Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had 11 wives who are called Ummahat al-Mumineen (امہات المومنین) which means “the Mothers of Believers”. Each wife has special story and played an important role in spreading Islam. This complete guide shares the names, details and brief stories of all 11 wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Who are Mothers of Believers
The Mothers of Believers is special title given to wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Holy Quran. Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:6):
“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves and his wives are their mothers”
This means all Muslims must respect and honor the wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as they would respect their own mothers. It is forbidden to marry them after the Prophet’s death and they have a special high status in Islam.
Prophet Muhammad Wives Names in Order
Here are names of all 11 wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in order he married them:
- Khadija bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها
- Sawda bint Zam’an رضي الله عنها
- Aisha Bint Abu Bakr رضي الله عنها
- Hafsa bint Umar رضي الله عنها
- Zainab bint Khuzayma رضي الله عنها
- Hind bint Abi Ummaya رضي الله عنها (Umm Salama)
- Zainab bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها
- Juwayriya bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها
- Ramla bint Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنها (Umm Habiba)
- Safiyya bint Huyayy Ibn Akhtab رضي الله عنها
- Maymuna bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها
1. Khadija bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها
Khadija bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها was first and most beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was a wealthy businesswoman in Makkah. Known for her intelligence, nobility and good character.
How They Got Married
Khadija رضي الله عنها hired Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to take her trade caravan to Syria. She was impressed by his honesty and trustworthy character. She proposed marriage to him through her friend and he accepted.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at first marriage: 25 years
- Age of Khadija رضي الله عنها at marriage: 40 years
- Duration of marriage: 25 years
- Age at death: 65 years
- Burial place: Jannat al Mualla in Makkah
Her Special Qualities
- First Believer: She was the first person to embrace Islam
- Strong Support: She supported the Prophet ﷺ during the difficult early days of Islam
- Mother of Children: Together they had six children (2 sons and 4 daughters)
- Only Wife for 25 Years: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not marry anyone else while she was alive
- Most Beloved: The Prophet ﷺ loved her deeply even after her death
The Prophet ﷺ remained loyal to her memory throughout his life. He would often remember her, send gifts to her friends, and speak highly of her.
2. Sawda bint Zam’an رضي الله عنها
Sawda bint Zam’an رضي الله عنها was the second wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Whom he married after the death of Khadija رضي الله عنها.
Why He Married Her
Sawda رضي الله عنها was a widow who had migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) for Islam. When she returned to Makkah. She had no one to support her. The Prophet ﷺ married her to help and protect her.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at second marriage: 50 years
- Age of Sawda رضي الله عنها at marriage: 50 years
- Duration of marriage: 13 years (until Prophet’s death)
- Age at death: 75 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Special Role
Immediately after marriage, Sawda رضي الله عنها took care of four daughters of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was known for her kindness, generosity and sense of humor.
3. Aisha Bint Abu Bakr رضي الله عنها
Aisha Bint Abu Bakr رضي الله عنها was the third and youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was daughter of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. The closest companion and first Caliph of Islam.
Marriage Details
The marriage was arranged when Aisha رضي الله عنها was young. But she stayed at her parents home until she reached puberty. This was common practice in that society. Aisha رضي الله عنها was only virgin wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at third marriage: 54 years
- Age of Aisha رضي الله عنها at marriage contract: 7 years
- Marriage consummation: After reaching puberty
- Duration of marriage: 9 years (until Prophet’s death)
- Age at death: 65 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Great Contribution to Islam
Aisha رضي الله عنها is one of most important women in Islamic history:
- Scholar: She had exceptional intelligence and memory
- Hadith Narrator: She narrated more than 2,200 hadiths from the Prophet ﷺ
- Teacher: After the Prophet’s death. She taught thousands of Muslims
- Islamic Jurist: Many Sahaba would consult her on Islamic rulings
- Beloved Wife: The Prophet ﷺ loved her dearly
She lived for 40 years after the Prophet’s death, teaching and spreading Islamic knowledge.
4. Hafsa bint Umar رضي الله عنها
Hafsa bint Umar رضي الله عنها was the fourth wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was daughter of Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه. The second Caliph of Islam.
Why He Married Her
Hafsa رضي الله عنها was widowed when her husband Khunais bin Hudhaifah رضي الله عنه died from battle wounds. Umar رضي الله عنه was concerned about his daughter and the Prophet ﷺ married her.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at fourth marriage: 56 years
- Age of Hafsa رضي الله عنها at marriage: 20 years
- Duration of marriage: 7 years (until Prophet’s death)
- Age at death: 60 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Special Role
- Hadith Narrator: She narrated around 60 hadiths from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Keeper of the Quran: The first complete written copy of the Quran was kept with her
- Educated: She could read and write. Which was rare for women at that time
- Strong Character: She was known for her strong personality and devotion
5. Zainab bint Khuzayma رضي الله عنها
Zainab bint Khuzayma رضي الله عنها was fifth wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Whom he married one month after marrying Hafsa.
Her Beautiful Character
She was called “Umm al-Masakeen” (Mother of the Poor) because of her extreme generosity towards poor people. She had this title even before accepting Islam.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at fifth marriage: 56 years
- Age of Zainab رضي الله عنها at marriage: 29 years
- Duration of marriage: Only 8 months
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Short but Blessed Life
Sadly, Zainab رضي الله عنها passed away only eight months after marriage. Despite the short time. She is remembered for her incredible charity and kindness to the poor.
6. Hind bint Abi Umayya رضي الله عنها (Umm Salama)
Hind bint Abi Umayya رضي الله عنها, known as Umm Salama was the sixth wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was actually older than the Prophet ﷺ at time of marriage.
Her Strong Faith
She was among the very first people who converted to Islam. She and her first husband migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) to escape persecution. After her husband died. The Prophet ﷺ married her.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at sixth marriage: 56 years
- Age of Umm Salama رضي الله عنها at marriage: 32 years
- Age at death: 80 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Qualities
- Intelligent: Known for her wisdom and political understanding
- Brave: She participated in early migrations for Islam
- Counselor: The Prophet ﷺ would sometimes consult her
- Teacher: She taught and narrated many hadiths
- Last to Die: She was the last of the Prophet’s wives to die
One famous example of her wisdom: During the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, when companions were reluctant to sacrifice their animals. She advised the Prophet ﷺ to do it himself first. Her advice worked perfectly.
7. Zainab bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها
Zainab bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها was the first cousin and seventh wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was previously married to Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه. The adopted son of the Prophet ﷺ.
Marriage with Deep Purpose
This marriage had a special purpose. At that time, Arabs considered adopted sons as real sons with full inheritance rights. Islam came to correct this and show that adopted sons are not same as biological sons.
After Zainab رضي الله عنها divorced Zayd رضي الله عنه, Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to marry her to break this pre-Islamic custom. This is mentioned in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:37).
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at seventh marriage: 58 years
- Age of Zainab رضي الله عنها at marriage: 37 years
- Age at death: 51 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Beautiful Qualities
- Very Generous: She was extremely charitable
- Hardworking: She worked with her own hands, tanning leather and giving charity
- Pious: Very devoted to worship
- First Buried: She was the first of Prophet’s wives to die after him
The Prophet ﷺ said about his wives: “The one with longest hand will join me first” (meaning the most charitable). Zainab رضي الله عنها was that person.
8. Juwayriya bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها
Juwayriya bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها was eighth wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was the daughter of a tribal chief.
How She Became Muslim
When Muslims defeated the Banu al-Mustaliq tribe in battle, Juwayriya رضي الله عنها was captured. She was a princess, raised in luxury with exceptional intelligence and beauty.
She came to Prophet ﷺ asking for help to free herself. The Prophet ﷺ offered to pay her freedom and marry her. She accepted Islam and married him.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at eighth marriage: 59 years
- Age of Juwayriya رضي الله عنها at marriage: 20 years
- Age at death: 50 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Blessing for Her Tribe
When the Prophet ﷺ married her. The companions freed all captives from her tribe out of respect. About 100 families were freed. Her tribe then accepted Islam.
Aisha رضي الله عنها said: “I have not seen a woman who was a greater blessing to her people than Juwayriya”
9. Ramla bint Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنها (Umm Habiba)
Ramla bint Abu Sufyan رضي الله عنها, known as Umm Habiba was the ninth wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Her Amazing Faith
Umm Habiba رضي الله عنها embraced Islam in very beginning, although her father Abu Sufyan was strongest enemy of Islam and the Prophet ﷺ at that time.
She migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) with her first husband. Sadly, her husband left Islam and became Christian. She remained steadfast in her faith. Later the Prophet ﷺ sent a marriage proposal through the King of Abyssinia.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at ninth marriage: 59 years
- Age of Ramla رضي الله عنها at marriage: 34 years
- Age at death: 70 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Strong Character
Her story shows amazing courage. She chose Islam over her father, husband and wealth. She remained firm in faith even when tested severely.
10. Safiyya bint Huyayy Ibn Akhtab رضي الله عنها
Safiyya bint Huyayy Ibn Akhtab رضي الله عنها was the tenth wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She was from a Jewish background.
How She Became Muslim
After Battle of Khaybar, Muslims defeated several Jewish tribes including Banu Nadir. Safiyya رضي الله عنها was daughter of the chief of this tribe.
The Prophet ﷺ married her to strengthen peace between Muslims and the Jewish community. She accepted Islam sincerely and became a devoted Muslim.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at tenth marriage: 60 years
- Age of Safiyya رضي الله عنها at marriage: 19 years
- Age at death: 60 years
- Burial place: Jannat ul Baqi in Madinah
Her Noble Character
Despite coming from a Jewish background. she became a true believer. When some people tried to insult her about her past, the Prophet ﷺ defended her and taught people to respect her.
She was known for her beauty, dignity and excellent character.
11. Maymuna bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها
Maymuna bint Al-Harith رضي الله عنها was the eleventh and last wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
How They Got Married
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to Makkah to perform Umrah as part of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, Maymuna رضي الله عنها proposed marriage to him. The Prophet ﷺ accepted her proposal.
Important Details:
- Prophet Muhammad’s age at eleventh marriage: 60 years
- Age of Maymuna رضي الله عنها at marriage: 35 years
- Age at death: 80 years
- Burial place: Sarif (about 20 km from Makkah)
Special Facts
- Her original name was Barra but the Prophet ﷺ changed it to Maymuna, meaning “The Blessed One”
- She was the last wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- She was the last of his wives to die in 61 Hijri (about 50 years after the Prophet’s death)
- She is the only wife not buried in Jannat ul Baqi
Her grave is in place called Sarif on the road between Makkah and Madinah. This is a Ziyarat place that pilgrims visit.
Why Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Marry Multiple Times
Many people ask: “Why did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ marry 11 wives when Muslims are allowed only 4 wives at a time?”
This is valid question that deserves a clear answer.
Important Facts First
- First 25 Years: The Prophet ﷺ remained married to only one wife (Khadija رضي الله عنها) from age 25 to 50
- After Age 50: All other marriages happened after he turned 50 years old
- Special Permission: Allah gave the Prophet ﷺ special permission to have more than 4 wives
- Not for Desire: These marriages were not for physical desires but for important reasons
The Real Reasons for Multiple Marriages
1. Helping Widows and Protecting Women
Most of Prophet’s wives were widows who had lost their husbands in battles for Islam. In that society widows faced difficulties. The Prophet ﷺ married them to:
- Provide them protection and dignity
- Give them financial support
- Honor the sacrifices of their deceased husbands
Examples: Sawda, Hafsa, Umm Salama, Zainab bint Khuzayma
2. Creating Strong Family Bonds
Prophet ﷺ married daughters of his closest companions to strengthen family ties and Islam:
- Aisha رضي الله عنها – daughter of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه (first Caliph)
- Hafsa رضي الله عنها – daughter of Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه (second Caliph)
These marriages created unbreakable bonds between the Prophet’s family and leadership of Islam.
3. Uniting Different Tribes and Clans
The Prophet ﷺ married women from different tribes to:
- Spread the message of Islam
- Create peace between tribes
- Unite Arabs under Islam
- End tribal conflicts
Examples: Juwayriya (Banu al-Mustaliq tribe), Safiyya (Jewish tribe), Umm Habiba (Quraish)
4. Teaching Private Islamic Rules to Women
Men could not teach private matters to women. The Prophet’s wives learned private Islamic rules directly from him and then taught other Muslim women.
- Aisha رضي الله عنها narrated 2,200+ hadiths
- Other wives also narrated many hadiths
- They taught women about marriage, family life, worship and private matters
This was essential for preserving and spreading Islamic knowledge.
5. Breaking Wrong Customs
The marriage to Zainab bint Jahsh رضي الله عنها was specifically to break custom of treating adopted sons as real sons. This showed that Islamic law is different from pre-Islamic customs.
Important Lessons from Wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
1. Different Personalities, Same Faith
Each wife had a unique personality:
- Khadija was a businesswoman
- Aisha was a scholar
- Umm Salama was a wise counselor
- Zainab bint Khuzayma was extremely charitable
This shows that Islam values different types of women and their contributions.
2. Women Can Be Scholars
The wives, especially Aisha رضي الله عنها were great Islamic scholars. This proves that Islam encourages women’s education and knowledge.
3. Sacrifice for Islam
All these women sacrificed comfort, wealth and easy lives for Islam. They faced persecution, migration and hardship with patience.
4. Respect Between Co-Wives
Despite being co-wives, they generally respected each other. When disagreements happened, the Prophet ﷺ taught them patience and fairness.
5. Status of Women in Islam
These women are called “Mothers of Believers” – the highest status any women can have after Maryam (Mary) and Prophet’s daughter Fatima رضي الله عنها.
Where Are They Buried
Jannat ul Baqi (Madinah)
Most wives are buried here:
- Sawda bint Zam’an
- Aisha bint Abu Bakr
- Hafsa bint Umar
- Zainab bint Khuzayma
- Umm Salama
- Zainab bint Jahsh
- Juwayriya bint Al-Harith
- Ramla bint Abu Sufyan (Umm Habiba)
- Safiyya bint Huyayy
Jannat al Mualla (Makkah)
- Khadija bint Khuwaylid
Sarif (Between Makkah and Madinah)
- Maymuna bint Al-Harith
These burial places are blessed locations that Muslims visit to pay respects and make dua.
FAQs About Wives of Prophet Muhammad
How many wives did Prophet Muhammad have
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had 11 wives who are called Mothers of Believers (Ummahat al-Mumineen).
Who was first wife of Prophet Muhammad
Khadija bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها was first wife. She was a wealthy businesswoman who proposed marriage to the Prophet ﷺ when he was 25 years old.
Who was the favorite wife of Prophet Muhammad
While the Prophet ﷺ loved all his wives. Khadija رضي الله عنها and Aisha رضي الله عنها held special places in his heart. He remained loyal to Khadija’s memory even after her death and he deeply loved Aisha.
Why did Prophet Muhammad marry multiple wives
The Prophet ﷺ married multiple wives to: help widows, create family bonds with companions, unite different tribes, teach Islamic rules to women and break wrong customs. These were not marriages of desire but of purpose.
Who was the youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad
Aisha bint Abu Bakr رضي الله عنها was the youngest wife. The marriage contract was made when she was young. But marriage was consummated after she reached puberty, which was normal in that society.
Who was only virgin wife of Prophet Muhammad
Aisha bint Abu Bakr رضي الله عنها was the only virgin wife. All other wives were widows or divorced before marrying the Prophet ﷺ.
How many children did Prophet Muhammad have?
The Prophet ﷺ had 7 children: 3 sons (Qasim, Abdullah, Ibrahim) and 4 daughters (Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah).
Conclusion
The 11 wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Mothers of Believers, were extraordinary women who played crucial roles in history of Islam. Each one has a unique and inspiring story.
From Khadija رضي الله عنها who supported Islam in its earliest days to Aisha رضي الله عنها who became a great scholar, to others who taught, helped and sacrificed for Islam. Each one deserves our highest respect and honor.
As Muslims we must always speak respectfully about the Mothers of Believers. They are our mothers in faith and honoring them is part of loving Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
May Allah be pleased with all wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and grant them the highest ranks in Jannah. May we learn from their examples and follow in their footsteps of faith, knowledge and service to Islam.
Stay updated
Follow us for more guides:
✅ WhatsApp Channel
☑️ Telegram Channel
Related Articles:
- History of Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide
- Historical Hajj Routes: A Comprehensive Overview
- Best Ziyarat places in Makkah
