Book Review (Accomplishments of Muslim Women)

Translator of the Book: Hazrat Maulana Tauqeer Ahmad Sahab Kandhlavi, (Accomplishments of Muslim Women)

Reviewed by: Muhammad Raihan Bijnori

Considering that they make up half of the human race, women have been vital to the growth and advancement of communities. They serve as the backbone of families, shape our lives in a variety of ways, and play a multitude of indispensable roles in our society. This means that if we are striving to build an ideal society or bringing about a far-reaching social reform, we must pay close attention to the awareness and personal development of this fair being. Furthermore, apart from education and religious principles, having high-standard role models also has an immense impact on how someone develops their character. Positive role models inspire us and provide us with drive, direction, and aspiration. If, in an uncommon event, one is unable to find any such role models in their own time, one should look for them in the reliable records of history.

In today’s age of digital technology and social media, many Muslim women, especially the younger generation, are increasingly being impacted by Western culture, which is now engulfing every corner of the world. Having been influenced by the flashy and glamorous world of the film industry, they proudly imitate the lifestyles of celebrities, social media influencers, and other irreligious women.

To tackle this issue, we need to present to our sisters some examples of Muslim women from Islam’s glorious past who were the epitome of bravery, virtue, chastity, and dignity. These women can then stand as role models for today’s ones, inspiring them with their remarkable academic, political, social, and religious accomplishments, as well as their revolutionary works and enduring stories. Thus, by modelling these noble souls and conforming to their standards, women of our time may also obtain the same level of dignity and esteem. They would be able to shield themselves from all the social and cultural threats of the contemporary world. Put succinctly, our sisters will not only enhance their own lives both here and in the hereafter, but they will also be better equipped to nurture their offspring in a proper Islamic way, ultimately contributing to building an exemplary Muslim society.

Anyway, Sheikh al-Mashā’ikh, Mahbūb al-Ulama was-Sulahā, Hazrat Maulana Peer Zulfiqar Ahmad Sahab Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Dāmat Barakātuhum, one of the most esteemed and influential figures in the current Islamic world, carried out the task quite excellently. He authored a book titled “Khwateen-e-Islam Ke Karnamey,” which has been well-received by the Ummah for a long time. In this book, he offered plenty of exemplars from the lives of the holy spouses and the sacred female companions of the Prophet PBUH, along with many other distinguished Muslim women who rose to prominence, accomplished astonishing feats, and left their everlasting mark on Islamic history. These noble women made extraordinary contributions to serve Islam that the Ummah has always recognised and appreciated. Muslim women today can use them as role models and sources of guidance. 

“Accomplishments of Muslim Women”—the book under review—is the English version of the book, “Khwateen-e-Islam Ke Karnamey.” It was translated by Hazrat Maulana Tauqeer Ahmad Sahab Kandhlavi Dāmat Barakātuhum, HoD and teacher of the Department of English Language and Literature, Darul Uloom, Deoband. The translator is the Khalifa e-Mujaz (accredited successor) of Hazrat Peer Sahab Dāmat Barakātuhum and enjoys a close relation with him.

Al’hamdu Lillah, I had the privilege to read both the original book and its translation from cover to cover. At this point, I genuinely believe that the translator has successfully captured the essence of the original text and conveyed the author’s intended message accurately. He translates it, employing straightforward and easy-to-grasp English that is also standard and captivating. The smooth translation flow and the consistency of the style and tone throughout are what make it more effective. Adorned with appreciation and compliments from several prominent Ulama, this English version of the book was once published and quickly gained worthwhile popularity. The second edition has just been reprinted after undergoing additional revisions and updates and is now available for a very affordable price. Those who appreciate quality literature are urged to benefit from this masterpiece and make an effort to introduce it to as many Muslim women as possible. Giving this book as a gift or reward to a female student or a loved one would be a wonderful choice.