The women mentioned in the Qur’an represent a wide range of social roles, showing nearly every possibility: single mother, barren woman, fertile woman, wife of a great man, wife of a terrible man, woman without evidence of a spouse, married woman seeking to have an affair, and a divorcée. Though their social status is not the main story, it is notable that the Qur’an includes diverse examples of womanhood.
The Single Mother: The single mother is Maryam, the Mother of Isah عليهما السلام. Her femininity shines through her unwavering faith in her Lord. When her uncle, a prophet, asked her how she had fruit out of season, she replied, “Indeed it is from Allah; Allah provides for whom He wills.” Inspired by her confidence, he prayed to have offspring, and his prayer was answered with the birth of Prophet Yahya عليه السلام, despite his wife being advanced in age. Maryam’s story reflects her faith and her courage through struggle, as she bore Prophet Isa عليه السلام alone. Facing her people, she relied on a miracle from Allah: her infant son spoke, affirming her courage, confidence, and commitment.
The Faithful Wife: Āsiyya, the wife of Pharaoh, was married to one of the worst men, who arrogantly claimed, “I am your Lord, the Most High.” Yet, Āsiyya saved the life of Prophet Musa عليه السلام as a child, showing her agency and strength of faith despite her husband’s cruelty. The Qur’an also mentions the wives of Prophets Nuh and Lut عليهما السلام, who disbelieved and were punished, showing that faith is a personal choice, unaffected by one’s spouse. Both Āsiyya and these women exemplify that womanhood alone does not guarantee saintliness belief is an individual journey.
The Woman Without a Husband: The Queen of Sheba, Bilqis, is portrayed as a wise leader who consults her advisors. When Prophet Suleiman عليه السلام tested her by altering her throne, she demonstrated intelligence and wisdom, responding, “It is as though it is the very same.” Her marital status is not mentioned, as it is irrelevant to her role as a capable and committed leader. Her embrace of belief was wholehearted, bringing her people with her.
The Tempted Woman: The wife of Aziz, Zulaikha, exemplifies the complexity of human desire. Attempting to seduce Yusuf عليه السلام, she later repented and recognized her flaws: “Yet I claim not that my soul (nafs) was innocent; surely the soul of humankind incites to evil, except inasmuch as my Lord had Mercy.” Her story shows that while personality may influence actions, it does not prevent sincere repentance and belief.
The Divorce: The Qur’an also speaks of Zaynab bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها, who married the Prophet ﷺ after her divorce. This marriage highlighted that divorce is neither a mark of failure nor a reflection of one’s faith, as Allah Himself joined her in marriage to the Prophet.
Other women mentioned in the qur'an include:
The woman in Surat al-Mujadila, who complained about her husband and was answered by Allah.
There are other women mentioned in the Qur’an: the woman who complained to Allah about her husband and was responded to in Surat al Mujadila; Hauwa (or Eve) who was the first woman (20:117, 2:30-38); the daughters of Lut who stood ready to stand with their father against the sinful ways of the people of Sodom (15:71); Sarah, the believing wife of Ibrahim who is mentioned as pleased by the birth of her son Isaac (11:71-72); the mother of Moses who received direct instruction from Allah which she obeyed (Allah sent an inspiration to Moses’ mother that she should put Moses in a chest and throw the chest into the river, which would ultimately wash up on the shore of Allah’s enemy and he would be taken in; Qur’an 28:7); and the sister of Moses who brought him back to his mother so that he would nurse (28:12-13). Both his mother and sister were part of the divine project to save Moses. Later Moses’ wife and her sister are mentioned in the Qur’an (28:26-27). Maryam’s mother, the wife of Imran, is also mentioned in the Qur’an as a woman devoted to Allah.
The mothers of the believers are mentioned as a group (33: 28-29; 32-34) as are the Prophet’s daughters with the rest of believing women (33:59). And finally, the wife of Abu Lahab was mentioned in the Qur’an (111:4-4) as deserving of punishment for her harassment and abuse of the Prophet ﷺ.