Biography of Dr. Maha Sabry
Dr. Maha Sabry is a distinguished academic, community leader, and humanitarian whose work bridges scholarship, social service, and national pride. She serves as the Director of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University in Fayoum, where she has dedicated herself to advancing education, nurturing students, and strengthening the intellectual and spiritual foundations of society.
Beyond academia, Dr. Sabry is the Director and founder of the Eyes of Egypt Association for the Care of People with Disabilities and Special Needs, an organization born of her deep compassion and commitment to inclusivity. Through this initiative, she has worked tirelessly to provide support, empowerment, and opportunities for individuals and families facing unique challenges, ensuring that they are embraced as vital members of the community.
Her contributions have been recognized on numerous occasions across the Arab Republic of Egypt. She has been honoured by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for her outstanding service and celebrated as the Ideal Mother within the Tahya Misr (Long Live Egypt) initiative, a national campaign that uplifts Egyptian products and values. These accolades reflect not only her professional achievements but also her personal dedication to family, society, and the nation.
Dr. Maha Sabry embodies the qualities of resilience, leadership, and compassion. Whether in the lecture hall, through her charitable work, or in her role as a mother and mentor, she continues to inspire those around her with her vision of a society rooted in knowledge, faith, and humanity.
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The piece The Iron Woman by Maha Sabry is a stirring tribute to resilience, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of women who carry the weight of family, society, and faith upon their shoulders. It begins by recalling the historical association of the title with Margaret Thatcher but quickly shifts to redefine the phrase in a deeply personal and cultural context, portraying the Egyptian woman as the true embodiment of strength. This introduction highlights her dual struggle—bearing the pain of betrayal and injustice while simultaneously persevering as the breadwinner and nurturer of her children. The narrative paints her journey as one of immense hardship, likening it to sailing alone in a dark sea, yet always guided by faith, principles, and values. Through vivid imagery and moral reflection, the essay elevates her role from mere survival to triumph, showing how she instils honesty, loyalty, and virtue in her children, and how she continues to strive for self-realization despite envy and obstacles. Rooted in religious teachings and timeless wisdom, the work frames her perseverance not only as a personal victory but as a service to the nation and humanity. As an introduction, this piece sets the stage for readers to see the “Iron Woman” not simply as a political metaphor but as a universal symbol of courage, endurance, and unwavering devotion.
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THE IRON WOMAN
Written by: Maha Sabry
The Iron Woman is a famous title given to strong and determined women. The most famous and first example is former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who earned the title due to her political firmness, influence, and impact during the Cold War. However, it has also come to be applied to other women.
I believe that the Iron Woman can also be applied to a woman who is the breadwinner, especially one who has been betrayed and wronged by those closest to her, people she never imagined would be the cause of endless pain. The stronger the bond, the more intense the pain.
This woman suffers doubly: the bitterness of loss and the bitterness of injustice. The injustice of a stranger is easier to bear than the injustice of those she thought were her safety, security, and legitimate refuge. But amidst this despair, devastation, and utter darkness, she tries to cling to a glimmer of light to complete her mission and achieve her dreams and aspirations.
And here is the story:
Where the greatness of the authentic Egyptian woman is embodied
When she finds herself a mother or a father
When she is burdened with responsibilities and shoulders the arduous and perilous task
Of raising children and building a bright future for them.
She faces countless setbacks and challenges—material, social, psychological, and health-related.
She sails alone in a dark sea
She exerts unimaginable effort and is consumed by feelings of fear and anxiety for her children’s future,
Without support, but with unwavering faith in God, strong belief, and steadfast adherence to firm principles, beliefs, and values, she finds refuge against any temptations or the recent upheavals sweeping through societies.
And the iron woman succeeds in raising her children and marvels at their mastery of the very principles of the mother herself: honesty, loyalty, fear of God, and good morals. This is God Almighty’s reward after long years of struggle. Then the woman strives to achieve self-realization, focusing on her work and academic studies, and attains great success. However, she encounters those with malicious intentions—those filled with envy, resentment, and hatred—who obstruct her progress and deliberately remove her from positions she deserves.
But will this indomitable woman be stopped?
Of course not.
She continues her struggle and expands her service work to achieve her ambition and enjoy the pleasure of serving the country and its people. Serving the nation and its citizens is an inheritance from our forefathers, one that no one can take away. As God Almighty said, Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may God be pleased with him), he said: The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, Whoever relieves a believer of a hardship from the hardships of this world, God will relieve him of a hardship from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever makes things easy for someone in difficulty, God will make things easy for him in this world and the Hereafter. God is ever helping the servant as long as the servant is helping his brother.
And on the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (may God be pleased with him), he said: The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, The most beloved of people to God are those who are most beneficial to people. And Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad (may God be pleased with him) said to Fayd ibn Ishaq, Do you not know that the hardships people bring to you are a blessing from God upon you? So beware of becoming weary of them. And so it turns into resentment.
Despite all the challenges, this woman, the breadwinner, remains steadfast, continuing her struggle to achieve her dream, with a firm religious belief:
God Almighty said: Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure. Az-Zumar 10
