Feminist Muslim Warrior Series: Khawla Bint Al Azwar, The Muslim Mulan
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Feminist Muslim Warrior Series: Khawla Bint Al Azwar, The Muslim Mulan

You've heard of Mulan, you've heard of Florence Nightingale, but you haven't heard of Khawla.

3142
Feminist Muslim Warrior Series: Khawla Bint Al Azwar, The Muslim Mulan
John Skylitzes

Growing up Muslim, it's always been hard to feel inspired by my culture since every media outlet depicts Muslim in harsh lights. I've heard and seen depicted time and time again Muslim women in different media as silent, weak-willed victims. And because most of the mainstream media is governed by Western thought, it was hard for me embrace my culture and my history until a conversation with my Father about my namesake changed things.

So I launched myself into researching powerful, feminist Muslim woman figures dating back to the 7th century, and to be sure I have found an abundance of accomplished feminists throughout Muslim history. Khawla is just the first among many.

KHAWLA BINT AL AZWAR

Khawla bint Al Azwar, daughter of one of the chiefs of the Bani Assad tribes who were among the first converts to Islam, is a Muslim Arab warrior. Her brother, Dhirrar Ibn Al Azwar was a Muslim soldier and commander of the Rashidun army during the 7th-century Muslim conquest, trained her in the arts of fighting and poetry. With the skills that she learned from her brother, she became well known for her leadership and expertise in battle. here are historians who claim that she was a tall, brunette of great beauty.

Her skills first became apparent during the Battle of Sanita Al Uqab in the Siege of Damascus against the Byzantine army being lead by Heraclius in 634 A.D.

She had tagged along to the battle, setting up medical tents and tending to the wounded 13 centuries before Florence Nightingale. Her brother Dhiraar lead the Muslim forces against the Byzantine army, and got wounded and captured as a prisoner of war. When she caught wind of her brother's capture, she bound her chest, donned a suit of armor, veiled her face and wrapped a green silk shawl around her waist. Grabbing what some think was a sword and others a spear, she entered the battlefield with a vengeance and slaughtered as many Byzantine soldiers she could get her hands on.

Stunned by this passionate display, the general of the army Khalid Ibn Walid regarded the fiery soldier with admiration. Some of the army's soldiers even confounded Khawla with Khalid. Inspired, more men joined the battle and won. Those who had captured her brother had fled.

Now completely soaked in enemies blood, Khawla realized she was surrounded by the men that she had just fought with.Intrigued Khalid asked the soldier wrapped in the green shawl to remove his veil and make his identity known. After resisting for some time, for fear of being punished, she finally gave in and removed her veil. Flabbergasted, and quite impressed, Khalid allowed her to lead a small battalion of men which included his rearguard to go and rescue her brother, Dhiraar.

Leading the small detachment, she found her brother and other POW prisoners, defeated the remaining soldiers and brought them back to friendly lines. From that point on, Khalid asked her to join his ranks and she became a soldier of the Muslim army.

Later on, in the Battle of Ajnadayn, her weapon broke and she came tumbling down from her horse because it had been maimed. She was captured and brought back to a Byzantine camp where she found out that they had attacked the women's camp and captured several of them as well. The leader of the Byzantine army decided to give the woman to the commanders and wanted Khawla for himself. There are claims that the leader of the army had planned to marry her and make her the first lady of Damascus after his defeat of the Muslim forces.

Proudly and furiously she declined and decided that it would be more honorable for her to die than live in disgrace as this man's companion. She stood among the other woman of the camp and called them all to fight for their freedom and honor. Their destinies were to either defeat the Byzantines or die. The women were roused and inspired and used the tent poles and pegs to fashion weapons. They attacked the Byzantine guards, using a tight circle formation as instructed by Khawla.

Just as they had slain over 30 soldiers, Khalid and his army reached their position and aided them in the battle. After reinforcements arrived, Khawla tracked down the leader of the army and killed him herself.

Another account of Khawla's heroism involves her inspiring a whole battalion to keep on fighting after they almost deserted the Muslim forces. After many soldiers attempted to flee the forces because they believed the Byzantine army they were facing was too large, and this battle was to be a suicide mission, Khawla and other warrior women intercepted them. She questioned their claims of bravery and reminded them what they were fighting for. Drawing her sword and joining the battle by leading a counter attack, the once deserting men became the men who followed Khawla into battle.

Khawla became a legend during her life and remains one to this days. Multiple institutions in the Middle East (which includes, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates) were named after her including the first military college for women called Khawlah bint Al Azwar Training College. Khawla was brave enough to defy social standards and to fight for what she believed in. Maybe we should all take a page out of her book.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70730
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132351
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments