Islam elevated the status of women at a time when baby girls were being buried alive and women were treated as property. The Quran and the Prophet ﷺ gave women rights that the modern world only began recognizing centuries later — the right to education, the right to own property, the right to choose a husband, the right to inherit, and the right to divorce. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.' (Sunan Ibn Majah). This includes women. The Prophet ﷺ also said: 'Whoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not prefer his son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise.' (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hasan) Let us look at some of the greatest women in Islamic history: 1. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA): The first wife of the Prophet ﷺ and the first to accept Islam. She was a successful businesswoman and supported the Prophet with her wealth and wisdom. She is one of the four best women of Paradise. 2. Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA): The Prophet's wife and one of the greatest scholars of Islam. She narrated over 2,000 hadiths and was consulted by the greatest companions on religious matters. She said: 'The Prophet's character was the Quran.' She taught both men and women and was a brilliant jurist. 3. Fatima bint Muhammad (RA): The Prophet's beloved daughter. She was known for her piety, worship, and generosity. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Fatima is a part of me, and whoever angers her angers me.' (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim). She is one of the four best women of Paradise. 4. Maryam bint Imran (Mary): The mother of Prophet Isa (AS). She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran and has an entire Surah named after her (Surah Maryam). Allah chose her above all women of her time. 5. Asiya bint Muzahim: The wife of Pharaoh who believed in Allah despite her husband's tyranny. She raised Prophet Musa (AS). Her du'a is recorded in the Quran: 'My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise.' (Surah At-Tahrim 66:11). She is one of the four best women of Paradise. 6. Sumayya bint Khayyat (RA): The first martyr in Islam. She was tortured to death by Abu Jahl for refusing to renounce her faith. Her son Ammar and husband Yasir were also among the first Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ passed by them and said: 'Patience, O family of Yasir, for your meeting place is Paradise.' 7. Nusayba bint Ka'b (RA): A female warrior who fought alongside the Prophet ﷺ at the Battle of Uhud. She protected the Prophet with her shield and sword, sustaining many wounds. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Wherever I turned, I saw Nusayba fighting.' These women show that Islam honors women and gives them the opportunity to be scholars, businesswomen, warriors, mothers, and leaders. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of you is the one who is best to his wife.' (Sunan at-Tirmidhi). He himself was the best to his wives, helping with household chores and treating them with gentleness.

• 1.Who are the four best women of Paradise?
• 2.How many hadiths did Aisha (RA) narrate?
• 3.Who was the first martyr in Islam?
• 4.What rights did Islam give women 1400 years ago?
• 5.How did Nusayba (RA) show courage at the Battle of Uhud?
• 6.What does the Quran say about men and women earning their share?
• 7.Who is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran?