Strongest Women in Islamic History

Islamic history contains a rich tapestry of women who made their impact on the world through their unshakeable faith, courage, intellect, and leadership. The definition of “strength” involves several aspects, so let’s look at some of these exceptional women in different categories:

Who are the 4 Strongest Women in Islam?

Women in Islam have played equally important roles as men. They were empowered with their rights, love, and faith which made them stronger in the life they spent. Following are the 4 strong women in Islam:

1 – Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA): A prominent businesswoman known for her intelligence and success, Khadija was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She became a rock of support during the early revelations, offering financial and emotional stability as Islam faced criticism. Her unwavering faith and confidence helped the young Muslim community grow.

2 – Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA): The Prophet’s (PBUH) youngest wife, Aisha (RA), was a scholar, teacher, and a source of information for future generations. She memorized and transmitted around 2,000 hadiths and was instrumental in preserving Islamic knowledge. Her bright mind and strong temperament earned her much respect in the Muslim community.

3 – Ruqayya bint Muhammad (RA): Ruqayya (RA), Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) daughter, overcame personal problems with great resilience. She was married twice and overcame adversity while remaining a firm believer. Her story exemplifies perseverance and faith in the face of adversity.

4 – Fatima bint Muhammad (RA): Fatimah (RA) was the youngest child of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Sayyidah Khadija (RA). Her life consisted of constant struggles as she lost her mother at a young age and grew up seeing her father being mistreated and humiliated by the disbelievers. Her life shows great strength and faith in Allah’s blessings on her family.

This list highlights just a few of the many strong women in Islamic history. Strength can be manifested in many ways. Through financial independence like Khadija, intellectual pursuits like Aisha, resilience like Ruqayya, or devotion like Fatima.

Who are the Brave Women in Islam?

Islam not just empowered women at home but also those who fought for the Muslim ummah in wars along with their men. This shows great power and potential in women during the days when girls were getting buried alive. Here are a few of the brave women in Islamic history:

1 – Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (RA): A warrior woman who fought alongside the Prophet (PBUH) in several battles, Nusaybah (RA) was known for her bravery and unwavering defense of Islam. During the Battle of Uhud, she fiercely protected the Prophet (PBUH) and earned recognition for her courage.

The Prophet (PBUH) said to her.

“Where can anyone get courage like you, oh Umm Umaarah”

2 – Khawlah bint al-Azwar (RA): Another woman who participated in battles, Khawlah (RA), fought alongside the Muslims in the Battle of Uhud. She lost several teeth during the battle and later approached the Prophet (PBUH) for compensation, demonstrating her courage and assertiveness.

These women exemplified bravery by physically defending Islam and their communities. Their heroism extended beyond battlefields, pushing boundaries and defying societal norms.

Who was the First Woman Martyr in Islam?

Sumayyah bint Khayyat (RA)

Remember the first 7 to accept Islam? Only Sayyida Khadijah and Abu Bakr (RA) were protected by their tribes. The other five were Bilal, Khabbab, Suhayb, Sumayyah, and her son Ammar, all of whom had no tribe.

She was tortured by Abu Jahl under the hot sun. But she smiled and kept repeating her praises for the one and only Allah. Her faith in Allah annoyed Abu Jahl more and he stabbed her, making her the first martyr of Islam. Sumayyah’s (RA) story highlights the strength required to remain firm in one’s beliefs, even in the face of death.

Who are the 4 Ladies of Jannah (Paradise)?

The concept of the “Four Ladies of Jannah” is not expressly addressed in the Quran or authentic hadiths, although some Islamic traditions identify four ladies who would get the greatest level of Paradise. These women are:

Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA): As mentioned earlier, Khadija’s (RA) support and faith were crucial for the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission.

Fatima bint Muhammad (RA): The Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter, Fatima (RA), is revered for her piety and devotion to her family.

Maryam, mother of Prophet Eisa (PBUH): The Quran holds Mary in high esteem, highlighting her piety and the miraculous birth of Eisa.Asiya bint Muzahim (wife of Pharaoh): Mentioned in the Quran for her faith in God despite her husband’s opposition. She chose faith over worldly comfort and is an example of moral courage.

The “Four Ladies of Jannah” represent a range of virtues: unshakable support by Khadija, piety and family devotion like Fatima, unwavering faith like Maryam, and moral courage like Asiya.

Who is the Most Blessed Woman in Islam?

Maryam bint Imran (Mary)

The Quran explicitly mentions Mary as being chosen and purified above all women of the world. Her unwavering faith, miraculous role in the birth of Eisa (PBUH) and dedication to God hold a very special position in Islam

“And (mention) when the angels said, ‘O Mary! Indeed God has chosen you, and purified you, and has chosen you above all other women of the world. O Mary! Be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with that bow (in prayer).’”
(Quran 3:42-43)

She was also made an example to follow, as Allah said:

“And (God sets forth the example for those who Believe) of Mary, the daughter of Heli, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into it through Our Angel (i.e Jibrael), and she believed in the words of her Lord and His Scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.”
(Quran 66:12)

Indeed, Maryam was a woman who was fit to bring such a miracle as that of Eisa (PBUH), who was born without a father. She was known for her piety and chastity, and if it had been otherwise, no one would have accepted her claim to have given birth while staying a virgin, a belief and truth that Islam upholds.

Who is the Leader of Women of Jannah?

Fatima bint Muhammad (PBUH)

While there’s no definitive source within Islam that explicitly names the leader of the women of Jannah (Paradise), some traditions and sayings point towards Fatima bint Muhammad (RA), the Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter.

Fatima (RA) was known for her deep faith and dedication to Islam. She strictly followed religious teachings and served as a role model for other women. Despite facing personal challenges, she displayed remarkable strength and resilience. She lost her mother Kadijah at a young age and witnessed the hardships faced by her father during the early years of Islam. Yet, she remained firm in her faith. Fatima (RA) was a devoted wife and mother. She is revered for her role in raising her children, Hasan and Husayn (RA), who became prominent figures in Islamic history. She was also known as “Umm Abiha,” which means “Mother of Her Father,” highlighting the deep bond and care she offered.

Conclusion

Islamic history is replete with stories of extraordinary women who defied expectations and shaped the course of Islam. They were not only strong, but also intelligent, courageous, and capable leaders. These women serve as role models, reminding us that strength comes in different forms and that religion enables people to accomplish great things. As we learn about these exceptional women, we are encouraged to strive for excellence in our own lives and make constructive contributions to our communities.