This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
This post will empower you with the stories of 4 incredible women in Islamic history.
You’re sleeping on a legacy of powerful Muslim women in Islamic history who had impeccable character, strength and value that they put into the world. Woman who forced society to accept them for who they are.
Forget about artificial celebrities who succumb to becoming a sex toy to fulfil societies fantasies. These powerful women in Islamic history, the women of paradise will truly teach you what it means to be a woman.
In this post, I will inspire you with the stories of 4 incredible women in Islamic history: Khadijah bint Khuwalyid, Asiya bint Muzahim, Maryam bint Imran and Fatimah bint Muhammad. Together, we’ll learn from their lives so we can embody their character and walk in their blueprint for Jannah.
This post is all about the incredible women in Islamic history, the women of paradise.
4 Powerful Women In Islamic History
1. Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid
An intelligent, generous and successful businesswoman who was widowed twice at the age of 25 with three kids. But she didn’t let her circumstances define her worth, she went out into the world and built a name for herself.
Her achievements speak for themselves, she was the wealthiest woman in Quraysh at her time. One of her trade caravans equalled all of Quraysh’s caravans together. This is the kind of women in Islamic history that we’re talking about!
She used her wealth to help the vulnerable members of society the orphans, the poor, widows and the sick. She also helped the poor get married by providing mahr herself.
Her business Conduct
She was truly a high-value woman who was firm and upheld her boundaries with men. She interacted with male entrepreneurs for business and always kept it strictly professional. Especially, in her time when women didn’t have a status in society and business was male-dominated. But she challenged that stereotype and built a strong status in society.
“The Princess of Makkah” and “The Great Khadijah” were names that people called her.
Her proposal to the Prophet (SAW)
She was a woman who knew what she wanted in a man. She proposed to the prophet (SAW) after hearing and witnessing his impeccable character and honesty when he did business with her. Mind you she was getting proposals left, right and centre from powerful and wealthy men like Abu Jahl and Abu Sufyan but she rejected them.
She knew the Prophet (SAW) was different and there was no one like him. She knew he would truly take care of her and be a leader and the best father to her current and future children. That’s exactly what you should be looking out for and of course, deen(Islam) is number one.
Marrying Khadijah gave the Prophet (SAW) access to the elites which would help his dawah in the future and she financially supported him out of her generosity.
DISCLAIMER: Khadijah knew who this amazing man was, a strong leader, with incredible character who was honest, caring and generous. So, she was inclined to look past his wealth and support him financially. Don’t be naive with men who run away from their responsibilities towards you.
Pillar of support at the time of revelation
Before the first revelation, For 6 months the Prophet(SAW) was having dreams that came true. So, Allah inspired the Prophet (SAW) to spend days alone in cave Hira to think and reflect. He told Khadijah about it all, she didn’t complain or get upset she was extremely understanding and supportive. She also helped him pack food, water and blankets before he left.
Listen to this beautiful story…
One day, Khadijah noticed the Prophet (SAW) was in the cave longer than usual and she knew he ran out of food and water. So, she packed supplies and went all the way to cave Hira to give it to the Prophet(SAW) so he doesn’t have to come down himself.
Remember, she’s pretty old at this time around her late 50s and the journey to Hira was long and tiring.
She understood that he had a massive task on his hand from Allah and she never once complained. She always stood by his side no matter what. That’s true love. Forget Romeo and Juliet, it’s Khadijah and Muhammad.
The night of revelation
One night when the prophet (SAW) received the first revelation and saw Jibril he was in extreme shock and fear that his whole body was shaking. He ran home to Khadijah and told her “Cover me, cover me!”. She didn’t question or say a word she hugged him and put a blanket around him until he finally spoke: “O Khadijah, what is wrong with me I’m worried about myself, I saw the man who was in my dream”. The prophet (SAW) is questioning his own sanity. Is he possessed? Has he gone insane?
Listen to Khadijah’s response: ” No way you aren’t crazy! This is good news from Allah, your Lord will never disgrace you. Do you think Allah will disgrace a man like you? You’re good to your family, you’re honest, you help the poor and helpless, you’re good to your guests and you’re always there for those who are in hardship.”
She believed in the Prophet (SAW) before he was certain of himself. She was his pillar of support he leaned on every time something troubled him. Her reassurance, understanding and comfort are what kept the Prophet(SAW) strong in these scary moments of prophethood. She never raised her voice at him and was solely his source of comfort and peace. She was the first to believe in him and accept his message to Islam, the first Muslim.
Allah lightened the load of the Prophet(SAW) through Khadijah whenever he heard anything that bothered him. When people rejected him, cursed him, and swore at him he would come to Khadijah and she would comfort him. She attested to his truth. and prophethood. She was nothing but an abode of peace for him.
Allah sent His salam to her
A few days before her death Jibril came to the Prophet(SAW) and said Allah has sent His salaam on Khadijah and so has Jibril and Allah has prepared for her a palace of pearls in Jannah.
Imagine Allah himself sending his personal salaam to you, she was the epitome of goodness and a true role model for all Muslim women.
The Prophet’s (SAW) descriptions of Khadijah
Someone asked the Prophet(SAW) tell us about Khadijah: ” God has given me a gift. He has sent her love from the heavens, her love was divine. The mother of my children and the love of my life.”
In another narration, the same question was asked the Prophet said: ” Where do I start? I have no words, she was so amazing I can’t explain it. You had to see her and experience it to realise how amazing she was.”
Every word is a testament of the immense love and appreciation the Prophet(SAW) had for Khadijah. May Allah Gift us with love like the love of the Prophet(SAW) and Khadijah. It really makes me want to meet her. Such a special woman.
Lessons we learn from Khadijah:
1. Blueprint for a successful marriage
Her proposal to the prophet (SAW) teaches us as Muslim women what to look for in a man. Your standards that you should NEVER compromise on! Deen, impeccable character and honesty. For a marriage to be successful it has to be built on those three components. If he has all of them know that this man will take care of you because he follows the blueprint that the Prophet(SAW) laid out for us, the sunnah and the Qu’ran.
But you as a wife need to emulate Khadijah, be understanding, comforting and supportive with your spouse. Always maintain mutual respect so don’t raise your voice at him. Allah has given every man a massive responsibilty to provide and protect, just be his peace after a long tiring day.
If there is something on your mind approach him in a kind manner with a smile on your face. Keep your voice soft TRUST ME it does wonders for you and him!
2. Give charity with a pure intention
Khadijah’s generosity and giving nature should inspire us to help the poor and helpless people in the world. See charity like an investment for the Akhira, Allah will multiply abundantly according to your intentions. It increases taqwa and purifies you of your sins.
“Charity wipes out sins like water extinguishes fire”
[Tirmidhi 614]
3. Don’t let your circumstances define you
Khadijah didn’t let her situation define her. She was a mother of three and widowed twice. Despite the pain she suffered and whilst still carrying out her responsibilities as a mother she went out into the world and made an impact, she built a name for herself. Don’t let your circumstances or society’s beliefs limit you You can also make a difference in the world. Serve Allah through serving others.
4. Never lose hope in Allah
Have hope in Allah if your nearing 30 and you’re unmarried don’t worry my sister, Allah has a plan for you trust it and work on yourself to be the best version of yourself. The right one will come at the right time.
5. You as a woman can offer so much in the world
It destroys this red pill movement that a women’s sole purpose in life is to cook, clean and have babies. There is nothing wrong with them things but there’s so much more a woman can offer in the world.
We can be the best mother, best daughter, best sister, best wife and at the same time a successful businesswoman and a woman that’s ambitious and has goals in her life and she goes out and achieves them for the sake of Allah.
2. Maryam (Mother of Jesus)
A mother’s dua answered
Maryam’s mother couldn’t have children she made dua to Allah for a child and Allah answered her dua. So she made an oath that she will raise this child to be practising and God-conscious. Allah suprised her with a girl although she wanted a boy because she assumed he would be stronger and better fit for the task.
But she renewed her oath and asked Allah to accept it from her.
Allah accepted her oath and Maryam grew up to be a God-conscious and devout woman with immense taqwa and tawakkul. A woman of modesty, good manners and good character.
Allah put her in the care of Zakariyah who was her uncle, teacher and mentor. So Allah taught her by the best in order to best one of the best women in Islamic history till the end of time.
As a young girl, she loved to worship Allah, she craved it. Zakariyah built a prayer room for her in the mosque and she would spend most of her time in secluded worship.
Allah personally took care of her
Every time Zakariyah entered Maryam’s room he found her with food. He asked her where it was coming from. She said “Allah gave it to me. Teacher, why are you confused? Allah can give to whoever He wants, whatever He wants and however He wants. He has no limits.
Her trust in her Lord was so strong because she knew her Lord very well.
This inspired Zakariyah so he made dua to Allah for a child. Allah immediately answered his dua whilst he was standing in prayer and gave him the good news of a son called Yahya a messenger.
The Virgin miraculous birth
One day Allah sent Jibril as an extremely handsome man to Maryam whilst she was in secluded worship. Immediately she became alert and asserted her boundaries, ” I seek refuge in Ar Rahman the merciful from you. If you have any fear of Allah stay away”.
At that moment Jibril changes into his original form and gives her news that she’s pregnant with Jesus who will be a prophet and guide to mankind.
She’s shocked, how can she be pregnant without sexual intercourse. But Jibril informs her that anything is easy for Allah and it is a matter decreed she can’t change it.
The most painful child birth
Her people found out she was pregnant so to avoid slander and judgement she travelled alone to Bethlehem in Jerusalem.
I want you to really imagine this she’s young, completely alone and she’s going through childbirth. We all know that childbirth is one of the most painful experiences a human being can go through.
The pain was so unbearable that she wanted to be dead and forgotten than go through it. And this is one of the women in Islamic history guranteed paradise. Everyone goes through tests and apin in their life. It builds you!
But He called her from below her, ‘Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be consoled.
[Qur’an 19:24-26]
In this verse Allah responds to Maryams pain in the most beautfiul way. He comforts and reassures her letting her know that He sees her pain and He’s there for her.
Think about this, The baby is literally about to come out and Maryam is in a lot of pain. If you’re in so much pain you wouldn’t want to be walking. But somehow she walked to a palm tree and gave birth under it. That meant she was shaded from the harsh sun rays to facilitate her birth. There was a stream under her to keep her hydrated and dates on the palm tree for her to eat.
It was all part of Allah’s plan he guided her to it. It reminds me of this beautful verse in the Quran, “With hardship is ease”. No matter how much pain you’re going through there is ease in the midst of it. But that requires you to take the first step to get to the ease and Allah does the rest.
The return to her people
After the birth, Allah commanded Maryam to fast from speaking to anyone when she returns home. ‘And if you see any human being, say: “Indeed, I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious, so I will not speak today to [any] human”’. [The Noble Qur’an, 19:26]
Allah told her she doesn’t need to justify herself to anyone all they’re going to do is slander her so it’s a form of ease from Allah
When her people accused her she pointed to Jesus in her arms. They said, “How can we speak to one who is a child in the cradle?” He [‘Isa] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the scripture and made me a Prophet.“’ [The Noble Qur’an, 19:29-30]
Allah proved Maryam’s innocence and purity through this miracle which removed fingers pointed at her character and reputation. Let’s be honest, no one would have believed anything that Maryam would say. So there’s wisdom in why Allah caused Jesus to speak and defend his mother.
Lessons We Learn From Maryam’s Story:
1. Allah is the best planner
Hannah Maryam’s mother couldn’t have children so she sincerely made dua to Allah with hope and Allah answered her dua. But Allah gave her a girl instead of a boy. Know that Allah always listens to your duas and responds to them. But he’s not always going to give you exactly what you want.
Allah has divine wisdom and perfect knowledge and ours is limited, Allah is not limited by time, space and dimensions but we are. Trust Him he knows what’s best for you.”The affair of a believer is always good”.
2. Allah always provides, He provides from places you can’t imagine
You know as we go about in life, we lose a job or we lose a loved one. We focus on the problem and when you do that it grows. We forget about Allah.
Allah was providing fruits of summer in the winter for Maryam which was impossible back then. If Allah can provide for Maryam and the entire universe you’re not an exception TRUST HIM!
No living thing on this earth can provide for itself. Let’s look at it from this angle, imagine a billionaire, it took sweat, years of hard work and a couple of failures to achieve success. Many people would say wow he’s smart I want to learn from him.
The intellect and capacity he used to build that wealth were given by Allah so ultimately it’s Allah that gave him the tools to get to where he is without it he wouldn’t be able to achieve that status. Always think about the source which is Allah.
3. Allah is capable of anything and everything
The miracle birth of Jesus reminds us to not reflect the limitations we have about ourselves on God. There is nothing like Him. Allah is perfect in every way.
He created and originated our human race, everything in the universe exists because He created it. So how can making a woman pregnant without conception not be possible for Allah?
All He has to say is “Be and it is”.
4. Truly with hardship comes ease
Whilst Maryam is giving birth its very clear that she is overwhelmed by the pain that she states she rather be dead. But note that Allah said the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. That was her ease during her hardship of child birth.
Allah guided her to the palm tree so she’s shaded, she’s got dates to eat and water to drink. All she has to do is shake the tree the rest Allah has already done for her by guiding her to the tree.
Whenever you go through any hardship in your life remember the pain is temporary and there’s good in it. But Allah has promised you every time you go through hardship there is ease with it.
Allah guides you to the ease but you have to also play a part. Take the first step and Allah does the rest.
3. Fatima Bint Muhammad
Fatimah is the daughter of the Prophet (SAW) and Khadijah. She was a complete mirror of her mother Khadijah.
When the Prophet (SAW) lost Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib it was a really depressing and difficult period for him. He still went out there and preached the message of Islam. After a long physically, emotionally and mentally draining day of spreading Islam he would come home to Fatima.
She would cook for him, keep the house clean and she would comfort and support her father. She was there when he had no one. She took her mothers place in providing emotional support and a pillar to lean on.
She embodied everything the Prophet (SAW) was. Aisha (RA) the wife of the Prophet (SAW) said something special about Fatima. “I have never seen someone resemble the Prophet more in character, speech and conversation than Fatima.
She continues to say “I have never seen someone resemble the Prophet in standing and sitting than Fatima. I have never seen someone resemble the Prophet in honesty than Fatima.”
Her connection with her father was so special and strong. She imitated him in everything. That made her one of the women in Islamic history guranteed paradise.
Near the time of her death she asked the wife of Abu Bakr to perform her Janazah and Ghusl at night so no one can see the shape of her body. She was truly a woman of modesty and self-respect.
Lessons we learn from Fatima…
1. Embody the Prophet(SAW)
Fatima is truly a role model for every single Muslim man and woman on how to follow the sunnah in our lives. Truly embody the Prophet’s(SAW) character and eloquent speech. Who else other than the best of creation should you follow and look up to?
After all she is one of the women in Islamic history guranteed paradise and isn’t that where we all desire to be?
2. Strive for excellence
Fatima was an amazing wife, daughter, mother and member of her community. We should strive to be the best in all our relationships including within the ummah too. It’s not enough to say you believe and work a 9-5 job all week then come back to your comfortable sofa to sit, relax and watch netflix.
We’ve been honoured by Allah and seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman so we should make the effort to understand our deen and our creator better. Work on perfecting your character through self-reflection.
When you work on yourself you’ll realise your gift and when you do, that’s the time to share your blessings with the Ummah.
4. Asiya Bint Muzahim
Asiya was the wife of one of the most evil humans to walk this earth, a tyrant known as Fir’aun(the pharoah). She was also the adoptive mother of Moses.
Follow me I’ll tell you how empowering this woman was…
Allah ordered Musa’s mother to put baby Musa in a basket into the river Nile. By Allah’s plan Asiyah found it and the moment she looked at baby Musa she instantly fell in love. What made it even more special is that she couldn’t have children.
She took Musa home and managed to convince Fir’aun to adopt this baby. She took care of him and gave him unconditional motherly love and affection, as though she was indeed his mother.
Fast forwarding to Musa’s prophethood, he challenged Fir’aun which led to the event of the magicians and Musa’s stick turning into a serpent and devouring the rest of the sticks. Instantly the magicians fell into submission after witnessing that because they realised their own limitations.
Asiya immediately believed in Musa’s message when she saw the event. She started practising Islam without Fir’aun knowing because this tyrant used to mutilate babies and get women raped just for believing in Allah.
The incident of the hairdresser of the daughter of Fir’aun
One day whilst the hairdresser of the daughter of Fir’aun was combing her hair the brush fell off her hand and as she went to pick it up she said “Bismillah”.
The daughter of Fir’aun said “Do you mean my father?”, she said “No I mean my Lord, your Lord, the Lord of your father and the Lord of everything”. Just look at this hairdressers faith and trust in Allah, (Another one of the powerful women in Islamic history that isn’t talked about much). Fir’aun’s daughter exposed her to Fir’aun and he didn’t think twice he wanted to make an example of what would happen to those who believed in Musa’s message.
He ordered a pit of boiling oil to be made and he called everyone in the town to watch. One by one he threw the hairdressers children into the boiling oil in front of her. Imagine the pain this mother was going through.
Finally, it was her and the baby’s turn. She hesitated, she physically couldn’t do it. But Allah made the baby speak, “Go ahead and jump throw me in because torture and punishment in this world is lighter than in the next”. And she jumps in and becomes a martyr.
Asiyah confesses her Islam to Fir’aun
After seeing the unshakeable courage and tawakkul of that woman and it ignited a fire in Asiyah. That night, she declared her faith to Fir’aun she said: ” I have disbelieved in you, I dont care what you’re going to do, I believe in the Lord of Musa and Aaron, the Lord of the worlds.”
Fir’aun said: ” Do you know what I’m going to do to you?” She replied: ” I know and I don’t care I have disbelieved in you and I don’t care.”
So, Fir’aun drags her into the desert, ties her down, tortures her, strips her and starves her from food and water. In that moment she had no one, she was completely alone. The daughters of Fir’aun from his other wives were laughing.
Whilst being tortured she looks up at the heavens and call out to Allah: “My Lord build me a palace with you in Jannah for this palace I have sacrificed for you”. Allah opened the heavens and showed her her palace. She laughed and laughed so much Fir’aun was outraged. He knew she wasn’t going to give in so he ordered his men to go on the highest cliff and throw a boulder on her body. Before the boulder touched her body Allah took her soul.
Allah honoured her memory and sacrifice by making her known as one of the best women in Islamic history till the end of times.
Lessons we learn from Asiya’s life:
1. Detach your heart from the dunya
We’re talking about an egyptian princess who lived her entire life in wealth and ease. She didn’t have to lift a finger because her slaves would do everything for her. She had the dunya in her hands but she gave it up and chose the akhirah. Her goal was her Lord.
Remember this life is temporary. You feel happiness one moment then in the next your in tears. Detach your heart from this dunya. How do you do that?
Embody the five pillars of Islam: Shahadah detaches you from worshipping anything else other than Allah. Salah momentarily detaches you from everything to make you realise your purpose and end goal in life. Zakah detaches you from the love of money and greed. Hajj completely detaches you from the world, you leave behind your branded clothes, home and all the materialistic things to connect with your akhirah and your Lord. Fasting detaches you from the love of food. It teaches you to be grateful to Allah and remember those who are in a worse situation than you.
If you practise all of these pillars sincerely your soul will find it’s contentment only with it’s Lord.
2. Stand firm for what you believe in
Asiya knew how evil Fir’aun was and she knew he would torture her till death but that didn’t scare her. She knew her truth and had such strong faith that she was ready to die for what she believed in. She expected good from Allah.
These days Muslims are scared to stand firm for what they believe for fear of people’s reactions and not fitting in. Whether thats at work or elsewhere. You have been honoured with Islam, Allah has perfected it for you be proud of it and hold onto the rope of Allah. It’s your guidance and your light from the darkness and evil of this world.
We don’t conform we reform!
3. Always prioritise your Akhirah
Asiyah chose the akhirah over the dunya. She put Allah first, her only focus in life was to please Allah and she found her success. A woman guranteed paradise.
It puts us in the red seat to answer what are our priorities in life? Who do we really worship? Do you care about what people think or what Allah thinks?
Everything you do in your life should be to get closer to Allah please him. Make everything you do an act of worship. For example, before eating food make and intention to Allah ‘ O Allah I intend to nourish this body you’ve given me in order to worship you in the best way please accept it from me’.
4. Put your trust in Allah and you will never be disappointed
Through Asiyah’s resilience and strong imaan during the torture Allah is teaching us to rely on him. When all doors seem locked, call out to Allah sincerely he will not only unlock those doors, He will open doors you never knew existed.
If Allah is with you even your hardest struggles can become easy. Remember “Allah is sufficient for you”.
5. Never ever Ever compromise your deen
Asiyah’s husband was a tyrant who forced people to worship him. He performed the worst torture methods to those who believed in Allah. That didn’t scare her, she didn’t let herself be defined by her circumstance or husband. She realised that she’s an individual.
She found her true identity and value with her relationship with her creator.
Doesn’t matter how difficult your life is even if you’re in a room full of people who don’t agree with what you believe in, stay true to yourself and your deen. Never compromise your Islamic values their there to protect you. It’s your honour!