Why Were Prophets Men?

“And We did not send before you except men to whom We revealed.” Qur’an 12:109

By Abdullahi Yusuf

One of the questions that has surfaced repeatedly in religious discourse is why Allah chose men, and not women, as prophets. For many, the question is not merely theological, but also tied to discussions about leadership and gender in Islam.

Islamic scholars have long explained that this verse (Qur’an 12:109) is descriptive rather than comparative. In other words, it states who was chosen for prophethood, but does not imply that men are spiritually superior to women or more beloved to Allah.

To understand the issue fully, it is important first to understand what prophethood represents in Islam.

Prophethood was not simply a position of spiritual closeness or personal piety. It was a demanding public mission that carried immense responsibility, sacrifice, and exposure. Prophets openly confronted their societies, challenged oppressive rulers, endured ridicule and rejection, migrated from their homes, established laws, led communities, and in many cases faced persecution and violence.

The Qur’an recalls this reality: “But they were denied and harmed, yet they remained patient.” -Qur’an 6:34

The mission itself was described as extraordinarily weighty: “Indeed, We will cast upon you a weighty word.” – Qur’an 73:5

In Islamic understanding, prophethood was therefore both the highest honour and one of the heaviest responsibilities entrusted to human beings.

At the same time, Islam separates prophethood from spiritual rank. The Qur’an repeatedly demonstrates that nearness to Allah is not limited to prophets alone, nor restricted by gender.

Among the clearest examples is Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them. Although she was not regarded as a prophet in mainstream Islamic scholarship, the Qur’an elevates her status in remarkable terms: “Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.” – Qur’an 3:42

Her example illustrates that spiritual excellence and divine favour are not confined to prophetic office.

So why were prophets men?

Islamic scholarship explains that prophethood required continuous public exposure and direct engagement within societies where leadership, confrontation, public preaching, and at times warfare were unavoidable realities. The assignment of prophethood is therefore understood not as a declaration of superiority, but as part of Allah’s divine wisdom in assigning roles and responsibilities.

The Qur’an states: “Allah knows best where to place His message.” – Qur’an 6:124

Within this framework, Islam honors women without making prophetic duty a condition for dignity, righteousness, or closeness to Allah.

Indeed, some of the most revered women in Islamic history including Maryam, Asiyah the wife of Pharaoh, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, and Fatimah bint Muhammad (may Allah be pleased with them) are held among the greatest examples of faith despite not being prophets.

Ultimately, the Qur’an places true honor not in position, title, or public office, but in righteousness and devotion to Allah: “Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.” – Qur’an 49:13

That remains the balance Islam maintains: prophethood as a divinely assigned public responsibility, and spiritual excellence as a path open equally to both men and women.

And Allah knows best

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