Sahabiyyah RA of African Descent

Celebrating a Legacy of Faith, Strength and Service

Throughout history, there have been individuals whose contributions have shaped communities, inspired generations and changed the course of history. Yet, many of these stories remain untold. One such example is the story of women and girls of African descent, whose achievements have often been overlooked despite the profound impact they have made across every sphere of society.

It is for this reason that the 25th of July is observed as the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, following years of advocacy by organisations working to promote recognition, equality and opportunity for women and girls of African heritage. It serves as a reminder not only of the challenges many continue to face but also of the incredible resilience, leadership and excellence they have demonstrated throughout history.

The day encourages the world to celebrate achievement, recognize contribution and work towards a future where every girl and woman has the opportunity to thrive without barriers created by prejudice or discrimination.

As Muslims, however, this conversation is not new.

Long before the modern world began speaking about equality and inclusion, Islam laid down principles that transformed society. The Qur’an reminds us that humanity was created from a single pair and that our differences in race, language and culture are signs of Allah’s wisdom, not reasons for division.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced this message in his Farewell Sermon when he declared that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, and no non-Arab over an Arab; no white person over a black person, nor a black person over a white person — except through righteousness and piety.

This principle was revolutionary in a society where tribal lineage and ancestry often determined a person’s status.

The early Muslim community reflected these values. People from Arabia, Persia, Rome and Africa stood shoulder to shoulder as equals in worship and in service to Islam. Their worth was measured not by their colour, ethnicity or wealth, but by their character, faith and dedication.

Among these remarkable individuals were women of African origin whose loyalty, sacrifice and love for the Prophet ﷺ left an everlasting legacy.

One of the greatest among them was Umm Ayman (Barakah bint Tha’labah رضي الله عنها).

Many Muslims know her name, yet few appreciate just how extraordinary her life was.

The Prophet ﷺ loved and honoured her deeply. He would say:

“Umm Ayman is my mother after my mother.”

What a remarkable testimony.

Notice that the Prophet ﷺ did not define her by her ethnicity or her background. He honoured her because of her faith, her loyalty, her compassion and her unwavering commitment to Islam.

In many ways, Umm Ayman RA’s life reflects exactly what this international day seeks to celebrate: the recognition of women whose contributions deserve to be remembered and appreciated.

This week, we want to revisit her story — not simply as a historical figure, but as a woman whose life continues to offer lessons for us today.

We will explore her unwavering loyalty, her resilience during times of hardship, her role in nurturing one of the greatest generations in history, and the deep love and respect that the Prophet ﷺ showed towards her.

In doing so, we are reminded that the history of Islam is beautifully diverse. From the earliest days of the faith, people from every background found a place in the Ummah. African men and women were not spectators to Islamic history — they helped write it.

As we commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, let us celebrate not only the achievements of women today but also remember those whose faith, courage and service laid foundations that continue to inspire us more than fourteen centuries later.