Asma bint Shihab facts for kids
Asma Bint Shihab al-Sulayhiyya (Arabic: أسماء بنت شهاب الصليحي) was a powerful queen who ruled Yemen. She lived from about 1000 to 1087. Asma was a co-ruler with her cousin and husband, Ali al-Sulayhi. After his death, she continued to rule with her son, Ahmad al-Mukkaram, and his wife, Arwa al-Sulayhi. She ruled from 1047 until 1087.
Her special title was "al-Sayyida al-Hurrat-ul." This means "The noble lady who is free and independent." It showed she was a queen who didn't have to obey any higher power. Asma Bint Shihab and Arwa al-Sulayhi were very unique in history. They were the only female rulers in the Arab Muslim world whose names were announced in the khutba. The khutba is a special sermon given in mosques. It was usually only for male rulers.
Life of Queen Asma
Asma Bint Shihab married her cousin, Ali al-Sulayhi. Ali was the sultan and founder of the Sulayhid dynasty. Their marriage was known to be a happy one. Ali trusted Asma a lot. He relied on her support as he worked to gain power.
First Time as Queen
When Ali became king in 1047, he made Asma queen. She was not just his wife, but his official co-ruler. She helped him govern the country of Yemen. To show her power, her name was announced in the Khutba alongside her husband's. This was a special honor usually only given to male rulers. It was the first time in history a woman's name was announced in the khutba.
Another special thing about Queen Asma was that she "attended councils with her face uncovered." This means she did not wear a veil during important meetings.
A writer named Muhammad al-Thawr described her. He said she was one of the most famous and powerful women of her time. She was also very generous. She was a poet who wrote verses. Poets praised her husband for having her as a wife. When Ali saw how perfect her character was, he let her manage state business. He rarely made decisions that went against her advice. He respected her greatly and always valued her opinion.
In 1067, Asma and Ali went on a hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. During their journey, a group called the Banu Najah attacked them. The Banu Najah were led by Sa'id Ibn Najah. They killed Ali and took Asma prisoner. She was held in a secret prison in Zabid. After being imprisoned for a year, she managed to send a message to her son and daughter-in-law. Her son then attacked Zabid and freed her.
Second Time as Queen
After being freed, Asma returned to her kingdom. She helped her son, Ahmad al-Mukkaram, and her daughter-in-law, Arwa al-Sulayhi, manage the country. She continued to rule until she died. When she met her son, al-Mukarram, she confirmed him as his father's successor. However, her son became paralyzed soon after. Because he could not rule on his own, Asma took control again. She became the co-regent of the kingdom. She ruled alongside her daughter-in-law, Arwa. This was in agreement with her son's wishes.
Legacy of Queen Asma
Queen Asma was sometimes lovingly called the "Little Queen of Sheba." Muhammad al-Thawr wrote that some poets admired Asma so much they said her throne was even more magnificent than the Queen of Sheba's. This was remarkable because the Queen of Sheba lived before Islam. That time was usually seen in a negative way.
Another name used for both Asma and her daughter-in-law, Arwa, was malika hazima. Malika means queen. Hazim was a special title given to people who showed great wisdom and good judgment in political matters.
See also
In Spanish: Asma bint Shihab para niños
