As part of Al-Tazkiya 2026, themed “When Women Rise in Faith: Reclaiming the Forgotten Legacy,” Dr Ghazala Qadri delivered the first lecture exploring the lives, sacrifices and spiritual legacy of three remarkable women of early Islam: Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), Sayyidah Umm Salama Hind bint Abi Umayya (RA), and Sayyidah Nusaybah bint Ka‘ab (RA).

The session highlighted how the lives of these extraordinary women continue to offer guidance for Muslim women today in developing faith, resilience, service, courage and commitment to Allah Almighty.

Reclaiming the Forgotten Legacy of Women in Islam

Dr Ghazala Qadri opened by reflecting on the central theme of Al-Tazkiya 2026 and the significant role women have always played in the spiritual, intellectual and moral development of the Muslim Ummah. She addressed the identity challenges faced by many young Muslim women today, emphasising that the perception that faith limits a woman’s identity does not come from Islam, but from becoming disconnected from the legacy of the righteous women who shaped the earliest Muslim community.

Drawing upon Qur’anic guidance and the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, she encouraged attendees to develop a strong sense of identity rooted in faith rather than imitation or changing social trends. The lecture emphasised that returning to the lives of the early believing women is not about living in the past; rather, it is about rediscovering timeless principles that can guide women through the challenges of the present.

Sayyidah Khadijah (RA): Vision, Service and Sacrifice

Dr Ghazala Qadri began with the remarkable life of Sayyidah Khadijah (RA), highlighting her intelligence, leadership, integrity and extraordinary commitment to the Prophet ﷺ and the message of Islam. She reflected on the moment of the first revelation, when the Prophet ﷺ returned from the Cave of Hira in a state of distress and sought comfort from Sayyidah Khadijah (RA). Her response demonstrated her profound understanding of his character and her unwavering confidence in him.

Drawing upon Sahih al-Bukhari, Dr Ghazala Qadri highlighted how Sayyidah Khadijah (RA) reminded the Prophet ﷺ of his lifelong commitment to helping others, maintaining family ties, speaking the truth and supporting those in difficulty. Her example, she explained, offers a powerful response to the anxiety and excessive self-focus prevalent today. Through service, generosity and genuine concern for others, a believer can find purpose and spiritual strength.

Dr Ghazala Qadri further reflected on Sayyidah Khadijah’s (RA) immense sacrifices during the social and economic boycott in Shi‘b Abi Talib, when she gave up comfort and wealth for the sake of Islam. Drawing upon Musnad Ahmad and Sahih al-Bukhari, she highlighted the unparalleled status granted to Sayyidah Khadijah (RA), including the glad tidings of a home in Paradise. Her life stands as a timeless example of vision, generosity, loyalty, service and sacrifice.

Umm Salama (RA): Faith Through Trials and Trust in Allah

The lecture then turned to Sayyidah Umm Salama (RA), one of the Mothers of the Believers, whose life reflected extraordinary patience, resilience and trust in Allah Almighty. Dr Ghazala Qadri described the immense hardship Umm Salama (RA) experienced during the migration to Madinah, including separation from her husband and young son and being prevented from leaving Makkah.

Despite the pain of separation and circumstances beyond her control, Umm Salama (RA) remained steadfast in her faith. Following the death of her husband, Abu Salama (RA), she recited the supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ, asking Allah Almighty to reward her for her affliction and grant her something better in its place. This supplication is recorded in Sahih Muslim. Allah Almighty ultimately blessed her with marriage to the Prophet ﷺ.

Dr Ghazala Qadri also highlighted Umm Salama’s (RA) intellectual contribution. Her sincere concern about the recognition of women’s sacrifices was connected with the revelation of Qur’anic guidance affirming that Allah does not allow the deeds of any believer—male or female—to be lost. Her story teaches that faith does not eliminate hardship, but it gives the believer the strength to endure it with patience and trust in Allah Almighty.

Nusaybah bint Ka‘ab (RA): Courage, Commitment and Sacrifice

The third inspiring figure explored was Nusaybah bint Ka‘ab (RA), also known as Umm ‘Amarah, a distinguished Companion of the Prophet ﷺ. Dr Ghazala Qadri highlighted her participation in the Second Pledge of ‘Aqabah and her remarkable courage at the Battle of Uhud. Initially present to provide water and care for the wounded, Nusaybah (RA) stepped forward when the Prophet ﷺ came under threat. She defended him with extraordinary bravery, continuing to fight despite sustaining injuries.

Her courage and dedication are recorded in classical works including Ibn Sa‘d’s Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra and Ibn Hajar’s Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah. Dr Ghazala Qadri also reflected upon Nusaybah’s (RA) response to the martyrdom of her son, Habib ibn Zayd (RA), explaining that although faith does not remove grief and pain, it gives believers the strength to carry that pain with purpose. Nusaybah’s (RA) life therefore stands as a powerful example of courage, commitment, sacrifice and steadfastness.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Concluding the lecture, Dr Ghazala Qadri reminded attendees that these women should not merely be admired as figures of the past; their legacy must be understood, embodied and carried forward.

From Sayyidah Khadijah (RA), we learn vision, service and sacrifice.
From Umm Salama (RA), we learn patience, perseverance and trust in Allah Almighty.
From Nusaybah bint Ka‘ab (RA), we learn courage, commitment and the strength to stand firm for what is right.

The lecture ultimately called upon Muslim women to reconnect with their spiritual identity and become inheritors of this remarkable legacy. Reflecting on the Qur’anic assurance, “Do not lose heart, nor fall into despair. You will be superior if you are believers,” Dr Ghazala Qadri emphasised that when women rise in faith, families are strengthened, communities are uplifted and the legacy of the Ummah continues.