Coming soonLive · 4 weeks · Beginner-friendly

Builders of a Nation

The women who shaped Islamic history.

with Ustadh Maheer Hasan

From the earliest days of Islam to the great periods of Muslim civilisation, women played an essential role in preserving faith, transmitting knowledge, supporting communities, and shaping history. Yet many of their stories remain largely unknown.

Duration: 4 weeks
Schedule: Dates to be announced
Investment: £20

Join waitlist →View outline

Course poster for Builders of a Nation — The Women Who Shaped Islamic History.

This four-week course explores the lives of remarkable Muslim women whose faith, sacrifice and contributions helped build the foundations of the Ummah. From the Mothers of the Believers and the female Companions to scholars, rulers and reformers, participants will discover how women helped shape Islamic civilisation across the centuries.

Through their stories, this course aims not only to educate, but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked contributions of women in Islamic history.

Faith → Service → Knowledge → Legacy

What you'll learn

The role of women during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ
The contributions of female Companions to the early Muslim community
The importance of women in Islamic scholarship and education
The stories of influential Muslim women throughout history
Lessons of faith, resilience and service from their lives
The lasting legacy of Muslim women on Islamic civilisation

Who should attend

This is a beginner-friendly cohort — open to all, whatever your starting point.

Anyone interested in Islamic history
Students, educators and lifelong learners
Brothers and sisters seeking inspiring role models from the past
No prior knowledge required

Course outline

4 weeks · Weekly live sessions · Recommended reading: Women Around the Messenger by Muhammad Ali Qutb

Week 01

The Mothers of the Believers

How did the wives of the Prophet ﷺ help build the foundations of the Muslim community?

Khadijah رضي الله عنها and her support of the Prophetic mission
Sawdah رضي الله عنها and the early Muslim community
Aisha رضي الله عنها and the preservation of knowledge
Hafsah رضي الله عنها and the written Qur'an
Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها and her wisdom and counsel

Week 02

The Women Around the Prophet ﷺ

What role did female Companions play in the growth of Islam?

Fatimah رضي الله عنها
Asma bint Abi Bakr رضي الله عنها
Nusaybah bint Ka'b رضي الله عنها
Umm Sulaym رضي الله عنها
Women's contributions to migration, service and sacrifice

Week 03

Scholars, Patrons and Leaders

How did Muslim women contribute to Islamic civilisation?

Aisha رضي الله عنها as a scholar and teacher
Fatimah al-Fihri and the founding of al-Qarawiyyin
Zubaydah bint Ja'far and public works
Female scholars and transmitters of hadith
The role of women in education and charitable institutions

Week 04

Remarkable Women Through the Ages

What lessons can we learn from Muslim women throughout history?

Maryam عليها السلام in Islamic tradition
Rabi'ah al-Adawiyyah and spirituality
Shajar al-Durr and political leadership
Women of courage, scholarship and service across the centuries
The enduring legacy of Muslim women in the modern world

Your instructor

Ustadh Maheer Hasan

History Teacher & Lecturer at Ajnadayn Institute

With a passion for Islamic history and years of teaching experience, Ustadh Maheer Hasan brings forgotten stories to life through engaging teaching and meaningful reflection, helping students reconnect with the rich legacy of Muslim civilisation.