools and colleges included the Qur’an, the works of popular ancient philosophers and various Hindu works in science, philosophy, astronomy, and literature.