MOTHERS OF THE BELIEVERS

MOTHERS OF THE BELIEVERS The Extraordinary Role of Muslim Women I T is stated in the Quran that the wives of the Prophet 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 as well as his Companions’ economy. In these dire circumstances, it became very difficult to provide the necessary financial means for his family. This was the time when 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 good deeds.’ Wives of the Prophet! Any one of you who commits a flagrant act of misconduct shall be doubly punished. That is easy enough for God. But those of you who obey God and His Messenger and do good deeds shall be doubly rewarded. For them, We have made an excellent provision. Wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women. If you fear God, do not be too soft-spoken in case the ill-intentioned should feel tempted. Speak in an appropriate manner. Stay in your homes and do not flaunt your charms as in the former times of ignorance. Attend to your prayers, pay the zakat and obey God and His Messenger. Women of the [Prophet’s] Household, God seeks only to remove all impurity from you, and to make you completely pure. Bear in mind all that is recited in your homes of the revelations of God and of wisdom. God is all-pervading and all-aware. (33: 28-34)