I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "Mary, the daughter of `Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadija is the best amongst the women. (of this nation).
Hadith Commentary: Excellence of Maryam and Khadīja
This noble ḥadīth from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (3432) establishes the preeminence of two exemplary women in Islamic tradition: Maryam bint ʿImrān (Mary, daughter of Amram) and Khadīja bint Khuwaylid, may Allah be pleased with them both.
The Distinction of Maryam
Maryam, the mother of Prophet ʿĪsā (Jesus), is honored as the best woman of her time and of all previous nations. Her excellence lies in her complete devotion, chastity, and the miraculous nature of her son's birth, which are detailed in both the Qur'an and previous scriptures.
Allah says in Sūrah Āl ʿImrān (3:42): "O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds." This divine selection confirms her unique status among all creation.
The Excellence of Khadīja
Khadīja, the first wife of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ), is designated as the best woman of this nation (Ummah). Her virtues include being the first to believe in the Prophet's message, her unwavering support during the earliest and most difficult period of Islam, and her immense sacrifice of wealth and comfort for the cause of Allah.
She bore the Prophet's children and provided him with comfort and reassurance when he first received revelation. The Prophet (ﷺ) never married another woman while she was alive, a testament to her special place in his heart.
Scholarly Insights
Scholars explain that this ḥadīth demonstrates how excellence in Islam is measured by piety, faith, and service to Allah rather than worldly status. Both women represent different but complementary models of feminine excellence in Islamic tradition.
Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī notes in Fatḥ al-Bārī that Maryam's excellence was in her complete devotion and miraculous circumstances, while Khadīja's was in her unwavering support of the final Prophet and Islam during its most vulnerable period.
Spiritual Lessons
This teaching encourages Muslims to honor and learn from the examples of righteous women throughout history. It reminds us that spiritual excellence transcends time and circumstance, and that Allah honors those who devote themselves completely to His service.
The ḥadīth also establishes that while Maryam holds a special status among all women of previous nations, Khadīja holds the highest position among the women of the Muslim Ummah, followed by Fāṭima, ʿĀ'ishah, and Āsiyah, as established in other authentic narrations.