Wed 1447/09/15AH (04-03-2026AD)
From the very beginning of Islam, women were not passive observers – they were active builders of the Muslim community. They supported the Prophet emotionally, financially, physically, and intellectually. They endured persecution, migrated for Islam, taught knowledge, nursed the wounded, defended the community, and raised the next generation of Muslims. This topic is part of Paper 1 of IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 and is frequently tested because it shows:
Students who understand this section well can score very high marks.
Although already covered as a wife, her role as a woman in early Islam must be emphasised.
Khadijah was:
When the Prophet received revelation, she:
She:
Without Khadijah, the early years of Islam would have been far more difficult.
Memorisation bullets:
Sumayyah was a poor, elderly woman who accepted Islam.
She:
She became the first martyr in Islam.
Her story shows:
Women were as firm in faith as men.
This is extremely examinable.
Memorisation bullets:
Aisha was not only the Prophet’s wife but also a teacher of Islam.
After the Prophet’s death, she:
Men and women both learned from her.
This shows:
Memorisation bullets:
Asma (ra) played a crucial role during the Hijrah.
She:
She became known as:
“Dhat an-Nitaqayn” (the one with two belts)
This is very examinable.
Memorisation bullets:
Nusaybah was present at the Battle of Uhud.
When the Prophet was in danger, she:
This shows:
This is often tested to show:
Women were not weak or passive.
Memorisation bullets:
Umm Salamah:
Her role shows:
Memorisation bullets:
Women:
This is often ignored but very important.
It shows:
Faith over comfort.
Women:
This shows:
Before Islam, women in Arabia:
Islam:
This contrast is very examinable.
This topic is tested because it shows:
Examiners often ask:
“What do these women teach Muslims today?”
From these women, Muslims learn:
This is excellent for 4-mark answers.
The role of women is frequently tested in Paper 1, especially:
This is a high-frequency exam area.
(a) Describe the role of women in the first Islamic community with reference to specific examples. [10]
(b) What do these examples teach Muslims today about the status of women in Islam? [4]
(a)
Women played a vital role in the first Islamic community. Khadijah (ra) was the first to believe in the Prophet and supported him emotionally and financially. Sumayyah (ra) was tortured and became the first martyr in Islam, showing courage and firmness. Aisha (ra) became a great scholar and taught many companions after the Prophet’s death. Asma bint Abu Bakr (ra) helped during the Hijrah by secretly supplying food to the Prophet. Nusaybah bint Ka‘b (ra) defended the Prophet at the Battle of Uhud. These examples show that women actively supported Islam through sacrifice, knowledge and bravery.
(b)
These women teach Muslims the importance of courage, loyalty and service. They show that women have an honoured position in Islam and play a vital role in building the community. Muslims today can learn to respect women, support education and value women’s contribution to society.