The first woman to memorize the Holy Quran completely was Ummul Mumineen Hazrat Hafsah bint-e-Umar (R.A.), the daughter of Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (R.A.) and one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She is widely known not only for her memorization of the Quran but also for being entrusted with the safekeeping of the original written compilation of the Quran after the Prophet’s demise.

Hazrat Hafsah (R.A.) was highly intelligent, pious, and deeply committed to Islamic teachings. Her home was a center for learning and preservation of religious knowledge. After the martyrdom of many Quran memorizers in the Battle of Yamama, the first compilation of the Quran was made during the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.), and the compiled manuscript was kept in her custody.

This preserved copy served as the reference for the standardization of the Quranic text during the caliphate of Hazrat Usman (R.A.). Her memorization and guardianship of the Quran show her remarkable role in safeguarding the Divine Book.

Her life reflects the essential part women played in preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge. Hazrat Hafsah’s efforts contributed to the spiritual, educational, and cultural development of the Muslim Ummah. She was respected by companions and scholars for her strong memory, wisdom, and piety.

Her dedication to the Quran and her privileged role in Islamic history make her an outstanding example of women’s contributions to Islam.