Born: August 2, 1916 (Alexandria, Egypt)
Died: April 26, 1994
Biography:
Queen Zein al-Sharaf bint Jamil (Arabic: زين الشرف بنت جميل) was a prominent figure in Jordanian history and the wife of King Talal. She was born on August 2, 1916, in Alexandria, Egypt, into a family of Hejazi and Turkish Cypriot origin. Her mother, Wijdan Hanim, was the daughter of Shakir Pasha, who was the grandnephew of the Ottoman-Turkish Cypriot Governor of Cyprus Kâmil Pasha. Her father, Sharif Jamil bin Nasser, was the Governor of Hauran and the nephew of Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca.
Zein al-Sharaf bint Jamil married her first cousin, Prince Talal bin Abdullah of Jordan, on November 27, 1934. Together, they had four sons and two daughters. Their sons were King Hussein (born on November 14, 1935, and passed away on February 7, 1999), Prince Muhammad (born on October 2, 1940, and passed away on April 29, 2021), Prince Hassan (born on March 20, 1947), and Prince Muhsin. Their daughters were Princess Asma (who tragically passed away at birth in 1937) and Princess Basma (born on May 11, 1951).
Queen Zein played a significant role in the political development of the Jordanian Kingdom in the early 1950s. She actively supported charitable works and women’s rights and was involved in the drafting of the 1952 Constitution, which granted certain rights to women and promoted social development in the country. Queen Zein was also instrumental in establishing the first women’s union of Jordan in 1944, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s empowerment.
During a constitutional vacuum caused by the assassination of King Abdullah I in 1951, Queen Zein stepped in and fulfilled important duties, supporting the regency of her husband, King Talal, who was receiving medical treatment outside the Kingdom. She performed this role again between August 1952 and May 1953, when her son King Hussein assumed constitutional duties upon turning eighteen.
Queen Zein played a crucial role in addressing the influx of Palestinian refugees into Jordan after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. She led national relief efforts, providing assistance to the tens of thousands of refugees in need. In 1948, she also played a significant role in establishing the women’s branch of the Jordan National Red Crescent Society, further highlighting her dedication to humanitarian causes.
Throughout her life, Queen Zein devoted her time and energy to the Um Al Hussein orphanage in Amman. Her unwavering commitment to the welfare of orphaned children left a lasting impact on society, demonstrating her compassionate nature and concern for the vulnerable members of Jordanian society.
Queen Zein al-Sharaf bint Jamil passed away on April 26, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the Jordanian people and their well-being. Her contributions to women’s rights, social development, and philanthropy, along with her significant role in the history of Jordan, continue to inspire and shape the nation today.
Awards:
– Dame Grand Cordon with Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali (Jordan)
– Honorary Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (Malaysia)