Introduction - Four Great Women
Anâs Radhi-Allâhu anhu reports that Nabî Sallallâhu alayhi wasallam has said: From among
the women of the world who have reached perfection and...
Introduction - Four Great Women
Anâs Radhi-Allâhu anhu reports that Nabî Sallallâhu alayhi wasallam has said: From among
the women of the world who have reached perfection and who are worthy of following are (the
following four): Maryam (Mary) the daughter of Imrân; Khadija daughter of Khuwailid; Fatima
daughter of Muhammad peace be upon him and Asiyah wife of Firaun (Pharaoh) (Tirmidhi).
The scholars of hadîth are of the view that this statement was made before Aisha Radhi-
Allâhu anha reached the position of excellence whereupon Muhammad peace be upon him
said: The virtue of Aisha Radhi-Allâhu anha over all the women of the world is like the virtue
of tharîd [a meat dish] over all other food.
The hadîth however refers to four women who acquired perfection in faith and character by
virtue of their devotion, patience, toil and morality. Their lives radiated with piety, trust,
patience and gratitude. Their lives serve as beacons of guidance for all believers, especially
in times of hardship, difficulty and struggle