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It is permissible for a woman to be an authority and leader in any position for which she is qualified, although some positions are specific only to men such as the position of prayer leader and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. It is however incorrectly claimed by some people that women can have no authority in Islam because men have been given the responsibility to lead, defend, and maintain the livelihoods of women, their wives and their children. This claim is obviously the contrary evidenced in Suratul al-Nisa 4:35. This verse clearly expounds that women are most important companions to men as most of the affairs of society are entirely motionless without involvement of women. Alhamdullilah, Muslim women in most parts of the world today and in the era of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) have engaged themselves in education, science, politics, peace building and in many more outstanding fields which are instrumentally assisting the society towards rapid progress. It is very surprising to note however that the contribution of Muslim women in leadership and peace-building and other significant sectors are mostly unknown to most Muslim and non-Muslims alike. It is therefore important that we re-examine and bring to the fore the magnificent contributions of the first Muslim women who lived during Islam’s formative period and how we as modern Muslim women can emulate their viable political, social and financial models with modern applicability Khadija Bint Khuwaylid (r.a.) What greater example can we give than the first wife of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) Khadija Bint Khuwaylid (r.a.). Hazrat Khadija (r.a.) was the daughter of Khuwaylid Ibn Assad, a famous merchant in Makkah. Hazrat Khadija (r.a.) had been married and got widowed twice. She inherited the wealth of her father and two husbands. Instead of keeping the wealth stagnant or spending it lavishly, she intelligently invested the wealth in trade and business. She became a very successful merchant in Makkah. Among the trade caravans of Quraysh, Hazrat Khadijah’s caravan led by men appointed by her, outweighed all other caravans put together. Her business was the most acclaimed one, known for its fair dealings and high quality goods. Hazrat Khadija (r.a.) was constantly proactive in cases of peace building in society and was an exemplary leader worthy of emulation. She protected and catered for those who were mostly orphans. She gave most part of her earnings to the needy, the poor, widows and the sick and provided the dowry of poor girls to get married. Besides this she was very instrumental in the propagation of Islam as she gave the prophet (s.a.w.) complete independence from all kinds of financial worries and sacrificed everything for the cause of his Prophet Hood. Hence, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is quoted to have once said, “Khadijah (r.a) aided me with her wealth at a time when no one else did.” (Musnad Ahmad, Vol.6, p.118). Aisha Bint Abu Bakar (r.a.) Hazrat Aisha Bint Abu Bakar (r.a.) was another very powerful and outstanding leader. Her magnanimity benevolence and knowledge in the Quran and Ahadith are well documented. Hazrat Aisha Bint Abu Bakar (r.a.) was the youngest wife of our beloved Prophet (s.a.w.) and most beloved daughter of his nearest friend Hazrat Abu Bakar (r.a.). Hazrat Aisha (r.a.) was a female scholar of great eminence and a voice of authority in Islamic jurisprudence over 1000 years ago. She was considered more knowledgeable than most of her male contemporaries in matters related to Quranic interpretation, poetry medicine and history. Men and women alike consulted her in the acquisition of knowledge. She also rendered legal decisions and delivered speeches publicly, powerfully and eloquently. Aisha’s standards provide a culturally authentic paradigm for Muslim women seeking a leading role in political, judicial or religious spheres Shafa Bint Adwiya Shafa Bint Adwiya was also an intelligent woman skilled in politics and respected for her wisdom. It is said that the second Caliph Umar Ibn Khattab, who is accorded great deference in Islamic tradition, highly valued Shafa’s opinion and consulted with her.Most importantly, he placed her in a leadership position by entrusting her with the administration of the marketplace in Medina. As such, she played the leadership role of ensuring that all business transactions were in accord with the law. She protected consumers against fraud and other unsavory practices. These very powerful women described above are representative few of many others who lived, fought, learned, worked and led during Islam’s foundation and beyond. Their male companions and Caliphs who assumed leadership roles after the demise of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) treated them with respect, admiration, and appreciation as equals due to their numerous contributions, active role in public decision making, as leaders, voters, and good citizens who promoted effective public policies that benefitted all citizens. A perusal of entries in a biography dictionary (PLEASE CHECK) published by Aisha Abdurrahman Bewley (Used as comprehensive reference source of Muslim women achievers) shows that Muslim women in historic Islam have been successful as leaders, scholars, business women and social entrepreneurs alongside fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers. While many Muslims around the world learn about such Muslim women, their relevance to contemporary time is frequently overlooked. Yet, by learning about and celebrating their examples, men and women can better understand and build upon notions of “proper” Muslim women’s roles while using a culturally authentic perspective. Some Modern day Muslim Women and their Contributions In our modern time, Muslim women still assume remarkable leadership roles, excel in their chosen careers and contribute immensely in their various fields. A few who may be mentioned are: Dalia Mogahed, Tawakkul Karman and Malala Yousafzai. Dalia Mogahed Dalia Mogahed was the first Muslim woman in the White House back in 2009 and one of Barack Obama’s ‘closest advisors’ advocating the views and opinions of Muslims across the US in the most simplistic, recognizable and agreeable way. She has contributed immensely to matters on western involvement in the Middle Eastern conflicts. Governmental influence on the lives of many Muslim Americans is now bigger than it has ever been and to have a Muslim woman influence a part of this is an achievement. Tawakkul Karman Tawakkul Karman is a journalist, politician, a human rights activist and one of ten (10) Muslims who have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Her face is stapled to the 2011 Yemeni Uprising and she is also known to have co-founded “Muslim Journalists Without Chains”. She became the first Arab woman and the second Muslim woman to win a Nobel Prize and the second youngest Nobel Peace Laureate to date. Impressive, don’t you think? Malala Yousafzai Also worth mentioning is the ever brave Malala Yousafzai. As an activist at the age of 16, she was the youngest holder of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, standing up for the right of education and freedom. The instrumental contributions and roles that women in Islam have made towards peace-building and wellbeing in society from the time of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) till date cannot be overemphasized. Due to their bold encouragement and endless contributions to men companions during the early stages of Islam, a peaceful society was built in Madina and other Muslim territories. In this modern age, Muslim women have not stopped contributing, they have strived and achieved professional, financial and social successes in accordance with their understanding of religious scriptures and are contributing significantly in peacebuilding in various countries across the world.

You must carry out a struggle against your desires and self-interests. You must struggle and face up to the prescription held by certain segments of Society about you. You must be courageous and strive to establish your pure values in the face of ridicule and mockery, and you must strive to always implement the laws and teachings of the Qur’an in your daily lives. Only then will you be deemed a true-believing woman. I sometimes receive complaints or reports that though some Ahmadi girls or women do cover their heads, yet when they go to the mall they wear tight jeans and t-shirts or blouses that barely reach their waist. Remember that such clothing and such immodesty is a mockery of your religion. On many occasions, I have reminded Ahmadis that Allah has not only commanded purdah of the face but has commanded purdah of the entire body. This is also clearly evident from the verse of the Holy Quran (Ch. 24:32). Thus, when you go outside of your home, it is necessary that you wear a loose overcoat or a long shawl. If you fail to follow this, not only is it a violation of purdah, but it is also a display of immodesty and the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught that modesty is a part of faith. Indeed on another occasion, he taught that every faith has a special and unique characteristic, and Islam’s is modesty. Those who do not observe modesty have been cursed. Therefore, to protect your faith and to become a true model of Islam, you must correct any weaknesses that exist in what you wear and you must always protect your chastity because by doing so your faith is protected. It may be that the very minimum acceptable level of purdah requires you to only cover your hair and chin. However, if you adopt this form of purdah, then you should not wear make-up. Islam does not stop women from working, but such work-that requires a Muslim woman to compromise her sanctity by wearing inappropriate clothing or uniform-is not permitted. Certainly, there are Ahmadi women throughout the world, who are working as doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists and in many other professions, and they conduct these careers whilst maintaining the proper standards of modesty and upholding their hijab. Selected synopsis of addresses to Lajna Imaillah on Purdah by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba), Khalifatul Masih V Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

(Wife of the Promised Messiah (AS) AN EXEMPLARY LEADER OF OUR TIME) “Some people are born great, some people achieve greatness and some people have greatness thrust upon them” (William Shakespeare) Munavara (Nabbo) Ghauri author of Hadhrat Amaan Jan (An inspiration to us all) eulogized the virtuous wife of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmed (a.s) - the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (a.s) as a rare individual who fits into all three categories mentioned in the quote by William Shakespeare. Hadhrat Nusrat Jehan Begum (ra) is known within the Ahmadiyya Muslim community by two other names, Umul –Mu’mineen meaning Mother of the Believers, signifying her value and the respect with which she is held by the community as the wife of the Promised Messiah (as). She is also affectionately called Amman Jan by family members and close associates usually translated as Respected and Dear Mother. She has been described by Amtu Shakur Tayyaba Ahmed in an article published in the Review of Religions (April 2017), as a modern-day example of the spiritual, moral and personal excellence which can be achieved by following the commandments of Allah as contained in the Holy Qur’an and by the blessings of Allah, the One God. Munavara (Nabbo) narrates in his book that, ‘Hadhrat Umul-Mu’mineen was a spiritual and physical mother, a mentor, a carer of orphans and a guardian of the vulnerable and sick. She was a personification of Islamic values, a pillar of support for the Promised Messiah and faithful to the institution of khilafat from its early inception. He added that, “Her influence has rippled through the blessed progeny of the Promised Messiah(as), like a strong but imperceptible undercurrent”. Her values and moral training influences the Jamat even today, as she was the matriarch of a blessed progeny, that includes 4 of 5 of the khulafa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to date. She was born in 1865 and passed in 1952 Her Worship It has been reported that, Hadhrat Amman Jan (ra) had the highest standards of worship in this modern age and is an excellent example for women living in this materialistic world of ours. It is known for example that her worship was outstanding at all times and she offered her daily prayers with such humility, love and devotion that those watching could not help but be affected. In the monthly days when she was not required to offer Salat (prayers), she would instead spend the time after the Adhan (call to prayer) praying and remembering Allah . In Ramadan, whilst in good health, she always fasted and made a special effort with regard to worship in this month and in addition to her five daily prayers she also woke up in the night to offer Tahajjud (late night/pre-dawn) prayer, offered an extra early morning prayer (called chasht in Urdu) and then a mid-morning prayer (ishraq) along with other extra voluntary prayers. Charity Amman Jan(ra) was extremely regular in giving charity in this month and also regularly cooked food, often herself, for three or four people as fidyah (expiation for those who cannot fast). She recited the Holy Qur’an often and asked the girls in the house to recite to her regularly too. It was her practice in these days to recite Darud (invoking Allah’s Blessings on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and to ask Allah’s forgiveness in the form of Istighfar. She encouraged those around her to do the same. If she knew that any of her daughters or granddaughters were fasting, she would make special food for them in the evening. She would also keep note of children who were offering prayers in congregation so that she could express her pleasure on these actions. It was her tradition to invite her children regularly to open the fast in the evening at her house. Service to Humanity As the wife of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Amman Jan(ra) had an extremely large household, full of elders, relatives, children, orphans, widows, household helpers and a regular stream of guests from the community. She worked hard, and it is related by her son, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), that she was regularly busy cooking, spinning, boiling milk, feeding buffaloes, growing flowers and herbs in addition to training and helping the house hold attendants. She would daily go walking in Qadian and visit ladies and relatives. She would enquire after people’s health on these visits and would advise ladies with regard to the running of their households, compliment them on any tasty food she was offered, and suggest home improvements which could be done within a low budget e.g. making simple clothes or cushions. Thus even her daily routine was spent in the service of humanity and in the kind guidance of ladies. She was even known to also make enquiries about prisoners who were in jail due to financial debts and sent money to such Muslims and even non-Muslim prisoners so that they could enjoy a good meal. Financial Sacrifice Hadhrat Amman Jan(ra) was always at the forefront of making financial sacrifices for the Jamat. There are three incidents which give an indication of her spirit of financial sacrifice. In May 1900, when the Promised Messiah (as) announced that he needed a hundred people to donate one hundred rupees each to build Minaratul Masih in Qadian, a total of 10,000 Rupees, Hadhrat Amman Jaan(ra) responded by selling some property in Delhi and giving 1000 rupees (a significant amount in those days) herself for this appeal excelling others in fulfilling this appeal- a great proof of her faith in the Promised Messiah(as) On the occasion of one Jalsa (Annual Convention), when Jalsa expenses were undertaken by the Promised Messiah (as) himself, it became apparent that there was no food for guests that evening. The Promised Messiah (as) immediately sent a message to his trusted and beloved wife, Hadhrat Amma Jaan(ra), who soon provided some jewellery which could be sold to cover the expense of the food that evening. On the demise of the Promised Messiah (as), she herself settled any monies owed to others by her beloved husband by selling her own jewelry and did not ask community members to help her with this although countless members would have been pleased to do so. Hadhrat Musleh Ma’ud(ra), the Second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, has written about this: ‘My heart was deeply affected [by the fact] that Allah Almighty had given the Promised Messiah (as) such a loving and co-operative partner.’ Her Dignity Another aspect of her personality was the very feminine quality that Hadhrat Amman Jan (ra) exhibited. She was extremely conscious of women’s dignity and honour. Her daughter, Hadhrat Nawwab Mubaraka Begum (ra), describes this quality in the following words: ‘Hazrat Amman Jaan(ra), compared to most, had a much higher standard of righteousness and this specific quality is worth keeping in view. She would often warn that the honour of ladies is very delicate. She did not approve at all of women who were inappropriately friendly with each other or who made unsavoury jokes with each other. She would like wives who were most loving to their husbands and would express her appreciation in this regard.’ Hadhrat Amman Jan(ra), is the best modern day example of a “Mo’minah” - a true believer, because her every act was aimed at winning the Pleasure of Allah Almighty. Performing good deeds was the principal occupation of her life, and as Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (Atba) highlighted in his Khilafat Centenary speech; “…faith and good deeds are an integral part of one another. Without faith, deeds are nothing and without good deeds, faith is incomplete” (The Review of Religions, May 2008: Vol.103, Issue 05, pg. 74.) Hazrat Amman Jan(ra) most clearly understood this. It is for this reason that it is imperative that the inspirational life of Hadhrat Amman Jan(ra), a life filled with worship and sacrifices, a life of great honour (as a prophet’s wife) and joy, becomes available to members of Lajna Immaillah Ghana. May Allah enable us to emulate her exemplary conduct. Especially for those women who are burdened with the difficult but most rewarding task - the moral training of our children, the next issue of “The Khadija” would be under this topic “The moral training of our children” Hadrat Amman Jan(ra) shared our responsibilities and concerns and demonstrated how to effectively raise a righteous progeny, primarily by her own excellent examples.