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Did you know that Asiya (RA) is one of the best four women in Jannah (paradise)? The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned these four women of paradise in a hadith, saying:
'The best of the women of Paradise are Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), Fatimah bint Muhammad (RA), Maryam bint Imran (RA) and Asiyah bint Muzahim (RA), the wife of Pharaoh.’
(Musnad Ahmad)
Asiya (RA) was the brave and righteous wife of Pharaoh, one of the most cruel rulers in history. Even though she lived in a palace surrounded by wealth, she stayed strong in her faith and believed in Allah. She also had the honour of being the adoptive mother of Prophet Musa (AS). Her courage, patience, and belief in Allah make her an amazing role model for everyone.
Keep reading this blog to learn about the inspiring life of Asiya (RA), her importance in Islam, and how she is an everlasting example for all believers.
Not much about Asiya’s (RA) childhood or family background is known. However, historical accounts indicate that she came from a wealthy family and was married to Pharaoh through an arranged marriage.
The following sections will explore more about her remarkable life and importance:
Asiya (RA) was the wife of Pharaoh, a tyrant king who claimed to be a god and ruled with fear and oppression. She had no children from Pharaoh. Despite being his wife, Asiya (RA) was very different from him. She was kind and generous. She was surrounded by luxury, but did not let this power or riches define her.
She was not the biological mother of Musa (AS), but Allah had chosen her to provide refuge to the Prophet Musa (AS) when he was an infant. How Musa (AS) came into the palace first stemmed from Pharaoh being warned by a fortune teller that he would be overthrown by the man from the children of Israel, who were enslaved in Egypt at the time. Fearing this, he ordered newborn baby boys to be executed.
It is also mentioned in the Quran,
‘(Remember) how We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with dreadful torment, slaughtering your sons and keeping your women. That was a severe test from your Lord.’
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 49)
When Prophet Musa (AS) was born, his mother was worried about his safety. But Allah promised her that he would be protected. Allah guided her to place baby Musa in a basket and let it float in the Nile River. Allah says in the Quran,
‘We inspired the mother of Moses: “Nurse him, but when you fear for him, put him then into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will certainly return him to you, and make him one of the messengers.”’
(Surah Al-Qasas, verse 7)
The basket floated down the river and ended up near Pharaoh’s palace. Some servant women saw it and brought it to Asiya (RA). They didn’t know what was inside and were afraid to open it without her permission. They found a baby boy with the most beautiful features when they opened the basket. As soon as Asiya (RA) saw him, Allah filled her heart with love for him.
When Pharaoh saw the baby, he wanted to kill him because he feared the child might be from the Children of Israel. However, his wife, Asiya bint Muzahim (RA), defended the baby and tried to win Pharaoh’s approval by saying:
‘Pharaoh’s wife said to him, “(This baby) is a source of joy for me and you. Do not kill him. Perhaps he may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” They were unaware (of what was to come).’
(Surah Al-Qasas, verse 9)
Allah guided her because of him and destroyed Pharaoh at his hands. It was part of Allah’s perfect plan to bless her, honour her, and bring Pharaoh’s downfall.
Prophet Musa (AS) grew up safely under Asiya's (RA) care in the Pharaoh’s palace. Years later, Allah made him a prophet. When Allah commanded him, Prophet Musa (AS) called Pharaoh and his people to worship the one true God. Asiya (AS) accepted the message and believed in Allah. However, because of Pharaoh’s cruelty, only a few people believed in Prophet Musa (AS).
When Pharaoh discovered that Asiya (AS) was worshipping Allah, he tried to force her to give up her faith. But Asiya (RA) stayed firm in her belief and refused to turn away from Allah. Pharaoh ordered her to be tortured to death. In her moments of suffering, she asked Allah for a house in paradise near Him and He accepted her dua:
‘My Lord! Build me a house in Paradise near You, deliver me from Pharaoh and his (evil) doing, and save me from the wrongdoing people.’
(Surah At-Tahrim, verse 11)
Asiya (RA)’s heartfelt dua inspires Muslims to pray with focus and sincerity, knowing Allah responds in the best way. Enhance your dua and dhikr experience with this beautiful collection of prayer beads, crafted to bring more meaning to your worship.
Ibn Jarir narrated that Asiya (RA), the wife of Pharaoh, was tortured under the hot sun, but the angels shaded her with their wings to protect her. During her suffering, Allah showed her a house in Paradise to strengthen her faith.
Despite the torture, Asiya (RA) believed in the Lord of Musa (AS) and Harun (AS) and refused to abandon her faith. Pharaoh ordered his men to bring a large stone and told them to throw it on her if she continued to believe. Asiya (RA) looked to the sky, saw her home in Paradise, and remained steadfast. Allah took her soul before the stone could harm her, and it was thrown on her lifeless body. She sacrificed everything, preferring the Hereafter over the comforts of this world. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
She was rich in her Imaan (faith), so much so that Allah presented her as an example for all believers in the Quran:
‘And Allah sets forth an example for the believers: the wife of Pharaoh.’
(Surah At-Tahrim, verse 11)
Asiya (RA) was a noble and faithful woman. Even though Pharaoh refused to believe in Allah, his disbelief did not stop Asiya (RA) from obeying her Lord. She refused to give in to her husband’s cruelty and instead dedicated her heart and soul to Allah.
If you want to read more amazing stories about incredible women in Islam and want to know how they can inspire you in your life, check out this wonderful collection of Islamic books at Riwaya. Don’t wait - start exploring and shopping today!
Every person has experienced and will experience injustice at different points. For example, with a sweeping increase in Islamophobia in today’s global society, sometimes it feels like injustice is inevitable and that there’s too much of it to fight against. In such moments, the story of Asiya (RA) serves as a powerful example. She stood firm in her belief in Allah, even when it cost her everything, including her life.
Here are some key lessons from her remarkable story:
a. Asiya’s (RA) unshakable belief in Allah inspires Muslims worldwide to hold firmly to their faith and values, even in the most challenging circumstances. Despite being the wife of Pharaoh, one of the most oppressive tyrants in history, she chose to rely on Allah rather than submit to his cruelty.
b. She lived in a palace surrounded by luxury, wealth, and power, yet she willingly gave it all up for her faith. Her life reminds us that the rewards of the Hereafter are far greater than any worldly possessions or comforts. Muslims are encouraged to focus on eternal success and make choices that bring them closer to Allah, even if it means sacrificing temporary pleasures.
c. Her life is a powerful example of bravery. She endured torture and unimaginable suffering at the hands of Pharaoh, yet she never wavered in her devotion to Allah. Her story teaches us that even in the face of hardship, we should remain steadfast and courageous, knowing that Allah sees our struggles and will reward us accordingly.
In conclusion, Asiya (RA) stands as one of the most remarkable women in history, a beacon of faith and resilience in the face of unimaginable oppression. Due to her piety and unwavering faith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarded her as one of the most perfect women, alongside Mariam (AS):
‘Many amongst men attained perfection but amongst women, none attained the perfection except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh.’
(Sahih Bukhari Volume 5, Book 57, Number 113)
Remember, you are valued and loved by Allah. Never let your external circumstances define your self-worth. Like Asiya (RA), hold firm to your faith and look forward to the rewards Allah promised His faithful servants.
Want to know about more such inspiring women? Read this recent blog on 11 famous women in Islamic history who left a lasting legacy.
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