Why were there no female Prophets?
The question of why there were no female prophets in Islam is addressed through various interpretations of the Qur'an and commentary from scholars. The Qur'an indicates that messengers sent by Allah were exclusively men. For instance, it states: And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired.
21:7. This verse highlights that all messengers were men, which has led scholars to conclude that prophethood is a role designated to men.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that while women hold a high status and can possess remarkable qualities, the role of a prophet has been reserved for men. He notes that figures like Mary, who is highly revered in Islam, are recognized for their righteousness and truthfulness but are not categorized as prophets (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). Likewise, in Shia commentary, there is an acknowledgment of women's significant spiritual status, but it is emphasized that prophethood involves specific responsibilities that have historically been assigned to men.
Additionally, the interpretations suggest that the responsibilities and societal roles of men and women differ in the context of the time when the prophets lived. The companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, like Abdullah ibn Abbas, clarified that the messengers were chosen from among the villagers, emphasizing their human nature and connection to the people they represented (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
In summary, the lack of female prophets is rooted in the Qur'anic narrative and the interpretations provided by scholars, highlighting that prophethood was designated to men while recognizing the important roles that women play in Islam.
Sources
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21:7 · Al-Anbiyaa
21:7 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًۭا نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِمْ ۖ فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not?
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 21:7
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 21:7
Allah addresses those who deny the resurrection of the messengers as human beings, stating: "We did not send before you but men to whom We revealed." This means that all messengers sent before Prophet Muhammad were human beings, not angels. This is affirmed in other verses such as: "We sent not before you any but men to whom We revealed from among the people of towns" (Yusuf 10:109), and "Say: I am not something new among the messengers" (Al-Ahqaf 46:9). Also, it is mentioned that earlier nations rejected this reality, saying, "Are humans to guide us?" (At-Taghabun 64:6). Therefore, Allah commands: "So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know," referring to knowledgeable groups among the Jews, Christians, and other communities whether their messengers were men or angels. They will confirm that all those messengers were indeed humans. This is part of Allah's perfect grace upon creation, that He sent messengers from among themselves who could personally communicate and relate to their people effectively. Next, concerning the statement, "We did not make them bodies that do not eat food," Ibn Kathir explains that rather, these messengers were human beings who ate food. This is confirmed in the verse: "We sent no messengers before you but they ate food and walked in the markets" (Al-Furqan 25:20). They lived as humans—eating, drinking, and engaging in trade and daily life. This does not diminish their status or truthfulness, contrary to the misconception of the polytheists who mocked the Prophet Muhammad, saying, "What is with this messenger that he eats food and walks in the markets? Were an angel sent to him to be a warner along with him? Or treasure given to him? Or a garden to eat from?" (Al-Furqan 25:7-8). The Prophet being a flesh-and-blood man who lived among people was no fault or weakness. Regarding the phrase, "and they were not immortal," the commentary clarifies that the messengers did not live forever in this world; they lived and died. As Allah says, "And We did not grant to any human before you eternity" (Al-Anbiya' 21:34). Their unique feature was that revelation was sent down to them by the angels from Allah, commanding good and forbidding evil. Finally, about "Then We fulfilled for them the promise," this refers to the promise of their Lord that He would destroy the wrongdoers who rejected the messengers' message. Allah fulfilled this promise by punishing the evildoers. Consequently, He saved the messengers and those believing followers whom He willed, and destroyed the transgressors who denied the message brought by the messengers.
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