From the first Prophet Adam علیہ السلام to the last Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Allah blessed this earth with nearly one lakh and twenty-four thousand prophets. All the prophets sent by Allah were men. Many people raise the question: Why was no woman sent as a prophet? The answer itself reflects the greatness and sacred status of women in Islam. Even if women were not chosen as prophets, they became the mothers of prophets. They carried prophets in their blessed wombs for nine months, nurtured them with love, and fed them with their milk. This honour alone is enough to show the high position of women in the sight of Allah. Before the arrival of Islam, especially in the Arab society, women were oppressed, insulted, denied inheritance, deprived of education, and treated as a burden. The birth of a daughter was considered shameful. Many people even buried their newborn daughters alive. Allah mentions this painful reality in the Holy Quran:
“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed.”
Surah At-Takwir (81:8-9)
This period was known as the era of Jahiliyyah – the age of ignorance. Then Allah sent the most truthful, trustworthy, merciful, and noble personality to this world Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Even his enemies accepted his honesty and character. Through Islam, he restored the dignity and rights of women. Islam Gave Honour to Women Islam raised the status of women in every role of life. As a daughter
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever cares for two daughters until they mature, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this,” and he joined his fingers together. (Sahi Muslim)
A daughter is not a burden; she is a source of mercy and blessings for the family.
As a mother-Islam gave mothers the highest level of respect. A man once asked the Prophet ﷺ:
“Who is most deserving of my good companionship?” The Prophet ﷺ replied,
“Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” He replied, “Your mother.” Again, he asked, “Then who?” He replied, “Your mother.” Then he said, “Then your father.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) Another famous saying of the Prophet ﷺ is: “Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers.”
As a Wife Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find peace in them; and He placed between you love and mercy.”
(Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)
A wife in Islam is not a servant; she is a companion, a source of peace, love, and comfort. The Prophet ﷺ also said: “The best among you are those who are best to their wives.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi).
Today many people run after gold, diamonds, and pearls. But if we reflect deeply, pearls are hidden in the depths of oceans, protected within shells. Gold and diamonds are buried deep beneath layers of rock. Precious things are always protected because they are valuable. Likewise, women are far more precious than pearls, gold, or diamonds. Their dignity and honour cannot be measured by worldly wealth. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, we have honoured the children of Adam.” (Surah Al-Isra (17:70) This honour includes both men and women.
Protecting women is not only the duty of women themselves. It is also the responsibility of fathers, brothers, husbands, teachers, and every member of society. A father must protect his daughter. A brother must support and defend his sister. A husband must honour and care for his wife. A teacher must safeguard his students. Islam teaches modesty, respect, and responsibility for both men and women. Allah commands men in the Quran:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.” – Surah An-Nur (24:30) and Allah also commands women: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.”- Surah An-Nur (24:31)
This shows that Islam builds a pure and respectful society through mutual responsibility.
Today, despite modern education and technological progress, crimes against women are increasing in many parts of the world. We speak about women’s rights and celebrate Women’s Day, yet many women still feel unsafe.
Recent incidents in educational institutions of Kashmir have shaken society deeply. Parents no longer feel secure sending their daughters to schools, colleges, and universities. This is a painful sign that humanity is forgetting the teachings of Islam and the character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The real protection of women does not come only through slogans, laws, or speeches. It comes through faith, morality, character, and fear of Allah.
Modern society often teaches women that beauty lies only in fashion, makeup, and appearance. But Islam teaches that the greatest beauty is modesty, dignity, and character. A forehead shines more beautifully with the mark of Sajdah than with expensive decoration. Eyes appear more graceful with modesty and self-respect than with makeup alone. A woman elevates herself not merely through appearance, but through knowledge, manners, faith, and character.
The Prophet Mohmmad ﷺ said: “Modesty is a branch of faith.”- (Sahih Muslim)
Women are not objects for entertainment or exploitation. They are daughters, mothers, sisters, wives, and the foundation of society. A nation that respects women rises with dignity, while a nation that dishonours women destroys its own future.
If we ever find a woman alone, vulnerable, or in difficulty, we must never see her as an opportunity. We must see her as our responsibility -someone to help, protect, and respect. The solution to the growing crimes against women lies in returning to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Only then can society regain peace, dignity, and humanity.
The author is an educator and columnist focused on education, ethics, environment and emerging social challenges in the digital age.
