The Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Companions is an important reference for anyone wishing to learn about the role of women in early Islam, as it highlights shining examples of women who had a great impact in spreading the Islamic call and supporting the Prophet (peace be upon him). Through the encyclopedia, we learn about their sacrifices and patience for the sake of the faith, and their role in various fields of life, whether in science, jihad, or social reform. The encyclopedia also reveals the high status that Islam granted to women, enabling them to be a key pillar in building Islamic society. The Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Sahabah offers inspiring stories for women and men alike, reflecting deep faith and strong determination. Studying the Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Sahabah opens the doors to a deeper understanding of the status of Muslim women and their pioneering role since the dawn of Islam.
The status of women in the Jahiliyya era and the impact of Islam on them
Before the advent of Islam, women lived under harsh social conditions in the Arabian Peninsula, where they were often treated as subordinate to men without independent rights. Some of the negative aspects that women suffered in Jahiliyyah can be summarized as follows:
1. Female infanticide: Female infanticide (burying daughters alive) was a common practice among some tribes for fear of shame or poverty, as mentioned in the Qur'an:
“And when the stillbirth is asked, for what fault did it die?” (Al-Takwir: 8-9).
2. Disinheritance: Women had no right to inherit, as inheritance was considered a male preserve.
3. Treating women as commodities: In some Jahiliyya societies, women were bought and sold like commodities, whether through marriage or slavery.
4. Lack of independence in marriage: Women had no say in choosing their husbands, and were sometimes married under duress. Some types of marriage in Jahiliyyah deprived them of their most basic rights, such as shagar marriage (exchanging women without a dowry) or istibbah marriage (where a man sends his wife to another man to have a child with a stronger lineage).
5. Limited social status: Women were not seen as an independent entity with rights, but were subordinate to their father, husband, or son, and were sometimes seen as a source of shame.
How did Islam change the status of women?
Islam came to revolutionize society's view of women, elevating their status, restoring their rights, and emphasizing their equality with men in dignity and responsibility, while recognizing their innate uniqueness. Some of the most prominent manifestations of the improvement of women's status in Islam are
1. Prohibition of infanticide: Islam came to categorically forbid infanticide and considered it a great crime that deserves divine punishment.
2. Recognizing women's right to inherit: Islam has given women their right to inheritance by an explicit text in the Holy Qur'an, where God Almighty indicated her fair share, saying:
“Men have a share of what the parents and relatives have left, and women have a share of what the parents and relatives have left, whether little or much of it, as a prescribed share” (Al-Nisa: 7).
3. Emphasizing a woman's right to choose her husband: Islam sets fair rules for marriage, prohibits coercion in marriage, and gives women the right to accept or reject marriage, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not marry a mother until she asks for permission, and do not marry a virgin until she asks for permission” (reported by Bukhari and Muslim).
4. Abolishing all unjust forms of marriage: Islam abolished shagar marriage, bondage, and all types of marriages that undermine the dignity of women, and established a system of marriage based on affection and mercy.
5. Raising the value of women in society: Islam emphasized that women are as responsible and charged beings as men, and raised their status in various roles, whether as mothers, wives, daughters or members of society, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Advise women well” (narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
6. Recognizing her right to education: Education was not available to women in the Jahiliyyah, but Islam made education an obligation for men and women, and female companions emerged as scholars in jurisprudence and hadith, such as Lady Aisha bint Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her).
7. Giving women their right to work and social participation: Islam did not prohibit women from working, but rather allowed them to participate in economic and social activities, in accordance with Shariah regulations. The female companions participated in various fields, such as trade (such as Mrs. Khadija bint Khuwaylid, may Allah be pleased with her), medicine and nursing (such as Rafidah al-Aslamiyyah).
8. Equality between men and women in reward and punishment: Islam has made women equal to men in the eschatological reward, as Almighty God said:
“Indeed, Muslims, Muslim women, believers, believing men, believing women, faithful men and women, faithful men and women, honest men and women, patient men and women...” (Al-Ahzab: 35).
Female Companions in the Life of the Prophet (PBUH)
The Sahabah played a prominent role in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, as they were an essential part of the fabric of the emerging Islamic community and participated in various aspects of da'wah, jihad, education, and social work. Their relationship with the Prophet was full of situations that reflect his interest in their education and guidance, as well as his appreciation for their role in spreading Islam.
1. The role of female companions in spreading the Islamic call
From the very first moments of the Prophet's mission, women were at the forefront of those who believed in him and supported him, headed by Mrs. Khadija bint Khuwaylid, who was not only the first to believe in his message, but was also his first supporter during the most difficult stages of the call. She provided him with psychological and financial support, and was a great help to him in the face of challenges.
Asmaa bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) was one of the first to believe in the Prophet (peace be upon him) and contributed to supporting his migration, and Umm Salim bint Malhan, who spread Islam among her people and influenced her husband's Islam.
2. The Prophet's interest in teaching the Sahabah
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was keen on educating women, holding special councils for them, answering their questions, and urging them to seek knowledge, which led to the emergence of women scholars in jurisprudence and hadith, such as Lady Aisha bint Abi Bakr, who was a scholarly authority after the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon her).
The female companions used to come to the Prophet (peace be upon him) seeking knowledge, and they even asked him to set aside a day for them, so he granted their request and held a special council for them, as mentioned in the hadith:
“We have overpowered you with men, so make a day of your own for us.” He set aside a day for them to meet with them and teach them (Narrated by Bukhari).
3. Female Companions in Jihad and Serving the Islamic Army
The role of women was not limited to the educational and proselytizing aspect, but they participated in jihad and the defense of Islam, whether on the battlefield or in providing logistical and medical support.
Umm Amara (Nusaybah bint Ka'b) (may Allah be pleased with her): She participated in the Battle of Uhud and defended the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so bravely that he said about her:
“I did not turn to the right or to the left except to see them fighting without me” (Narrated by Ibn Sa'd).
Umm Sulaym bint Mulhan: She participated in the invasions and carried a dagger to defend herself and the Muslims.
Rafidah al-Aslamiya: The first nurse in Islam, she treated the wounded in the invasions and set up a field hospital near the Prophet's Mosque.
4. The place of female companions in the Prophet's family
The female companions had a great position in the Prophet's household, whether as wives or daughters. Among them are the most prominent:
Khadija bint Khuwaylid: Who provided support to the Prophet (PBUH) at the beginning of the call.
Aisha bint Abu Bakr: She was one of the most knowledgeable female companions and narrated more than 2,000 hadiths from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Hafsa bint Umar: She was one of the scribes of revelations and memorizers of the Qur'an.
Fatima Zahra: The Prophet's daughter, who was the closest of his children to him, and he said about her:
“Fatima is a part of me, so whoever angers her has angered me” (Narrated by Bukhari).
5. Female Companions in Social and Charitable Work
They were active in charitable and social work, helping the poor and needy, caring for orphans, and supporting Muslim families. Among the most prominent of them:
Zaynab bint Jahsh: She was nicknamed “Mother of the Poor” because she spent a lot of money in the way of Allah.
Asmaa bint Abi Bakr: She was good at managing finances and helped finance the Prophet's migration.
The Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Companions is a record of female role models who left a clear imprint in Islamic history, offering timeless lessons in faith, patience, and sacrifice. Through the Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Companions, we realize how Muslim women contributed to building society and spreading the values of Islam in various fields. The encyclopedia also highlights their roles in science, jihad, and social work, reflecting the comprehensiveness of their giving. The Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Sahabah Women shows how these role models were a source of inspiration for later generations to remain steadfast to principles and good deeds. Returning to the Encyclopedia of the Lives of the Sahaba is not just a reminiscence of history, but an inspiration of great values that can be applied to our lives today.