Muslim women have always been at the forefront of knowledge and progress. From Hazrat Khadija (R.A.), who was the first Muslim and a loving supporter of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a modern neuroscientist and a neurosurgeon, Muslim women have been the creators and beneficiaries of knowledge and progress. They have managed to raise large social and scientific achievements despite heavy obstacles.
This blog addresses injustice that Muslim women have encountered and have left behind the legacy of empowerment and knowledge. As it enters both in the heights of intellectual attainment and the harassment faced by educated Muslim women of the modern era, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the story of a highly educated scientist and scholar, takes special importance.
The Legacy of Muslim Women in Knowledge and Progress
Hazrat Khadija (R.A.) is considered one of the most influential women in Islamic history by many. She was a wise leader, a businessman and she was the first person to adopt Islamic belief. She was the wealthiest person in Mecca at that time because she was able to run a large business empire due to her intelligence and intelligence.
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- Knowledge and Economic Leadership: She set new standards for fair trade and ethical business practices and transformed the trade in Arabia.
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- Aid to Knowledge and Development: Her emotional and financial support during the early periods of Islam allowed it to expand.
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- Education and Empowerment: Her wisdom and intelligence played a key role in assisting the Prophet (ﷺ) to navigate difficult situations.
Hazrat Khadija (RA) helps in spreading Islam, laying the foundation of a culture that gives importance to education, progress and liberation of women. Her legacy has inspired generations of Muslim women to educate themselves more and be a positive part of the society.
The Golden Age of Muslim Women in Science and Education
There are numerous examples of such highly learned women who contributed significantly to scientific progress in Islamic history.
Fatima Al-Fihri: The Founder of the World’s First University
World’s FIRST university founded by a Moroccan Muslim Woman. Fatima Al-Fihri establishes Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s 1st university in the ninth century. It became a center of learning and was pivotal in the intellectual revival of the Muslim world.
Razia Sultana: A Ruler Who Encouraged Knowledge
The only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate was known for his emphasis on scientific and educational advancements. During her reign, she promoted the founding of research and educational institutions.
Maryam Al-Ijliya: The Muslim Engineer
Maryam Al-Ijliya was a famous Muslim women agriculture in astronomy and engineering. She played a major role in developing astrolabes; necessary for both scientific calculations and navigation.
And these women among many others show that although we now presume Muslim societies to be quite backward, they were on the cutting edge of scientific advancement and education for centuries and women were a crucial part of it.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui: A Genius in Modern Science
Rise of a Visionary Scientist
A name which is a witness to the excellence of Muslim women in modern science, Dr. Aafia is Siddiqui. He is distinguished as one of the most intellectual brains in science and a Ph.D. In neurology from the University of Brandis.
The biggest academic qualification: Dr. Aafia Siddiqui performed exceptionally in a series of subjects such as artificial intelligence, molecular biology and cognitive neurology.
More than 100 awards and honorary degrees: He received many honorary degrees and awards from famous universities around the world.
Ground-Breaking Neuroscience Research: He raised bar in his research work on learning mechanisms, brain function and rehabilitation remedies for neurological disorder.
Due to his remarkable success in contemporary science, he has been considered the most successful among Muslim women scientists of the twenty-first century. Instead of being rewarded with respect due to his successes, he has been subjected to serious harassment, injustice and wrong allegations.
The Unjust Persecution of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui contributed a lot in the field of science, but after making false accusations of terrorism activities, his life became tragic.
Creation of false cases
Dr. Aafia and her three children were abducted from Karachi, Pakistan in 2003. He mysteriously disappeared for five years before he was re-discovered in American custody in the false premises.
• Illegal detention and torture: There is evidence that he was denied his basic human rights, tortured in a terrible manner and locked in hidden jails.
• A show trial and improper punishment: Lawyers and human rights professionals were shocked by his 86-years prison sentence, which was handed over for lack of concrete evidence.
Human rights organizations speak
Many scholars, lawyers and human rights groups have Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and his case have condemned treatment in the form of severe abortion of justice.
• Amnesty International has highlighted the violation of serious human rights in his case.
• United Nations experts have expressed concern over their secret detention and unfair testing.
Their case is a symbol of widespread discrimination faced by educated Muslim women in today’s world, where their talent and intelligence are seen as deficiencies rather than property.
The Role of Muslim Women in Future Knowledge and Progress
From Hazrat Khadija (R.A.) to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, Muslim women have always led the path in knowledge, progress and development in society, as seen in their challenges and victory.
Issues Confronting Muslim Women Nowadays
Muslim women have to face many challenges despite their ability:
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- Structural discrimination in science and education.
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- Stereotyping and misrepresentation in global stories.
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- Suppression of scholarly and intellectual productivity.
Empowering Muslim Women for the Future
For the continuity of the legacy of magnificent Muslim women, the following are required:
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- More money for women’s scholarships and research opportunities.
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- Scholars’ protection against political oppression and persecution.
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- More awareness and advocacy about Muslim women scholars’ rights.
Muslim women should be allowed to contribute to their education, travel and society without fear of suppression.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Recognition
A moving story of learning, progress and suffering from Hazrat Khadija (RA) Dr. Aafia Siddiqui can be detected. Muslim women have made an invaluable contribution in history through leadership, business, education and science.
Dr. The case of Aafia Siddiqui, however, is a poignant reminder of injustice that faces educated Muslim women in the modern era. She is a scientist, a scholar and a victim of a disabled legal system, not a criminal. All those who believe in justice, truth and human rights give themselves to struggle for their release.
Educated women should be respected, protected and publicized their contribution in Muslim societies. Empowerment of women is the way to a bright future and their input is the basis of progress.
References
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- Fatima Mernissi, The Forgotten Queens of Islam, Oxford University Press.
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- Mohammad Akram Nadwi, Al-Muhaddithat: The Women Scholars in Islam, Interface Publications.
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- Amnesty International Reports on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case, 2008-2021.
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- United Nations Human Rights Commission Reports on Secret Detention, 2010.
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- Harvard University’s Neuroscience Research on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Contributions.
