Where the topic of women rights in the Islamic faith is concerned, misconceptions are rife. A wide section of the population holds that view that Islam limits the freedom of women, education, and independence of women. These notions are however derived not through Islamic but specialist cultural practices. In actuality, the Islamic religion gave women rights over 1,400 years ago-way before the contemporary feminism movement.

This blog addresses actual position of women in Islam as proved by the Quran and Sunnah (the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and explains the distinction between the cultural practices and Islamic doctrines.

1.Equality of men and women in the eyes of the Allah:

The Islamic religion is taught that men and women share the same levels in the spheres relating to spirituality, value, and responsibility.
According to Quran:

“Yes, the best of you in the esteem of Allah is the best of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)

This implies that honor in the presence of Allah does not belong to either gender, it is piety.

Key Points:

Both men and women are equal in having religious responsibilities and rewards.

The two are responsible before their actions.

Superiority is not defined by gender.

2. Right to Education:

Among the greatest misconceptions is the fact that women are denied the rights to learn within the Islamic religion.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 1400 years back, the Prophet said:

“It is compulsory to seek knowledge by all Muslims.” (Ibn Majah)

This incorporates the men and ladies. Islamic history knows women scholars, teachers and writers.
Example:
Aisha (RA) used to be among the scholars in Islamic history and reported more than 2,000 hadiths.

3. Right of Work and to own property:

Women are able to work, own a business, have wealth and hold jobs of their own in Islam whether it is independent of their husbands or their male clan.
Example:
Khadijah (RA) was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a well-respected merchant and was one of the richest women in Makkah.
In Quran:

“To the man is given what he earns and to the woman what she earns.” (Surah Al-Nisa 4:32)

4. Rights to Marriage, Consent:

Religious forced marriages are not permissible in Islam. Woman has a right to choose between accepting and refusing marriage offer.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“A formerly married woman has greater right to herself than her guardian and a virgin must first be consulted.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Islam Marriage Rights:

1. Right to choose her man.
2. Mahr (dowry) right.
3. Right to divorce; right to have divorce.
4. Safeguarding of Oppression:

Islam highly frowns upon oppression of women. Social traditions such as honor killings, refusal of education and forced marriages are not in accordance with the Islamic values.

Quran states:

“Be not violent to each other.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:279)

6. Inheritance Right:

In contrast to lots of ancient civilizations, Islam granted women the right to inheritance more than 1,400 years ago.
Following is Quranic statement:

“And men shall have a portion of what the parents and the near kindred leave, and women shall have a portion of what the parents and the near kindred leave” (Surah Al-Nisa 4:7)

7. Social Function a. Occupation / Work:

Women of Islam are mothers, teachers, businesswomen, leaders, scholars. They are instilled to contribute to the society and yet be modest.

Conclusion

The truth of the matter is that the Islamic faith treats women with respects and rights that many women elsewhere in the world were endowed with only in recent times. Our misunderstandings today are due more to the cultural upbringings, media put-offs, or ignorance and not necessarily Islamic teachings.

Hopefully you have found this article useful, spread it and the truth about woman rights in Islam gets passed along to more people.