A common belief that many share is that Muslim women are oppressed by their religion, forced to cover themselves completely, denied education and other basic rights. It is true that Muslim women, like women all over the world, have struggled against inequality and restrictive practices in education, work force participation, and family roles. However, these oppressive practices do not come from Islam itself, but are part of local cultural traditions.
Islam gives women a number of rights, some of which were not enjoyed by Western women until the 19th century. For example, until 1882, the property of women in England was given to their husbands when they married, but Muslim women always retained their own assets. Muslim women could specify conditions in their marriage contracts, such as the right to divorce or should their husband take another wife. In fact, our Lord has bestowed an entire chapter dedicated towards the methods of divorce (Ch.65 – At-Talaaq)
Furthermore, The Quran, the holiest book in Islam, indicates that men and women are spiritual equals. (Ch.4:124 – An-Nisa) states:
"If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them."
But this notion of equality has not been reflected in many of the laws in Muslim-based institutions and hence goes unnoticed in the eyes of the world, leading to accusations that take part in tainting our religion.
The loud campaigners of gender profiling and biases are not aware that the position of women in Islam is very noble and packed with honor. But little do they know what the Book truly holds.
While the world turned a deaf ear to equality and women’s rights, Islam made sure they were established in stone 14 centuries back. Its principles are just, equitable and whose good has remained immutable.
Islam instructs its daughters to be educated and women the right to refuse a prospective husband. And if widowed or divorced she treated on par as any other woman in all aspects, while also giving them the right to own and inherit property and strictly forbidding female infanticide.
The above mentioned rights and decrees were given during the 7th century!
For many centuries now, the birth of a girl child is “tolerated”, her betrothal is much awaited and considered to be an event of relief, rather than celebration. At her in-laws, she is once again treated poorly, stripped to a mere specimen to bear children and serve. On the contrary, each of her phases is cherished and raised in the ranks of the Lord.
The beloved Prophet (Pbuh) has stated that, “When a boy is born, then he brings one Noor (light) and when a girl is born, then she brings two Noors.”
It has been narrated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) has stated that, “If parents are kind and generous towards their daughters, then they will be so close to Him in Jannah, like one finger is to the next.”
The dear Prophet (Pbuh) has also stated that, “The person who is faced with hardship due to his daughters, and makes Sabr (is patient), then his daughters will be a curtain between him and the Hell-fire.”
The Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) also says, “Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother”
The above mentioned records and statements are a clear reflection of the status and position of how distinguished Islam sees its women, defying all allegations of injustice or gender inequality. Many have been prominent political personalities, specially the wives of The Prophet (Pbuh) as they knew his practice and teachings thoroughly.
Khadija (r.a), the first wife of the Prophet (Pbuh), whom before their marriage was about 40yrs old, divorced and the head of a prosperous business empire. Aisha (r.a), the third wife of the Prophet, had great political clout and also rode into battle fiercely during the Battle of Basra. Moving further toward advancements, India’s own Razia Sultan, ruled the 13th century Delhi Sultanate. In the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire, several strong women established enormous power over affairs of state.
Thus, with examples of these leading ladies, it is evident that Islam is a not just a religion that is perceived as a set of stern rules and orthodoxy but a way of life that is the flag bearer of equality, honor and justice since its birth. And to my dearest companions on this Earth, regardless of caste and creed, I implore you to read; to read the beautiful philosophies of the Holy Quran. It gives concrete answers to the dilemmas of this dystopian world.
- M.S.Reeha
GIO Associate
Awesome!
A great eye opener 👌