16. The Warrior Poetess
Khalid ibn al Walid’s campaigns in Syria and Palestine saw the emergence of Islam’s most famous woman of arms. Khawla bint al Azwar (flourished 600s AD) was an Arab poetess and warrior who accompanied her elder brother during the Islamic conquests of Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. She fought at her brother’s side, and at the head of her own forces in independent command in numerous battles, and became famous for her fighting skill, courage, and toughness.
Khawla was the daughter of the chief of an Arab tribe. In her youth, she was taught warrior skills such as swordsmanship and horseback riding, at the side of her brother. She also learned poetry at her sibling’s side, who became a noted poet and warrior.