Rufaida Al-Aslamia: Islam’s Trailblazing Healer and the World’s First Nurse
By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam
10 May 2025
Rufaida Al-Aslamia, Islam’s first nurse, revolutionized battlefield medicine and palliative care. She trained women, championed social welfare, and inspired modern healthcare. Her legacy, celebrated through global awards and institutions, underscores Islam’s recognition of women’s leadership in shaping compassionate, inclusive societies.
Main Points:
1. First female nurse and physician in Islamic history, trained under her physician father, Sa’ad Al-Aslami.
2. Established mobile medical tents during battles like Al-Khandaq and Khaybar, treating wounded soldiers and training nurses.
3. Advocated for women’s education in nursing, hygiene, and patient care; provided care for orphans, disabled, and the dying.
4. Created early palliative systems, offering comfort to terminally ill patients, aligning with modern WHO principles.
5. Honoured globally through awards, colleges, and institutions, challenging stereotypes about women’s roles in Islam.
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Image source: bibliotheca-exotica.medium.com
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Rufaida Al-Aslamia, also known as Rufaydah Bint Sa’ad, is revered as Islamic history’s first female nurse and physician. She lived during the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and dedicated her life to treating wounded soldiers in battles, leaving an indelible mark on healthcare and women’s leadership in early Islam.
Born in 620 CE in Medina, Rufaida hailed from the Banu Aslam tribe of the Khazraj clan. Her father, Sa’ad Al-Aslami, was a respected physician, and she inherited her medical expertise under his mentorship. From a young age, she assisted him in caring for the sick, honing her skills and nurturing a deep sense of compassion. Her early exposure to medicine laid the foundation for her ground-breaking contributions to healthcare.
Rufaida embraced Islam during its early spread in Medina and was among those who warmly welcomed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon his migration to the city. Her life became a harmonious blend of faith and service, as she merged her spiritual devotion with her medical vocation.
Her legacy is most prominently associated with the Battle of Al-Khandaq (The Trench) in 627 CE. Seeking the Prophet’s permission to support the Muslim army, she set up a medical tent near the battlefield, stocked with herbs, bandages, and medicines. Here, she treated injuries, uplifted soldiers’ morale, and led a team of trained nurses. Historical texts like Al-Bukhari’s Al-Adab Al-Mufrad and Ibn Sa’d’s Al-Tabaqat recount her care for Sa’d ibn Mu’adh, a companion gravely wounded by an arrow. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would often visit her tent to check on patients, underscoring her vital role.
Scholar Muhammad Hamid Muhammad highlights Rufaida’s pioneering spirit in his works. She transported medical supplies on camels, performed surgeries, and trained nurses, establishing what is regarded as history’s first mobile medical unit. Her pragmatic approach is exemplified by her decision to leave an arrow embedded in Sa’d’s arm to prevent fatal bleeding, a testament to her clinical acumen.
Her contributions extended to the Battle of Khaibar (628 CE), where her unwavering dedication earned her a share of war spoils (Maal-e-Ghanimat), a rare honour reflecting her indispensable role. Beyond the battlefield, Rufaida championed social welfare. She trained women in nursing, emphasising patient care, hygiene, and health education. Her medical tent near Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina became a sanctuary for the ill, orphans, and the disabled, embodying her commitment to holistic care.
Rufaida is also credited with pioneering the world’s first palliative care system, aligning with the modern WHO definition of improving quality of life for those facing life-threatening illnesses. During peacetime, she provided solace to the dying, sheltering them from harsh desert winds and offering compassionate care. Her work transcended mere treatment; she educated communities on health and wellbeing, leaving a lasting societal impact.
Her legacy is immortalised globally. Institutions like the “Rufaidah Al-Aslamiyyah College of Nursing and Midwifery” in Jordan, the “Rufaidah Al-Aslamiyyah Medal” by the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation, and the “Rufaidah Al-Aslamiyyah Award” (jointly conferred by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Bahrain University) honour her contributions. Streets, schools, and nursing colleges worldwide bear her name, ensuring her pioneering spirit inspires future generations.
Rufaida’s life dismantles stereotypes about women in Islam, showcasing how the faith champions women’s leadership and societal contributions. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, knowledge, and selfless service.
Rufaida Al-Aslamia’s journey epitomises how faith, compassion, and innovation can transcend boundaries, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire humanity.
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Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession. She primarily writes about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/rufaida-aslamia-trailblazing-healer-nurse/d/135492
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