Which 3 Great Women Played a Major Role in Prophet Muhammad’s Life?

18 February, 2020
Q Assalamu alaikum, I have read things about the Prophet Muhammed saying that favoritism among children and wives is wrong, but didn't he himself play favorites? He had a favorite wife and daughter, and while you can't control your heart, it seems like the people around him, including his wives, knew who the favorite was. I find myself feeling bad for the wives. They are going to be married to him in the hereafter but I feel like they would be hurt being married to someone who they know loves someone else a lot more. I struggle to see the prophet as this fair, perfect person when from all the things I read about how he talks about his favorites (Aisha, Khadijah or Fatima) in front of others, doesn't make him seem like the most compassionate person or a person who is sensitive to other people's feelings. I know I shouldn't worry about things I can't change, but I want to feel more respect for the prophet so I can be a better Muslim. I value equality among children and friends, and I don't feel the need to tell people who my "favorite" is, because it adds nothing. Have I misunderstood?

Answer

Short Answer:  Which 3 Great Women Played a Major Role in Prophet Muhammad’s Life?  For the Arabs of that era, it was totally alien to express outwardly endearments for any woman. Prophet Muhammad had no qualms about repeating Khadijah, A’ishah or Fatima in order to demonstrate to people around that, it was quite all right to honor women!

This was his character to speak the truth. Why wouldn’t he proclaim the truth when it concerns his own family members, especially those who went far and beyond in aiding the Prophet.

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Walaikumassalam warahmatullah wabarakatahu. Jazakallahu khair for approaching us with your question.

Which 3 Great Women Played a Major Role in Prophet Muhammad’s Life?

We live surrounded by people. All our loved ones. If we were to draw a diagram of who our lives revolve around, then it will look like a ripple effect. One small circle enclosed by other spaced out ones.

Now if you were to organize these curved lines, your family would be the epicenter of the picture. Next would be your relatives, then friends. However in between your family and relatives, there will be another very prominent circle- and that would be your best friend.

The question is, how did this ripple effect form? Is there a certain rule for making this? Is there anyone telling you who belongs in which circle? No there isn’t. The only element responsible, for categorizing people, is our heart.

Human Make-up

Allah has created us, humans, with both characteristics. Strengths and weaknesses. It is in our innate nature. We can’t pick and choose how we are made, can we?

Allah has told us in many places in the Quran.  Prophet Muhammad was only a human being just like ourselves. He also had feelings.

“Say I am a human being, like you, to whom it has been revealed that God is one.” (Quran: 18:110)

Naturally, when a person does good to you, you would reciprocate the same. Also, there are certain qualities in others that may catch your eye, may it be beauty, wealth, or someone’s net worth. There are certain aspects of an individual that draws you nearer to them. That is our inherent behavior.

The Character of Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad was the epitome of the best. There is no one that was or will be like him. Let’s ponder upon some instances of his life. He did everything for the sake of Allah.

He was a selfless person, when the people of Taif hurt him horribly, what was his retaliation? It was, He wiped the blood from His face and said:

‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!” (Bukhari)

How did he deal with the people around him? The Prophet (PBUH) did not swear at anyone, nor was he rude, nor did He curse anyone. If He desired to reprimand someone, He would say:

‘What is wrong with him, may dust be cast in his face!” (Bukhari)

Also, he was concerned with the community at large. He was worried about the treatment of women. He would play around and joke with children. He took care of the orphans and took part in communal work. The list of how good he was is never-ending. In addition to that, he was always smiling!

Fair Treatment

Which 3 Great Women Played a Major Role in Prophet Muhammad’s Life? For the Arabs of that era, it was totally alien to express outwardly endearments for any woman. Prophet Muhammad had no qualms about repeating Khadijah, A’ishah or Fatima in order to demonstrate to people around that, it was quite all right to honor women!

Prophet Muhammad was fair with everyone he came across. He would recognize and praise the good in others. This praise and encouragement helped others achieve more.

This was his character to speak the truth. Why wouldn’t he proclaim the truth when it concerns his own family members, especially those who went far and beyond in aiding the Prophet.

All of the wives of prophet Muhammad were very happy to be with him. It is the least to say that they would be elated to be his wives in Paradise. He was special- the Messenger of God.

There were a couple of instances where his wives would have a disagreement. However, since they were believing women, they wouldn’t get caught in satan’s trap and would solve their issues among themselves.

Also, the Prophet and his family are the role models for the ummah at large. If we didn’t have access to their personal lives, we would not be able to solve our personal dilemmas.

Once you have understood the good conduct and attitude of the Prophet and his good treatment of others. Now you should avoid overstepping the boundaries. Abstain from opening the door to suspicion and speculation. These whisperings are from satan. Don’t let them get to you.

Who will be just, if the Messenger of Allah was not just?!

If you do not understand something or it is not clear to you, then stop yourself. Only you know where you should draw the line. Have a general principle in mind: Who will be just, if the Messenger of Allah was not just?!

Messenger of Allah was the best and kindest of people towards his family, and the closest of people to justice and fairness in all things, both minor and major.

Think about his response to that ill-mannered hypocrite, when he objected to the way in which the Messenger of Allah had shared out some wealth, and he said to him: O Messenger of Allah, be just! He (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:

“Woe to you! who will be just if I am not just? You would be lost and doomed if I was not just.”

And Allah knows best.

I hope this helps.

Salam and please keep in touch.

Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:

20 Common Misconceptions About Prophet Muhammad (Folder)

How Well Do You Know the Prophet Muhammad?

How Can Reverts Love the Prophet Muhammad?