Introducing Exemplary Role Models for Muslim Women
One of the complex challenges faced today by educators and those responsible for Islamic upbringing is how to present religious personalities as role models. This issue is important because outstanding role models have a decisive influence on the formation of religious character in the Islamic educational system. Women in society should be aware that Islamic history contains exemplary female figures whose virtues and merits continue to benefit the world to this day. These great religious personalities can serve as role models in all aspects of life, and following them brings happiness in both worlds.
Therefore, Muslim women should choose their role models from among the female Companions (Shaba) and wives of the Prophet and learn the best examples of life from the daughters of the Messenger of Allah. Unfortunately, some Muslim girls, despite being born into Muslim families, have chosen inappropriate role models. This approach—where film and television actresses from Western and Indian media are considered life models—is deeply concerning. In some cases, posters of these actresses are even hung on the walls of Muslim girls’ bedrooms. This matter deserves serious reflection from every Muslim in terms of personal accountability.
In this age, when Western propaganda is increasing in Islamic countries and is creating confusion among Muslim women in choosing suitable role models, it is essential for writers and researchers to revisit and present the lives of the distinguished women of early Islam. Sharing stories of the struggles, sacrifices, and virtuous conduct of these women can provide a complete model for the conduct of a Muslim woman. The female Companions (Sahaba), just like the other Companions (Sahaba) of the Prophet, left behind unforgettable examples of faith and sacrifice, which should be presented and promoted as life models. Here, we aim to introduce several Muslim women whose names are recorded in Islamic history as sources of pride and whose memories live on eternally in the hearts of Muslims. We hope the lives of these noble women will inspire today’s Muslim girls and women. Much has been compiled in books about their lives, and here we will refer to some of these accounts.
Hazrat Khadijah (MABH)
Hazrat Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was the first woman to believe in Allah and stood in prayer alongside the Messenger of Allah. She was the first to become the mother of the Prophet’s children and the first among his wives to be given glad tidings of Paradise. She was the first believing woman whom Allah greeted with peace, and she became known among women as the first ṣiddīqah (truthful and upright). She was also the first of the Prophet’s wives to pass away.
Hazrat Khadijah believed in the Prophet (PBUH) when others denied him. She supported him with her wealth when others withheld their help. She was a wise, intelligent, alert, and noble woman who, even during the days of ignorance (Jāhiliyyah), was known as al-Ṭāhirah (the Pure One) due to her chastity. She was a source of comfort and a steadfast supporter of the Prophet (PBUH) in his mission and call to Islam. She provided him peace and companionship even in the most difficult times—so much so that due to her devotion, she was honored with a greeting from above the heavens and given the glad tidings of a house in Paradise where there will be no noise or fatigue.
According to a hadith, Jibril (Gabriel) said to the Prophet (PBUH): «هذه خديجة أتتك بإناء فيه إدام أو طعام أو شراب، فإذا هي أتتك، فاقرأ عليها السلام من ربها ومني، وبشرها ببيت في الجنة من قصب لا صخب فيه ولا نصب» Translation: “This is Khadijah coming to you with a dish of food or drink. When she reaches you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Lord and from me, and give her the glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of pearls, wherein there is neither noise nor hardship.”
Khadijah (MABH) is the leader of the women of the world and the chosen wife of the noblest man to ever walk the earth. She is a shining star in the firmament of faith, purity, modesty, dignity, generosity, and loyalty. True praise is not earned through wealth, but through the virtues and nobility one leaves behind—a fragrance that lingers through time, cleansing hearts and reviving souls. Her life story is truly a source of healing for hearts and purification for souls, and she is a role model in a time when true examples are rare. Knowing her life brings hearts to life. Happiness lies in following her footsteps, and by recognizing her virtues and character, ideal examples full of honor and dignity are born.
Among the outstanding virtues that Imam Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions regarding Khadijah Tahira (MABH) are the following:
She was the first to marry the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and affirm faith in him. According to authentic reports, she was the first believer.
She was the first to pray with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH);
The first whose children were attributed to the Prophet (PBUH);
The first wife of the Prophet to receive glad tidings of Paradise;
The first woman whom her Lord greeted with peace;
The first ṣiddīqah (truthful woman) among the believing women;
The first wife of the Prophet to pass away;
The first grave the Prophet (PBUH) entered in Makkah was hers, for her burial.
Imam al-Zuhri (MABH) says: “Khadijah was the first to believe in the Prophet (PBUH). When the Prophet returned home after receiving revelation, every tree and stone he passed greeted him. When he reached Khadijah, he said: ‘The one I told you I saw in a dream is Jibril. Allah has sent him to me.’ Then he described the revelation to her. She replied: ‘Rejoice! By Allah, Allah will never deal with you except in goodness. Accept the one whom Allah has sent to you, for he is truth, and he has brought the message of truth to you.’”
Note: The honor and dignity Khadijah (MABH) attained in the sight of Allah and His Messenger were because of the maturity of her faith and her obedience. Dear sisters, strive to follow her example. From her actions, it is evident that comforting one’s husband in times of distress is a noble and commendable act. Sadly, some women today, instead of relieving their husbands’ stress, add to it with harsh words or repeated demands—for example, insisting on buying something and repeating the request to the point of upsetting their husbands.
Hazrat Sawdah (MABH)
Hazrat Sawdah (MABH) was one of the wives of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). She voluntarily gave up her turn to Hazrat Ayesha (MABH). Hazrat Ayesha herself said: “I did not long to be like any other woman except Sawdah. When I saw her, I wished I could be like her.”
Look at the selflessness and empathy of Sawdah—how she gave up her turn to Ayesha. Today, in similar situations, women often react with jealousy and rivalry. Notice the fairness of Hazrat Ayesha (MABH), who praised and admired Sawdah. In contrast, women nowadays are often preoccupied with finding faults in one another.
Dear sisters! Cultivate such high character and behave with fairness and grace.
