Women’s Political Participation and Gender Equality in Early Islam: The Era of the Prophet Muhammad and the Khulafaur Rashidin

Abdul Aziz (Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno, Bengkulu)
Prio Utomo (Institut Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Siliwangi, Cimahi)
Mohamad Syafiq (Universitas Islam Internasional Darullughah Wadda'wah, Pasuruan)

Journal of Gender and Millennium Development Studies
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Gender and Millennium Development Studies, 3(1), 2026

Background: Women’s political roles in early Islamic history are often underrepresented, particularly during the era of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Khulafaur Rashidin. Objective: This study aims to examine women’s political roles during these periods. Method: This research employs a qualitative literature review and content analysis of historical sources. Results: The findings show that women played active political roles despite lacking formal political rights. Their participation included preaching Islam, joining the Hijrah, pledging allegiance (Bay‘ah), engaging in jihad, and supporting warfare. Several prominent female figures contributed significantly to political life. Women also faced major challenges, including persecution by the Quraysh in Makkah, physical demands during migration and conflict, and the loss of family, property, and homeland. During the Khulafaur Rashidin period, additional difficulties arose from internal conflicts among Muslims and the influence of groups such as those led by Abdullah bin Saba. Conclusion: Women played important political roles during the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Khulafaur Rashidin despite structural limitations. Their contributions through Hijrah, Bay‘ah, jihad, and community support demonstrate their active political agency in early Islamic society. Originality/Value: This review article advances historical and conceptual perspectives in the fields of Islamic history, gender studies, and political sociology by synthesizing the evolution of literature regarding women's active involvement and substantive roles across religious dissemination, migration (Hijrah), political allegiance (Bay'ah), and conflict support amidst formal political constraints and structural hardships during the era of Prophet Muhammad and the Khulafaur Rashidin, an area that remains underrepresented in contemporary scholarship. This study maps existing theoretical and historiographical gaps while serving as a strategic reference and contributing to charting future research agendas and establishing inclusive conceptual frameworks for female political participation rooted in early Islamic history.