Reflecting on Women’s History with Two of Islam’s Trailblazing Figures

In honor of Women’s History Month, AMT is highlighting two prominent women in Islam who are universally recognized in Islam as playing critically important roles in the spread of Islam and who simultaneously made a lasting impression on humanity. 

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid 

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. She was born in Mecca around 555 CE and came from a wealthy and influential family. Khadijah was a successful businesswoman in her own right and employed the future prophet, who was known to be illiterate, in her trading business. A widow, she would later marry him - a marriage that lasted for 25 years until her death in 619 CE. 

Philosophy and Religion professor at the University of North Texas, Dr. Aminah Chowdhry, discusses the significance of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife and her contribution to history.

“When we talk about women empowerment, when we talk about women making their own identity, we always talk about [Khadijah] building her identity as a powerful woman and as a businesswoman of Mecca,” said Chowdhry. “In a society where women were being sold and bought, where women were slaves, where women did not have any status at all, and in that society, she held her place.” 

Khadijah played a significant role in the early development of Islam. She was the first to believe in the prophet’s message of monotheism and prophethood. When Muhammad reported his first revelation from the Angel Jibril (Gabriel), Khadija was the first person to accept Al-Haqq The Truth - Islam. 

She is also credited with providing him with emotional and financial support during the difficult early years of his mission. He regarded her as a trusted confidante and praised her for her virtues, including her intelligence, faith and loyalty. Khadijah is considered an important figure in Islamic history and is often cited as an example of a strong and independent Muslim woman. Her memory is commemorated by Muslims worldwide, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of Muslims.

Aisha bint Abu Bakr 

The third and final wife of Prophet Muhammad, Aisha bint Abu Bakr was known for her intelligence. Aisha had extensive knowledge of various subjects and often gave lectures. 

“She became the teacher of the new Muslim nation,” said Chowdhry. “In those times, in the Christian world or Jewish world, you do not see any women teachers, especially in the field of religion. If you go into the history of the Christian world, you see women being asked to stay quiet in church. She's teaching both men and women with her knowledge.” 

Aisha was the youngest wife of the Prophet Muhammad and one of his most beloved wives. She was the daughter of Abu Bakr, one of the closest companions of the Prophet, and the man who became his successor as the first Caliph upon his death. 

Aisha played an important role in early Islamic history, both as a wife of the Prophet and as a scholar and leader in her own right. She is known for her intelligence, knowledge, and political acumen, and was a respected figure in the early Muslim community. 

Chowdhry, who also teaches at the East Plano mosque, EPIC, says after  Prophet Muhammad died, Aisha became an important source of hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet). Her teachings and opinions were widely sought after by scholars and students of Islam. The over 2000 hadiths she narrated are about the Prophet’s personal life, and how one should behave in marriage and act in their home. Chowdhry adds that one-third of the religion is attributed to Aisha due to her contributions to teaching and knowledge. 

She played an active role in the political and social life of the Muslim community and was involved in several important events and conflicts, including the Battle of the Camel. 

Aisha died in the year 678 CE and is buried in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. She is remembered as one of the most important and influential women in Islamic history, and her legacy continues to inspire Muslims around the world.

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