Maryam al-Nahhas

Maryam al-Nahhas (1856–1888) was a Lebanese-Egyptian writer and activist. Born in Beirut, she moved to Alexandria. Author of Ma'rid al-Hasna' fi Tarajim Mashahir al-Nisa''' (The Beautiful Woman's Exhibition for the Biographies of Female Celebrities), one of the first biographical dictionaries dedicated to women in the Arab world. Mother of Hind Nawfal, founder of al-Fatah, first feminist journal in Arabic. Quotes The pen is mightier than the sword. So do not reproach a woman hidden and secluded – O assemblage of the erudite – and do not toy with a grieved prisoner. Introduction to Ma'rid al-Hasna'' For had I been able to pluck the blooms of educated refinement from the gardens of knowledge, then my mind would have produced the finest honey of scrutiny. I came away with knowledge and understanding, content and gratified by what I am able to recite from tales of the people of old. Whoever may censure me for lapses in that which I write must see that this seclusion is the greatest of excuses. I have witnessed, by God, the truth of this statement in myself. With my bad luck, I have suffered that which is most disastrous and bitter to the taste, and I have suffered this in the cave of isolation. External links