The Warrior Women of Islam

Western authors in general and many Muslims depict women, in the context of Islamic society, as neglected, secluded, discriminated against and confined to their houses. By contrast, women elsewhere are projected as active, progressive and engaged in socio-economic development. Strategies for the revival of Muslim society invariably focus on the economic role of women. In most Muslim countries the empowerment of women, almost with no exception, is part of the national agenda. This includes women’s equal representation in political, legal and economic institutions and industry. To prove their modernity, some Muslim countries have inducted women in their armed services. The presence of this phenomenon indicates awareness on the part of policy planners of the visible lack of women in the public space. The topic selected for research in this book is fascinating as well as challenging to historical narratives. In the mirror of history a passive role and absence of women in the public space is a norm. The historical excursion of the author takes her to the early and medieval period of Muslim history where the re-emergence of tribalism under the Umayyad and Abbasid periods led to the re-assertion of tribal pride and superiority through the demonstration of excellence in the use of the sword.