Quran for females
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is considered a universal guide for all Muslims, regardless of gender. However, there are specific verses and teachings that address women’s roles, rights, and responsibilities within society. These teachings cover various aspects such as family life, social justice, and personal development.
The Quranic perspective on women is often interpreted in different ways, depending on cultural, historical, and social contexts. Some scholars argue that the Quran promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment, citing verses that emphasize the spiritual equality of men and women (Quran 4:32, 33:35). Others point to verses that are seen as reinforcing traditional gender roles, although these are often subject to various interpretations.
It is essential to note that the Quran is often read in conjunction with the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) to gain a comprehensive understanding of its teachings about women. The Hadith also contains numerous accounts that highlight the Prophet’s respect and fair treatment of women, which many consider as an extension of Quranic principles.
There are many verses about women in the Quran. Some of them mentioned various stories with different morals. The other contained the social rights that women should have, as they suffered from oppression before Islam.
The pagan life of Arabs is called “The Ignorance Age” (Jahiliyah), where men didn’t respect or appreciate women. They buried them alive when they were born. Also, they don’t have the right to inherit.
After the revelation of the Quran, women gained many rights they lost, such as marriage and legacy rights. They became equal to men in humanity, as Islam raised their position in society.
How many women’s names are mentioned in the Quran
Allah (SWT) mentioned more than ten women in the Quran. Some of them were symbols and ideals of wisdom and faith, and the others represented the Disbelieving of Allah and disobeying his orders to warn the believers of the consequences of distrust. In this article, we will highlight the most prominent women mentioned in the Quran:
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1. Lady Maryam (Mary) In The Quran
Maryam is the mother of the Prophet Issa (AS). She is the only woman that Allah mentioned by her name in the Quran. Moreover, in the Quran, there is Surah Maryam which Allah mentioned in her story.
She had an exalted position in Islam for her purity and devotion {And remember when the angels said, “O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world} (3:42) Al Imran.
In Surah Maryam, Allah mentioned her story of giving birth to the Prophet Issa (AS). Her story is one of the miracles that Allah mentioned in the Quran.
Maryam was pregnant, although no man had ever touched her {She wondered, “How can I have a son when no man has ever touched me, nor am I unchaste?”} (19:20) Maryam.
Her miracle was evidence of Allah’s great ability {He replied, “So will it be! Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me. And so will We make him a sign for humanity and a mercy from Us.’ It is a matter already decreed.” (19:21) Maryam.
2. Lady Hawaa (Eve) in the Quran
Hawaa is the first woman that Allah (SWT) created on earth. He created her after the creation of Prophet Adam (AS). She was Adam’s (AS) spouse.
Their story included a test for them from Allah {Allah said, “O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat from wherever you please, but do not approach this tree, or else you will be wrongdoers.” (7:19) Al A’raf.
Hawaa lived with Adam (AS) in paradise. They sinned when they disobeyed Allah, as Satan persuaded them to eat from the tree-bearing fruit that Allah forbade them to eat {Then Satan tempted them to expose what was hidden in their nakedness. He said, “Your Lord has forbidden this tree to you only to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals}.” (7:20) Al A’raf.
3. UM Mousa (The mother of Prophet Moses) in the Quran
The story of Prophet Moses’s (AS) mother represented the strong faith in Allah’s wisdom and plan. She gave birth to his son at a hard and dangerous time. It was the age of Pharaoh when male children were killed.
Allah (SWT) mentioned her story in Surah Qasas. It started when she got a direct message from Allah “Wahi” to put her child into the river {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} (28:7) Al-Qasas.
She executed Allah’s order as she had strong faith and trust in him. Her son was safe as Pharaoh’s family picked him up from the river, then they raised him in Pharaoh’s home {And it so happened that Pharaoh’s people picked him up, only to become their enemy and source of grief. Surely Pharaoh, Hamân, and their soldiers were sinful} (28:8) Al-Qasas.
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4. Queen Bilquis in the Quran
Bilquis was the Queen of the Sheba kingdom. She had a majestic throne and was known for her wisdom. Allah (SWT) mentioned her in the story of Prophet Solomon (AS). She was a disbeliever.
Prophet Solomon (AS) invited Queen Bilques to believe in Allah {The Queen later announced, “O chiefs! Indeed, a noble letter has been delivered to me} {It is from Solomon, and it reads: ‘In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful} (27:29) (27:30) Al-Naml.
Furthermore, Prophet Solomon invited her to visit his palace. When she entered his palace, she was impressed by the magnificent place and surprised when she found her throne.
She accepted Prophet Solomon’s invitation to believe in Allah and convert to Islam {“ At last she declared, “My Lord! I have certainly wronged my soul. Now I fully submit myself along with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of all worlds”} (27:44) Al-Naml.
The other women that Allah (SWT) mentioned in Quran are:
- Asiyah (Pharaoh’s wife).
- Zulaykha (Aziz’s wife).
- Prophet Moses’s (AS) Wife.
- Prophet Moses’s (AS) sister.
- Sarah (Prophet Abraham’s (AS) wife).
- Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) wives.
- Prophet Lot’s (AS) wife.
- Prophet Noah’s (AS) wife.
- Imran’s wife.
- Abu Lahab’s wife.
5. Many women mentioned in the Quran with no Names
There are many women mentioned in the Quran without mentioning their names. For example:
- The wife of our Prophet Zakaria, and Sara the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUT).
- The wife of the Egyptian King (Zulekha) in the story of Prophet Yusuf (PBUH).
- The wife of Prophet Moses (PBUH) is in several references as well as his sister.
- The wife of Pharaoh was set as an ideal for believers known in Islamic history with “Asiyah bint Muzahim”.
- Khawla bint Tha’laba is referred to at the beginning of Surah al-Mujadalah where Allah narrates her story.
- The wife of prophet Noah as well as the wife of prophet Lot (PBUT).
- The wife of Imran who is the mother of Lady Mariam.
- The wives of the Prophet were referred to many times.
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Where in the Quran does it talk about women’s rights?
There are many references in the Quran where Allah refers to the rights of women and urges Muslims to keep their rights.
1. Right of Inheritance
After the advent of Islam, women had the right to inherit like men. Allah (SWT) clarified this right of legacy in elaborate in Surah An-Nisa {Allah commands you regarding your children: the share of the male will be twice that of the female. If you leave only two or more females, their share is two-thirds of the estate} (4:11).
2. Right of Worship
In Islam, women are equal to men in doing the worship which Allah ordered {The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another. They encourage good and forbid evil, establish prayer and pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will be shown Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise} (9:71) Al-Tawba.
3. Marriage Rights
In the Quran, Marriage should occur with permission and acceptance of women as Allah says {O believers! It is not permissible for you to inherit women against their will} (4:19) An-Nisa.
Men in Islam give women’s families before marriage a dowry. It’s a specific sum of money called “Mahr” {Give women you wed for their due dowries graciously. But if they waive some of it willingly, then you may enjoy it freely with a clear conscience} (4:4) (An-Nisa).
Furthermore, The husband should spend his money on his wife after marriage {Men are the caretakers of women, as men have been provisioned by Allah over women and tasked with supporting them financially} (4:3) An-Nisa.
4. Divorce Rights
There are also many verses in the Quran referring to divorced woman’s rights in Islam such as the husband shouldn’t take the dowry he gave to his previous wife after divorce {If you desire to replace a wife with another and you have given the former even a stack of gold as a dowry, do not take any of it back. Would you still take it unjustly and very sinfully} (4:20) An-Nisa
In Islam, the man should retain or divorce the woman honorably after the waiting period {When you divorce women and they have almost reached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honorably or let them go honorably. But do not retain them only to harm them or to take advantage of them. Whoever does that surely wrongs his own soul}
According to the previous verses in the Quran, a Woman has an independent personality. She has a high value in society. Also, she is equal to the man in Islamic laws.
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Does the Quran say to wear a hijab?
Allah (SWT) mentioned the hijab in many verses in the Quran {And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils [and drop it down] over their chests, and not reveal their hidden adornments} (24:31) Al-Nur.
Therefore, Hijab is one of the most mandataries in Islam for women. It’s a headcover that a woman wears besides her modest clothes.
What is haram for a woman in Islam?
“Haram” in Islam means forbidden matter by Allah. There are many general and female-proscribed matters that women should adhere to for obeying Allah. We will highlight the most prominent of these prohibited matters:
- Marrying a non-Muslim man.
- Wearing immodest clothes.
- Revealing hair while going outside.
- Wearing perfume outside the home.
- Going outside without the permission of her husband.
- Applying makeup outside the home.
How Does the Quran Honor Women?
The Quran includes many verses about women’s stories and rights. The most prominent women that Allah (SWT) mentioned in the Quran are Maryam (the mother of Prophet Issa (AS)), Hawwa (Prophet Adam’s spouse), and Balquis (Queen of Sheba).
Additionally, Women in Islam gained many social rights that didn’t exist in the ignorance age before Islam. These rights raised women’s position in society. She got rights in inheritance, worship, marriage, and divorce.
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Is Zulekha’s name mentioned in the Quran?
The name “Zulekha” is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. The story that is often associated with Zulekha is the tale of Yusuf (Joseph) and the wife of the Aziz (Potiphar in the Biblical tradition), who is said to have been captivated by Yusuf’s beauty and made advances towards him. However, the Quran does not provide the name of the wife of the Aziz in this narrative.
Did zulekha accept Islam?
The Quran does not provide information on whether the wife of the Aziz, commonly referred to as Zulekha in Islamic folklore, converted to Islam. The Quranic narrative in Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) focuses on the moral and ethical lessons derived from the story of Yusuf (Joseph) and his interactions with the wife of the Aziz of Egypt. The story is set in a time long before the advent of Islam and the prophethood of Muhammad.
In Islamic tradition and exegesis (Tafsir), various accounts exist that elaborate on the life of Zulekha beyond the Quranic narrative. Some of these accounts suggest that Zulekha eventually repented for her actions and led a life of piety. However, these accounts are not part of the Quran or Hadith, and their authenticity varies.
Queen of Sheba in the Quran
The Queen of Sheba, known as Bilqis in Islamic tradition, is a notable figure mentioned in the Quran. Her story is primarily found in Surah An-Naml (Chapter 27), verses 20-44. The narrative begins with the Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman in Arabic), who is described as having been granted wisdom and prophethood, as well as control over jinn and animals. Solomon notices the absence of a hoopoe bird from his assembly and wonders about its whereabouts. The bird returns and informs Solomon about the kingdom of Sheba, ruled by a queen who worships the sun.
Intrigued, Solomon sends a letter to the Queen of Sheba, inviting her and her people to monotheism. The queen consults her advisors and decides to send gifts to Solomon first, as a diplomatic gesture. Solomon, unimpressed by the material gifts, insists on the importance of spiritual submission to God. Eventually, the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon’s court, where she witnesses his wisdom and the miracles granted to him by God. This leads her to recognize the One God and submit to monotheism.
The Quranic account of the Queen of Sheba serves multiple purposes:
- It highlights the wisdom and prophethood of Solomon.
- It serves as a lesson in diplomacy and leadership, showing how wisdom can lead to peaceful resolutions and conversions.
- It emphasizes the importance of monotheism and submission to the One God.
The story of the Queen of Sheba has been the subject of various interpretations and commentaries in Islamic exegesis (Tafsir). It is also a popular subject in Islamic folklore and literature, as well as in Judeo-Christian traditions.
Who is the only woman mentioned in the Quran?
The only woman explicitly named in the Quran is Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus). She holds a highly revered position in Islamic tradition and is considered one of the greatest and most righteous women in Islam. Maryam is mentioned in various chapters of the Quran, and an entire chapter, Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), is named after her.
The Quran describes Maryam as a devout servant of God who dedicated herself to worship from a young age. She is also noted for her chastity and piety. The miraculous birth of Isa (Jesus) without a father is detailed in the Quran, emphasizing Maryam’s purity and the miraculous nature of Jesus’s birth (Quran 19:16-34, 3:35-47).
Maryam is often cited as a model of virtue, piety, and patience, and she is one of the few figures who are honored in both Islamic and Christian traditions. In Islamic theology, she is considered the best of women and is often cited in discussions about the role and status of women in Islam.
What does the Quran say about females?
The Quran addresses various aspects related to women, including their roles, rights, and responsibilities within the family and society at large. It covers topics such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and legal testimony, among others. Below are some key areas where the Quran discusses issues related to women:
1. Spiritual Equality:
The Quran emphasizes the spiritual equality of men and women. Both are accountable for their actions and are equally eligible for rewards in the Hereafter (Quran 4:32, 33:35).
2. Social Roles and Responsibilities:
The Quran acknowledges the complementary roles of men and women in society. It describes men as “protectors and maintainers” of women but also emphasizes mutual consultation and kindness within marital relationships (Quran 4:34, 2:187).
3. Economic Rights:
Women have the right to own, inherit, and dispose of their property. They are also entitled to a dowry (Mahr) in marriage, which remains their own property (Quran 4:4, 4:7).
4. Legal Rights:
The Quran outlines the legal rights of women in matters such as marriage, divorce, and child custody. It also discusses the conditions under which women can serve as legal witnesses (Quran 2:282).
5. Ethical Treatment:
The Quran condemns the pre-Islamic Arabian practice of female infanticide and urges fair treatment of daughters (Quran 16:58-59, 81:8-9).
6. Modesty:
Both men and women are instructed to dress modestly and behave modestly in public (Quran 24:30-31).
7. Education:
Although not explicitly stated, the importance of knowledge and education is emphasized for all Muslims, implicitly including women (Quran 20:114, 96:1-5).
It’s important to note that the interpretation of Quranic verses related to women can vary depending on cultural, historical, and social contexts. Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Hadith literature also play significant roles in shaping the understanding and application of these teachings.
How many times are women mentioned in the Quran?
The term “women” and references to women appear multiple times in the Quran, although the exact number can vary depending on the translation and the criteria used for counting. The Arabic word for women, “Nisaa” (نساء), appears in the Quran 24 times. This term is also the title of Surah An-Nisaa (Chapter 4), which deals extensively with issues related to women, family life, inheritance, and social justice.
In addition to the specific term “Nisaa,” women are also discussed in various other contexts and roles, such as mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters. These references are scattered throughout the Quran in different chapters and verses.
It’s important to note that while the term “women” may appear a specific number of times, the broader discussion about gender roles, rights, and responsibilities is more extensive and cannot be fully captured by a simple numerical count. The Quran addresses both men and women in various capacities—sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly—across a range of topics including ethics, social justice, and spirituality.
What did the Prophet say about women?
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about women are extensive and cover various aspects of life, including social, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. These teachings are primarily found in the Hadith literature, which is a collection of the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet. Below are some key areas where the Prophet’s teachings focus on women:
Respect and Kindness:
The Prophet emphasized the importance of treating women with respect and kindness. He said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives” (Tirmidhi).
Rights in Marriage:
Prophet Muhammad advocated for the rights of women in marriage, including their right to a dowry and kind treatment. He also encouraged consultation and mutual decision-making in marital life.
Education:
The Prophet stressed the importance of education for both men and women. He is reported to have said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah).
Economic Independence:
Women in the time of the Prophet had the right to own property, conduct business, and work. The Prophet’s first wife, Khadijah, was a successful businesswoman.
Participation in Community Life:
Women participated in various social activities, including education, attending prayers in the mosque, and even engaging in military expeditions for non-combatant roles, such as nursing the wounded.
Ethical and Spiritual Standing:
The Prophet emphasized that men and women are equal in the eyes of God in terms of their spiritual and ethical responsibilities and rewards. He said, “Women are the twin halves of men” (Abu Dawood).
Protection of Rights:
Prophet Muhammad condemned practices that were harmful to women, such as female infanticide, and provided guidelines that aimed to protect women’s rights in areas such as inheritance and divorce.
What is the respect of women in Islam?
In Islam, the respect and dignity of women are emphasized through various teachings found in both the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). The religion advocates for the ethical, spiritual, and social well-being of women, and it outlines their rights and responsibilities in various aspects of life. Below are some key areas where Islam emphasizes the respect of women:
Spiritual Equality:
Islam establishes the spiritual equality of men and women. Both are accountable for their actions and are equally eligible for rewards in the Hereafter (Quran 4:32, 33:35).
Ethical Treatment:
Islam condemns practices that are harmful to women, such as female infanticide, and promotes fair treatment of daughters, sisters, and wives (Quran 16:58-59, 81:8-9).
Rights in Marriage:
Women have specific rights in marriage, including the right to a dowry (Mahr), kind treatment, and consultation in family matters (Quran 4:4, 2:187, 4:19).
Economic Independence:
Islam grants women the right to own, inherit, and dispose of their property. They are also entitled to work and engage in business (Quran 4:7, 4:32).
Legal Protections:
Islamic law (Sharia) provides women with legal rights in matters such as marriage, divorce, and child custody. Women also have the right to serve as witnesses in legal matters (Quran 2:282).
Education and Knowledge:
Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah).
Social Participation:
Women are encouraged to participate in community life, including attending prayers at the mosque, engaging in educational pursuits, and contributing to social welfare.
Respect in Family Life:
The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of treating women with respect and kindness, particularly in the role of a husband. He said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives” (Tirmidhi).
check The article on can a woman read Quran without hijab explores the topic in depth. It concludes that women do not have to wear a hijab while reading the Quran unless they are in the presence of non-mahram men. Various Islamic scholars are cited to support this view.
