The First Woman
Jummah Mubarak, sis and Happy Women’s History month! This week, let’s take a closer look at our mitochondria. Did you know that the DNA found in them is passed down from mother to mother, creating a chain of lineages that can trace your ancestral mothers? Imagine if we could trace it all the way back to Hawwa (AS).
Hawwa holds a significant place in history as the first woman and mother of humanity. Sadly, her story has often been misrepresented. Some traditions portray Eve as the cause of mankind's downfall, but we don’t share that view. We honor Hawwa as the first woman and mother, a devout believer who repented and was forgiven by Allah (SWT), an equal partner to Adam in the test of the forbidden tree, and a role model for women, embodying faith, patience, and family values.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the blessed month of Ramadan, let’s take the time to recognize the true contributions of women throughout history, whose strength, wisdom, and resilience have shaped the world.
Surah Al-Nisa| 4:1
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍۢ وَٰحِدَةٍۢ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًۭا كَثِيرًۭا وَنِسَآءًۭ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًۭا
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs (of mothers). Verily, Allah is ever over you, a Guardian”
Allah swt commands His creation to have Taqwa (fear and consciousness) of Him by worshipping Him alone. He reminds us that He created humanity from a single soul, Adam (a.s.), and from him, Hawwa (Eve, a.s.), highlighting their mutual affection.
Just as Allah (SWT) created humanity from Adam and Hawwa (a.s.), spreading men and women across the world in diverse forms, our mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mother to child, linking us all in a biological chain that traces back to our earliest ancestors. This genetic inheritance, like the lineage from Adam and Hawwa, highlights the interconnectedness of all people. Allah swt instructs us to have Taqwa through whom we seek our rights and honor mothers, recognizing the profound role they play in both our physical and spiritual lineage.
Our mitochondria, passed down through our mothers, serve as a reminder of the importance of family, respect, and the continuation of our shared human heritage, all ultimately returning to Allah swt. Surah Al-Nisa emphasizes justice, fairness, and the recognition of women’s rights, ensuring their dignity in marriage, inheritance, and society. It highlights the equality of women and men, stressing the importance of upholding justice and respect. These teachings are still vital today, offering a framework for fairness and the protection of women’s rights.
Dr. Fatima Jackson
Throughout history, women have played crucial roles in the understanding and research of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Their contributions have paved the way for significant advancements in the fields of genetics and molecular biology.
Dr. Fatima Jackson’s research has focused on the role of mtDNA in human evolution and population genetics. Her work has provided insights into how mitochondrial DNA can be used to trace lineage and hereditary diseases among diverse populations, highlighting the importance of women in genetic research.
Other notable women who made strides in mtDNA history:
One of the most notable figures is Dr. Nancy Craig, whose pioneering work has greatly enhanced our understanding of mitochondrial genetics and disease. Dr. Craig's research has contributed to uncovering the complexities of mtDNA replication and maintenance, which has implications for various mitochondrial disorders.
Another important figure is Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, who, along with her colleagues, discovered the role of telomeres in protecting chromosome ends. This groundbreaking work has implications for aging and cellular health, as well as a deeper understanding of mitochondrial function.
Moreover, Dr. Mary-Claire King’s contributions to the study of genetic mutations, including those in mtDNA, have been instrumental in breast cancer research. Her advocacy for women in science has inspired generations to pursue careers in genetics.
The contributions of these women and many others illustrate the vital role females have played in advancing our knowledge of mitochondrial DNA, showcasing their impact on both science and society as a whole. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of scientists to explore the complexities of genetics.
