Hadiths
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, God will make easy for him a path to Paradise).
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (Whoever God wants good for, He makes him understand the religion)
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim).
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (If a person dies, his work is cut off except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who
Faith Faith in God 388 2026-08-01

The Status of Women in Islam

Question
Does the Hadith About the Perfection of Certain Women Prevent Women from Attaining the Highest Level of Paradise? Can Muslims Take Mary (Peace Be Upon Her) as a Role Model?
Answer

All praise is due to Allah, and may Allah's peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

The hadith mentioning the perfection of Mary (Maryam) and Asiyah (may Allah be pleased with them) does not mean that no other woman can attain the highest ranks of Paradise, nor does it mean that the door to spiritual excellence was closed after them. Rather, it indicates that Allah honored them with a unique status and special distinction. As for other believing women, they are commanded to strive for the highest degree of excellence possible by following Allah's guidance, and every sincere effort is rewarded according to one's devotion and obedience.

Allah has promised Paradise to believing men and women who perform righteous deeds. In fact, He has promised Al-Firdaws (the highest level of Paradise) to those who fulfill the qualities of true believers mentioned at the beginning of Surah Al-Mu'minun. This promise is not limited to a particular group of women.

As for Mary (peace be upon her), Allah praised her because of her obedience, chastity, and devotion according to the religious law that she was commanded to follow. This does not mean that remaining unmarried or withdrawing from worldly life for worship is the preferred path in Islam. Rather, Islamic law encourages marriage and forbids monasticism and self-imposed celibacy. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me."

A Muslim woman therefore attains Allah's pleasure and the highest ranks through following the teachings of Islam, being sincere to Allah, and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—not by imitating practices that were prescribed for previous religious communities.

In summary, spiritual perfection has many levels; it is not a single rank reserved for only a few individuals. Every Muslim man and woman is commanded to strive for the highest level of faith and righteous deeds that they are able to achieve according to Allah's legislation. Whoever sincerely does so may hope to attain the highest ranks of Paradise.

And Allah knows best.