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Transcript
This transcript was auto-generated using AI and may contain misspellings. As-salamu alaikum and welcome back to another episode of Sayyidati where we discuss the lives of some incredible Muslim women throughout history. Today I want to share the story of Queen Aminah or Aminatou of Zaria, who ruled during the late 16th century in the Zazao Kingdom in what is now present-day Nigeria. She was the eldest daughter of Bakwa Turunku who founded the kingdom in 1536. Zazao 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, Aminah 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 Bakwa, and in some sources King Bakwa, eventually died around 1566, and the reign of Zazao passed to Aminah's younger brother Karama since he had the right to the throne as the only male sibling. During this period, Aminah emerged as the leading warrior of the Zazao cavalry, and she became famous primarily for her fierce military exploits. These achievements brought her and her kingdom great wealth and power. After Karama eventually died following a 10-year rule, Aminah became the official queen of Zazao. During the next 34 years of her reign, Aminatou was constantly pursuing successful military expeditions, which ultimately expanded the domain of the Zazao 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 chain mail. She is also credited with building city walls out of earthen 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 Aminah's Walls. Moreover, the Queen Aminah 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, Aminah became known as Aminah, Daughter of Necatel, a woman as capable as a man. There's a lot we can learn from the strength of Queen Aminah, 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, we'll 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 Aminah. 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 Aminah'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 Aminah to stand up for what is right, and may he make us all a means for ensuring safety to others around us. Jazakumullah Khayran, Wassalamualaikum.
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