Sections from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing be upon him) reveal that he had a respectful and compassionate attitude that valued women in general. This is true for those who have kinship ties such as their mother, spouse, daughter, and those who do not have any kinship ties.
In the sources of Islamic history, there are many events in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) talked to women, listened to them, and consulted with them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made the women who were his interlocutors feel that he valued them with kindness and respect.
When the angel Jibril (Gabriel) brought revelation to him, the first person he shared and consulted about his situation was his wife, Khadija (Peace be upon her).[1] After the treaty of Hudaibiyah, the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) consulted with his wife Ummu Salamah about how he should treat the Companions (friends who were followers) who were not satisfied with the treaty. He also consulted with his other wife, Zainab bint Jahsh (PUH) on how to treat the slander against Aisha (PUH).[3]
When he was invited to dinner one day, he made it a condition to attend with his wife.[4] In one of his hadiths, he said that the best morality among Muslims is the one who treats his wife best.[5] In fact, in the 19th verse of the chapter of An-Nisa, it is recommended to be good with wife: “Treat them fairly. If you happen to dislike them, you may hate something which Allah turns into a great blessing.”
Many events have been narrated, which also reveal how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) communicated with women who were not related to him. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) listened to the problems of women who had problems, answered those who had questions [6], and helped them when necessary. He showed special respect to old women.[7] No status mattered in his relations with women. Even if she was a poor concubine (female slave), she could easily reach him and tell him about her problems.[8]
[1] Al-Bukhari, Revelation,1
[2] JAMI’ AL-MUSNAD AS-SAHIH, 4:326; Al-Bukhari,3:182
[3] Muslim, 8:118
[4] Muslim, KITAB Al-ASHRIBA (THE BOOK OF DRINKS), 139
[5] At-Tirmidhi, The Book on Suckling,11
[6] For example: When a woman asked if she could make the pilgrimage instead of her elderly father, the Prophet Muhammad replied, “Yes, you can.” Al- Bukhari, Hajj (Pilgrimage),1
[7] For example: Although the Prophet Muhammad always started the service from the right, it is a symbol of the respect he showed to the elderly, that he asked permission from the young man to serve the elders in an assembly where there was a young man on his right and the notables of his tribe on his left. Al-Bukhari, The Book of Musaqah,10.
[8] For example: In the slander against Aisha, he asked Barirah, who was Aisha’s servant, for her opinion on this matter. Sira,3:313-314;Muslim,8:115