Muslim Women in Islamic History
Little, if any thought is given to Muslim women in history. What part did they play in the early years of Islam? Were they looked down upon as many people assume Muslim women are? Is Islam, a religion and complete way of life, responsible for “oppressing” women? There is much to learn about Muslim women is Islamic History.
Muhmood A. Ghadanfar writes in his book, "Great Women of Islam Who Were Given the Good News of Paradise," “The women companions (Sahabiyat) of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were as active in religion as in politics, as courageous in war as in the peaceful and persuasive propagation of the teachings of Islam. These noble selfless women could be found in the battlefields, in the political arena, in the field of education, in the courts of Islamic jurisprudence, in the interpretation of Shariah (the collective laws revealed by Allah), in trade and commerce, in agriculture, in medicine and in nursing. In short, there was no sphere that did not benefit from their intellect, their wisdom, and their gentle yet firm strength and character.”
Additionally, it is reported with an authentic chain of narration that the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The best women of mankind are four: Maryam (Mary, the mother of Jesus), Aasiyah (the wife of Pharaoh), Khadijah (the wife of Prophet Muhammad), and Fatimah (the daughter of Prophet Muhammad)” [Bukhari and Muslim]. While there were numerous Muslim women in the past who contributed in all spheres of life, below are four of the most well-known women in Islamic history.
Maryam bint Imran, the daughter of Imran, is an honorable and respected woman in Islam. She is free from any false claims associated to her with regards to the birth of Jesus (Esa, peace be upon him) and has a whole chapter (#19) in the Quran (the Muslim holy book and the last revelation sent to mankind by Allah through Prophet Muhammad) dedicated to her. The reason why Maryam is considered the best of all women is stated in the Qur’an. “Behold! The angels said, “O Maryam! Allah (the One True God of monotheism) has chosen you and purified you and preferred you above the women of all nations” [al- `Imran 3:42].
Aasiyah bint Muzahim, the daughter of Muzahim and the wife of Fir’awn (Pharaoh), went through harsh trials due to her tyrannical husband. She disbelieved in his false claims of divinity which brought about his anger, thus he would torture her. Due to her strong faith in Allah and rejecting Pharaoh as God, Pharaoh ordered for a big stone to be thrown over her, which caused her death. Her sacrifice for her firm belief brought about her high status compared to other women. Narrated Abu Musa: Allah’s messenger said, “Many amongst men reached (the level of) perfection but none amongst the women reached this level except Aasiyah (Pharaoh’s wife), and Maryam (the daughter of ‘Imran)… [Bukhari].
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the daughter of Khuwaylid, was a very successful business women and the wife of Prophet Muhammad. She was also the first person to accept Islam (believe in Allah as the Lord and Creator of the universe and everything in it, and that Muhammad is the last Prophet and Messenger of Allah sent to humankind). She provided support, strength, assurance, and wisdom to her husband through many difficulties and was honored by Prophet Muhammad even after her death.
Fatimah bint Muhammad was the fourth and youngest daughter of Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). She resembled her father the most from her siblings and was the dearest to him. It is reported that Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Fatimah is a part of me, and what hurts her hurts me” [Muslim]. Before her father’s death, Fatimah was told by him that she would be the first among his family members to join him in Heaven!
Does it make sense to think that after all that Muslim women have done in history, that Islam is the one to blame when people who claim to be Muslims, don’t practice the true teachings of Islam, but rather their culture, tribal and family practices, many times conflicting with Islam? There are reverts to Islam every year especially after September 11, most of them being women! Would it make sense that many women willingly choose to become a Muslim if there was no truth in Islam and benefit? Learn the truth for yourself from reliable sources before you judge!
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