Women in Islam
1. Asiyah (RA), the Wife of Pharaoh
Asiyah bint Muzahim was the wife of Pharaoh, one of the most oppressive tyrants in history. Despite his cruelty, she held firm in her faith and refused to submit to his disbelief. Her story is mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, ‘My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds, and save me from the wrongdoing people.’”
Qur’an 66:11
Pharaoh tortured her for her faith, but she endured it with patience, seeking only Allah’s pleasure. This story shows that even in the most oppressive relationships, a woman’s faith and relationship with Allah are her ultimate refuge.
2. Umm Salamah (RA) and Her Separation from Her Family
Umm Salamah (RA), one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), faced immense hardship when her family separated her from her husband, Abu Salamah, because of their faith. She endured this painful separation for a long time before Allah reunited them.
This story reflects the struggles of women who are trapped in difficult situations but remain patient, trusting Allah’s wisdom.
3. Khawlah Bint Tha‘labah (RA) and the Revelation of Surah Al-Mujadilah
Khawlah bint Tha‘labah (RA) was a woman whose husband uttered words of Zihar, an oppressive pre-Islamic practice where a husband would say his wife was like his mother, making her forbidden for intimacy but not granting her a divorce. Distressed, she complained to the Prophet (ﷺ), but he did not initially have an answer. She then turned directly to Allah in supplication. Allah revealed:
“Indeed, Allah has heard the statement of the woman who argues with you (O Muhammad) concerning her husband, and complains to Allah. And Allah hears your dialogue. Verily, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”
Qur’an 58:1
Allah responded to her plea and abolished Zihar, ensuring justice for women. This is a powerful reminder that even when human solutions seem limited, Allah always hears and responds to the oppressed.
4. Hadith: The Patience of Women in Adversity
The Prophet (ﷺ) recognized the suffering of women in difficult marriages and encouraged patience while also emphasizing their right to leave abusive relationships. He once said:
“Fear Allah concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah…”
(Sahih Muslim 1218)
In cases of extreme oppression, the Prophet (ﷺ) permitted divorce, as seen in the story of the wife of Thabit ibn Qays, who sought khula (separation) because she could not tolerate her marriage.
While Islam promotes patience, it also emphasizes justice and dignity. If a relationship becomes oppressive and harmful, Islam provides options such as seeking intervention from family, religious authorities, or even separation (khula) if necessary.