Born: 1232, Egypt (assumed)
Died: 1314
Country most active: Egypt
Also known as: Umm Zaynab, Fatimah bint ‘Abbas, Fatimah bint ‘Abbaas al-Baghdadiyyah
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
The most famous convent for Moslem women in Egypt was the Hostel of the Baghdadis at Cairo. This convent was built by a Mohammedan princess for pious women who wished to live in seclusion.
There was always a Shaykha, or “Superior,” to teach and guide the group. Probably the best known of these leaders was Umm Zaynab Fatima, who was the daughter of a former inhabitant of Baghdad in Mesopotamia. She was called, therefore, the “Baghdadi,” and after her time each Shaykha of this convent was given the title “The Baghdadi.” Umm Zaynab lived to be over eighty years of age. She established for herself a reputation for great learning, administrative ability, and power to reach souls. The house became not only a retreat for holy women, but was famous for its hospitality to women in trouble. Women who were divorced or deserted could find a home there until their problems were solved. The discipline was strict and religious observances were faithfully kept up by Zaynab and her successors, so that when it was abandoned, after over a hundred years, it still had an excellent name. Zaynab’s special field of learning was in jurisprudence. However she was considered a scholar of much general ability. Her tastes were simple and she was in all things an ascetic. Indeed she can very well hold her place with any other noted woman ascetic of the Middle Ages.
Moreover her good deeds and kindness were in proportion to her capabilities. It is, in fact, impossible to estimate the extent of her influence on the women of her age — an influence which reached from Egypt over into Syria.