Tesneem Alkiek – Inspirational Muslim Women #07 Amina of Zaria
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AI: Transcript ©
Assalamu Alaikum, and welcome back to another episode
of Sayyidati,
where we discuss the lives of some incredible
Muslim women throughout history.
Today, I wanna share the story of Queen
Amina or Aminatou of Zaria
who ruled during the late 16th century in
the Zazaow Kingdom in what is now present
day Nigeria.
She was the eldest daughter of Bakwa Turunku
who founded the kingdom in 15 36.
Suzhou was among the many city states that
dominated the trans Saharan trade route, thanks to
their wealth of leather goods, horses, salt and
other commodities.
At the age of 16, Amina began to
prepare for her role as a future heir
to the throne and so she now inherited
new responsibilities like official councils and meetings with
administrators.
Queen Bekwa and in some sources King Bekwa
eventually died around 1566
and the reign of Zizau passed to Amina's
younger brother Karama since he had the right
to the throne as the only male sibling.
During this period Amin emerged as a leading
warrior of the Zizau cavalry and she became
famous primarily for her fierce military exploits.
These achievements brought her and her kingdom great
wealth and power.
After Karam eventually died following a 10 year
rule, Amina became the official queen of Zizal.
During the next 34 years of her reign,
Amina Chu was constantly pursuing successful military expeditions
which ultimately expanded the domain of the Zizao
Kingdom.
Yet despite her exploits, she wasn't thirsty for
war.
Rather she was determined to ensure that neighboring
rulers would permit traders safe passage throughout their
lands.
Some historians have even credited her with introducing
armor to the area including iron helmets and
chainmail.
She's also credited with building city walls out
of earth and clay as fortifications
and protection of the city and those have
since become a symbol of the province.
Many of these walls which still exist today
are known as Amina's walls.
Moreover, the Queen Amina statue was built in
her honor in addition to a number of
educational institutions
named after her today.
As a result of her fierce military persona,
Amina became known as Amina daughter of Nekitao,
a woman as capable as a man.
There's a lot we can learn from the
strength of Queen Amina but what stands out
to me the most is the reason she
pursued military expeditions.
In order to ensure safe passage for innocent
traders.
Throughout our lives will all at some point
be positioned in places of authority and leadership.
Whether it's to a younger sibling or at
work or during a class project.
When you take on a role of leadership
next remember Queen Amina.
Remember that besides the stability she sought for
her own kingdom
she wanted to ensure the safety and security
of those around her.
If someone in your group or class is
cheating or treating others wrongly, take action within
your means.
Stand up to injustice in your workplace.
If you're a witness to any form of
harassment to others, don't stay silent because it's
not directly affecting you.
Queen Amina's kingdom was safe but don't forget
that she extended that security and justice to
all those in her reach.
May Allah grant us the strength and courage
of Amina to stand up for what is
right and may he make us all a
means for ensuring safety to others around us.
Amin Jazakum Allah Khayran. Masalaamu Alaikum.