The Rights of Women in Islam — A Complete Guide
Guest submission by: Dur-e-Sabih
The status of women in Islam is a pertinent issue across the world and there is a misconception in the West that women are subjugated within it. Conversely, a woman is considered an integral part of society in the sight of Islam.
Allah says in Quran:
“I will not let any of your work be lost, whether male or female, you are of one another.” [Al-Qur’an 3:195]
Islam considers women a special blessing, and their rights and responsibilities are equal to those of men. The sacred text of the Quran and the early history of Islam bear testimony to the fact that women hold the utmost importance. At a time when a female child would be buried alive in Arab societies and women were merely considered an object of sexual gratification, Islam honored women and protected them with unprecedented rights. Allah even devotes an entire chapter of the Quran to women, Surah-al-Nisa.
Here is an overview of women's rights to understand how Islam empowers women:
Right to Education
Muhammad (PBUH) declared in the 7th century that pursuing knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, either man or woman. Aisha, a wife of Muhammad (PBUH), was known as one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history.
“Procurement of knowledge is essential for all Muslims [both men and women with no discernment].” (Ibn Mājah)
Right to Inheritance and Wealth
At a time when a woman was considered a property to be inherited, Islam made her an heir. Daughters, wives, mothers, and sisters all have a particular share in inheritance, depending on their relation to the deceased kin and the number of heirs. No one has a right to exempt a woman from her inherited share of the property.
Women are also free from any financial liabilities. She is not obliged to work or share family expenditures. What she receives from her father or what she earns herself is solely her own. It is her privilege if she wants to work or be self-supporting, provided her honor and integrity are safeguarded.
Right to Make Marriage and Divorce Decisions
The consent of women is fundamental to the validity of the marriage contract. She has a right to accept or reject the marriage proposal. Marriage in Islam is based on mutual peace, compassion, and love. A significant misconception among Muslims and non-Muslims is that women have no right to initiate divorce in Islam. Such people are oblivious to the teachings of Islam, so they should be enlightened by what Surah Al-Baqarah teaches us in verse 229:
“If they fear they are unable to keep up with the limits of Allah, there is no blame on the couple if she gives back [the mahr] for her freedom (Khula).” (Al-Qurʾān 2:229)
The Surah also mentions the compensation for a divorced woman:
“If you divorce a woman before touching her or setting a dowry, pay a reasonable compensation.” (2: 236)
“If you divorce your wife before touching her and after deciding on a dowry, pay half of it.” (2:237)
Right to Participate in Leadership Positions
Since the beginning of Islam, women have been active contributors to the functioning of society. There are numerous examples in Islam where women played important roles. Some even attended to the wounded as nurses or appeared on the battlefields themselves.
Khadija (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was a powerhouse in the trade market. Al -Shifa bint Abdullah was appointed as the marketplace supervisor by Hazrat Umer, the second Caliph, and was one of the few women that knew how to read and write at the time. Islam does not consider a woman any less than a man and allows her to serve in any political or leadership position.
“Umm Salamah used to lead women in prayer and stood in the middle.” – (Sunan Al-Bayhaqī)
Final VerdiCT
When the world was sidelining them, Islam not only safeguarded women but also set rights for them. With this in mind, there is no room for anyone to conceive that women in Islam are inferior to men. Each plays its specific role in collectively upholding societal balance.
Note: This is a guest submission that has been edited for length and clarity. To submit an article to our site, visit our submissions page here.