Hind bint 'Utba (d. 610)
Hind bint 'Utba (d. 610)
Arabian singer, considered a representative of the jahiliyya period of music. Name variations: Hind Bint'Utba. Birth date unknown; died in 610 ce.
In the 7th century, in the pre-Islamic period before the advent of Muhammad and his teachings, women enjoyed more liberty. Women artists like Hind bint 'Utba played their instruments at family and tribal festivities, including Muhammad's wedding with Khadijah . In later years, however, women were allowed to perform only in private homes and only if they hid behind a curtain.
In 605, Hind bint 'Utba led women singing war songs and laments for those killed at Badr. A poet and musician, she was considered representative of women performers of the jahiliyya, or the days of ignorance, that is a period before harems and confinement. Despite prohibitions, the traditional songs of female musicians survived in the Arabic world. They continue to be much beloved and very popular.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia