Introduction
Rights of Women in Islam – Islam has elevated the status of women, making them equal to men in most aspects. Women are commanded to believe in Allah, worship Him, and are equal to men regarding rewards in the Hereafter. Women have the right to express themselves, give advice, promote good, discourage evil, and invite others to Allah. They can own property, buy, sell, inherit, donate to charity, and give gifts. It’s not permissible for anyone to take a woman’s wealth without her consent.
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Understanding the Rights of Women in Islam
Islam confirms women’s rights in social, economic, and familial aspects. Women have the right to express themselves, offer sincere advice, promote good, discourage evil, and call people to Allah. They have always played a significant role in Islamic history. Here are some specific rights:
Right to Financial Independence
Women are entitled to financial independence. They can own and manage their property, earn money, and spend it as they wish. Women also have the right to inherit from their family members.
“And do not crave what Allah has given some of you over others. Men will be rewarded according to their deeds and women equally according to theirs. Rather, ask Allah for His bounties. Surely Allah has perfect knowledge of all things.” (Al Quran 4:32)
Right to Choose a Spouse
Islam affirms the right of women to choose their own spouse. However, seeking the advice of family and community is encouraged when making this decision.
“And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.” (Al Quran 30:21)
Right to Education
Islam encourages both men and women to seek knowledge. Women have the right to access education and pursue knowledge.
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah: 224)
Right to Work
Women are allowed to work in any lawful profession that aligns with Islamic principles. Historically, women were involved in various professions during the Prophet’s time.
Right to a Safe and Peaceful Home
Islam emphasizes the importance of treating women with kindness, respect, and love. Women have the right to live in a safe and peaceful home, free from any form of physical or emotional abuse.
Right to Participate in Public Life
Women have the right to participate in public life and contribute to society. Islam encourages women to engage in acts of charity and social welfare.
Right to Honor and Kind Treatment
Women have various rights and responsibilities based on their roles as mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters. Here are some of the rights for each role:
As a Mother
Respect and Honor
Children must respect and honor their mothers and show kindness and gratitude towards them.
Right to Custody
In cases of divorce or separation, mothers have the primary right to custody of their children until they reach a certain age.
Right to be Supported
Mothers are entitled to financial support from their children or husbands if they are widowed, divorced, or lack means of support.
“Abu Huraira reported that a person said: Allah's Messenger, who amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment? He said: Your mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order of nearness.” (Sahih Muslim: 6181)
As a Wife
Mahr
The wife is entitled to receive a dowry (mahr) from her husband as a symbol of his commitment and responsibility towards her.
Respect and Kindness
The husband must show respect and kindness towards his wife and treat her with love, care, and compassion.
Right to Financial Support
The husband is responsible for providing financial support to his wife, covering her basic needs and expenses.
The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women. (Jami At-Tirmidhi 1162, Hasan Sahih)
As a Daughter
Right to Education
Daughters have the right to receive an education, and their parents are encouraged to support and facilitate their education.
Right to Kindness and Protection
Parents must show kindness and protection towards their daughters, ensuring their well-being and safety.
Right to Inheritance
Daughters are entitled to receive a share of their parents’ inheritance, protected by Islamic law.
“Uqbah bin Amir said, I heard the Messenger of Allah say: 'Whoever has three daughters and is patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink, and clothes them from his wealth; they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.'” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 3669)
As a Sister
Right to Respect
Brothers must show respect towards their sisters and treat them with kindness and compassion.
Right to Protection
Brothers are responsible for protecting their sisters and ensuring their safety and well-being.
Right to Inheritance
Sisters are entitled to receive a share of their parents’ inheritance, protected by Islamic law.
The Quran and Women
The Quran states that men and women were created from a single soul and that they are each other’s partners and supporters. Both men and women can earn Allah’s favor and attain paradise through their good deeds. The Quran states that men and women are garments for each other, providing protection, comfort, and adornment for one another.
“O humanity! Be aware of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, and through both He spread innumerous men and women. Be aware of Allah — in Whose Name you appeal to one another — and honor family ties. Surely Allah is ever vigilant over you.” (Al Quran 4:1)
“Give women their due dowries courteously. But if they waive some of it willingly, you may enjoy it freely with a clear heart.” (Al Quran 4:4)
“For men there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and for women there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave — whether it is little or much. These are obligatory shares.” (Al Quran 4:7)
“O believers! It is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor mistreat them to make them return some of the dowry as a ransom for divorce — unless they are guilty of shameful misconduct. Treat them fairly. If you dislike them, you may detest something which Allah turns into a great blessing.” (Al Quran 4:19)
“Divorced women must wait three monthly cycles before they can remarry. It is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. Their husbands reserve the right to take them back within that period if they desire reconciliation. Women have rights similar to those of men equitably, although men have a degree of responsibility above them. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (Al Quran 2:228)
The Sahih Hadith and Women
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Fear Allah regarding women. Verily, you have taken them as a trust from Allah, and intercourse has been made legal by the word of Allah. Your rights over them are that they do not let anyone in the house you dislike. If they do so, you may strike them without violence. Their rights over you are that you provide for them and clothe them in a reasonable manner.” (Sahih Muslim: 1218a)
Importance of Women in Islam
Islam recognizes and affirms the rights and dignity of women. Women played a significant role in the early history of Islam and were active participants in the community. Key points include:
Spiritual Equality
Islam recognizes men and women as equals in terms of their humanity and spirituality. The Quran states that men and women were created from a single soul and are each other’s partners and supporters. Both can earn God’s favor and attain paradise through good deeds.
Education
Islam encourages both men and women to seek knowledge and education. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” Women were also active in the pursuit of knowledge during the early Islamic period.
Work and Financial Independence
Islam does not prohibit women from working or earning their own money. Women in the early Islamic period were involved in various professions and businesses.
Marriage and Family
Islam encourages marriage and family life and emphasizes treating one’s spouse with love and respect. The Quran states that men and women are garments for each other, meaning they provide protection, comfort, and adornment for one another.
“Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds.” (Al Quran 16:97)
Responsibilities of Women in Islam
Women have various duties and responsibilities in Islam, playing a vital role in maintaining family and societal well-being. Some key responsibilities include:
Worship
Like men, women must perform the five daily prayers, fast during Ramadan, pay Zakat, and perform Hajj if financially and physically capable.
Maintaining Family Ties
Women are encouraged to maintain strong relationships with family members, especially parents, husbands, and children.
Taking Care of Children
Women are primarily responsible for raising their children with good manners and ethics and providing them with a proper Islamic education.
Managing the Household
Women are responsible for managing the household, ensuring it runs smoothly, and taking care of the family’s needs.
Modesty
Women are encouraged to maintain modesty in dress and behavior. They should dress modestly, covering their bodies and hair, and avoid immodest actions.
Giving to Charity
Women are encouraged to give to charity and help those in need, as it is a fundamental obligation in Islam.
These responsibilities apply to both men and women, as both are considered equal in Islam and must fulfill their obligations to Allah and society.
Conclusion
Islam emphasizes the importance of treating women with respect and kindness and recognizes their crucial role in society. However, cultural variations may influence how Islamic teachings are interpreted and practiced worldwide. Islam affirms women’s rights in various aspects, including social, economic, and familial rights.
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FAQ
Who’s the Most Reputed Woman in Islam?
Mary (Maryam)
Mary, the Mother of Messiah, is the most important woman in the Quran, as she’s the only one mentioned by name. She’s described as the greatest woman of all time in the Quran.
What’s Haram for a Woman in Islam?
Exposing intimate parts of the body is unlawful in Islam, as the Quran instructs covering of male and female genitals, and for adult women, the chest. Exposing them is generally considered unethical.
What are the Rules for Women in Islam?
The law of the hijab states that the entire female body, except the face and hands, should be covered when a woman leaves her home as a sign of modesty, obedience to Allah, and respect for Islamic values.
What Does the Quran Say About Women’s Modesty?
Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; they should draw their veils over their chests and not display their beauty except to their husbands. (Al Quran 24:31)
What Quality Should I Look for in a Woman in Islam?
She is in a state of constant submission, certain of our Lord’s love, compassion, forgiveness, and providence. When she encounters a problem, she knows that Allah has provided a solution in the Quran, and that what matters most is her continuous sincere love, submission, and trust in Allah.