Interrogating the Past: A Journey into the World of Imagination with Lubna Al-Qurtubi and Maryam Al-Asturlabi

By: Hadil Miqdadi

In a world of literature overflowing with tales of heroes and adventures, I found myself driven by a passion to write stories from history. Not just the grand tales of men, but to shed light on the women who carved their roles in Islamic history with letters of gold.

I chose two unique characters: Lubna of Cordoba with her passion for mathematics and Mariam Al-Astrulabi with her love for astronomy, to delve into their lives and highlight the place of women in science and knowledge.

History is not just a mere recounting of events, but a mirror reflecting our thoughts and aspirations. When writing vivid stories about historical figures, we are not merely offering mental entertainment to children but giving back a part of their identity, acquainting them with their great ancestors who embodied science and knowledge.

My journey in researching these characters was not an academic task, but a personal voyage towards inspiration and connection. In every page of history I turned, I found a part of myself, inspiration in Lubna’s passion and Mariam’s precision, and in how they overcame challenges and left an indelible mark. Historical stories are not just tales of the past but are bridges extending to the present, showing that achievement and excellence are not confined to a specific gender or era.

In an age brimming with superheroes from fantasy worlds, I saw the importance of presenting real role models from our history, women who defied odds and excelled in their fields. I wanted children to know that heroism is not limited to superpowers but is also found in passion, determination, and generosity.

I aspire for children to see in Lubna and Mariam an exemplary model, inspiring them not only to pursue their dreams but also to be proud of their heritage and roots. The Islamic civilization, with its golden ears of corn, made countless contributions in various fields of science, thought, and art. By highlighting these historical figures, I wanted to instill in children a sense of pride and belonging to this rich heritage.

I wanted them to realize that they are part of a great civilization, and to learn to emulate their ancestors in the pursuit of knowledge and creativity.