Over the years, Muslims have been continuously judged harshly for their misunderstood culture in relation to women of the community, who are assumed to be weak and silenced victims. But we are not. Here’s the story of a fierce and bold Muslim woman, Khawla.

Khawla Bint Al Azwar was a fearless warrior, who has been described as one of the most outstanding military leaders in history. The Muslim world has named several schools after her. Lauded as a poet and a warrior, Khawla often accompanied her brother to the battlefield.

This was during the Islamic conquests of Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. Her skills and passion for swordsmanship developed from a young age and she fought on her brother’s side, becoming famous for her courage, toughness, and perseverance.

Khawla was the daughter of the chief of an Arab tribe and was taught fighting skills during her early years, which enabled her to participate in battles without fear. She also learnt poetry from her brother and followed in his footsteps when he became a Muslim. She gained renown as a warrior during a war in 634 when her brother was injured and taken as a prisoner by the city’s Byzantine defenders.

She covered her face to hide her gender and fought until reinforcement arrived to rescue her brother from captivity. At some point, she was put in command of a mobile column to pursue the fleeing Byzantines. By the time they were beaten, she was drenched in blood.