صحابیاتؓ کی سماجی خدمات اور اسلامی معاشرتی فلاح: قرنِ اوّل کا تحقیقی مطالعہ

SOCIAL, WELFARE, AND PHILANTHROPIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FEMALE COMPANIONS IN THE EARLY ISLAMIC SOCIETY: A SĪRAH-BASED ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

The early Islamic society was founded upon the principles of social solidarity, compassion, and collective responsibility, in which the female Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) played a significant yet often underexplored role. While previous scholarship has predominantly focused on their religious and domestic contributions, their participation in social welfare, public service, healthcare, and community development deserves equal scholarly attention. This study aims to examine the social contributions of prominent female Companions through a descriptive and analytical approach based on the primary sources of the Qur’ān, Hadith, Sīrah, and classical historical literature. Particular attention is given to the contributions of Khadījah bint Khuwaylid, Sawdah bint Zam‘ah, ʿĀ’ishah bint Abī Bakr, Zaynab bint Khuzaymah, Zaynab bint Jaḥsh, Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr, Umm Sulaym, Umm ʿUmārah, Rubayyiʿ bint Muʿawwidh, Umm ʿAṭiyyah, and Rufaydah al-Anṣāriyyah. The findings demonstrate that these women made substantial contributions in charitable giving, poverty alleviation, education, nursing, medical care, caring for the wounded, funeral services, humanitarian assistance, and support during military expeditions. Their services were inspired by faith, sincerity, altruism, and a profound sense of social responsibility, thereby strengthening social cohesion and public welfare within the early Muslim community. The study further argues that the Prophetic model encouraged women's constructive participation in society while maintaining Islamic ethical values and moral responsibilities. The experiences of the female Companions, therefore, provide a valuable framework for addressing contemporary social challenges and offer a practical model for enhancing women's participation in community welfare, humanitarian work, education, and public service within an Islamic ethical framework.