For centuries, the story of Islam has been told largely through the deeds of men. Queens of Islam shifts the spotlight to fifteen extraordinary women who broke through the “stained-glass ceiling” to rule empires, lead armies, and navigate the complex politics of the Muslim world. From the deserts of seventh-century Arabia to the palaces of the Ottoman Empire and the islands of Indonesia, Tom Verde explores the lives of figures like Shajar al-Durr of Egypt, Razia Sultan of Delhi, and the “Pirate Queen” Sayyida al-Hurra. This book provides a much-needed historical correction, illustrating how these women wielded absolute power, patronized the arts, and left an indelible mark on global history, effectively challenging modern misconceptions about the role of women in Islamic societies.