Extraordinary Women from the Muslim World tells the stories of the following thirteen women who overcame adversity to make their unique contributions to society, art, politics, literature, spirituality and human freedom:

Khadija Bint Khuwaylid (Arabia; First Wife of the Prophet (pbuh))

Aisha bint Abi Bakr (Arabia; Wife of the Prophet (pbuh))

Al-Khansa (Arabia; Poet)

Rabi'a Al-Adawiyya (Iraq; Woman Saint)

Arwa bint Ahmed Al-Sulayhiyya (Yemen; Queen of Yemen)

Sultan Razia (India; Warrior Queen of Delhi) 

Nana Asmau (Nigeria; Scholar and Poet)

Tjut Njak Dien (Indonesia; Guerrilla Leader)

Halide Edib Adivar (Turkey; Novelist and Activist)

Umm Kulthum (Egypt; Singer)

Sabiha Gökçen (Turkey; Military Pilot)

Chaiba Tallal (Morocco; Painter)

Shirin Ebadi (Iran; Nobel Peace Prize Winner)

The objective of this book is to present an illustrative introduction to a select number of Muslim women who have lived extraordinary lives and gone to influence their communities in a positive way, often overcoming extreme hardship and inaccurate stereotypes that have at times been placed on the role of women in Islam.

The list of women in this book is in no way comprehensive or exhaustive. Nor is the book meant to be an academic study of their lives or a guide to what makes a good Muslim, per se. For more detailed studies on the lives of the women in this book, please refer to the bibliography section where many excellent writers and sources used for research are mentioned.

However, it is hoped that readers will gain a better understanding of the positive impact many Muslim women have had throughout the ages - irrespective of their nationality, race and profession - and hopefully feel inspired to pursue their life goals with increased vigor and compassion.

Recognitions 

Middle East Outreach Council's 2008 Youth Non-Fiction Award   

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD wins 2008 National Best Book Award

October 20, 2008 - Extraordinary Women from the Muslim World has been awarded a National Best Books 2008 Award in the category of Religion: Islam . --USA Book News 

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD wins 2008 Peacemaker Award

November 24, 2008 - EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD wins Moonbeam Peacemaker Award established to honor the best book for promoting world peace and human tolerance, in memory of Mattie J.T. Stepanek (1990-2004), whose poetry and messages of hope and peace have inspired millions of people around the world. --Independent Publisher magazine 

The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are designed to honor the best children's books, authors and illustrators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading.