The Sahabiyat, the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), have made extraordinary contributions to Islam. Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, they stood firm in their faith and played an integral role in the early Muslim community. Shaping society with their strength, knowledge, devotion and resilience.
Today, their stories continue to inspire and empower Muslim women all around the world to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. So, what can we learn from their contributions and how can we apply them in our lives?
Knowledge is power
Several Sahabiyat were known and respected for their wisdom and intellect. Most notably, Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the young wife of the Prophet (ﷺ), was known for her deep knowledge of Islam and her ability to interpret and explain Islamic teachings. She was a leading scholar, narrating 2,210 hadiths, and played an active role in the community, participating in important decisions and events even long after the death of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Umm Salama was also another prominent female companion who was known for her wisdom. In addition to her knowledge of Islam, she was also respected for her ability to mediate conflicts in a fair and just manner. She likewise provided advice and counsel to the Prophet (ﷺ), helping to resolve disputes among the companions.
Service to others is a key part of Islam
The Sahabiyat were known for their kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. They understood that service to others is a key part of Islam and worked tirelessly to support and uplift their community.
First and foremost, Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA), the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was a pillar of support during the early Muslim community. She was a devoted and loyal wife, supporting Prophet (ﷺ) both emotionally and financially. Her unwavering belief in him was crucial in the establishment of Islam.
Another female companion that played a pivotal role in the early days of Islam was Asma bint Abu Bakr, the daughter of Abu Bakr (RA), the close companion and trusted advisor of the Prophet (ﷺ). She was known for her unwavering faith and remarkable resilience, especially during the migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah. During this challenging journey, she assisted her father and the Prophet (ﷺ) by splitting her scarf to provide them with food and water, giving her the name “Dhat An-Nitaqayn” (the One with Two Waistbelts).
Faith is a source of strength
The Sahabiyat faced many challenges and obstacles, but they stood firm in their faith and drew strength from their connection to Allah (SWT). They showed that faith is a source of strength and resilience and that it can help us overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) youngest daughter, Fatima bint Muhammad, especially, was a model of piety, humility and devotion to Allah (SWT). She supported her father’s mission, stood by him during difficult times and played a crucial role in spreading the message of Islam. Her daughter, Umm Kulthum bint Ali, likewise inherited the wisdom, courage and righteousness of her parents and grandparents, devoting herself to learning and preserving the teachings of Islam.
Beyond the Prophet’s (ﷺ) descendants, Umm Waraqah was a female companion known for her commitment to Islamic education and pursuit of Islamic knowledge. She dedicated her home to serve as a place of worship, where people could gather for prayer and religious discussions. She was likewise known for her deep understanding of the Quran and was among the few individuals who had the honour of writing down the Quranic revelations. This passion she had also inspired other Muslim women to pursue knowledge and connect with the words of Allah (SWT).
These are just a few stories of the many female companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who played important roles in the early Muslim community. Their contributions to Islam are immeasurable and continue to be celebrated and studied today. As they were not only pillars of faith and devotion but also demonstrated leadership, scholarship and courage in their actions.
By learning about the lives and legacies of the Sahabiyat, we too can be inspired to follow in their footsteps, making a great impact in our communities just as they did. May Allah (SWT) be pleased with them all and grant us the strength and guidance to follow their examples.
