Women’s Development
Giving women a safe space
in our community
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, and during the period of the first four Khalifs - women fully participated in the local Mosques. Many women would routinely perform their five daily prayers, Friday Jumm’ah prayers, Ramadan Taraweeh prayers and Eid prayers, as part of the congregation. They also took on full roles in educating their communities, which continues until today.
A great example in our history of a Woman initiating and developing a Mosque is the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fes, Morocco. Fatima al-Fihri was born in 800 A.D. She was the daughter of Mohammed Bnou Abdullah al-Fihri - a rich merchant who settled in Fes with his family during the reign of Idris II.
Fatima was a strong Muslim woman who inherited a huge amount of wealth at the time of her father and her husband’s death. She decided to use her weaith to build a Mosque, which her Muslim community in Fes urgently needed - to accommodate an ever-growing number of Muslims!
From the 10th century, the famous Mosque of al-Qarawiyyin became the first religious institute (Oldest known University in the World) and the largest Arab University of North Africa. It attracted a lot of students and renowned scientists.
The Mosque and University continue to thrive until today, welcoming both men and women into the beautiful majestic courtyard - with a central water fountain, spaces for both men and women to pray, learn and contemplate!
Building a future for our future generations