The issue of women in Islam raises a lot of controversy and distortion in the media and Western societies. Does Islam insult women and deprive them of their rights? Or are these impressions the result of misunderstanding or the influence of cultural customs and traditions?
Women’s Rights in Islam
The perception of women in Islam often includes notions of them being subjugated, degraded, and oppressed – but is this the reality? Are the millions of followers of Muslim culture women inherently oppressive, or could these be misconceptions perpetuated by biased media? The treatment of women in Islam is frequently misunderstood, leading to widespread stereotypes.
The Qur’an states, ‘And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women.’ This verse, found in Qur’an 2:228, is a clear indication of what the Quran says about women, emphasizing Quran on women’s rights and establishing a foundation of equality.
Over fourteen hundred years ago, the rights of women in Islam were established, granting women’s rights in Islam that their Western counterparts have only recently begun to enjoy. In the 1930s, Annie Besant remarked, ‘It is only in the last twenty years that Christian England has recognized the right of a woman to property, while Islam has allowed this right from all times. It is a slander to say that Islam preaches that women have no souls.’
The belief that men and women are equal in Islam is rooted in the notion that all humans descended from a single person – the Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Islam advocates for nothing less than justice and kind treatment for both genders.
Equal Reward & Equal Accountability
In Islam, gender equality is evident as men and women worship Allah in the same manner, sharing the same God (Allah), engaging in identical acts of worship, adhering to the same scripture, and upholding the same beliefs. Allah, the Arabic word for the One true God of all creation, judges all human beings with fairness and equity, underscoring the importance of just treatment and reward for both genders.
The Qur’an promises believers, both men and women, eternal rewards as stated, ‘Allah has promised to the believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.’ (Qur’an 9:72) and ‘Never will I allow the loss of the work of any worker amongst you, male or female; you are of one another.’ (Qur’an 3:195), highlighting the equitable nature of the divine scripture.
These verses from the Qur’an demonstrate that reward is based on one’s actions rather than gender, affirming the principle of gender equality where both men and women are judged without partiality.
When we examine the principles of Islam and gender, it becomes clear that Islam promotes justice between the sexes. Islam refutes the notion that Eve should bear more responsibility than Adam for the original sin. In the Islamic narrative, both Adam and Eve were equally culpable, sought forgiveness, and were granted pardon by God.
Equal Right to Knowledge
In Islam, the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor encouraged for both genders, aligning with the principles of female education. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this by advocating that all individuals, regardless of gender, should seek education.“Education is compulsory for every Muslim.”
The history of Islam showcases the significant contributions of Islamic women, including great female Muslim Scholars who thrived during the Prophet Muhammad’s time. Among them was Aisha, a Muslim wife of the Prophet, who played a pivotal role in conveying a substantial portion of Islamic jurisprudence.
Islamic jurisprudence has been enriched by the contributions of female scholars, who were esteemed in their fields and taught many renowned male scholars.
Equal Right to Choose a Spouse
Under Sharia law for women, Islam has bestowed upon them the honor of choosing their spouse and retaining their maiden name post-marriage. The misconception that Islam condones forced marriages is a cultural misrepresentation, as such practices are explicitly forbidden in Islamic laws for women.
At the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a woman approached him and expressed her concerns, illustrating the open dialogue and respect for women’s voices during that era.“My father has married me to my cousin to raise his social standing and I was forced into it.” The Prophet sent for the girl’s father and then in his presence gave the girl the option of remaining married or nullifying the marriage. She responded, “O Messenger of Allah, I have accepted what my father did, but I wanted to show other women (that they could not be forced into a marriage).”
Equal yet Different
Although gender roles in Islam dictate that men and women have equal rights in a broad sense, their specific rights and duties are tailored to complement each other, reflecting the nuanced approach Islam takes toward gender equity.
Aside from external and internal anatomical differences, scientists are aware of the subtle nuances in the way the brains of men and women process language, information, and emotion, which can sometimes lead to gender discrimination, just to mention a few.
A socio-biology expert, Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University, observed that females tend to excel in verbal skills, empathy, and social skills, which are often associated with traditional gender roles, while men often show greater independence, dominance, as well as higher abilities in spatial and mathematical skills, and rank-related aggression, among other traits.
It would be foolish to treat both genders the same and to ignore their differences. Islam teaches that men and women have complementary, yet different, roles because it is best suited to their nature, a concept that aligns with the principles of Sharia.
“And the male is not like the female.” Qur’an 3:36 “Does not the One who created, know? And He is the Most Kind, the All-Aware.” Qur’an 67:14, verses that reflect the essence of Sharia law.
The Family Unit
God created men and women to be different, with unique roles, skills, and responsibilities. These differences are not viewed as evidence of superiority or inferiority but of specialization. In Islam, the family is of central importance. The man is responsible for the financial well-being of the family while the woman, often seen as a Muslim wife, contributes to the family’s physical, educational, and emotional well-being. This encourages cooperation rather than competition. By fulfilling their mutual responsibilities, strong families are created and hence strong societies.
Also, emotionally, neither men nor women live a happy life without one another. Allah describes this beautifully by saying:
“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.”Qur’an 2:187
Clothing provides comfort, warmth, and security as well as making one look good – this is how the relationship between the husband and wife is defined in Islam, reflecting the values of muslim culture women.
Love & Mercy in Spousal Relations
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also encouraged men to uphold the rights of women in Islam and to treat their spouses in the best way,“The best of you are those who are best (in treatment) to their wives.”
The Quran on women’s rights eloquently states, “And among His signs is that He created for you wives amongst yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Surely in this are Signs for people who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:21)
When asked about the Prophet’s conduct at home, Aisha (the Prophet’s wife) a notable figure among Arabic women, responded by describing his behavior.“He was like one of you at home, yet he was most lenient and most generous … He was ready to give a helping hand to his wives in the ordinary work of the house, [he] sewed his clothes and mended his shoes.” In general, he helped in whatever work his wives did.
Lofty Positions of Mothers & Daughters
A mother’s role is pivotal in shaping society through her affection, care, and love, especially during the formative years of a child, highlighting the importance of female empowerment in Islam.
Allah says in the Qur’an: The Qur’an emphasizes women’s rights in the Middle East, stating, “And we have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship, and she brings him forth with hardship.” (Qur’an 46:15)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was once asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who among people is most deserving of my good treatment?” He said, “Your mother.” The man asked twice more, “Then who?” and was given the same response. Only until the fourth time did the Prophet respond, “Then your father.” A reward is not only given to the good and kind treatment towards mothers. Islam has designated a special reward for raising daughters that is not granted for raising sons.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah has given two daughters and is kind towards them, they will be a reason for him entering Paradise.”
Conclusion
Before Islam, women faced severe discrimination, but the emergence of the women’s movement and attention to women’s issues have highlighted the significant strides made. Islam abolished many oppressive practices, and despite the ongoing challenges in some Middle Eastern countries, the religion itself holds women’s rights in high esteem. The mistreatment of women in these regions is often a result of cultural practices, not Islamic teachings. The fact that many women globally embrace Islam is a testament to its respect for their dignity and rights.
We end with the words of our Lord and your Lord, the Creator and Sustainer of all men and women:
“Indeed, the men who submit and the women who submit, demonstrating gender equality in Islam, along with the believing men and the believing women, the obedient men and the obedient women, the truthful men and the truthful women, the patient men and the patient women, and the humble men and the humble women… Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” Qur’an 33:35
