Women in the Quran: their stories and verses
Women in the Quran include Maryam, the only woman named, and many others described by their faith and courage: Asiyah the wife of Pharaoh, the mother of Musa, the Queen of Sheba and Khawlah, whose plea Allah answered. Here are eight women of the Quran, their stories and where to read them.
Last updated: 8 October 2026
Eight women of the Quran
| Woman | Her story | Read it in |
|---|---|---|
| Maryam (Mary) | Mother of ‘Isa, chosen “above the women of the worlds”. The only woman named in the Quran; a whole surah bears her name. | Al ‘Imran 3:42; Maryam 19:16–34 |
| Hawwa’ (Eve) | The wife of Adam. The Quran blames both equally for the mistake and records both repenting. | Al-Baqarah 2:35–37; Al-A‘raf 7:19–23 |
| The mother of Musa | Inspired by Allah to place her baby in the river, and promised his return. | Al-Qasas 28:7–13 |
| Asiyah, wife of Pharaoh | A believer in the palace of a tyrant, held up as an example for all believers. | At-Tahrim 66:11 |
| The Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) | A wise ruler who consulted her advisers and submitted to Allah with Sulayman. | An-Naml 27:23–44 |
| The wife of Ibrahim (Sarah) | Given the glad tidings of Ishaq in old age. | Hud 11:71–73 |
| The daughters of Madyan | Two sisters watering their flock; one married Musa. | Al-Qasas 28:23–27 |
| The woman who disputed | Khawlah bint Tha‘labah, whose complaint Allah heard; a surah is named after her case. | Al-Mujadilah 58:1 |
Examples for all believers
At-Tahrim 66:11–12 sets Asiyah and Maryam as examples “for those who believe”, not only for women. Their stories show faith under pressure, trust in Allah and dignity. Read Maryam’s story in full in Surah Maryam, and the mother of Musa in the stories of the prophets.
Learning with a female teacher
Many sisters and daughters prefer to study the Quran and its stories with a woman; see female Quran teachers. For the other figures in the Quran, see prophets in the Quran and parables in the Quran.
Frequently asked questions
How many women are mentioned in the Quran?
Only Maryam is named. Many others appear by description, such as the wife of Pharaoh, the mother of Musa and the Queen of Sheba. Their names are known from hadith and history.
Is there a surah named after women?
Surah An-Nisa’ (4, “The Women”) deals with family and rights, and Surah Maryam (19) is named after Maryam. Al-Mujadilah (58) is named after the woman who pleaded her case.
What does the Quran say about men and women?
That they are equal in faith and reward: “Whoever does righteousness, male or female, while a believer, We will give them a good life” (16:97), and 33:35 lists believing men and women side by side.
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