Women in Islam: Dignity, Responsibility, and Divine Recognition
Women are an integral part of society, and Allah ﷻ has elevated women to a position of honor and responsibility, particularly in their role as mothers. This elevation is affirmed in numerous āyāt of the Qur’an, in many authentic aḥādīth, and throughout the biography of our beloved Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ.
The Qur’an itself bears witness to the centrality of women in Islam. Allah ﷻ named an entire chapter of the Qur’an Sūrat an-Nisāʾ—“The Women”. This sūrah contains essential rulings of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and addresses critical matters related to women, including:
- Marriage and marital relations
- Inheritance and financial rights
- Family responsibilities and social justice
Through these rulings, Allah ﷻ clearly defines the obligations and rights of both women and men, establishing a framework for a just, balanced, and equitable society.
Across human civilization—both within and beyond the Islamic world—history has consistently acknowledged the significance of women’s contributions, their leadership, and their influence in shaping societies. Islam not only acknowledges this reality but institutionalizes it through divine guidance.
Women at the Foundations of Islamic Civilization
The life and mission of the Noble Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ were accompanied, strengthened, and sustained by remarkable women whose contributions shaped Islamic history from its very beginning.
Among them was Khadījah bint Khuwaylid (ra)—the first believer in Islam, a successful businesswoman, and a leader of trade caravans. Her moral conviction, strategic insight, and financial support were instrumental in the earliest stages of the Islamic revelation.
Another enduring example is Sumayyah bint Khayyāṭ (ra), the first martyr in Islam, whose steadfastness under persecution stands as a timeless symbol of faith, courage, and sacrifice.
Islamic history also records women as pioneers of education, science, and knowledge transmission. The world’s oldest continuously operating university, Al-Qarawiyyīn Mosque and University in Fez, Morocco, was established in 857 CE by Fāṭimah al-Fihri. In the field of science, Maryam al-Asturlābī in the 10th century refined the astrolabe, contributing significantly to navigation and astronomy.
Throughout Islamic history, Muslim women have been the backbone of society—contributing to economic life, leadership, scholarship, education, and the dissemination of Islam from Makkah to every corner of the world.
The Objective of This Book
“The Contribution of Women in the Global Islamic Economy” is a curated collection of profiles and interviews featuring women from across the world who have contributed meaningfully to the development of various sectors of the Islamic Economy.
The book has been conceptualized with the following objectives:
- To inspire the next generation of leaders by showcasing the journeys, challenges, and achievements of women in diverse sectors
- To highlight how faith, professionalism, and perseverance can coexist harmoniously
- To offer insights into the personal motivations, values, and inspirations that drive these women to serve the Ummah
Beyond inspiration, this work also serves as an educational and analytical resource to counter Islamophobia and address persistent misconceptions about Islam in non-Muslim societies. By presenting the everyday, professional, and public lives of accomplished Muslim women, the book offers a nuanced, evidence-based portrayal that challenges simplistic and stereotypical narratives.
Furthermore, the book demonstrates that Islam provides a comprehensive ethical framework of empowerment for women, encompassing moral, social, and financial dimensions. The very history of Qur’anic revelation bears witness to the central role of women in the early Muslim community—many of whom accepted Islam before their spouses and actively participated in the preservation and transmission of prophetic teachings, including ḥadīth and khutbahs. Women were also present in key historical moments, including battles, contributing directly to the establishment and development of Islamic thought and practice.
From Ideation to Fruition
The idea for this book emerged following the 4th Edition of the iHalalConference (International Halal Conference), a virtual conference held under the patronage of H.E. Mr. İhsan ÖVÜT, Secretary General of SMIIC (Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries).
The conference was co-founded by Mr. Mohammed Noor, and the 4th edition—held online in March 2022—was titled:
“Women Leadership in the Global Halal Industry”
The conference was moderated by Ms. Melody Amal Khalil Kabalan from The Halal Catering Argentina and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alina binti Abdul Rahim from the Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). Among the speakers was Ms. Roziatul Akmam Osman, a Halal Industry Strategist from Rozi Osman International PLT, alongside 22 other women leaders from the global halal industry.
During the conference, Ms. Melody Amal proposed the idea of transforming the presentations into a book. Mr. Mohammed Noor accepted this proposal and further expanded the vision—suggesting that women from across the broader Global Islamic Economy be featured. He developed the book’s title, theme, design direction, interview questions, content structure, and oversaw the final refinement.
Dr. Alina Abdulrahim supported outreach to women within her professional network and contributed to refining the book’s content. Ms. Melody Amal assisted in marketing efforts and provided valuable input into the cover design.
Subsequently, Ms. Roziatul Akmam Osman joined the core team and played a pivotal role in further refining the book. Her contributions included:
- Structuring section titles and thematic positioning
- Introducing the Leadership and Ibrah Seerah (Wisdom from Prophetic Biography) sections
- Enhancing profiles of key personalities
- Drafting the Foreword and Introduction
- Sourcing the writer for the Preamble
- Actively promoting the initiative within her networks
Soft Launch and Ongoing Vision
The soft launch of the book took place during the Sustainability Impact Forum on 11 January 2023, by Her Royal Highness Raja Puan Sri Dato Noora Ashikin binti Raja Abdullah, at Sustainability Impact Forum in conjunction with Malaysia GPM Sustainability Awards 2022 organized by Dr. Norsaidatul. The event allowed participants to view the live e-book and gain a deeper understanding of its concept and objectives.
It was hoped that this preview would encourage further contributions from women across additional sectors of the Global Islamic Economy—particularly those whose achievements may have been previously overlooked.
It is also hoped that this book will continue to motivate, educate, and inspire readers for generations, even after the contributors themselves are no longer present in this world.
A Prayer and Dedication
May Allah ﷻ accept this effort, forgive our shortcomings, and bless it with His Mercy, Guidance, and lasting benefit.
May it serve as a source of inspiration, learning, and empowerment for the Ummah—now and in the future.
Āmeen.
About Her Royal Highness
Her Royal Highness Raja Puan Sri Dato Noora Ashikin binti Raja Abdullah is the Co-owner and Founder of Zaza apparels manufacturer Sdn Bhd. She has vast experience in Investment banking and entrepreneurship. She is inspired to create a better everyday life for women and to create a better future for women where women will be able to enjoy equality and social justice. She went into the fashion industry on a limited scale in 2000 and officially started in fashion the industry in 2004 with PU3. Started OEM manufacturing in 2009. She has been the President of the Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association (MWHA) for 16 years and is currently the Deputy President of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC). She was a player for the Perak State in Malaysia and she has held numerous positions in various organisations as mentioned below:
- Sub Accountant Bank Bumiputra Malaysia 1972-1974
- Investment Officer Chartered Merchant Bankers Berhad 1974-1978
- Assistant Investment Manager Permata Chartered Merchant Bankers Berhad 1978-1980
- Owner Stockbroker RNA Securities Sdn Bhd 1983-1991
- Stockbroker & Director SBB Securities Sdn Bhd 1991-2004
- Director of BHLB Pacific Trust Sdn Bhd 1992-2004
- Investment Committee SBB Mutual Unit Trust 1992-2004
- Co-Owner Director PU3 Sdn Bhd 2004 till now
- Co-Owner Director + CEO Zaza Apparels Manufacturer Sdn Bhd 2009 till now
- Co-Owner Founder RNA Gerlipan Emas 17.2.2017 till now
Her Position in NGOs:
- Committee Member Student Union Common Room Universiti Malaya 1969-1970
- Women Representative Union House Management Committee 1971-1972
- Editor Varsity Magazine Universiti Malaya 1971
- Chairman Bureau Ekonomi Pergerakan Wanita UMNO Damansara Utama 1977-1978
- An Editor UMNO Damansara Utama 1977-1978
- Committee Member Perkumpulan Perempuan Damansara Utama 1978-1979
- Founder and President BAIDURI PERAK 1983-December 1999
- Funder and Chairman kumpulan Selendang Perak 1985-2000
- Chairman Pergerakan Puteri Islam Negeri Perak 1986-2000
- Committee Member Wanita UMNO Cawangan Kg. Teluk 1989-1991
- Committee Member Pergerakan Putri Islam Malaysia 1988-1992
- Chairman Welfare Sub-Committee Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia 1988-1992
- Founder and Chairman Parents Movement Against Drug Abuse Perak 1986-2000
- President Perak Women Hockey Association 1984-2005
- Vice President III Malaysian Women Hockey Association 1984-1986
- Vice President I Malaysian Women Hockey Association 1987-October 1992
- President Malaysian Women Hockey Association 1992-2005
- Deputy President Malaysian Hockey Federation 1999-2005
- Committee Member National Council for the Integration of Women in Development Malaysia (NACIWID) 1988-1990 (Term IV)
- Committee Member National Council For The Integration of Women in Development Malaysia (NACIWID) 1990-1993 (Term V)
- Board of Trustee Women Institute of Management 1994- Now
- Committee Member Tun Dr Siti Hasmah – WIM Women of The Year 2003
- Assistant Secretary BAKTI 2000-2002
- Chairman BAKTI Information and Publication Committee 2002-2004
- Secretary BAKTI 2004-2006
- Penaung Pusat Kemajuan Wanita 1984-1989
- Penaung Pergerakan Puteri Islam Perak 1984-1999
- Penaung II Berkumpulan Perempuan Perak 1984-2000
- Penaung Puspanita Perak 1984-2000
- Penaung Badan Budaya Perak 1986-1999
- Malaysian Representative to International Conference of Drug Abuse Atlanta Georgia 1986
- Committee Member for Workshop on Network on Parents Movement Against Drug Abuse ASEAN 1987
- Chief Delegate to The ASEAN Parents Movement Against Drug Abuse 1987
- Delegate to The United Nation International Conference for Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – Vienna Austria 1987
- Delegate to ASEAN Women Leadership Forum Canada 1996
- Head of Delegation for Malaysian To Regional Workshop On Women, Family and Drug Abuse Commonwealth Secretariat 1990
- Life Member Women’s Institute – Perkumpulan Perempuan 1987-Now
- Ahli UMNO Cawangan Damansara Utama 1977-1980
- Ahli UMNO Cawangan Taman Lapangan Terbang Ipoh 1980-1998
- Ahli UMNO Cawangan Kampung Teluk Pasir Salak 1998-Now
- Member of WIM Board of Government and Assessment
- Member of WIM Member Committee
- Representative to Tan Sri Norsiah Omar- Chair
