Al Shifa Bint Abdullah: A Trailblazer in Education, Medicine, and Governance

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 3 July 2025 Al Shifa Bint Abdullah, a pioneering woman in Islamic history, was the first female teacher, doctor, and finance minister. Educated in calligraphy and naturopathy, she taught literacy and medicine, notably to Hafsa (R.A.). Appointed by Caliph Umar, she managed Medina’s market, ensuring fair trade, exemplifying women’s empowerment in Islam. Main Points: 1. Al Shifa taught literacy, including to Hafsa, wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 2. Skilled in naturopathy, she treated ailments and earned the title "Al Shifa" (healer). 3. Appointed by Caliph Umar to oversee Medina’s market. 4. Learned calligraphy and Ruqya from her parents, sharing knowledge widely. 5. Trusted by Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) Discussed business and Islamic affairs, reflecting her sharp intellect. ------ Al Shifa Bint Abdullah is described as a woman in Islamic history who was the first in many fields. The first female teacher, the first female doctor, the first female finance minister. Yes, Al Shifa Bint Abdullah is remembered for the firsts in the above mentioned works. Al-Shifa Bint Abdullah's father was Abdullah ibn Abd Shams and her mother was Fatima bint Wahb. She was a member of an elite Quraish tribe in Mecca. Al Shifa was married to a nobleman Abu Hathma ibn Hudhaifa, they had two sons Suleiman and Masrooq. Al Shifa's father paid special attention to the education of all his children and taught them calligraphy along with reading and her mother taught them the art of Ruqya (natural medicine). Al Shifa was a woman of sharp intellect, she absorbed the education provided by her parents well and used it to educate many others. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started preaching Islam, Al Shifa was one of the first people to accept Islam. After accepting Islam, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina, she also joined him. As A Teacher Education has always been emphasized in Islam. According to Islamic belief, "The best charity is when a Muslim acquires knowledge, then he teaches it to his fellow Muslim." (Sunan Ibn Majah) The above statement was proved meaningful by Al Shifa bint Abdullah in her life. At a time when the number of literate people in Arabia was negligible. The medium of education used to be oral and knowing how to write was a rare quality, she was one of the few literate people who knew how to read and write and along with this she used to share her knowledge with others and educate people. Among the people she educated was Hafsa bint umar (wife of Prophet MUHAMMAD PBUH) who later became her close friend, As A Doctor Al Shifa Bint Abdullah was a knower of naturopathy. At that time medical science was not so well organized but still Al Shifa Bint Abdullah was able to treat any disease on the basis of her naturopathy knowledge. Due to her dedication towards treatment and medical knowledge, she became a woman to receive the title of "Al Shifa".(healing or cured). Once Hafsa (R.A.) was with AL Shifa when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to her and said to Al Shifa “Will you not teach (Hafsa R.A.) to treat ant bites (skin eruptions) as you have taught her to write?” (Sunan Abu Dawood) From this incident we come to know that Prophet MUHAMMAD (PBUH) also used to trust her medical knowledge, this is the proof of the authenticity of her medical knowledge. Just like he taught Hafsa (R.A.) to read and write, he also imparted knowledge of natural medicine to Hafsa (R.A.), who later became the head of health and safety in Basra, Iraq. Management Skills While living in Medina, she started studying Islamic law and Islamic affairs in depth. Her house was situated between the market and the mosque in Medina. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to visit her often and used to have deep discussions with her on many matters. Al Shifa Bint Abdullah also had a very deep understanding of business matters and hence used to discuss business matters with her often. First Female Finance Minister When Umar ibn Khattab became the Caliph, he was impressed by Al Shifa's management skills and understanding of business matters and entrusted her with the responsibility of handling the economy in Medina. Thus she became the first female official to receive an official appointment by Umar Al Khattab. She was appointed as the officer and controller of the market of Medina so that she could ensure that the trade in the market was being done fairly and within the ambit of the laws. Al Shifa used to ensure that the trade in the market was not unfair in any way nor was there any discrimination or fraud with anyone. Al Shifa is indeed the most authentic example of women empowerment. By playing many roles in her lifetime in an excellent manner, she has proved that the skill and knowledge of women is in no way less. In Islam, the role of women in every field has been appreciated and they have also been provided better opportunities. No kind of restriction has been imposed on women. Islam is a religion with progressive ideas which provides equal opportunities to women. ----- 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/shifa-abdullah-education-medicine-governance/d/136064 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