Women in Islam

Role of Women in Islam

Dating back to the 7th century, it was commanded by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that every male and female Muslim must pursue an obligatory education. One of the most influential scholars was the wife of Muhammad, Aisha. Men and women both would travel to her and learn from her great wealth of knowledge.

In Islamic history, women have participated in government, public affairs, teaching, and scholarship; so much so that it has become a tradition to encourage them to actively participate in improving and leading different aspects of their communities. In the Quran, Allah recognizes the unique differences between men and women, so a woman's opinion and voice in these fields are often sought out to keep balance.

Fig. 1 Quran Kareem

While women are allowed, and even encouraged by the Quran to take on work, pursue their educations, own land, and much more, it openly expresses that a woman's most important role in life is motherhood. This is a role that is deeply respected by the Quran and commands others to respect as well.

Emphasizing the importance of this role is this statement from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

There is also a story of a man repeatedly asking Muhammad- "Who amongst the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?" he replied 3 times "Your Mother." When the man asked a fourth time, he replied "Your Father."

Status of Women in Islam

As previously stated, Islam granted women their most progressive rights beginning in the 7th century. In order to better understand the status of women in Islam, it is important to break down the changes that were brought to women beginning in the ancient world.

Fig. 2 Marriage Pendant

1. The Quran ended the practice of female infanticide, which was far too common before the implementation of Islam. The text goes further to condemn the harsh attitudes parents hold toward the discovery of a pregnancy with a female child.
2. Parents are duty-bound by the Quran and teachings of Mohammad to show their daughters kindness, support, and protection throughout their lives. This includes encouraging and enabling her education.
3. Islam neither requires nor encourages female circumcision; though it is practiced by some Muslims and Christians in parts of Africa, it is strictly culturally based.
4. Marriage in Islam became based on mutual understandings and peace; a woman has the right to refuse marriage proposals, seek a divorce, and expect to be treated as an equal. She is also allowed to keep her assets upon the divorce of her husband, something that was not an Arabian practice before Islam.

Rights of Women in Islam

• Politics & Social Services - In the years of early Islam, women were active participants in the function of everyday society. Women have the right in Islam to freely express their opinions and their advice should be actively sought out. Women also cared for the wounded during battles and sometimes even took part in said battles.
• Inheritance - Before Islam in the 7th century, women were deprived of their inheritance and were considered the property of men. Islam granted women the right to own and sell property and inherit from their relatives. Whether she is a wife, sister, or daughter, she is granted a share of the deceased relative's property. The share depends on the personal relationship between them as well as her number of produced heirs.
• Financial Responsibility - In Islam, a woman is under no obligation to earn or spend on things such as housing, food, and general expenses; this role is up to the male (husband, brother, father, etc.). A woman has the right to spend and earn money as she wishes but she has no obligation to share that money with her family unless she chooses to do so. When a woman gets married, she has the right to a dowry from her husband; this belongs to her alone and cannot be given to or shared with anyone else. In the case of divorce, she is allowed to keep all that she owned before and all that she attained during the marriage; this ensures her financial security to support herself after the split.

Fig. 3 Woman reciting Quran Illustration 1880

• Marriage - A woman has the right to accept or deny marriage proposals in Islam and her approval is required to complete the marriage contract. She cannot be forced to marry someone against her will, if she is (possibly for cultural reasons), it is in direct opposition to Islam. The woman also has the right to seek divorce if she becomes dissatisfied.
• Dignity & Protection - Any form of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse is prohibited in Islam. The improper treatment of women is no exception to this rule. When studied in its complete context, there is no teaching in Islam that condones any sort of domestic violence. According to leading female Islamic Scholar, Doctor Zainab Alwani, "anyone who exercises unjust authority in the name of Islam is actually doing so to uphold their own cultural influences or personal interests. All of Allah's creations are dignified and protected under Islamic Law".
• Modesty - Although Islamic women are falsely classified as being oppressed based on modest dress, the goal is to free them from the unattainable beauty standards that exist around them. In a modest appearance, it is believed that one will focus more heavily on her personality and mind; creating a deeper appreciation for who she is as a person over how she appears.

Revered Women in Islam

The revered women in Islam are as follows.

Fig. 5 Benazir Bhutto 1989

The status that Muslim and non-Muslim women reached was not achieved due to the kindness of men or any natural progress; it was achieved through long struggle and sacrifice on the part of women. While Islam teaches us to be compassionate and dignified, it must be remembered that it is not a reflection of society in the 7th century, but rather a view of what is intrinsically truthful.