In every corner of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life, there were women; women who taught, fought, led, narrated, nursed, gave generously, and changed history. Too often, our narratives highlight a few key names while forgetting the immense breadth of female influence in early Islam. This article offers a glimpse into the lives of ten incredible women who surrounded the Prophet ﷺ, challenging stereotypes and empowering us with their examples.
1. Umm Salama’s wisdom shaped Islamic rulings
Umm Salama, one of the Prophet’s ﷺ wives, was known for her intellect and political foresight.
During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when the companions hesitated to follow the Prophet’s ﷺ command to shave their heads, it was Umm Salama who advised the Prophet ﷺ to lead by action.
Her advice resolved a potentially divisive moment. She also narrated over 300 hadiths.
2. Aisha bint Abi Bakr was a leading scholar of her time
Aisha رضي الله عنها was a jurist, teacher, and scholar. She corrected male companions on legal matters and narrated over 2,000 hadiths. Many companions and successors studied under her.
Imam al-Zuhri, a famous early scholar, called her “the most knowledgeable person of this Ummah.”
3. Nusaybah bint Ka’ab defended the Prophet ﷺ in battle
At the Battle of Uhud, when many men fled, Nusaybah رضي الله عنها shielded the Prophet ﷺ with her own body and fought valiantly.
She sustained multiple wounds and later continued her activism by attending key events in Madinah. She remains a symbol of female courage.
4. Khadijah was Islam’s first supporter
Khadijah رضي الله عنها was not only the Prophet’s ﷺ beloved wife but also his staunchest supporter in the earliest, most difficult days of the da’wah.
She was a successful businesswoman who funded the cause of Islam and gave the Prophet ﷺ strength, love, and reassurance.
The Prophet ﷺ said of her, “She believed in me when no one else did.” (Ahmad)
5. Fatima al-Zahra was the mother of a lineage
Fatima رضي الله عنها, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, was beloved and known for her modesty, piety, and strength. Her descendants — through Hasan and Husayn — carried on the Prophet’s ﷺ lineage.
She was known for her night prayers and charitable nature, even when she had little children.
6. Hafsa preserved the Qur’an
Hafsa bint Umar رضي الله عنها was entrusted with the safekeeping of the Qur’anic manuscript compiled during Abu Bakr’s caliphate.
Her preservation allowed for the standardised mushaf to be compiled during Uthman’s time. Her role was pivotal in preserving the Qur’an we read today.
7. Asma bint Abu Bakr showed courage in Hijrah
During the migration to Madinah, Asma رضي الله عنها played a critical role.
She carried food and supplies to the cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr were hiding, despite the danger.
Her resourcefulness and bravery were instrumental in the success of the Hijrah.
8. Umm Waraqah was authorised to lead her household in prayer
The Prophet ﷺ appointed Umm Waraqah to lead the people of her household in prayer.
This rare and extraordinary case speaks to her knowledge of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s ﷺ trust in her understanding of Islam.
9. Shifa bint Abdullah was an expert in medicine and literacy
Shifa رضي الله عنها was one of the few literate women in Makkah.
The Prophet ﷺ appointed her to teach literacy to others and she was skilled in medicine. She was also given an administrative role by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, indicating her leadership.
10. Umm Ayman was like a mother to the Prophet ﷺ
Barakah, known as Umm Ayman, cared for the Prophet ﷺ after the passing of his mother.
He referred to her as his mother after his mother. She migrated, fought in battles, and remained a constant presence in his life. The Prophet ﷺ said, “She is my mother after my mother.”
A legacy of empowerment
These women were not sidelined or silenced. They were integral to Islamic society: teaching, transmitting knowledge, contributing to public life, and standing firm in times of difficulty. Allah (SWT) informs us: “The believers, men and women, are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong…” (Qur’an 9:71)
Imam Al-Ghazzali wrote that righteousness was not confined to men — that women are equally accountable for spiritual and societal contributions.
Moving forward
The stories of these women serve not just to inspire, but to reshape how we see our own roles today. Their lives are a reminder that Muslim women have always been leaders, thinkers, nurturers, and warriors — often all at once.
In our homes, our communities, our workplaces and our masajid, their legacy lives on in every woman who seeks to serve Allah, grow in faith, and uplift others.
May we always teach our daughters — and sons — that these women are their role models. And may we all carry forward their legacy with pride, faith, and sincerity.
Ameen.
