Five Flames of Resilience

There is nothing new in women empowerment. Islam honoured and elevated women long before modern feminism. These women were not waiting for permission. They were making history. Let’s meet five most impressive women in the history of Islam.

Khadijah: The first person to believe in Islam wasn't a man. It was a powerful businesswoman, Khadijah (RA) - self-made business mogul, one of the wealthiest women in Mecca. She shattered gender norms long before modern women emancipation was even a thought. She was 40, successful and independent when she noticed a young merchant named Muhammad (PBUH).  He was 25, known for his honesty. She saw his potential so she proposed to him. They got married despite their 15-year age difference. In a society where younger men marrying older women was unheard of, their love was built on respect and not baseless traditions. When he received his first revelation and ran to her in fear, she did not doubt him.

She held him, reassured him and became his greatest supporter. She even funded the entire early Muslim movement and endured hardship alongside him. She wasn't just his wife; she was his rock, his advisor, his equal. She was powerful, successful and chose her own husband.  She proves you can run your own empire, marry on your own terms, and still be deeply loved and respected. So tell me, who said Islam doesn't empower women?

Aasiya: Do you ever feel judged for your belief? Then you need to hear the incredible story of Aasiya (RA). She was the queen of Egypt, wife of the Pharaoh, and a woman who never let the world shake her faith.  She lived in a palace of gold, married to a man who called himself a god. But she knew the truth of her “Majazi khoda” and she refused to worship him. She saw injustice all around her. The people enslaved, the innocent murdered and when Pharaoh ordered the killing of all baby boys, she found a child floating in the river Nile- Musa (Moses). She saved him, raised him and when he returned years later as a prophet, she believed in him. Pharaoh could control armies but he couldn't control her heart. He tortured her, tried to break her but she never wavered. She did not beg for mercy. She did not bow to the pressure. She chose defiance. She chose faith. And she chose the truth.  So tell me, when the world pressures you, do you stand firm or are you staying silent?

Nusayba: This woman was known for one thing, fighting. It's a story of battlefields and bloodshed. Nusayba-bint-ka’ab (RA) wasn't a soldier. She wasn't a warrior. She was a woman who refused to let the battlefield be a man's place. She came to the Battle of Uhud to help, to bring water, to tend to the wounded, to support from the side-lines.  But when the enemy broke through the ranks and reached the Prophet (PBUH), she grabbed a sword. She charged into battle. She fought shoulder to shoulder with men.

She shielded the Prophet (PBUH). She struck back at the enemy.  She proved that courage knows no gender.  She took blow after blow, wounds across her arms, cuts on her shoulders, but she kept fighting and the Prophet (PBUH) saw her and even said later on: “wherever I turned on the battlefield I saw her fighting beside me.” Nusayba’s story is a reminder. Strength isn't given.  It’s taken and it’s fought for. So tell me, when the world tells you to stay in your place, do you listen or do you rewrite the rules?

Fatima: When was the last time you did something purely selfless, with no expectations, no recognition, and no cameras to film it.  Fatima-bint-Muhammad (RA) was the darling daughter of the Prophet (PBUH). His whole heart, his comfort, and the one he called the leader of the women of paradise. But despite her noble lineage, her life was never easy. One evening, she and her husband, Ali, prepared to break their fast. They had barely enough food for themselves, just a few bites of bread. But as they sat down, a poor man knocked on their door. He was hungry and desperate. Without hesitation, Fatima handed him their food.

That night they slept on an empty stomach. The next evening, just as they were about to eat, an orphan came to their door. Again they gave away their meal and remained hungry. On the third night, they were weak from fasting. Their hands trembled as they reached for their food. But before they could eat, a captive stood at their door pleading for something to eat.  Without hesitation, they gave. Three days, no food, no complaints. Just pure selfless giving.  Fatima didn't just give from what she had. She gave from her heart.  Her kindness wasn't just in words. It was in action. So tell me, when was the last time you gave?  Not because you had plenty, but because someone else needed it more than you.

Maryam: Why me?  What did I do to deserve this?  How often have you complained, when life feels unfair, when the burden feels too heavy?  But bad things happen to good people too.  There is a powerful story in the Quran, one of hope and resilience in the face of judgment.  Meet Mariam-bint-Imran (RA) or Mary, mother of Jesus. She was young, unmarried and suddenly pregnant.  She had done nothing wrong, but the world did not see a miracle.

This was scandal, they whispered.  They judged.  So, she ran. Alone. Exhausted.  She collapsed under a palm tree and she cried: “I wish I had died before this and been long forgotten.” But God never forgot her.  He sent her water from beneath her feet. He made dates fall from the tree above her. And in that moment, Allah reminded her: “You don't need the world's approval.  I see you and I am enough. When she returned to face her people, she didn't argue.  She didn't justify herself. She stayed silent. Then her new-born son, Jesus, miraculously spoke in her defence. Maryam’s story is a powerful reminder. You don't need validation from society to be worthy. God sees your truth. So, tell me in a world where your value feels tied to opinions, numbers and approval, do you define yourself by them or by who you truly are?

Tailpiece: Dear men, we have heroines of faith to follow. Let’s not resort to mansplaining and misinterpreting religion on social media or any religious gathering. Let’s not issue certificates of heaven and hell for women for wearing a particular dress. Half of the Ummah are women and they may be more faithful than those who pretend to be.