Born: Undocumented
Father: Azwar Al-Asadi
Mother: Undocumented
Siblings: 1 Known Brother, Dhiraar Ibn Al-Azwar.
Spouse: Not documented
Children: Not documented
Died: 639 in Bilad Al-Sham (Syria)

Khawlah bint al-Azwar was a prominent figure in early Islamic history, known for her bravery, leadership, and contributions to the Muslim community. She was born in the 7th century in what is now Jordan. Khawlah gained fame during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and later during the Arab expansion. She is memorialized as one of the first female ghazis in Islamic history and is considered one of the most skilled female warriors in the history of the world.

Khawlah’s brother, Dhiraar, was a skilled warrior, and he taught his sister combat skills such as spear and sword fighting, as well as martial arts. Khawlah and her family are among the first families to convert to Islam in Mecca. She and her brother were companions of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and fought in many battles together.

One of the most famous incidents involving Khawlah occurred during the Battle of Ajnadayn, where her brother was captured by Byzantine forces. In an act of courage and determination, Khawlah donned armor and led a rescue mission, displaying exceptional combat skills and rallying the Muslim troops to victory. One of the Rashidun army commanders, Shurahbil ibn Hassana, is reported to have said about her that: ‘This warrior fights like Khalid ibn Walid, but I am sure he is not Khalid.’ This was when many warriors thought she was Khalid Ibn Walid, until he showed up while Khawlah was engaged in combat. During this period, Muslim warriors wrapped themselves in loose riding robes and Bedouin-style keffiyehs. No one knew her identity until after the battle.

Khawlah’s unwavering commitment to Islam and her fearless spirit made her an inspiration for generations to come. She remains a symbol of female empowerment and resilience in Islamic history, celebrated for her bravery and contributions to the early Muslim community.

†FAMOUS BATTLES KHAWLAH FOUGHT IN:

• Battle of Sanita-al-Uqab (634)
• Battle of Ajnadayn (634)
• Battle of the Yarmuk (636)