Celebrating International Women’s Day: Honoring Women’s Role in Islam and the Sacred Status of Motherhood

March 7, 2025

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable role of women in shaping societies and nurturing future generations. Islam honors women as individuals with ambitions, aspirations, and the right to pursue success in any field they are passionate about. 

Women as Role Models in the Quran

The Quran highlights the profound role of women in society by presenting four women as role models—two among the righteous and two among the misguided. This demonstrates that women can shape their own destiny and influence society.

In Surah al-Tahrim (66:10-12), the wives of Noah and Lot are depicted as examples of betrayal and disobedience, despite being married to prophets, leading to their downfall. In contrast, Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, and Lady Maryam (p) are honored as models of faith and devotion—Asiya for her steadfastness against tyranny and Maryam for her purity and obedience to God.

The Quran also declares Prophet Ibrahim (p) and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp)as exemplary models (Uswah) (60:4, 33:21). Considering all these verses, it can be concluded that moral leadership is not limited to men. Likewise, righteous women, such as Lady Khadijah (p)—who sacrificed her wealth for Islam—and Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (p)—a pioneer of piety and justice, serve as role models for all of humanity.

Women who nurture their children with moral and spiritual values contribute to the betterment of all humanity. Their efforts are invaluable in shaping ethical and committed generations.

Therefore, no matter how much a woman achieves in her career and personal endeavors, she cannot neglect the most honorable and exceptional role that Islam has entrusted to her: motherhood. For example, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) said, “Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers”(Mirza al-Nuri, Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, vol. 15, p. 180, hadith 4)

In another narration, Imam Abu Abdullah (p) said: A man came to the Prophet (pbuh&hp) and asked, “O Messenger of God, who is the most deserving of my kindness?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man then asked, “Who after her?” The Prophet answered, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “Who after her?” The Prophet responded, “Your mother.” The man asked once more, “Who after her?” The Prophet replied, “Your father” (Al-Kulayni, Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 159, Hadith 9).

The Divine Status of Motherhood

Islam does not limit a woman’s aspirations or contributions to any particular sphere. She is free to seek knowledge, excel in her profession, and contribute to society’s well-being. However, Islam also acknowledges that the family is the cornerstone of a healthy society, and mothers play an irreplaceable role in nurturing future generations.

A mother is the very foundation of life itself. From the beginning of creation, God placed Hawwa (Eve) alongside Adam, ensuring the continuity of human existence.

• A mother is the compassion and the warm embrace of the family.
• A mother is a school, nurturer, and educator of future generations.
• A mother is responsibility.
• A mother is the success of an entire society.

If a woman deviates from this great role, it will lead to the collapse of the family and, consequently, the downfall of society. In such a scenario, every member of the community will become nothing more than a machine, driven solely by the desires and temptations of material wealth, focused only on food and pleasure—losing sight of intellect, humanity, values, and ethics.

A World Without Mothers

“Life without women—without mothers—is a life devoid of meaning, without taste or fragrance, purely materialistic and soulless.”

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the honor, dignity, and immense contributions of women in every aspect of life. Islam recognizes women as pillars of strength, wisdom, and virtue, whose roles extend far beyond the home—into academia, governance, medicine, law, and countless other fields. Yet, amidst all these achievements, the role of motherhood remains unmatched, as it is through the hands of mothers that nations are built and values are preserved.

As we acknowledge the global struggles for gender justice, let us also recognize the unique Islamic perspective on womanhood—one that does not see a contradiction between professional aspirations and family responsibilities but rather harmonizes them within a framework of divine wisdom and societal well-being.

May God bless all women, strengthen them in their endeavors, and grant them the honor of serving both humanity and their families in the most fulfilling ways.