31.1 The Wives of the Prophet Each of the women who entered the life of the Messenger, and in consequence into the life and customs of all Muslims, was of well-known and noble lineage. Each of them in her own way was exemplary as an individual, and each had special characteristics or circumstances that make it imperative for Muslims to study her life and emulate it. The women in the Messenger's life were exceptional women, just as the men who helped him were very great indeed, but besides the overpowering light of the Messenger they seem no different from the common run of men. It is when each is studied apart and individually that one discovers how truly great these early Muslims were.