The term Ummahatul Momineen (Arabic: أمهات المؤمنين) literally means “Mothers of the Believers” and refers to the noble wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This title was given to them by Allah Himself in the Quran, making them a source of respect, love, and guidance for all Muslims.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:6)
This means that every Muslim man and woman is religiously bound to honor the wives of the Prophet ﷺ just as they honor their own mothers, though without any blood relation. They are role models in piety, sacrifice, and devotion to Islam.
List of Ummahatul Momineen – Wives of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ married 11 women in his lifetime, but not all were alive at the same time. These noble women are:
- Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) – First wife and the first believer in Islam, known for her immense support and loyalty. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ didn’t marry in her life with any other woman.
- Sawda bint Zam‘a (RA) – Married after the death of Khadijah (RA), known for her generosity and cheerful nature.
- Aishah bint Abi Bakr (RA) – Daughter of Abu Bakr (RA), a scholar and narrator of more than 2,000 Hadith.
- Hafsa bint Umar (RA) – Daughter of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), known for her preservation of the Qur’an manuscript.
- Zaynab bint Khuzaymah (RA) – Known as Umm al-Masakeen (Mother of the Poor) due to her charity.
- Umm Salama (RA) – Known for her wisdom and political insight in early Islamic history.
- Zaynab bint Jahsh (RA) – Her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ was commanded by Allah, mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:37).
- Juwayriya bint al-Harith (RA) – Her marriage led to the freeing of many captives, spreading Islam among her tribe.
- Umm Habibah (RA) – Daughter of Abu Sufyan (RA), who accepted Islam while in Abyssinia.
- Safiyyah bint Huyayy (RA) – Of Jewish origin, she embraced Islam after marriage and was known for her kindness.
- Maymunah bint al-Harith (RA) – Last wife of the Prophet ﷺ, known for her devotion and service.
Why Are They Called Ummahatul Momineen, mothers of the Believers?
- Allah gave them the title directly in Surah al-Ahzab 33:6, which means their position is divinely honored.
- They represent perfect examples for Muslim women in modesty, patience, sacrifice, charity, knowledge, and worship.
- After the Prophet’s ﷺ, it became haram for anyone to marry them, as they are considered the mothers of all Muslims.
FAQs About Ummahatul Momineen
Q1: How many wives did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ have?
The Prophet ﷺ married 11 women in total, but not all were alive at the same time.
Q2: Why are they called Ummahatul Momineen?
Because Allah has honored them in the Qur’an as spiritual mothers to all believers.
Q3: Can we call them by their names without saying “RA”?
It is best to add “Radi Allahu Anha” (May Allah be pleased with her) out of respect.
The Ummahatul Momineen are not just historical figures — they are beacons of faith, courage, and morality. By studying their lives, every Muslim can find inspiration to improve in worship, character, and service to humanity. Learn more about the Prophet ﷺ and his wife, join our sirat online course.
