The silent strength of women behind the early battles of Islam remains too often unacknowledged, despite the depth of their sacrifice and support. The early Islamic battles played a crucial role in the foundational development of the Ummah, serving as powerful demonstrations of the companions’ deep love and unwavering devotion to Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ. These moments of immense sacrifice highlighted their readiness to risk their lives in the path of their Lord. Notably, this spirit of dedication was not limited to the male companions; many remarkable women also took part in supporting the Muslim army and defending Islam.

Rufaida Al-Aslamia RA

Rufaida Al-Aslamia pioneered medical advancements during the early Islamic period, being the first Muslim woman to command a military mobile field medical centre. In the Battle of Khandaq, she treated the injuries of soldiers in a mobile medical tent, such as removing an arrow from Sa’ad bin Mu’adh RA at the order of the Prophet ﷺ. She continued to aid his recovery, assisted by other nurses in a tent she set up near the Prophet’s ﷺ mosque. (Faza’il-E-A’maal)

She also taught other female companions about first aid before the Battle of Khaibar, where she was assisted in running her mobile military medical tent, treating wounded soldiers in day and night shifts. Her contributions to the war effort were extremely significant, making her one of the recipients of the spoils of war, a recognition that honoured her role as a field nurse as equally commendable and rewarding as those who fought in battle. The immediate medical aid that soldiers needed during battles was a crucial part of the Muslim army; treating the injured so the war effort could continue and the Muslims could sustain their fight for the sake of Allah. (Faza’il-E-A’maal)

Hadhrat Khansa RA

Hadhrat Khansa is a clear example of a woman who contributed to the strength and courage of the Muslims who readily put their lives on the line for the sake of Allah. She was a renowned poet who embraced Islam in Madinah, along with her four sons.

In 16 A.H., during the Battle of Qadisiyyah—a confrontation between the Muslims and the Persians—she exhorted her sons with the following words,

“Be prepared to contribute your best in the battle. Go ahead into the enemy lines, seeking help from Allah. When you see the flames of war rising high, get right into the centre and face the enemy chiefs. InshAllah, you will earn your abode in Paradise with honour and success.” (Faza’il-E-A’maal)

She also cited the Qur’anic verse,

“O believers! Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah, so you may be successful.” (Surah Ali ’Imran 3:200)

Her powerful words of encouragement and unwavering commitment to the words of Allah ignited a deep sense of resolve and spirit in the hearts of her sons. They recited their mother’s words as they courageously advanced toward the enemy lines. Each of them fought until they were martyred, one after the other.

Upon hearing the news, Hadhrat Khansa RA said,

“Alhamdulillah. Glory to Allah, Who has honoured me with their martyrdom. I hope that Allah will unite me with them under the shade of His mercy.” (Faza’il-E-A’maal)

Her empowering words and inspiring affirmations helped shape tenacious soldiers within the Muslim army, men who were determined to fight for the sake of Allah with perseverance and steadfastness.

Hadhrat A’ishah RA and Umm Sulaym RA

Other female companions also played a vital role by physically exerting themselves to provide immediate aid and support to the Muslim army, strengthening the fighters through their dedicated efforts, most notably during the Battle of Uhud.

One narration from Anas RA highlights their bravery and service,

“I saw A’ishah and Umm Sulaym with their sleeves rolled up and their robes tucked up to the extent that their ankles were visible. They were carrying waterskins on their backs and offering water around to the fighters. They would sometimes pour water into the mouths of the fighters. When the water ran out, they would go, fill up the skins, and return to offer water to the thirsty fighters.” (Al-Bukhari 2880)

Hadhrat Safiyyah RA

During the Battle of Khandaq, Hadhrat Safiyyah RA, along with other women, was instructed by the Prophet ﷺ to remain in a fortress under the guardianship of Hasaan bin Thabit RA. With the imminent threat of non-Muslims infiltrating the camp, everyone was on high alert—including Safiyyah.

When she spotted a Jew approaching the fort, she acted swiftly and struck him with a tent peg, delivering a fatal blow. She then brought his head back to Hassan RA as proof of the danger averted. (Faza’il-E-A’maal)

Her ability to take initiative and act decisively successfully protected the Muslims taking refuge in the fort, reflecting her remarkable bravery and fearlessness.

Hadhrat Suhayma RA

The Battle of Khandaq was a time of immense hardship, testing the Prophet ﷺ and his companions in their physical exertion. During this period, Hadhrat Suhayma was asked by her husband, Jābir RA, if she could prepare a meal for the Prophet ﷺ, who was tirelessly digging the trenches.

Upon receiving the invitation, the Prophet ﷺ publicly announced,

“O people! The family of Jābir has prepared food for us. Get up and let us go to Jābir’s house for food!” (Al-Bukhari 270 and Muslim 1189)

Suhayma was shocked to see the large group—said to have numbered around one thousand—as she had only prepared enough food for one person. Yet, all who accompanied the Prophet ﷺ ate to their fill, with plenty left over.

Suhayma’s humble provisions sustained the Muslims in their efforts, providing them with strength and nourishment to continue digging. In doing so, she contributed to the war effort in subtle but meaningful ways. Her generosity became a means through which the Prophet ﷺ and his companions witnessed a miracle from Allah; a meal filled with barakah that satisfied many.

Nusaybah Bint Ka’ab RA

Nusaybah bint Ka’ab was a fearless warrior who charged at death on the battlefield, even when others were fleeing for their lives. This was seen during the Battle of Uhud, where 300 hypocrites left the battlefield as the enemy began to gain the upper hand. Nusaybah instinctively ran in, picking up a set of armour and a sword that had been discarded, and immediately began swinging her sword, advancing toward the Prophet ﷺ, her husband, and her two sons to defend them.

At one point during the battle, her son Abdullah became defenceless, using only stones as a weapon. He fell and began bleeding after being struck by a man. Nusaybah told Abdullah to get up and continue fighting for the Prophet ﷺ. Shortly after, the man who had struck her son was pointed out to her. She charged at him, landed a hit, and—with the help of surrounding companions—was able to kill him, successfully avenging her son. (Faza’il-E-A’maal)

She also risked her life protecting the Prophet ﷺ, standing in the way of Abdullah ibn Qami’ah, who tried to reach the Prophet ﷺ after killing his lookalike, Mus’ab ibn Umayr RA. She attempted to strike him, but her blow was ineffective because he was protected by two layers of armour. In return, he struck her on the shoulder, inflicting a deep wound that was so severe it took an entire year to heal. Nusaybah endured 12 wounds on that day.

When the Prophet ﷺ saw Nusaybah ardently fighting on the battlefield, he said, “Who can do what you can do?”

It was also narrated from Umar ibn al-Khattab RA, from the Prophet ﷺ, “Whenever I turned right or left on the day of Uhud, I always saw her fighting in my defence.” (Fazail-E-Almaal)

Her bravery did not end at Uhud. She was also present at the Battles of Khaibar, Hunayn, and Al-Yamamah, where she lost an arm and received eleven wounds in that battle.

Nusaybah was a woman who ran toward danger rather than away from it. Her courageous contributions to the war effort posed a serious challenge to enemy forces, driven by her unwavering determination and physical capabilities, despite being well into her forties in the Battle of Uhud. Her remarkable efforts did not go unnoticed by the Almighty. When she and other women asked the Prophet ﷺ about the specific mention and recognition of women in the Qur’an, verse 35 of Surah Al-Ahzab was revealed in response,

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their chastity and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so — for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35)

These women played vital roles in the early Muslim battles—supporting, healing, and at times, directly engaging in combat. Their contributions demonstrate the significant impact women had in shaping and supporting the early Islamic community. Our jihad may be presented differently in today’s day and age, but we nonetheless remain responsible for upholding the values of the deen. Like the women of the past, we can strive to put Allah at the forefront of our actions and work together in the service of our faith.

References

Al-Zahrni, N.M., Female Honour Board.
Ghadanfar, M.A., 2001. Great Women of Islam. Riyadh: Dar-us-Salam Publications.
Kandhlawi, M. Z., 1997. Faza’il‑e‑A’maal. Volume 1. Lahore: Idara Impex.
Karippur, N., 2024. ‘Rufaida Al-Aslamia: Pioneering the Path of Compassion in Nursing History’. Islamonweb.
Qutb, M. A., 2007. Women Around the Messenger. Translated by A. R. A. Imam, Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House.
Suleiman, O., 2024. Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (RA): The Woman Warrior
Younis, H., 2024. Builders of a Nation. Kube Publishing Ltd.

Majidah Chowdhury

Warriors in Spirit and Action: Women of the Early Islamic Battles