Al-hurra or al hurra () was an Arabic title historically often given to, or used to refer to, women who exercised power or had a position of power or high status. In a harem, the title al-hurra was often used to refer to a legal wife of aristocratic birth, to distinguish her status from that of the concubine bought at the slave market, who was referred to as ''jarya'',Mernissi, Fatima; Mary Jo Lakeland (2003). The forgotten queens of Islam. Oxford University Press. . and used to describe a Muslim aristocratic woman who was "free" in the sense that she was not a slave; it is related to the style ''Sayyida'' (Mistress or lady), the feminine word of ''sayyid'' (Master or Lord). However, while the title Al-hurra was given to women as an alternative to the titles ''Malika (given name), malika'' (Queen), ''Sultana (title), Sultana'' (female sultan) and ''Sitt'', (Lady), there was no exact male equivalent to the title of al-hurra. The title Al-hurra was often granted to women who wielded political power, but did not necessarily mean they were sovereigns: Alam al-Malika and Sayyida al Hurra, for example, bore this title. Both had political offices; not as sovereigns, but as political adviser and governor respectively.

Noted title holders

* Asma bint Shihab * Arwa al-Sulayhi * Alam al-Malika * Aixa * Sayyida al Hurra

References

* Mernissi, Fatima; Mary Jo Lakeland (2003). The forgotten queens of Islam. Oxford University Press. . {{DEFAULTSORT:hurra Islamic honorifics Queens regnant Arabic words and phrases Heads of state Royal titles Noble titles Positions of authority Titles Titles of national or ethnic leadership