Umm al-Darda: The Pioneering Muslim Scholar Who Shaped Islamic Learning and Broke Gender Norms by Advising Caliphs

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 14 May 2025 Umm al-Darda, a 7th-century scholar, broke gender norms by teaching men, advising caliphs, and issuing fatwas. Her life highlights Islam’s early endorsement of women’s education and leadership, leaving a legacy of equality and intellectual contribution to Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith studies Main Points: 1. Umm al-Darda taught Hadith, jurisprudence, and Quran to men and women, including Caliph Abd al-Malik, without fees. 2. Issued a landmark fatwa allowing women to pray in the Tashahhud position. 3. Praised by Imam Bukhari and Ibn Abdul Barr as a theological expert. 4. Collaborated with Aisha (RA), shaping early Islamic education. 5. Embodied Islam’s emphasis on women’s rights to learn, teach, and lead. ----- Image courtesy: https://www.muslimwomenyoushouldknow.com/umm-aldarda ------ The statement, “I have tried to worship Allah in every way, but I never found a better way than to sit and debate with other scholars,” by Umm al-Darda, underscores the intellectual prominence of Muslim women in early Islamic history. Not only were they well-versed in Hadith and jurisprudence, but they also actively engaged in scholarly debates with men. Among such trailblazers was Umm al-Darda, a revered teacher, jurist, and embodiment of kindness, whose life exemplifies the rights and respect Islam granted women. Born as Huzaima bint Huyaay, Umm al-Darda was orphaned early and raised under the guardianship of Abu Darda, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She spent her formative years in Medina, later relocating to Damascus. Even as a child, she defied societal norms by sitting among men in mosques to pray and study the Quran. Upon reaching maturity, she transitioned to praying with women but retained her passion for learning, eventually emerging as a respected scholar. Umm al-Darda’s journey as an educator began under the mentorship of Aisha (RA), the Prophet’s wife, with whom she collaborated to propagate Islam and discuss Hadith. She later taught in prominent mosques across Damascus and Jerusalem, in addition to hosting students in her home. Remarkably, she never charged fees, dedicating her life solely to spreading knowledge. Her students included both men and women, many of whom became renowned scholars and jurists. When questioned about the challenges of teaching large numbers, she replied, “I have sought worship in everything. I have found nothing more relieving than sitting with scholars and exchanging knowledge with them.” Her expertise in Hadith earned accolades from luminaries like Imam Bukhari, who hailed her as “an expert theologian,” and Ibn Abdul Barr, who praised her as “an outstanding scholar among women and a female intellectual, as well as extremely religious and pious.” Umm al-Darda’s most distinguished student was Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, the fifth Umayyad Caliph, whose empire stretched from Spain to India. Notably, even Abdullah bin Umar, Medina’s foremost jurist, endorsed Abd al-Malik as his successor, stating, “Ask him [Abd al-Malik] for religious decisions.” This endorsement highlighted Umm al-Darda’s stature, as Abd al-Malik attended her classes regularly, served her respectfully, and never hesitated to learn from her. Beyond Hadith, Umm al-Darda issued influential fatwas, including one still recognized today: permitting women to pray in the Tashahhud position (sitting) alongside men. Her piety and humility were legendary. Ibn Asakir’s Tarikh Madina Dimashq recounts an incident where she accepted a small copper coin (fals) from a charity distribution, remarking, “It has come to us without being asked for.” Umm al-Darda’s life reflects the dynamic role of Muslim women since the Prophet’s era. They excelled as teachers, jurists, doctors, and even soldiers, free to pursue and impart knowledge. As Sheikh Mohammad Akram Nadwi notes, “For centuries, women have performed their religious duty of acquiring knowledge, working in prestigious mosques, and traveling extensively to attend madrassas.” Her story dismantles stereotypes, proving that Islamic history celebrated women’s intellectual and spiritual leadership. Umm al-Darda’s legacy remains a testament to the Quranic ideal of gender equality in education and worship, inspiring generations to uphold the pursuit of knowledge as the highest form of devotion. ---- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession. She primarily writes about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/umm-al-darda-scholar-islamic-gender-caliphs/d/135526 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism