Self-Care the Prophetic Way for Women

Self-Care the Prophetic Way for Women

Returning to how Allah intended us to be

As women, many of us carry a silent, invisible weight.

A constant feeling of not being enough.

Of always falling short.

Of trying to meet every expectation placed on us, even when it leaves us exhausted, depleted, and disconnected from our true selves.

But let’s pause for a moment and ask:

Who placed those expectations on us?

Much of what women are told they “should” be

The woman who never gets tired, never says no, serves endlessly, sacrifices constantly, holds everything together while never asking for anything

That is not Islam.

That is not the Sunnah.

That is not how Allah designed you.

It is culture, not deen, that has placed this crushing pressure on women.

It is culture that has convinced so many of us that our worth is based solely on how much we can do for others, how well we meet certain roles, how silent we stay, and how much we can endure without complaint.

And the saddest part is that it’s been packaged as “Islam.”

So women carry the pressure, believing it is from Allah.

Believing that He will be displeased if she doesn’t meet every demand placed on her by her in-laws, her husband, her family, or her community.

But Allah is not unjust.

And the Prophet ﷺ came to remove burdens, not place them.

He came at a time when women were oppressed, silenced, overworked, and used and he freed them.

He restored their dignity. He honoured their emotions. He uplifted their status.

He never taught that a woman’s worth lies in how much she can sacrifice to please others at the expense of herself.

True Prophetic Self-Care is:

(With practical examples you can start today)

1. Living Lightly and Simply

The Prophet ﷺ lived a simple life, free from excess and pressure. His home was small, his possessions were few, and his heart was full. He did not carry the weight of people’s expectations.

What you can do:

• Let go of the pressure to keep a perfect home or constantly entertain guests.

• Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel inadequate.

• Simplify your daily routine. Do only what is necessary and nourishing.

• Remind yourself that your worth is not in your productivity, but in your sincerity with Allah.

2. Doing What Allah Has Asked: No More, No Less

The Prophet ﷺ never imposed additional burdens on women. He praised those who fulfilled their obligations to Allah and were sincere in heart, even if their deeds were simple.

What you can do:

• Focus on your farā’id (obligations). Pray on time, make du’ā, and build a connection with Allah, even if it’s brief and quiet.

• If you cannot fast or pray due to health or menstruation, don’t feel guilty. That’s rahmah, not a deficiency.

• Don’t feel forced to take on every family duty. Share responsibilities with kindness but firmness.

• Seek knowledge from scholars who reflect the mercy of Islam, not cultural expectations.

3. Knowing That Your Wellbeing Matters

When Faatimah رضي الله عنها came to the Prophet ﷺ exhausted from housework, he did not tell her to push through. He gave her dhikr to soothe her heart and instructed her husband Ali رضي الله عنه to assist her.

What you can do:

• Take a short nap during the day like the Prophet ﷺ did.

• Say your adhkār (morning, evening, and before bed) with presence — they’re not just protection, they are healing.

• Ask for help. Delegate housework or child care when you can.

• Nourish your body with wholesome food and gentle movement. Stretch. Walk. Breathe.

• Rest is ibādah when done with the right intention.

4. Refusing to Carry What You Were Never Meant to Carry

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not burden yourselves. Allah will not burden you.”

He taught balance in every aspect of life. He praised those who were moderate in worship, in work, in interaction.

What you can do:

• Make a list of roles or expectations that are draining you. Ask: “Is this from Allah or from people?”

• Release guilt for saying no. You’re allowed to step away from situations, gatherings, or duties that overwhelm you.

• Take 5 minutes a day for silence. Just sit with yourself and breathe.

• Learn to identify when you’re burnt out and honour that signal.

• Speak to yourself kindly. You’re doing your best.

A gentle reminder, dear sisters:

Let go of what culture has placed on you.

Let go of the noise.

Return to what Allah asks of you, because His way is always rooted in wisdom, mercy, and ease.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Make things easy and do not make things difficult.”

That includes the way you treat yourself.

Choose gentleness.

Choose balance.

Choose the path that Allah created for you, one of lightness, ease, and beauty.

You were not created to live in burnout.

You were created to be honoured.