Noble Women of Faith: Asiya, Mary, Khadija, Fatima
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Islamic tradition praises Asiya, Mary, Khadija, and Fatima as the four women who showed monumental examples of excellence in faith. While Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur'an, the other three are mentioned in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Asiya was the wife of Pharaoh and she protected Moses in the palace from her husband's wrath. Mary is the epitome of purity and submission, blessed miraculously with Jesus and stood firm against slanders. Khadija, the first believer in the Prophet Muhammad, supported him with all her fortune and life. Fatima, the Prophet's daughter, ensures the continuation of the Prophet's generation. This book portrays the lives of these remarkable women in human history.
Age
7-9
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Asiya
Khadija
Fatima
Mary
Discussion points
How do the stories of Asiya, Mary, Khadija, and Fatima inspire you to be a better person?
What qualities do these women possess that you admire the most, and why?
What challenges did each of these women face and how did they overcome them?
How can we apply the lessons from their lives to our own challenges today?
Which of these stories was your favorite, and what is one thing you learned from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in each woman’s situation and ask how they would feel and react.
Highlight the virtues and strong moral values demonstrated in each story to set a foundation for character-building discussions.
Relate the historical and cultural context of these women to present day to make the stories more relatable and meaningful.
Ask your child to think about how these women showed bravery and wisdom, and discuss how one can embody these qualities in daily life.
Urge your child to think about specific ways they can incorporate the lessons learned from these stories into their school or social activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and Compassion
Explanation: The stories of these noble women highlight acts of kindness and compassion towards others, regardless of their circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can practice being kind and compassionate in their interactions with family, friends, and even strangers, fostering a more empathetic community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Adversity
Explanation: Each woman faced unique challenges but remained resilient and steadfast in her beliefs and actions, demonstrating the virtue of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain determined in the face of difficulties, whether it’s in school, extracurricular activities or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Faith
Explanation: The book illustrates how faith played a central role in the lives of Asiya, Mary, Khadija, and Fatima, guiding their actions and decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of having faith and principles, influencing them to develop their own beliefs and moral compass.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through Knowledge
Explanation: These women were not only pious but also knowledgeable, using their understanding to make informed decisions and lead others.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to pursue education and knowledge earnestly, showing them that learning empowers individuals to make a difference.