The Global Role of Women in the Levant during the Eighth Century AH A Reading of the Biographies of Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani's Book, Al-Durar al-Wujud

Abstract

This research aims to study the scholarly role played by female scholars from the Levant, as mentioned in the book "Al-Durar Al-Kamina fi A'yan Al-Mi'at Al-Thamina" (The Hidden Pearls in the Notables of the Eighth Century) by Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (d. 852 AH). This book is one of the most important biographical historical sources chronicling the prominent figures of the eighth century AH. The research followed a descriptive and analytical approach in tracing the biographies of female scholars attributed to the Levant (such as Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Baalbek, and others). This was done by observing the common characteristics of these biographies and analyzing their scientific and social dimensions.

The study showed that Ibn Hajar did not neglect to mention female scholars in his work. Rather, he granted some of them independent biographies, and indicated their participation in scholarly life through receiving and listening, receiving authorization, and teaching. Their influence even extended beyond the Levant. The study also demonstrated that the presence of female scholars in this book was not marginal, but rather active and documented, indicating the traditional scholarly establishment's appreciation for women's efforts in preserving and transmitting Islamic sciences, especially the Prophetic Hadith.