Characteristics of the Mothers of the Believers
The wives of the Prophet (ﷺ), the best man to live on earth, are the role models of the Muslim women. We should learn about their lives and implement their high qualities into our life. The Mothers of the Believers were honored, respected and held a specific status in Islam. The verses below are from Surah Al-Ahzaab which stated some of the qualities of the Mothers of the Believers.
- The wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) are the Mothers of the Believers:
“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their (believers’) mothers (as regards respect and marriage)” (33:6)
- Giving the choice to divorce or remain married:
“O Prophet! Say to your wives: “If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, then come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce)”” (33:28)
“But if you desire Allah and His Messenger, and the home of the Hereafter, then verily, Allah has prepared for good-doers amongst you and enormous reward.” (33:29)
Hadith
Narrated Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) when Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was ordered to give option to his wives, he started with me, saying, “I am going to mention to you something, but you shall not hasten (to give your reply) unless you consult your parents.” The Prophet (ﷺ) knew that my parents would not order me to leave him. Then he said, “Allah says: ‘O Prophet (Muhammad)! Say to your wives: If you desire the life of this world and its glitter........a great reward.” (33:28-29) I said, “Then why do I consult my parents? Verily, I seek Allah, His Messenger and the Home of the Hereafter.” Then all the other wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) did the same as I did.” (Bukhari, 4786)
- Multiplying the punishment when commit sins or disobey Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ)
“O wives of the Prophet! Whoever of you commits an open Fahishah (a great sin or illegal sexual intercourse), the torment for her will be doubled, and that is ever easy for Allah.” (33:30)
- Multiplying the reward when perform good deeds and obey Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ)
“And whosoever of you is obedient to Allah and His Messenger, and does righteous good deeds, We shall give her, her reward twice over, and We have prepared for her a noble provision” (33:31)
- The wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) are not like any other women, and they are not to be soft in speech but to speak in a respectable manner:
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner” (33:32)
- To stay in house:
“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance and perform prayer and give zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes to remove from you the impurity (of sin), O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (33:33)
- Be honored with the verses of the Quran were revealed in their house:
“And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted (with all things).” (33:34)
- Allah chose the Prophet’s wives, and He was not able to marry or change them after this verse was revealed:
“It is not lawful for you, (to marry other) women after this, nor to change them for (other) wives, even though their beauty attracts you, except those (slaves) whom your right hand possesses. And Allah is Ever Watcher over all things” (33:52)
- Speaking from behind a veil and it is not permissible to remarry the Prophet’s wives after his death:
“O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that (behavior) was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not (conceivable or lawful) for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.” (33:53)
- It is permissible unveiled when with those who are list below:
“It is no sin on them (the Prophet’s wives, if they appear unveiled) before their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or their sister's sons, or their own (believing) women, or their (female) slaves. And (O ladies), dear (keep your duty to) Allah. Verily, Allah is Ever All-Witness over everything.” (33:54)
- Putting a veil
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:59)
Hadith
Narrated Aisha: “The wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) used to go to Al-Manasi, a vast open place (near Baqi at Medina) to answer the call of nature at night. Umar used to say to the Prophet (ﷺ) “Let your wives be veiled,” but Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) did not do so. One night, Sauda bint Zam’a the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) went out at ‘Isha’ time, and she was a tall lady. Umar addressed her and said, “I have recognized you, O Sauda.” He said so, as he desired eagerly, that the verses of Al-Hijab (the observing of veils by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So, Allah revealed the verses of “Al-Hijab” (A complete body cover excluding the eyes).” (Bukhari, 146)