Bibi Zainab fought in the battle of Karbala alongside her brother Imam Hussein (AS). When she was captured by Yazid's army, she trusted her own moral agency. Guided by Allah (swt) she spoke out against their leaders and condemned the oppression and injustice they had inflicted upon the people.

A Christian monk prophesied that he would find the corpse of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson. He saw Yazid's army with the head of Imam Hussein (AS) and offered his life savings in exchange for one night with the head, in order to clean it and offer prayers. The next day, he returned the head to the army along with the promised money. When the soldiers opened the bag of money, it had all turned to ash. This story teaches us about the sacred inviolability of the body.

When Khawlah disputed the Prophet's (PBUH) advice regarding her marriage with her husband, God sent revelation to support Khawlah. This was God's way of responding to Khawlah, also known as the woman who pleads, to show her that He heard her and that her lived experience and needs were to be centered in this moment.

Saffiyah was the tenth wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When the Prophet (PBUH) married her, she declined to engage in sexual intimacy on their wedding night. The Prophet (PBUH) responded with respect and care for this decision and boundary being set. He did not tell Safiyyah that the angels would curse her or attempt to force himself upon her. The sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) teaches us about respecting agency, practicing consent, and honoring others’ God-given rights to bodily autonomy.

When traveling with the Prophet (PBUH), Aisha lost her necklace one night. She went out to find it and was left behind. When she was found and returned home, word spread about her and there was gossip insinuating infidelity. She remained patient and put her trust in Allah (swt), who revealed her innocence and saved her from the gossip.

There is documentation of women bringing their stained clothing to the Prophet (PBUH) to ask about ritual purity with regards to the coloring of the discharge. The Prophet (PBUH) is also known for resting his head in ‘Aishah’s lap while she was menstruating.

Sumayyah bint Khayyat was a Black Ethiopian woman who was tortured and killed by Abu Jahl making her the first martyr for Islam. The first instance of gendered Islamophobia, a Muslim woman’s body being targeted with violence because of her faith.

Daughter of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), born in 605 CE to Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.

The Prophet (PBUH) received the first revelation through Angel Jibril while meditating in the cave of Hira. He was shaken by the experience and returned to Khadijah (R) who met him with compassion and validation and became the first Muslim to follow the message of the Prophet (PBUH). A woman. A companion. A believer. The blueprint.

A Coptic Egyptian woman who birthed a son by the Prophet (s.a.w.) who died 2 years later.

Her marriage marked the Prophet’s (PBUH) first visit to Makkah after Hijra.

She converted to Islam from Judaism and married the Prophet (PBUH).

A divorcee from Abyssinia, modern day Ethiopia.

The ex-wife of Prophet’s (PBUH) adopted son Zayd. Zayd (RA) and Zaynab (RA) divorced due to incompatibility.

She was raised Jewish and was held captive after war. The Prophet (PBUH) married her as a pathway out of captivity.

A widow who provided political consultations to the Prophet (PBUH)

She married the Prophet (PBUH) for political assurances to widows from war and beyond Quraysh tribe.

A widow and daughter of Umar (R)

She is known for her contributions to Islamic knowledge and history. She never bore children, but is known as the mother of believers. She taught the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and scholars and transmitted the most hadith.

A wealthy widow, she was the first Muslim in her family and she played a vital role in her first husband coming to Islam.