She was the wife of Muhammad's final opponent, abu Sufyan. SHe eventually becomes a ruthless enemy of the Muslims before she and her husband convert.

“Women on both sides joined the troops in battle to fight, to nurse the fallen, and encourage the fighters” (p66).

“Go forward!

The Daughters of al-Lat,

the Daughters of the Morning Star

cannot abide cowards!

Are you afraid? Are you children?

Go forward!” (p87).

ALso known as Nusayba bint Ka'b. She was one of the numerous early Muslim women who fought with Muhammad against the Meccans and other battles.

She is known to be a great healer and interpreter of dreams.

During a battle, she is led by Hind (above) and charges into battle to pull fallen soldiers off the battlefield and treat their wounds. At one point Muhammad is near her and she sees he is being attacked. She takes a sword blow for him and helps him fight off the men until help arrives. She is mortally wounded and carried off the battlefield where she lays next to her wounded sons.

During the battle against Heraclius the Byzantine and his 200,000 soldiers, Khawla and her 3 captains, Alfra, Oserrah, and Wafeira, charge into battle and kick ass. Khawla is portrayed as “the black knight.” WHen it is asked how women came to be trained as great warriors, Oserrah exclaims, “The pegs” (217). This is a reference to the above and the women training to fight with tent pegs. Khawla was a Bedouin, so it is likely she was trained as a warrior since childhood.