The Quran, the holy book of Islam, reverberates with the names of countless figures, both male and female. Among them, several women are mentioned as paragons of virtue, faith, and courage, their stories serving as timeless examples for humanity. While the Quran doesn’t mention many women by name, those who are named hold a distinguished place, not only in the religious texts but also in the hearts of millions.
This article at Sabil Al-Quran explores Who is the Only Woman Mentioned in the Quran and the other women who have been mentioned in the Quran, focusing on their purity, virtue, and crucial roles in shaping the divine narrative. Additionally, we address important topics such as Can a Woman Stop Wearing Hijab, what the Quran Says About Women, and how to Learn Quran Easily to deepen your understanding of Islamic teachings.
The Only Woman Mentioned in the Quran
We can categorize the women mentioned in the Quran as follows:
- Women Mentioned by Name: These are the women who are directly mentioned in the Quran, such as Lady Maryam (Virgin Mary), who is celebrated for her purity and divine role as the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus).
- Women Referenced in the Quran: These women are not mentioned by name, but their stories and actions are referenced in the Quran. For example, Lady Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh, who is presented as a model of faith and piety despite her challenging circumstances.
1. Maryam (Mary): The Chosen One
Maryam (Mary) is the only woman in the Quran who is mentioned by name. Her mention is a testament to her high status and virtuous character, holding a unique position in both Islamic and Christian traditions. The Quran describes her as a woman of immense purity and faith, chosen by Allah above the women of the world.
The Quranic verse:
وَ إِذْ قالَتِ الْمَلائِكَةُ يا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفاكِ وَ طَهَّرَكِ وَ اصْطَفاكِ عَلى نِساءِ الْعالَمين
“And when the angels said: O Marium! Surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the world.”
This verse not only highlights her purity but also her selection by Allah, signifying her as a role model for all believers. Her life, marked by devotion and obedience to Allah, was full of extraordinary events, including the miraculous birth of her son, Isa (Jesus).
2. The Four Superior Women of Heaven
The Quran describes four women as the most superior in Paradise. These women are revered for their faith and virtuous lives:
افضل نساء اهل الجنة خديجة بنت خويلد، و فاطمة بنت محمد (ص)، و مريم بنت عمران، و آسيه بنت مزاحم، امرأة فرعون!
“The most superior women of Heaven are: Khadijah, the daughter of Khuwaylid; Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household); Maryam (Mary), the daughter of Imran, and Asiyah, the daughter of Muzahim, the wife of Pharaoh.”
(Narrated by al-Tabarani)
These four women are considered the epitome of virtue, devotion, and sacrifice, each having played pivotal roles in the history of Islam.
3. Lady Asiyah: A Beacon of Faith
Another revered woman in the Quran is Lady Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh. She is considered one of the greatest examples of piety and faith, especially in the face of unimaginable adversity. Asiyah is mentioned in the Quran as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and oppression. When Pharaoh’s cruelty reached its peak, she prayed to Allah for refuge:
وَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ امْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ إِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ابْنِ لىِ عِندَكَ بَيْتًا فِى الْجَنَّةِ وَ نجِّنىِ مِن فِرْعَوْنَ وَ عَمَلِهِ وَ نجِّنىِ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّـٰلِمِينَ
“Allah sets forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, ‘My Lord! Build me a home near You in Paradise, and deliver me from Pharaoh and his conduct, and deliver me from the wrongdoing lot.'”
Her supplication and unwavering faith in Allah despite her oppressive environment have made her a model of strength and perseverance for believers.
4. Fatimah (رضي الله عنها): The Daughter of the Prophet
Fatimah bint Muhammad, the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is another prominent figure in the Quran. While she is not directly mentioned by name in the Quran, many verses are interpreted to refer to her. One of the key events involving Fatimah is the incident of Mubahela, where she, along with the Prophet’s family, was included as a representative of the Ahlul Bayt (the family of the Prophet) during a public challenge against a Christian delegation.
فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَ أَبْنَاءَكمُْ وَ نِسَاءَنَا وَ نِسَاءَكُمْ وَ أَنفُسَنَا وَ أَنفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلىَ الْكَذِبِين
“If anyone disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge has come to thee, say: ‘Come! Let us gather together—our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!'”
Fatimah’s inclusion in this divine event highlights her elevated status and the pivotal role she played in defending the message of Islam.
5. Khadijah (رضي الله عنها): The Supporter of Islam
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is known for her immense contribution to the early years of Islam. She was not only the Prophet’s wife but also his first and most devoted supporter. Khadijah’s wealth and status were pivotal in the early propagation of Islam. The Quran mentions her in the context of the blessings Allah bestowed upon the Prophet:
وَ وَجَدَكَ عَائِلاً فَأَغْنَى
“Did He not find you needy, and enrich you?”
This verse refers to the support Khadijah provided, which played a crucial role in the establishment of the early Muslim community.
6. The Women Who Saved Musa (Moses)
The story of Musa (Moses) also involves three significant women: his mother, his sister, and the wife of Pharaoh. Each of these women played a crucial role in Moses’ survival and upbringing, defying the oppressive political systems of their time to protect the future prophet.
The Mother of Musa
وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَرْضِعِيهِ ۖ فَإِذَا خِفْتِ عَلَيْهِ فَأَلْقِيهِ فِي الْيَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِي وَلَا تَحْزَنِي ۖ إِنَّا رَادُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
“We revealed to Moses’ mother, saying: ‘Nurse him; then, when you fear for him, cast him into the river, and do not fear or grieve, for We will restore him to you and make him one of the apostles.'”
The Sister of Musa
وَقَالَتْ لِأُخْتِهِ قُصِّيهِ ۖ فَبَصُرَتْ بِهِ عَن جُنُبٍ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
“And his sister said, ‘Shall I direct you to a household that will nurse him for you and take care of him?'”
Asiyah, the Wife of Pharaoh
وَقَالَتِ امْرَأَتُ فِرْعَوْنَ قُرَّتُ عَيْنٍ لِّي وَلَكَ ۖ لَا تَقْتُلُوهُ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
“Pharaoh’s wife said: ‘[This infant will be] a source of comfort to me and to you. Do not kill him. Maybe he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son.'”
These three women, each in their own way, played pivotal roles in Moses’ life, ensuring his survival and future mission.
Conclusion
The Quran presents a diverse spectrum of women, each embodying unique attributes of faith, courage, and sacrifice. From the purity of Maryam to the steadfastness of Asiyah, from the supportive roles of Khadijah and Fatimah to the instrumental actions of the women in the life of Musa, these figures transcend time and serve as inspirational beacons for believers. Their stories are not just historical accounts but serve as moral and spiritual lessons, urging every Muslim to emulate their virtues in faith, strength, and piety.
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