Ladies, let’s get real for a second. Ever felt like society treats you like an afterthought? Like your opinions don’t matter, your achievements are downplayed, and your worth is measured by how well you make biryani? Well, buckle up, because the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) wasn’t having ANY of that. He championed women’s rights long before hashtags and viral campaigns were a thing.
Still skeptical? Let’s dive into five mind-blowing moments when the Prophet (ﷺ) reminded women exactly how powerful, valuable, and respected they are. (Spoiler alert: If you haven’t been hyping yourself up lately, that’s about to change.)
1. When He Literally Stopped a War for Women’s Rights
Imagine this: A bunch of powerful men are sitting in a room, trying to draft the first-ever written constitution in history (aka the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah). Things get heated. The Muslims feel cheated. Everyone’s on edge. And then who saves the day? Umm Salamah (RA), the Prophet’s wife.
When the treaty seemed unfair and the men were too angry to think straight, Umm Salamah (RA) gave the Prophet (ﷺ) a game-changing strategy. He took her advice, AND IT WORKED. If the greatest leader in history relied on a woman’s wisdom to make major political moves, you better believe your voice matters.
2. When He Made Education for Women Non-Negotiable
No, sis, your education is not a “bonus” or a “Western concept.” The Prophet (ﷺ) literally said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah, 224). Notice how he didn’t say “only for men”? Yeah, let that sink in.
Women in the Prophet’s time weren’t just sitting in the background; they were scholars, businesswomen, and warriors. Aisha (RA) was one of the greatest Islamic jurists ever. So the next time someone tells you that you don’t need to learn more, kindly remind them that Islam disagrees.
3. When He Told Men to Respect Women (Or Else)
Ever heard a khutbah that’s just one long rant about how women should behave? Cool. Now let’s flip the script. The Prophet (ﷺ) straight-up said, “The best of you are those who are best to their women” (Tirmidhi, 1162). Not “the best of you are those who memorize the most hadith” or “the best of you are those who have the longest beards.” Nope. The best are those who treat women with kindness, respect, and love.
If the man in your life isn’t treating you with the dignity you deserve, Islam is on YOUR side, not his.
4. When He Gave Women the Right to Say “No” (Louder for the People in the Back!)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been guilt-tripped into something just because “that’s how it’s done.” Well, the Prophet (ﷺ) made it clear that a woman’s consent is a BIG DEAL. A young woman once came to him and said, “My father married me to a man without my consent.” You know what the Prophet did? He gave her the choice to annul the marriage (Abu Dawood, 2096).
Translation: Your voice matters. Your choices matter. And no one, not culture, not pressure, not that auntie who thinks she knows better, gets to make life-altering decisions for you.
5. When He Turned Housework Into an Act of Worship (Yes, Really!)
We know the struggle. Society expects women to do EVERYTHING at home and still look flawless doing it. But here’s the thing: The Prophet (ﷺ) helped around the house. Aisha (RA) was asked what he did at home, and she said, “He used to serve his family” (Bukhari, 676). The leader of an entire nation, the most beloved man in history, was out here washing dishes and fixing his own shoes.
So, if your husband, brother, or dad thinks housework is “women’s duty,” kindly introduce them to the sunnah.
Bonus: Want to Follow the Sunnah AND Simplify Your Life?
Speaking of housework, let’s talk about making it easier. If you’re tired of spending hours scrubbing floors and washing dishes, check out [insert product recommendation here], because saving time means more hours for ibadah, self-care, and literally anything else that sparks joy.
What Now? Your Turn!
Which of these moments inspired you the most? Have you ever used one of these hadiths to shut down outdated expectations? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
And if you found this article helpful, share it with a friend who needs a reminder of how Islam values women. Because sis, your worth is undeniable, and it’s about time the world knows it.