How does Islam see women's rights and roles in society?

Islam and women's rights have been subjects of discussion and interpretation. They are influenced by cultural and historical contexts. People possess different opinions. A lot of us have read headlines or heard claims that give a certain picture.

But what does Islam say? We should look at the sources instead.

The Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad granted women their rights. The rights in law, society, and the economy were unheard of in seventh-century Arabia.

In this article, let us examine Islam's perspective on women and men, their respective roles, and their rights. They constitute the foundation of a Muslim's identity and familial existence. 

The Condition of Women before Islam

Let's understand how women's rights in Islam changed things. For this we need to look at what happened before Islam. Before the 7th century, the status of women rights in Islam was very bad in Arabia.

Women had almost no legal rights under tribal law. People thought of them as things. Fathers could sell their daughters into marriage for a price.

Husbands could end the marriage whenever they wanted. It was a terrible thing to kill baby girls; some tribes buried them alive because they thought they were a burden.

Women had very few rights when it came to property and inheritance. After a husband died, they could even be inherited as objects. In this harsh world, a woman's worth was only based on her tribe and the men who looked after her.

Islam came into this world with a message that would greatly improve the status of women in Islam and in society as a whole.

The change was not only cultural but also spiritual. It said that men and women were made from the same soul and were therefore equal in the eyes of their Creator.

Basic Rights for Women in Islam

So, what did Islam really give? Islamic women's rights not only include the right to life and education but also include property and consent. Islam had forbidden the practice of burying baby girls alive.

The Qur'an granted women the unprecedented right to own and manage property without needing permission from a guardian. She can do whatever she wants with her money. It includes buying, selling, and getting rid of it.

For the first time, women were legally allowed to inherit property, but the shares were based on their financial responsibilities, not their gender.

The Qur'an is clear about this- a person's standing in the spiritual world is based on how good they are, not their gender. The Almighty says, "I will not let your actions go to waste, whether you are male or female each is the same [in rewards]."

This spiritual equality is the basis for women's rights in Islam. It affirms that a woman's soul possesses equal worth to a man's, and she bears equal responsibility for her conduct.

These rights were not given up slowly; they were an immediate claim to her independence. This was necessary to change how men and women relate to each other, from ownership to partnership.

Islamic Gender Roles: Balance and Duty.

Gender roles in Islam are one of the complicated subjects. Men and women are spiritually equal.

Islam has recognized the physical and psychological differences between them. People take the idea of qiwamah (guardianship) wrong.

The Qur'an -4:34 says that men should protect and care for women. Because God has made them responsible for their finances.

Men handle financial support for the family. Women focus on raising kids  —a vital job. Both roles are important and respected in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed this balance by helping His wife at home. Taking His wife's advice on key issues. He said men and women are equal in value, with different roles.

Rights of Women in Marriage and Family Life

Marriage is not a religious ceremony in Islam. It is a sacred agreement. In Islam, a woman's consent is also important for marriage. She can accept or reject any marriage proposal. She can't be made to marry someone if she doesn't want to.

The groom must give the bride a mahr, which is a gift that she owns and can do whatever she wants with. This independence from money is very important.

 A wife in a Muslim marriage does not change her name; she keeps her own name and identity. If the marriage is too much for her, she can also ask for a divorce (khul').

Polygyny is permitted (up to four wives), under strict conditions of perfect justice. The Qur'an even says, "You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives." This makes it less likely that the practice will happen, unless there are unusual circumstances like war or infertility.

A wife can also put in the marriage contract that her husband can't marry another woman. If he does, she can divorce him. This legal framework protects her dignity and freedom within the family.

Women in School and at Work

Women are encouraged to get knowledge. And also to pursue education. In the past, Muslim women were very good scholars.

The wife of the prophet Aisha was one of the greatest scholars of Islam. She had taught Hadith to many scholars. And told 2,000 hadiths.

There is no inherent ban on women working in Islam.

Islam allows women to work or run a business. They can contribute to the economy as long as the workplace follows Islamic morals. And she does not neglect her main family duties.

The first wife of Prophet Khadijah was a rich and successful businesswoman. And hired the prophet before they got married.

This historical precedent unequivocally demonstrates that women’s employment in Islam is not only permissible but commendable.

Women are allowed to work in Islam, being modest and religious.

Misunderstandings About Women in Islam:

There are wrong ideas about women in Islam that come from cultural practices, some of which are wrongly linked to religion.

A common myth that lives in society is that men are better than women. The Qur'an says that all people come from one soul and piety; it is not gender that makes someone better than others.

Another common misconception about women in Islam is regarding the veil. It is considered oppression. But for many Muslim women, it is about being modest and acts as a means of their identity.

Men and women should be modest. Lower their gaze in a public place.

Inheritance rules: Men get twice as much as women. But men are responsible for the family's needs. Whereas

Women can keep their wealth and are not supposed to contribute to household expenses.

 The Debate About Gender Equality in Islam

At last, we get to the idea of gender equality in Islam. Is there fairness or equality?

From an Islamic point of view on gender roles, there is a difference between "equal" and "identical."

Islamic gender equality is complete in terms of spiritual value, human dignity, and legal rights such as property ownership, employment, and education.

Islam, on the other hand, recognizes equity in terms of biological function and social responsibilities. This means that fairness depends on need and nature.

The Prophet said, "Paradise lies at the feet of mothers." It shows the importance of motherhood.

The responsibility of a man is to provide for and safeguard his family. But it does not elevate him. It renders him accountable.

The debate around equality - whether it is about sameness or equal worth - is a big topic today.

In Islam, men's and women's rights have been declared by divine law. They are balanced and aim for harmony.

Takeaway

Islam's 7th century reforms have improved women's status. It has granted them rights to own property, choose a spouse, or seek divorce, and also to inherit. Islam and women's rights are intertwined with the religion's teachings on kindness, respect, and as well as justice.

While modern debates about "equality vs equity" continue, the core Islamic principle that remains is that men and women are spiritual equals with complementary roles. but not identical functions.

FAQs

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What does Islam say about women's rights?

Islam says that women are equal to men in both spiritual and legal matters.

Rights of Women in Islam, such as

• To live, 

• Go to school, 

• Own property, 

• Work,

• Choose their spouse,

• Get a dowry and keep their maiden name.

• Get a divorce.

This stresses that women are equal to men in both spiritual and legal ways.

Is gender equality allowed in Islam?

Yes, Islam supports and allows gender equality in terms of self respect and spirituality. But it teaches fairness instead of the same roles. Men and women are seen as equal partners. Their roles are different but harmonious and fit their unique qualities.

Can Muslim women work and study?

Muslim women can work and study. It is allowed in Islam to learn. For Muslim women, the wife of the Prophet (S.A.W), Khadijah (R.A.), is a role model. She has worked and run businesses too.

What do men and women do in Islam?

Men's main job is to keep their families well and secure. Women are liable to clean the house and take care of the kids. But they can also work. Both roles are vital for a society to be balanced.

Does Islam treat women fairly?

Islam views men and women as the same in spirit. They have their own rights when it comes to the law and money. Due to financial obligations, certain legal decisions, like those about inheritance, differ; the basic principle is fairness and the inherent dignity of both genders.

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