In the tapestry of Qur’anic verses, there are sacred conversations between some phenomenal, noble women with their Creator. Such conversations that echo the fears, hopes, and dreams of every believing woman.
These intimate conversations between powerful women and God are blueprints of faith, examples of reliance, and invocations that transcend time.
These conversations are connected to women today also, as God is giving examples to women of all times through talking about these great women.
Here are four powerful prayers (duas) made by four incredible women in the Qur’an — and why they still matter deeply to women today.
1. The Wife of ‘Imran – A Mother’s Sacred Offering
Imagine being a mother who dedicates her unborn child entirely to God’s service, serving the highest purpose. That’s exactly what the wife of ‘Imran, Lady Maryam’s mother, did. She turned to Allah with sincerity, hoping the very best for her unborn child, saying to God:
"My Lord! I have vowed that what is in my womb will be devoted exclusively for You. So, accept (it) from me. You, certainly You, are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." [Qur’an 3:35]
"I have named her Maryam, and I place her and her progeny under Your shelter against Satan, the rejected." [Qur’an 3:36]
Her dua teaches us that our intentions as mothers matter immensely — and that sincere offerings to God are always accepted with barakah.
And look at the power of a mother’s intentions. She turned to God, spoke to Him, dedicated herself and her unborn child to God and, in turn, what did God do?
He honoured her by forever mentioning her in the Qur’an and honoured her child, Lady Maryam, with being the most famous women to have ever lived.
2. Lady Maryam – A Chosen Woman’s Question
Lady Maryam, the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an, was a sign of purity, strength, and divine honour. When she received the miraculous news of bearing ‘Isa (Jesus), she asked:
"My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?" (Surah Aal-‘Imran 3:47)
This was met with God’s response:
"Such is God; He creates what He wills…"
Lady Maryam's story reminds every woman that God honours and elevates — and that miracles happen even in silence, even when the world doesn’t understand you.
She was someone honoured by God, that God sent angels to her, provided for her with out-of-season fruits and she became a beacon of honour for women of all times.
3. The Mother of Musa – Silent Strength, Trust in Action
Though her words are not quoted, the mother of Musa (Moses) is among the most powerful examples of trusting in God.
Faced with Pharaoh's genocide against infant boys and fearing the slaughter of her own son, Musa, she received divine inspiration, with God telling her:
"Nurse him, but when you fear for him, put him into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will certainly return him to you, and make him one of the messengers." (Surah al-Qasas 28:7)
And God did just that. He returned her child, safe and honoured.
Her silent supplication was her obedience. And through her, God showed that when mothers entrust their children to Him, He never lets them go.
4. Lady Aasiyah – A Beatiful Woman With A Tyrannical Husband
A woman believer trapped in marriage in the palace of a tyrant. Lady Aasiyah, wife of Fir’awn (Pharaoh), whispered one of the most iconic prayers in the Qur’an as she faced torture for her belief:
"My Lord! Build me a house in Paradise near You, and save me from Pharaoh and his actions, and save me from the wrongdoing people." (Surah al-Tahreem 66:11)
She didn’t ask for revenge or power. She asked for nearness to God and freedom from oppression. Her prayer pierced the heavens and was heard. Heard so well, that it is recorded and mentioned in the Qur’an we have with us now.
A Reflection for Every Woman
Each of these women carried their burdens with resilience. Some were mothers, others were unmarried, others married to tyrants. Some lived in palaces, others in fear. But one thing united them: they turned to God. And God helped them all.
May the women of our time find their peace, solace and healing with God and His Light.