Empowering Muslim Women Through Faith and Knowledge

The first person to believe in the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was a woman. Khadijah was a respected businesswoman whose wealth, wisdom and support carried the early Muslim community. Aishah became one of the greatest scholars of Islam, narrating more than two thousand hadith and teaching many of the companions. Centuries later, Fatimah al-Fihri founded al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, often described as the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

Empowering women is not a modern addition to Islam. It is part of its foundation.

What the Quran says

• “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer, We will surely give them a good life.” (Quran 16:97)
• “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another.” (Quran 9:71)
• Quran 33:35 lists believing men and believing women side by side across ten qualities, from faith and patience to charity and remembrance of Allah, and promises both the same forgiveness and great reward.

Knowledge is every Muslim’s right

The Prophet said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 224)

When women in Madinah told him that the men were taking up all of his time, they asked for a day of their own. He gave them one, and taught them himself. (Sahih al-Bukhari 101) That simple act set a principle: women’s learning deserves dedicated time and space.

What empowerment means for us

1. Knowledge: Quran, Tajweed and Islamic study for women of every age.
2. Voice: women shaping community decisions and programmes.
3. Wellbeing: confidential support for personal and family challenges, grounded in faith.
4. Skills and contribution: following Khadijah’s example, supporting women in study, work and enterprise.
5. Strong families: mothers and daughters, wives and sisters supported together.

How Aman supports women and families today

• Quran recitation and Tajweed classes for adults and children
• Spiritual counselling for personal and family matters, three nights a week
• Support for families settling in Greater Wellington
• Ramadan and Eid programmes that bring whole families together

What a permanent home will make possible

For six years, Aman Islamic Trust has worked from rented space, where every room has to serve many purposes. Our planned permanent centre includes a dedicated women’s and family room, so we can grow:

• Weekly women’s study circles
• A support group for mothers and new arrivals
• Skills and career workshops
• Wellbeing sessions with qualified counsellors
• Mentoring for teenage girls, alongside our youth programmes

We are planning to buy our own property, but we do not yet have the funds. If you believe in empowering Muslim women through faith and knowledge, please support the permanent home appeal. Generous donations from sisters and brothers around the world would be deeply appreciated.

Donate to the building fund