Women In Islam

Women in Islam: An Overview

At a time when burying the newborn girl baby was the norm, Islam granted women numerous rights. The right to education, to work, to own and sell property, to marry someone of their choice, to retain their identity after marriage, to divorce, to seek protection by the law, and to participate in politics and even warfare are just some of these rights.

In this article, we will discuss how Islam empowered women at a time when non-believers used them merely for their selfish purposes. Additionally, we will demolish the modern narrative of the oppressed Muslim woman.

How does Islam Treat Women?

Looking around us, we see many negative stereotypes about women in Islam. These have no basis in Islam; they come from deep-rooted cultural practices.

 Most of these negative beliefs are the exact opposite of the teachings of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH).

To find out the truth behind these negative stereotypes, it’s important to thoroughly understand what Islam says about women.

The Quran calls women ‘Muhsana’: someone who protects from the Devil. She stays on the right path and helps to keep her husband on the right path, too.

The Status of Women Before Islam

Before the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), women were treated as objects. They became commodities that were used for pleasure. Women and men were not treated equally.

Women either became tools to satisfy lustful men, or most men hated them because they saw them as an aid to the devil. They were incapable of leading fulfilling lives, so men controlled their lives.

Islam changed this horrible perspective.  In the Quran, Allah states that men and women are equal:

"O Mankind, Be dutiful to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate (of same kind) and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women". ( 4:1)

The Status of Women in Islam

Allah has clarified in the Quran that all men and women are equal in humanity, dignity, and rights.

Allah says in the Quran:

 The men believers and the women believers are responsible for each other. They enjoin the good and forbid the evil, they observe prayers and give charitable alms and obey God and his Prophet.” (Qur’an, 9:71).

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:

 “Women are the shaqā’iq (full siblings) of men.”

Women were granted numerous rights after the advent of Islam,

• The right to life
• The right to education
• The right to own, buy, and sell property
• The right to choose their husband
• The right to divorce
• The right to make any contract in her own name
• The right to vote or take part in politics
• The right to inheritance
• She has full rights over any money in her name

“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much – an obligatory share.” Quran 4:7

“And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.” Quran 4:4

How Did Islam Uplift Women’s Status?

A common practice in the pre-Islam era of Arabia was female infanticide. The birth of a female baby brought shame to the family, so she was often buried.

Men often treated women like property. Furthermore, they traded them for various purposes.

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) put a complete stop to these repulsive practices. Women gained several rights over their lives, which was impossible before Islam.

Men treated women very poorly before the advent of Islam. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) advocated kindness to women. He stated:

"Fear Allah in respect of women."

Who was the First Woman to Accept Islam?

Khadija (AS), the beloved first wife of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), was a strong-minded successful businesswoman. She was wealthy and ran her own business. Furthermore, she was the first woman to accept Islam. And after being impressed by his honesty, she proposed to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).

Khadija (AS) stood against many of these unjust practices and advocated for men to treat women and girls with respect and equality.

Can a Widow Remarry In Islam?

Another way that Islam uplifted women’s rights was by granting rights to widowed women. This was when widows faced discrimination and many hurdles in daily life. It was unimaginable for a widow to remarry.

 Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) married several widowed women and encouraged his companions to marry them too.

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:

"One who makes efforts (to help) the widow or a poor person is like a mujahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, or like one who stands up for prayers in the night and fasts in the day."

The Role of Women in Islam: Different but Equal

Women make up half of our society. Therefore they play a vital role in society, as do men. Islam was the flagbearer of gender equality long before it became a contemporary debate. In Islam, Males and Females are judged solely on their Taqwa, or belief in Allah, faith, and god consciousness. Allah says in the Quran:

Verily, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most God-fearing
(Surat AI-Hujurat (49), ayah 13).

Islam identifies women as unique individuals. Like the Muslim man, the Muslim woman must believe in Allah, the Day of Judgement, the Quran, the Angels, and the Prophets. Her method of praying is the same as the Muslim man’s. She must pay Zakat if applicable. Additionally, she must fast during Ramadan and perform Pilgrimage to the Holy Places if possible. She must also stay on the right path and avoid evil deeds.

Allah states in the Quran:

The believers, men and women, are guardians, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil, (Surat Tawbah (9), ayah 71)

Allah created males and females with unique physical and psychological characteristics. These differences are vital to a healthy family and community in Islam. Both males and females contribute their talents to society, and both are important in their own way.

What is a Mother in Islam?

A man asked Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) :

'Who is the one most worthy of my care?'. The Prophet replied: 'Your mother'. The man asked: 'Then
whom?'. He replied: 'Your mother'. The man further asked: 'Then whom?'. He replied: 'Your
mother'. The man asked: 'Then whom?'. And in this fourth time the Prophet replied: 'Then your
father.'

This hadith is one of the most famous ahadith concerning the high status of a mother in Islam. Allah has made women physically able to give birth to, nurture, provide guidance to, and reform the coming generations of males and females. The female inculcates principles, faith, and morality into her children.

These children grow up to become the future of their nation. This is exactly why it is said that a mother can build a nation.

The following hadith further explains the high rank of a mother in Islam:

"Paradise lies under her feet" (reported by Al Tabarani)

What is Hijab?

Hijab is an Arabic word that means veil.

“Say to the believing men that: they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste). This is better for them.”(24:30)

Allah emphasizes decency and modesty in members of the another sex. A decent dress code is part of that overall teaching. Hijab is the headscarf that many Muslim women wear, which covers the hair. For practicing Muslim women, wearing the hijab has never been a question; nevertheless, it has always been a topic of great debate in the West.

Most non-Muslims equate the hijab with the oppression of women in Islam. In reality, this is far from the truth.

Is it Important to Wear Hijab in Islam?

To understand the importance of hijab, one should know that modesty has always been part and parcel of Islamic teachings. Hijab encourages modesty, both physically and spiritually.

When a woman covers her head as Allah commands, it shows her belief in and submission to Allah. It makes the connection between the Almighty and that woman stronger. 

Allah says in the Quran:

“And tell the believing women to reduce of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which appears thereof and to wrap their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, fathers, sons, husband’s sons, brothers, brother’s son, sister’s sons…” [Qur’an 24:31]

This verse tells us that Allah protects a woman who always covers her head. The Hijab acts as the Almighty’s shield from sinful gazes. It allows males and females to communicate without dirty thoughts.

Therefore, we can safely say that a Hijabi, or a woman who wears the hijab, is in no way oppressed; she is liberated from social norms of adorning herself to please her peers and the another sex. The hijab empowers her because people can see her true qualities and capabilities, not just a made-up facade.

Conclusion

Islam came to the Prophet (PBUH) at a time when women were treated like animals or objects of trade. They had no rights whatsoever. Female infanticide was rampant. They were the target of cruelty and brutality.

Women were considered an accomplice to the devil. There have even been reports that the non-believers of Makkah used to make women dance naked around the Ka’abah.

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) stopped all such evil practices. He taught the people of Arabia that males and females are equal in the eyes of Allah. Allah judges them both based on their Taqwa.

He propagated kindness to women, especially to mothers and wives. His treatment of his wives was revolutionary. Through the commands of Allah, Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) granted numerous rights to the women of Arabia.

Islam has always stood firm on female empowerment and liberty!

FAQ’S

Can a woman divorce in Islam?

Islam was the first religion to grant the right of divorce to women. The right to Khula, or the right to initiate divorce, was granted by Islam.

Islam has always advocated amicable divorces. Both parties are advised to part without any ugly fights or defamation peacefully.

How should a man treat a woman in Islam?

The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) advised all men to treat women with respect, kindness, and gentleness. He told them that women are equal to men.

The Prophet’s ﷺ companions would treat women with great respect.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, “We used to have no regard for women until Allah revealed about them what He revealed, and portioned for them what He portioned.”

Any form of emotional, physical, or psychological abuse against women is strictly prohibited in Islam.

Can women work in Islam?

Women are not obligated to work in Islam. It is compulsory for men, whether it is a husband or a close male relative like a father or brother, to provide for women. They must support them financially. However, if a woman wants to work, she has the right to do so. In this case, she is not obliged to share this money with her husband or spend it in and around the home. The money she earns is her to keep.