Women in Islam
DuaQuran.com · Women in Islam
المرأة في الإسلام
Women in Islam
A COMPLETE GUIDE FROM CHILDHOOD TO WOMANHOOD
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً
"Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer — We will surely cause him to live a good life."
Surah An-Nahl · 16:97
Foundation
مكانة المرأة في الإسلام
The Exalted Status of Woman in Islam
Islam elevated the status of women 1,400 years ago when the world buried daughters alive. The Qur'an declares men and women equal before Allah in faith, deeds, and reward.
Spiritual Equality
Allah created men and women from a single soul (nafs wāḥidah). Both carry the same spiritual obligations and receive the same divine reward for their deeds. There is no spiritual inferiority in Islam based on gender.
A Surah Named After Her
The Qur'an contains a full chapter named An-Nisa (The Women – Surah 4) devoted largely to women's rights, inheritance, justice in marriage, and protection. This alone is a testament to her importance in Islam.
Paradise Under Her Feet
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Paradise lies under the feet of your mothers." (Sunan an-Nasa'i). Motherhood is the highest station in human society, and the mother holds 3 times more right to one's companionship than the father.
Legal Personhood
A Muslim woman has her own legal identity: she can own property, enter contracts, keep her own name after marriage, seek divorce (khul'), and inherit wealth in her own right — rights that Western women gained centuries later.
Daughters: A Blessing
The Prophet ﷺ declared: "Whosoever has three daughters or sisters, or two daughters or sisters, and lives with them with kindness and fears Allah regarding them, he will enter Paradise." (Tirmidhi) — obliterating the culture of shame around daughters.
Honour & Dignity
Backbiting, slander, and false accusation against women are among the gravest sins in Islam. The Qur'an prescribes 80 lashes for false accusation of adultery (qadhf) against a chaste woman — an unmatched legal protection for her honour.
إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
...أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women... Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."
Surah Al-Ahzab · 33:35
From Birth to Womanhood
مراحل حياة المرأة
A Woman's Journey Through Life
From the moment a girl is born to her old age, Islam has assigned rights, responsibilities, and spiritual guidance at every stage.
Birth
🌸 The Birth of a Daughter
When a baby girl is born, the Adhan should be called in her right ear. The Prophet ﷺ condemned the Jahiliyyah practice of burying daughters alive. He said: "Whoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not humiliate her, and does not prefer his sons over her — Allah will admit him into Paradise." (Abu Dawud)
Aqiqah: On the 7th day, one goat is slaughtered for a baby girl (two for a boy). The baby is given a beautiful Islamic name. Circumcision is not required for girls according to the majority of scholars. Hair should be shaved and its weight in silver given as sadaqah.
Aqiqah: On the 7th day, one goat is slaughtered for a baby girl (two for a boy). The baby is given a beautiful Islamic name. Circumcision is not required for girls according to the majority of scholars. Hair should be shaved and its weight in silver given as sadaqah.
Ages 0–7 · Childhood
🌱 Early Childhood (Tifl)
A girl is not yet accountable (mukallaf) for religious obligations. Parents are responsible for her upbringing (tarbiyah), teaching her the Kalimah, love of Allah and His Prophet ﷺ, basic duas, and Islamic manners (adab).
Sunnah of Upbringing: Teaching Bismillah before eating, sleeping du'a, saying Salaam, and basic Qur'anic verses. The Prophet ﷺ said the right of a child upon the father is to give a good name, teach the Qur'an, and arrange a good marriage when the time comes. Girls must be treated equally to boys in gifts and affection.
Sunnah of Upbringing: Teaching Bismillah before eating, sleeping du'a, saying Salaam, and basic Qur'anic verses. The Prophet ﷺ said the right of a child upon the father is to give a good name, teach the Qur'an, and arrange a good marriage when the time comes. Girls must be treated equally to boys in gifts and affection.
Ages 7–9 · Growing Up
📚 Age of Instruction (Mumayyiz)
From the age of 7, a girl should be instructed in Salah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Command your children to pray when they are seven years old, and discipline them for it when they are ten." (Abu Dawud) This applies to girls equally. She should learn the Fatiha, basic Surahs, wudu, and the five daily prayers. At this age, Islamic education, Qur'an recitation, and the study of seerah should begin in earnest.
Puberty (Bulugh) · Age of Accountability
🌙 Reaching Maturity – Full Religious Obligation Begins
When a girl reaches puberty (marked by menstruation), she becomes fully accountable (mukallaf). She must now:
• Observe all five daily Salah
• Fast in Ramadan (except when menstruating)
• Observe Hijab in the presence of non-mahram men
• Pay Zakat if she has nisab
• Maintain Islamic adab in all interactions
Regarding Haidh (Menstruation): A woman does not pray or fast during her period. She does not need to make up missed prayers but must make up missed fasts. She should engage in dhikr, dua, Qur'an reading (touching without wudu is debated; reciting from memory or a phone is generally permitted by many scholars).
• Observe all five daily Salah
• Fast in Ramadan (except when menstruating)
• Observe Hijab in the presence of non-mahram men
• Pay Zakat if she has nisab
• Maintain Islamic adab in all interactions
Regarding Haidh (Menstruation): A woman does not pray or fast during her period. She does not need to make up missed prayers but must make up missed fasts. She should engage in dhikr, dua, Qur'an reading (touching without wudu is debated; reciting from memory or a phone is generally permitted by many scholars).
Young Womanhood
💐 Marriage & Nikah
Islam encourages early, righteous marriage. A woman cannot be married without her consent — her silence or agreement is required. She must have a Wali (guardian), a Mahr (dowry that is her exclusive property), and two witnesses. Marriage is half of faith.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her piety. So choose the one who is pious — may you be blessed." (Bukhari, Muslim)
The Prophet ﷺ said: "A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her piety. So choose the one who is pious — may you be blessed." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Motherhood
👶 The Greatest Station
Motherhood in Islam is the highest human station. The Prophet ﷺ said paradise lies under the mother's feet. A pregnant or nursing woman may be exempted from fasting. During childbirth, a woman in the pains of labour is like a mujahid; if she dies in childbirth, she dies a shaheedah (martyr).
Breastfeeding: It is recommended to breastfeed for two full years (Qur'an 2:233). A nursing mother receives spiritual merit and exemption from fasting. The father must provide for her sustenance during nursing.
Breastfeeding: It is recommended to breastfeed for two full years (Qur'an 2:233). A nursing mother receives spiritual merit and exemption from fasting. The father must provide for her sustenance during nursing.
Old Age
🕊️ The Elderly Woman
Caring for elderly mothers is a supreme obligation. The Qur'an says: "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt." (17:23)
After menopause (sinn al-ya's), certain rulings regarding hijab are relaxed. The elderly woman who raised children in the worship of Allah will find them as a source of continuing rewards after her death.
After menopause (sinn al-ya's), certain rulings regarding hijab are relaxed. The elderly woman who raised children in the worship of Allah will find them as a source of continuing rewards after her death.
After Death
🌿 Ghusl, Kafan & Janazah
A deceased woman is given ghusl (ritual bath) by women only (her husband may also perform it). She is wrapped in a white kafan (shroud). Janazah Salah is prayed over her. She is buried with du'a. Her grave should not be raised high (Sunnah: raised one hand span).
Inheritance: A daughter receives half the share of a son, but Islam ensures she keeps all her inheritance — she has zero financial obligation in the household, unlike her brother who must provide for his family.
Inheritance: A daughter receives half the share of a son, but Islam ensures she keeps all her inheritance — she has zero financial obligation in the household, unlike her brother who must provide for his family.
Acts of Worship
صلاة المرأة
Salah (Prayer) for Women
A woman's Salah has specific positions and rulings. She prays the same number of rak'ahs as a man, but her posture is slightly different for modesty.
| Aspect | Man's Prayer | Woman's Prayer |
|---|---|---|
| Hands in Qiyam | Below the navel or on chest | Hands folded on chest (covering ʿawrah is priority) |
| Ruku (Bowing) | Back straight, arms spread | Slightly bent, arms close to body, fingers together |
| Sajdah (Prostration) | Elbows raised off ground, spread | Arms close to body, stomach resting on thighs, more compact |
| Sitting (Qa'dah) | Right foot upright, left flat, sitting on left | Both feet to the right, sitting on the left hip (tawarruk or iftirash) |
| Voice in Prayer | Loud recitation in Fajr, Maghrib, Isha (if in congregation) | Recites quietly in all prayers (her voice is not awrah but she prays softly) |
| Adhan & Iqamah | Obligatory for men in congregation | Not required; she may give Iqamah for women-only congregation |
| Attire | Must cover from navel to knee | Must cover entire body except face and hands (full jilbab + hijab) |
| Congregation | Jumu'ah & congregational prayer obligatory | Not obligatory; praying at home is more rewarding for her |
| Jumu'ah (Friday) | Fard (obligatory) | Not obligatory; she prays Dhuhr instead (though she may attend) |
| During Haidh/Nifas | N/A | Does NOT pray; prayers are NOT made up (unlike fasts) |
Additional Prayers
Sunnah & Nafl Prayers for Women
🌅 Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
Prayed in the last third of the night. Highly recommended for women. The Prophet ﷺ said Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night. 2–12 rak'ahs, ending with Witr. A woman who prays Tahajjud regularly is among the most spiritually elevated.
🌞 Ishraq & Duha
Ishraq: 2 rak'ahs after sunrise (15–20 min after). Duha: 2–12 rak'ahs in mid-morning (between sunrise and noon). The Prophet ﷺ said these equal the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah.
🕌 Awwabin Prayer
6 rak'ahs prayed after Maghrib. The Prophet ﷺ said those who pray them will have their sins forgiven even if they are as many as the foam of the sea. Excellent for women praying at home.
💧 Salat al-Wudu
2 rak'ahs after every wudu. The Prophet ﷺ heard Bilal's footsteps in Paradise — when asked why, Bilal said he prays 2 rak'ahs after every wudu. This simple Sunnah carries immense reward.
🌙 Tarawih in Ramadan
20 rak'ahs in Ramadan after Isha. Women may pray at the mosque or at home (praying at home is equally valid and praised). If praying alone, she recites at low volume. The entire Ramadan Tarawih at home earns the same night's reward.
🤲 Salat al-Hajah & Istikharah
Salat al-Hajah: 2 rak'ahs when in need, then make dua. Istikhara: 2 rak'ahs before a major decision, followed by the Istikhara dua. These are highly recommended for women facing life decisions (marriage, career, moving).
Supplications
أدعية المرأة المسلمة
Essential Duas for Muslim Women
These are powerful duas from the Qur'an and Sunnah especially relevant to the life of a Muslim woman — for marriage, children, strength, protection, and piety.
🤲 Dua for a Righteous Spouse & Children
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a'yunin waj'alna lil-muttaqina imama.
"Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous." – Surah Al-Furqan 25:74
🌸 Dua for Piety & Beauty of Character
اللَّهُمَّ أَحْسَنْتَ خَلْقِي فَأَحْسِنْ خُلُقِي
Allahumma ahsanta khalqi fa ahsin khuluqi.
"O Allah, just as You have made my external appearance beautiful, make my character beautiful too." — Hadith, Ibn Hibban. Recite while looking in the mirror.
🤰 Dua During Pregnancy
رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ
Rabbi la tadharni fardan wa anta khayrul warithin.
"My Lord, do not leave me alone [with no heir], while You are the best of inheritors." — Surah Al-Anbiya 21:89 (Dua of Zakariyya AS for righteous offspring)
👶 Dua at Birth of a Child
إِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
Inni u'idhuha bika wa dhurriyyataha min ash-shaytan ir-rajim.
"I seek refuge for her with You and [for] her descendants from the accursed Satan." — Surah Aal-Imran 3:36 (Dua of Maryam's mother)
💪 Dua for Strength & Patience
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
Rabbana afrigh 'alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wansurna 'alal qawmil kafirin.
"Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people." — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:250
🛡️ Dua for Protection of Family
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ
Rabbij'alni muqimas-salati wa min dhurriyyati, Rabbana wa taqabbal du'a.
"My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication." — Surah Ibrahim 14:40
💍 Dua Before Marriage / Seeking a Good Spouse
رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ
Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqir.
"My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need." — Surah Al-Qasas 28:24 (Dua of Musa AS; recite when in need of a good spouse or any provision)
🏠 Morning & Evening Protection Dua
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma'asmihi shay'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i wa huwas-sami'ul-'alim.
"In the name of Allah with Whose name nothing can cause harm in the earth or the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing." — Recite 3× morning and evening (Tirmidhi)
😢 Dua During Difficulty & Grief
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ ۞ اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Allahumma ajurni fi musibati wa akhlif li khayran minha.
"Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and replace it for me with something better." — Muslim
📿 Dua for Forgiveness (Sayyid al-Istighfar)
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, a'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bini'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa anta.
"O Allah, You are my Lord. None has the right to be worshipped except You. You created me and I am Your slave... forgive me, for none forgives sins but You." — Recite each morning and evening (Bukhari)
Islamic Law
أحكام المرأة في الشريعة
Shari'ah Rules for Women
Islam has detailed, compassionate rulings for every aspect of a woman's life. These are mercy from Allah, not restrictions.
Haidh (Menstruation): Natural monthly cycle. During this time:
Istihada (Irregular bleeding): Bleeding outside the normal cycle. The woman is considered pure (tahira) and must pray. She performs wudu before each salah.
Nifas (Post-natal bleeding): After childbirth, bleeding lasts up to 40 days (Hanafi: 40 days max). Same rules as haidh apply. If bleeding stops before 40 days, she performs ghusl and resumes prayer.
- Salah is NOT prayed and NOT made up afterwards
- Fasting is NOT done but MUST be made up later
- Touching the Mushaf (Qur'an) without cover is debated; reciting from memory is permissible
- Sexual intercourse is haram
- She may read dhikr, make dua, listen to Qur'an and remain in the masjid compound (not the prayer hall per Hanafi fiqh)
- After haidh ends: perform Ghusl (full ritual bath) before praying
Istihada (Irregular bleeding): Bleeding outside the normal cycle. The woman is considered pure (tahira) and must pray. She performs wudu before each salah.
Nifas (Post-natal bleeding): After childbirth, bleeding lasts up to 40 days (Hanafi: 40 days max). Same rules as haidh apply. If bleeding stops before 40 days, she performs ghusl and resumes prayer.
The awrah (parts that must be covered) of a free Muslim woman in front of non-mahram men is her entire body including hair, except the face and hands (Hanafi/Shafi'i position). Some scholars (Hanbali) require covering the face as well.
Conditions of Hijab according to scholars:
In front of mahram men: She may uncover what is normally visible (face, hair, arms, feet). In Salah, she must cover all except face and hands regardless.
Conditions of Hijab according to scholars:
- Must cover the awrah completely
- Must not be form-fitting or tight
- Must not be transparent
- Must not be adorned or decorated to attract attention
- Must not resemble men's clothing
- Must not resemble the dress of non-believers
- Must not be perfumed when going out
In front of mahram men: She may uncover what is normally visible (face, hair, arms, feet). In Salah, she must cover all except face and hands regardless.
Conditions for valid Nikah: Consent of the woman, presence of a Wali (male guardian), Mahr (dowry), two male witnesses, and public announcement (Ijab-Qabul).
Woman's Rights in Marriage:
Woman's Responsibilities in Marriage:
Woman's Rights in Marriage:
- Full Mahr (dowry) which is her exclusive property — husband has no right to it
- Complete maintenance (nafaqah): food, clothing, shelter
- Kind treatment and justice
- Right to sexual fulfilment
- Right to seek Khul' (divorce at her initiative by returning the mahr)
- Right to keep her own name and manage her own finances
- Right to refuse sharing a husband's home with his other wives if she stipulates so
Woman's Responsibilities in Marriage:
- Obedience to husband in permissible matters
- Not leaving home without his permission (unless for necessities)
- Protecting his honour, children, and property in his absence
- Not fasting voluntary fasts without his permission (Bukhari)
Types of Divorce Available to Women:
Iddah (Waiting Period):
Child Custody (Hadanah): The mother has priority for custody of young children (boys up to 7, girls up to puberty, Hanafi position). The father provides financial support regardless of who has custody.
- Talaq: Initiated by husband
- Khul': Woman initiates by returning the mahr; judge may grant without husband's consent
- Faskh: Court annulment due to harm, abandonment, impotence, or failure to maintain
Iddah (Waiting Period):
- After divorce: 3 full menstrual cycles (to confirm no pregnancy)
- After death of husband: 4 months and 10 days (Qur'an 2:234)
- If pregnant: until delivery of child
- During iddah: husband must provide housing and maintenance
Child Custody (Hadanah): The mother has priority for custody of young children (boys up to 7, girls up to puberty, Hanafi position). The father provides financial support regardless of who has custody.
Islam gave women the legal right to inherit — a revolutionary concept in 7th-century Arabia. Women inherit in multiple capacities:
The apparent "less" share is balanced by the fact that men bear ALL financial responsibility: mahr, maintenance of wife and children, care of parents — while the woman's inheritance is entirely hers with no obligations attached.
- Daughter: Half the share of a son (but she has zero financial obligation in the family, keeping all her wealth for herself)
- Wife: 1/8 of husband's estate if they have children; 1/4 if no children
- Mother: 1/6 or 1/3 of deceased child's estate
- Sister: Inherits in various proportions depending on other heirs
The apparent "less" share is balanced by the fact that men bear ALL financial responsibility: mahr, maintenance of wife and children, care of parents — while the woman's inheritance is entirely hers with no obligations attached.
- Women do not fast during haidh or nifas — they must make up these fasts later
- Pregnant women: if there is genuine fear of harm to herself or the baby, she may break the fast and make it up (some scholars also require fidyah)
- Nursing mothers: same ruling — she may postpone fasting with makeup
- Voluntary fasting: requires husband's permission while he is present at home (Bukhari)
- Elderly women unable to fast: pay fidyah (feeding a poor person for each missed day)
Hajj is obligatory for a woman if she has the means AND a mahram to accompany her.
Special rulings for women in Hajj:
Special rulings for women in Hajj:
- She does NOT shave her head — she cuts a fingertip's length of hair (taqsir)
- Her ihram is her regular clothes (no special garment) but she must not cover her face or hands during ihram (Hanafi: she may cover if non-mahram men are present)
- She does NOT run (raml) in tawaf or between Safa-Marwa
- She should perform tawaf in the outer rows to avoid contact with men
- If she is menstruating, she may not perform tawaf until purified; all other rites continue
- A mahram is required for travel beyond the miqat distance (Hanafi, Hanbali position)
Islam does not prohibit women from working, studying, or conducting business — with certain conditions:
Khadijah (RA) was one of the greatest businesswomen in Arabia. Aisha (RA) was a scholar and teacher. Women of the Sahaba generation worked as nurses, midwives, sellers, and landowners. Islam validates and encourages her intellectual and economic empowerment.
- The work environment must not involve khalwa (being alone with a non-mahram man)
- She must maintain her hijab and Islamic conduct
- It should not conflict with her primary responsibilities at home (if she has them)
- She should preferably seek husband's permission as a matter of mutual respect
Khadijah (RA) was one of the greatest businesswomen in Arabia. Aisha (RA) was a scholar and teacher. Women of the Sahaba generation worked as nurses, midwives, sellers, and landowners. Islam validates and encourages her intellectual and economic empowerment.
Riyad us Saliheen
أحاديث في فضل المرأة
Selected Hadith on Women
The following ahadith are from Riyad us Saliheen by Imam An-Nawawi, one of the most beloved Hadith collections in the Muslim world.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: اسْتَوْصُوا بِالنِّسَاءِ خَيْرًا
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women." He further said: "The woman has been created from a rib, and the most curved part of the rib is the uppermost. If you try to straighten it, you will break it; and if you leave it alone, it will remain curved. So act kindly towards women."
Riyad us Saliheen · Book 1 · Hadith 275 (Bukhari & Muslim)
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَجُلاً قَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، مَنْ أَحَقُّ النَّاسِ بِحُسْنِ صَحَابَتِي؟ قَالَ: أُمُّكَ
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: A man came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked: "Who among people is most deserving of my best companionship?" He said: "Your mother." The man asked: "Then who?" He replied: "Your mother." He asked: "Then who?" He replied: "Your mother." He asked again: "Then who?" He replied: "Your father."
Riyad us Saliheen · Book 1 · Hadith 316 (Bukhari & Muslim)
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِي
Aisha (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family."
Riyad us Saliheen · Book 11 · Hadith 278 (Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah)
قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ: مَنْ كَانَتْ لَهُ ثَلَاثُ بَنَاتٍ فَصَبَرَ عَلَيْهِنَّ وَأَطْعَمَهُنَّ وَسَقَاهُنَّ وَكَسَاهُنَّ مِنْ جِدَتِهِ كُنَّ لَهُ حِجَابًا مِنَ النَّارِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever has three daughters and is patient with them, and feeds them, gives them drink, and clothes them from his wealth — they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection."
Riyad us Saliheen · Book 10 · Hadith 261 (Ibn Majah)
قَالَ ﷺ: الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ وَخَيْرُ مَتَاعِ الدُّنْيَا الْمَرْأَةُ الصَّالِحَةُ
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The world is enjoyment, and the best enjoyment of the world is a righteous woman."
Riyad us Saliheen · Hadith 283 (Muslim)
قَالَ ﷺ: إِذَا صَلَّتِ الْمَرْأَةُ خَمْسَهَا وَصَامَتْ شَهْرَهَا وَحَفِظَتْ فَرْجَهَا وَأَطَاعَتْ زَوْجَهَا قِيلَ لَهَا: ادْخُلِي الْجَنَّةَ مِنْ أَيِّ أَبْوَابِ الْجَنَّةِ شِئْتِ
The Prophet ﷺ said: "If a woman prays her five prayers, fasts her month (Ramadan), guards her chastity, and obeys her husband — it will be said to her: Enter Paradise through whichever gate you wish."
Riyad us Saliheen · Hadith (Ahmad, Ibn Hibban)
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: مَا ضَرَبَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ بِيَدِهِ امْرَأَةً قَطُّ
Aisha (RA) said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ never struck a woman with his hand." He used to say: "How can one of you beat his wife like a slave, and then embrace her at the end of the day?"
Riyad us Saliheen · (Bukhari, Muslim)
وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ
"And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable."
Surah Al-Baqarah · 2:228
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Deeds
فضائل الأعمال للمرأة
Virtues for Women from Fazail-e-Amal
Fazail-e-Amal by Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi is a treasure of motivational Hadith. The following are selected narrations relevant to women.
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Salah
"A woman's prayer in her inner room is better than her prayer in her outer room, and her prayer in her house is better than her prayer in the mosque." The Prophet ﷺ thereby honoured the woman's home as her sacred sanctuary of worship.
Fazail-e-Amal · Abu Dawud, Ahmad
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Qur'an
"The best among you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." This applies to women equally. Women in the time of the Prophet ﷺ actively memorised the Qur'an and taught it. Hafizah (female Hafiz) of the Qur'an holds an exalted rank on the Day of Judgement.
Fazail-e-Amal · Bukhari
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Dhikr
"The one who remembers Allah and the one who does not are like the living and the dead." Shaykh Zakariyya beautifully explains that a woman engaged in household chores may turn every moment into worship through the tongue of dhikr — SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar — filling her home with the light of Allah's remembrance.
Fazail-e-Amal · Bukhari, Muslim
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Ramadan
"Whoever fasts in Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." The woman who fasts, prays, recites Qur'an, and engages in I'tikaf (even at home) in Ramadan earns this immense reward. Her acts of worship during the days she cannot fast (due to haidh) are still rewardable through dhikr and dua.
Fazail-e-Amal · Bukhari, Muslim
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Tabligh & Dawah
The women of the Sahaba participated in the mission of Islam. Mothers who raise children upon Deen are the greatest agents of da'wah. Shaykh Zakariyya writes that a woman who instils love of Allah and His Prophet ﷺ in her children has served Islam more profoundly than those who merely preach from pulpits.
Fazail-e-Amal · Teachings of the Sahaba
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Sadaqah
"O women! Give charity, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of Hell." They asked: "Why, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "Because you are ungrateful and ungrateful to your husbands." The Prophet ﷺ advised women strongly to give sadaqah and to be grateful — warning against the small sins of the tongue and ingratitude that accumulate.
Fazail-e-Amal · Bukhari
Fazail-e-Amal · Virtues of Hajj
The Prophet ﷺ was asked: "What is the Jihad of women?" He replied: "Hajj Mabrur." (Bukhari) Shaykh Zakariyya explains that the woman's Hajj is her greatest spiritual jihad — performed with sincerity, patience, and worship, it wipes away all past sins and returns her like a newborn.
Fazail-e-Amal · Bukhari
Icons of Islamic History
أعظم النساء في الإسلام
The Greatest Women in Islam
These blessed women are our role models — their lives are a complete guide to faith, resilience, love, and worship.
خ
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA)
Mother of Believers · First Muslim
The first to accept Islam. A successful businesswoman, devoted wife, and tower of strength for the Prophet ﷺ. She was given Salaam by Allah through Jibreel. The Prophet ﷺ never ceased to love and praise her throughout his life.
ع
Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA)
Mother of Believers · Scholar of Islam
The greatest female scholar in Islamic history. One-quarter of the Sunnah is traced through her. She taught thousands of companions, gave legal verdicts, and corrected scholarly errors. The Prophet ﷺ called her the most beloved to him of all people.
ف
Fatimah Az-Zahra (RA)
Daughter of the Prophet ﷺ · Leader of Women of Paradise
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fatimah is a part of me." She is the leader of the women of Paradise (along with Khadijah, Maryam, and Asiyah). Her patience during poverty, her worship, and her love for her father are among the greatest examples in Islamic history.
م
Maryam bint Imran (AS)
The Chosen One · Purest of All Women
The only woman mentioned by name in the Qur'an (34 times). Allah chose her above all women of all time. She was given miraculous sustenance, bore Isa AS without a father, and never wavered in her faith. A full Surah (19) bears her name.
أ
Asiyah bint Muzahim (RA)
Wife of Pharaoh · Queen of the Believers
Married to the most powerful tyrant in history (Fir'awn), yet she chose Allah. She asked Allah to build her a house near Him in Paradise. Tortured to death for her faith, she is mentioned in the Qur'an as one of the four greatest women ever created.
س
Sumayyah bint Khayyat (RA)
First Martyr (Shaheed) of Islam
The very first martyr in the history of Islam — a woman. Tortured mercilessly by Abu Jahl and killed for refusing to renounce her faith. The Prophet ﷺ promised her Paradise. Her sacrifice laid the foundation of the Muslim Ummah.
ن
Nusaybah bint Ka'b (RA)
Warrior & Companion
A female Sahabi who fought to protect the Prophet ﷺ in the Battle of Uhud when many fled. She received 12 wounds. The Prophet ﷺ said he saw her fighting on his left and his right. A symbol of courageous devotion for Muslim women of all times.
ر
Rabia al-Adawiyya
Mystic Saint · The Love of Allah
The great 8th-century Sufi saint of Basra. She lived entirely for the love of Allah, saying: "O Allah, if I worship You out of fear of Hell, burn me in it; if I worship You for Paradise, deprive me of it — but if I worship You for Your own sake, do not deny me Your Beauty."
Justice & Dignity
حقوق المرأة في الإسلام
Rights of Women in Islam
100%
Financial Independence
All wealth she earns or inherits belongs entirely to her. No obligation to share it with husband or family.
✓
Contract Rights
She can enter contracts, buy and sell property, start a business, and sue in court in her own name.
✓
Right to Education
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." This includes women. Aisha (RA) was a doctor, poet, and jurist.
✓
Consent in Marriage
No woman can be forced into marriage. Her explicit or implicit consent is a prerequisite for a valid nikah.
✓
Right to Divorce (Khul')
If a woman cannot live with her husband, she has the God-given right to seek separation through khul' or faskh.
✓
Protection from Harm
The Shari'ah strictly forbids domestic violence. A husband who harms his wife violates Islamic law and must face legal consequences.
✓
Right to Maintenance
A wife is entitled to full maintenance (nafaqah): housing, food, clothing — even if she is wealthier than her husband.
✓
Religious Equality
Men and women are spiritually equal before Allah. Their faith, prayer, and deeds carry identical divine weight and reward.
Modesty & Identity
الحجاب والحشمة
Hijab – The Crown of a Muslim Woman
Hijab is not oppression — it is liberation from the gaze of men and submission to the command of Allah. It is worn with pride, conviction, and beauty.
📖 The Qur'anic Command
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their adornment except that which appears thereof..." — Surah An-Nur 24:31
🧕 The Meaning of Hijab
Hijab means more than a headscarf. It is a comprehensive system of modesty covering:
• Dress (covering the awrah)
• Gaze (lowering the eyes)
• Speech (avoiding flirtation)
• Movement (walking with dignity)
• Character (carrying Islamic values within)
The word "hijab" itself means a veil, barrier, or screen — protecting the priceless gem of a believer's honour.
• Dress (covering the awrah)
• Gaze (lowering the eyes)
• Speech (avoiding flirtation)
• Movement (walking with dignity)
• Character (carrying Islamic values within)
The word "hijab" itself means a veil, barrier, or screen — protecting the priceless gem of a believer's honour.
💎 Hijab is Her Crown
The Prophet ﷺ said about women of the end times who abandon hijab: "They will be clothed yet naked, walking with a sway, their heads like the humps of lean camels. They will not enter Paradise, nor smell its fragrance." (Muslim)
Conversely, the woman who wears hijab for the sake of Allah is among the most beloved to Him. She announces her identity, her faith, and her dignity with every step she takes.
Conversely, the woman who wears hijab for the sake of Allah is among the most beloved to Him. She announces her identity, her faith, and her dignity with every step she takes.
Sacred Bond
الزواج والبيت الإسلامي
Marriage & the Islamic Home
The Muslim home is a piece of Paradise on earth when built on Taqwa. Marriage is described in the Qur'an as a sign (ayah) of Allah's wisdom and mercy.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً
"And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy."
Surah Ar-Rum · 30:21
The Ideal Muslim Wife
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Shall I not tell you about your women who will be in Paradise? The loving, the child-bearing, the one who returns to her husband [in reconciliation], the one who, if she is harmed or harms, comes and places her hand in her husband's hand and says: 'By Allah, I will not sleep until you are pleased with me.'" (An-Nasa'i)
Characteristics of a Wife of Jannah
The Ideal Muslim Husband
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives." He mended his own clothes, milked his goats, and helped with household work. He never struck a woman in his life and spent quality time with his wives.
Tirmidhi · Bukhari
Steps of a Valid Islamic Nikah
Choosing a Pious Spouse
Both parties seek someone of deen and character. The Prophet ﷺ said: "When someone whose religion and character you approve of comes to you proposing marriage, then marry him." (Tirmidhi)
Istikhara Prayer
Pray 2 rak'ahs of Istikhara before making the decision. Ask Allah to guide you if this is good for your deen, dunya, and akhirah — and to turn it away from you if it is harmful.
The Wali (Guardian)
The woman's father or male guardian must be present and give consent. A nikah without a wali is invalid according to the majority of scholars (Hadith: Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud).
Mahr (Dowry)
The mahr is the groom's gift to the bride — it is her exclusive property, mandatory, and should be paid. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best mahr is the most affordable." (Ibn Majah)
Two Witnesses
At least two adult, sane, Muslim witnesses must be present. Imam Abu Hanifa holds that two female witnesses may substitute for one male witness.
Khutbah & Ijab-Qabul
A short sermon (Khutbah Nikah) is delivered. The groom offers (Ijab) and the bride or her wali accepts (Qabul). Walimah (feast) is Sunnah afterwards — even if just a simple meal.
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire."
Surah Al-Baqarah · 2:201 · The Dua of Every Believing Woman