Introduction
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, has a central position in the lives and faith of Muslims worldwide. It is a source of inspiration, guidance, and moral principles for millions of people. Women have a significant and respected position in Islamic culture and traditions, as evidenced by the stories of many remarkable women in the Quran. In Islamic belief, Hazrat Hawa (RA), also known as Eve, is recognized as the world’s first woman. Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the last Prophet of Islam, had 11 wives, each of whom is esteemed as a Mother of the Believers (Ummu l-Muminin).
Also, read this Prophets and Messengers in Islam.
The Quran mentions many important women who play a significant role in the stories of the Quran and teach valuable lessons about morality, history, and faith. Among these women, well-known figures like Hazrat Maryam (RA) (mother of Isa (Jesus)), Hazrat Imran’s wife, and the Queen of Sheba stand out, highly regarded for their wisdom, courage, and devotion to Allah Almighty.
Society respects these women for their significant contributions and their roles in shaping Islamic culture and tradition. The Quran values women’s rights and societal roles and accords them with great respect, as evident in the narratives about these women.
So We cautioned, “O Adam! This is surely an enemy to you and to your wife. So do not let him drive you both out of Paradise, for you, O Adam would then suffer hardship. [Surah Taha verse 117]
Wives of Hazrat Noah (AS) and Hazrat Lut (AS)
Hazrat Noah’s wife’s name was” Amzura,” while Hazrat Lot’s wife’s name was” Waila.” In Islam, both women served similar purposes. In the Quran, Allah Almighty mentions both of them,
Allah sets forth an example for the disbelievers: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. Each was married to one of Our righteous servants, yet betrayed them. So their husbands were of no benefit to them against Allah whatsoever. Both were told, “Enter the Fire, along with the others!” [Surah Tahrim verse 10]
Read our other important blog, Rights, and Responsibilities of a Wife in Islam.
Daughters of Hazrat Lut (AS)
The Quran and Hadith mention that Hazrat Lut (AS) had two daughters, although their names are not mentioned. According to the narrative, Hazrat Lot (AS) offered his daughters for lawful marriage. He explained the reason for the Sodomites’ refusal to accept his offer in different ways, one of which was the requirement for potential suitors to first convert to his religion. Hazrat Lot (AS) recounted the story of his offer in the Quran, where he mentioned offering his daughters to the people of Sodom.
He said, “O my people! Here are my daughters, so marry them if you wish to do so.” [Surah Al-Hijr verse 71]
They argued, “You certainly know that we have no need for your daughters. You already know what we desire!” [Surah Hud verse 79]
Wife of Hazrat Abraham (AS)
Hazrat Sarah was the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and the mother of Hazrat Isaac (AS). She is mentioned in the Quran as one of the women who accepted Tawheed from Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). While in Egypt, Sarah faced a tyrannical king who made inappropriate advances towards her. To protect her purity, Sarah prayed to Allah (SWT), who accepted her prayer and safeguarded her from the king’s wicked intentions. As a gesture of goodwill, the king gave Hajar as a gift to Sarah, who then presented her to Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).
And his wife was standing by, so she laughed, and then We gave her the good news of the birth of Isaac and, after him, Jacob. She wondered, “Oh, my! How can I have a child in this old age, and my husband here is an old man? This is truly an astonishing thing!” [Surah Hud verse 71-72]
Aziz’s Wife (Zulaykha) and the Ladies
Zulaikha was the wife of Aziz, who was the Prime Minister of Egypt. Aziz had bought Hazrat Yusuf (AS) as a slave. Hazrat Yusuf was known for his exceptional good looks. Once, Zulaikha invited some noble ladies, gave them fruit and knives, and asked them to cut the fruit when Hazrat Yusuf (AS) entered. However, Hazrat Yusuf’s striking appearance captivated them so much that they ended up cutting their fingers instead. Later, Zulaikha turned to Allah (SWT). While some see her as representing sin and lust, others view her as a symbol of the soul’s longing for Allah Almighty.
And the lady in whose house he lived tried to seduce him. She locked the doors firmly and said, “Come to me!” He replied, “Allah is my refuge! It is not right to betray my master, who has taken good care of me. Indeed, the wrongdoers never succeed.” [Surah Yusuf verse 23]
Mother and Sister of Hazrat Moses (AS)
Hazrat Moses’s mother is the only woman in the Quran to receive divine inspiration. Allah Almighty states this in the Quran:
We inspired the mother of Moses: “Nurse him, but when you fear for him, put him then into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will certainly return him to you, and make him one of the messengers.” [Surah Al-Qasas verse 7]
Hazrat Moses (AS) Sister Mentioned in the Quran
Hazrat Moses’s mother is the only woman in the Quran to receive divine inspiration. Allah Almighty states this in the Quran:
We had caused him to refuse all wet nurses at first, so his sister suggested, “Shall I direct you to a family who will bring him up for you and take good care of him?” [Surah Al-Qasas verse 12]
Wife of Hazrat Moses (AS)
The wife of Hazrat Moses (AS) was named ”Safura”. She was the daughter of a Midianite flock herder whom Hazrat Moses (AS) met before he became a Prophet. Hazrat Moses (AS) agreed to work for the Midianites for eight to ten years in exchange for the privilege of marrying Safura.
One of the two daughters suggested, “O my dear father! Hire him. A strong, trustworthy person is definitely the best to hire.” [Surah Al-Qasas Ayat 26]
Moses’s wife is also mentioned in the Quran [surah Al-Qasas, verses (23–27)]
The wife of Pharaoh
The Pharaoh’s wife, known as ”Asiyah” in some traditions, played a significant role in shaping Hazrat Moses’s life as his foster mother.
Pharaoh’s wife said to him, “This baby is a source of joy for me and you. Do not kill him. Perhaps he may be useful to us or we may adopt him as a son.” They were unaware of what was to come. [Surah Al-Qasas verse 9]
The woman in the Quran, one Asiya, also in another place in the Quran, is mentioned in [Surah At-Tahrim verse 11]
The Queen of Sheba (Bilqis)
The Queen of Sheba, also known as ”Bilqis”, was a powerful ruler who governed her people and engaged in political negotiations during the Jahiliyya period.
Bilqis, one of the Women mentioned in the Quran, Allah Almighty, says in this verse surah Al-Naml, verse (22–44) about The Queen of Sheba.
Wife of Hazrat Imran (AS)
In the Quran, the mother of the mother of Jesus (Isa) (and consequently Isa’s grandmother) remains unnamed but is referenced in two passages within the narratives section as the wife of Hazrat Imran (AS). The wife Of Imran is mentioned in the Quran in these verses of Quran [Surah Al Imran, verses (35–36)]
Hazrat Maryam (AS)
Hazrat Maryam (AS), the mother of Jesus (Isa), is the only woman identified by name in the Quran and is described as the greatest woman of all time.
And (remember) her who protected her private part (that is, Maryam). So, We blew in her (a life) through Our Spirit and made her and her son (‘Īsā X) a sign for all the worlds. [Surah Al-Anbya Ayat 91]
Wives of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
The wives of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUM):
- Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA)
- Hazrat Sawdah bint Zamah ibn Qays (RA)
- Hazrat Aishah bint Abi Bakr al-Siddiq (RA)
- Hazrat Hafsah bint Umar (RA)
- Hazrat Zaynab bint Khuzaymah (RA)
- Hazrat Umm Salamah bint Abi Umayyah (RA)
- Hazrat Juwayriyah bint al-Harith (RA)
- Hazrat Zaynab bint Jahsh (RA)
- Hazrat Umm Habibah bint Abi Sufyan (RA)
- Hazrat Maymunah bint al-Harith (RA)
- Hazrat Safiyyah bint Huyayy ibn Akhtab (RA)
The mother of the Believer is also included in the woman of the Quran.
Visit our blog titled Role of Hazrat Abu Bakr in Islamic History.
Also Read our interesting blog about the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Life.
The Prophet has a stronger affinity to the believers than they do themselves. And his wives are their mothers. As ordained by Allah, blood relatives are more entitled to inheritance˺ than other believers and immigrants unless you want to show kindness to your close associates through bequest˺. This is decreed in the Record. [Surah Al- Ahzab verse 6]
Daughters of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
There are 4 daughters of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Hazrat Fatima (RA)
- Hazrat Ruqayya (RA)
- Hazrat Umm Kulthum(RA)
- Hazrat Zaynab (RA)
Daughters of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are also mentioned in the Quran surah Al-Ahzab verse 59.
The Woman Who Complained to Almighty about Her Husband
Khawlah bint Thalaba complained to Allah Almighty about her husband Aus ibn As-Samit about Az-Zihar. Khawlah is one of the women in the Quran about what Allah says in surah Al-Mujadila.
The Woman who Untwisted Her Spun Thread after it was Strong
The Quran mentions the woman who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong surah An-Nahl verse 92.
Who was the Wife of Abu Lahab
The wife of Abu Lahab was the sister of Abu Sufyan. Although the Quran mentions Lahab’s wife in Surah Al-Masad, her name is not specified. However, according to Hadith, her name is “Umm Jamil bint Harb“.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Holy Quran mentions Al-Mara’a (Woman) 24 times. While the Quran does not name any woman except Hazrat Maryum (AS) directly, women play a role in many of its stories.
An-Nisa’ (The Women) is the fourth chapter (surah) of the Quran, with 176 verses (ayat). The title derives from the numerous references to women throughout the chapter.
It was narrated from Hazrat Mu’awiyah bin Jahimah As-Sulami that Jahimah came to the Prophet (SAW) and said:
“O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad), and I have come to ask for your advice.” He said: “Do you have a mother?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 3104)
Hazrat Maryam (RA), the mother of Hazrat Isa (Jesus), is amongst the most important women in the Quran. However, she is the only one identified by name. She is described as one of the Quran’s greatest women.
In our other blog, we discuss the concept of Jihaad.
Conclusion
In essence, the Quran unfolds narratives of influential women such as Hazrat Hawa (RA), Maryam (RA), and others, illustrating their vital roles in shaping moral and historical dimensions within Islamic traditions. These women serve as exemplars, emphasizing the Quran’s profound recognition of women’s rights, societal contributions, and the enduring respect they hold. Through their stories, the Quran underscores the integral place women occupy in the fabric of Islamic teachings, leaving an indelible mark on the faith’s rich tapestry.
