Azizah al-Hibri is a very smart and kind woman who has spent her life helping people, especially women and those who follow the religion of Islam. She is a professor, a lawyer, and a person who speaks out for human rights. She works to make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter their gender, race, or religion.
Azizah wants people to understand that Islam teaches peace, kindness, and fairness. She helps people see that women in Islam should have rights, choices, and respect. Through her teaching, writing, and speaking, she has made a big difference in many lives.
Let’s learn more about who Azizah al-Hibri is, where she comes from, what she believes in, and how she is helping the world!
Early Life and Family
Azizah al-Hibri was born in Beirut, Lebanon, a country in the Middle East. She grew up in a family that loved learning. Her parents taught her to think deeply and ask questions. Even as a young girl, Azizah loved reading books and learning about the world. Her family followed the religion of Islam, and they also believed in fairness and education for everyone—especially girls. In some places, girls don’t always get the same chances to go to school or make their own choices, but Azizah's family supported her dreams. She grew up speaking Arabic and later learned English when she moved to the United States. Her love for learning continued to grow, and she wanted to use her knowledge to help others.
Education
Azizah al-Hibri is a very educated woman. After finishing school in Lebanon, she moved to the United States for college. She studied philosophy, which is the study of ideas like right and wrong, truth, justice, and how we live our lives. She earned her Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) from the University of Pennsylvania, one of the top universities in the U.S. Later, Azizah also studied law. She wanted to understand how laws work so she could help people who were being treated unfairly. She became a lawyer and a professor of law. That means she not only helped people in legal cases but also taught law students at a university. She taught at the University of Richmond School of Law in Virginia, where she was a beloved professor.
Her Work and Beliefs
Azizah al-Hibri has worked hard to explain how Islam and human rights go together. Some people think that Islam does not support the rights of women, but Azizah teaches that this is not true. She says that real Islamic teachings are about kindness, equality, and justice.Helping Women
Azizah believes that women should have the same rights and chances as men. She has written many articles and spoken at many events about Muslim women’s rights. She shows how Islam supports women’s education, freedom, and leadership. She wants the world to see that Muslim women can be strong, smart, and independent. She teaches that Islam does not want women to be treated unfairly—it actually teaches people to treat women with respect and care.
Karamah: Her Special Organization
One of the most amazing things Azizah al-Hibri did was start an organization called Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights. The word "Karamah" means dignity in Arabic. Karamah is a group that helps Muslim women understand their rights. It also helps train women to become leaders and lawyers who fight for justice in their communities. This group teaches that women can be both faithful Muslims and strong leaders. Through Karamah, Azizah teaches that Muslim women should speak up, ask questions, and stand up for what is right.Work With the Government
Because Azizah is so wise and respected, she was asked to help the U.S. government. In 2011, she was chosen by President Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. This is a group that works to make sure everyone in the world can follow their religion freely and safely. Azizah worked to protect the rights of all people—Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, or any other faith—to pray and live in peace.
Books and Writings
Azizah al-Hibri has written many books and articles. In these writings, she explains Islamic ideas in a clear way. She also writes about how law and religion can work together to protect people’s rights. Some of her most famous writings are about:- Women’s rights in Islam
- Marriage and family laws
- Freedom of religion
- Justice and peace in Muslim societies
Personal Life
Azizah al-Hibri is a Muslim woman who prays, fasts during Ramadan, and follows the teachings of Islam. She also loves to learn, read, and teach. Even though she is a busy scholar and leader, she stays humble and kind. While Azizah keeps most of her private life quiet, we know that:- She lives in the United States, mostly in Virginia.
- She is married and values family life.
- She loves learning, helping others, and teaching young people.
- She believes strongly in peace, respect, and justice.
Why She’s a Role Model
Azizah al-Hibri is a great role model for children and adults. She teaches us to:- Stand up for what is right.
- Respect all people, no matter their religion or gender.
- Learn as much as we can and use our knowledge to help others.
- Be proud of our culture and religion, while also being open to others.
- Help those who need a voice, like women and minorities.
Awards and Honors
Because of her amazing work, Azizah al-Hibri has received many awards and honors, such as:- Being named to important national commissions.
- Being honored for her writing and speaking about women’s rights.
- Receiving respect from people around the world.