Friday Sermon: The Prophet Mohammed’s wives

Prophet Mohammed’s wives had special traits and did good deeds in different areas, and Friday’s sermon gives insight into some of their characteristics.

Lady Khadija, Prophet Mohammed’s first wife, whom he married before the message of Islam was revealed to him, was his first believer and supporter. She was a woman of wealth and high status and she remained by the Prophet’s side in the most difficult times. “She is a role model for the faithful wife, who stands by her husband in the most difficult times, shares his sadness and sympathises with him,” says the sermon.

She was promised a palace of pearls in paradise by Allah and He sent her His greetings through the angel Gabriel. After she passed away, Prophet Mohammed was deeply grieved. He never forgot his love for her.

Lady Umm Salama was known for her wisdom. During the truce of Hudaybiya, when Prophet Mohammed instructed his followers to undo their ihram and return to Medina, they were reluctant, so the Prophet spoke to his wife Umm Salama. She advised him to leave the tent and start the steps himself, and they shall follow. And indeed her advice worked.

Lady Ayesha was also known for her knowledge and reporting of hadith, charity, fasting, acts of worship and the love Prophet Mohammed had for her. “And they shall receive from us all appreciation and honouring,” concludes the sermon, “as they were examples of honourable traits”.