Mothers of the Believers

MOTHERS OF THE BELIEVERS It is stated in the Quran that the Prophet’s wives are the ‘mothers of the believers’ (33: 6). This title of the Prophet’s spouses shows how much they are to be respected and honoured by the Muslims. The words that appear in the Quran about the wives of the Prophet, on the one hand, describe the status of the spouses themselves, and on the other hand, through these words, it is made manifest what place they should have among the Muslims. When the Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madinah, it was no ordinary journey. It destroyed his and his Companions’ economy. In these dire circumstances, providing the necessary financial means for his family became very difficult. This was when the Prophet’s spouses asked for financial support to care for their essential expenses. Under normal circumstances, it is not objectionable for women to seek and demand material help. But this demand was inappropriate to the historic role that the wives of the Prophet had to play in his mission. Therefore, the Quran addressed them in these reprimanding words: “O Prophet, say to your wives, ‘If you seek the life of this world and all its finery, then come, I will make provision for you and release you honourably. But if you seek God and His Messenger and the abode of the Hereafter, then know that God has prepared a great reward for those of you who do