10 Amazing Sheikhahs

This book offers an inspiring and insightful look at the lives of 10 extraordinary scholars, or Sheikhahs, who have devoted their lives to the study, memorization and teaching of the Quran. These women, although often working behind the scenes of history, have made invaluable contributions to the preservation and transmission of Koranic knowledge. Their influence has spread far, with students from all over the world looking for their expertise and wisdom.

The author has carefully gathered the biographical details of these sheikhahs from various sources, including the teachings of Mawlana Salīm Gaibie, printed and online articles, and personal interviews. These biographies not only highlight the achievements of the Sheikhahs, but also highlight their links with other scholars: teachers who guided them and students who continued their legacy. The inclusion of these learned lineages helps to cement the place of these women in the rich history of Quranic erudition.

The book also explores the diversity within female Islamic scholarship. Among the profiled Sheikhahs, you will learn about the first woman hafidha (the one who memorized the Quran) in Cape Town and the first South African woman to obtain the ijāzah (certification) in the 14th Qirāt, including the 10 main and 4 lesser-known Qirā. One of the most intriguing stories is that of Sheikhah Amat-Allah, who, while being hafidha, chose to focus her studies on the hadith, reflecting the wide range of scientific activities undertaken by these women.

At the end of each biography, the author provides his own transmission chain (sanad) to these sheikhahs, demonstrating the lasting nature of Islamic knowledge. This unique inclusion allows readers to appreciate the scholarly links between the past and the present, reinforcing the idea that the legacy of these remarkable women continues through their students, even after their death.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of these researchers, this book also reflects the broader role of women in Islamic learning, showing that men and women have historically shared the responsibility of acquiring and transmitting knowledge. In today's world, with the rise of online learning and institutions dedicated to female scholarship, the study of the Quran has become even more accessible to women, offering new opportunities for future generations to engage and preserve the Quranic heritage.

This book is an essential read for all those interested in Islamic scholarship, women's contributions to religious knowledge or the history of Koranic studies. Through the stories of these extraordinary women, readers are encouraged to engage more deeply with the Quran, whether through reading, memorization or interpretation, and to be part of the ongoing legacy of its preservation.