Islam is the first religion to grant rights to women
Do you know who is easy to be manipulated and often exploited at the hands of men, society, and in the name of religion? Of course, women. That is because she is not as informed and facilitated as men in many societies around the globe.
The first ever man to announce the right for women to live was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Now can you imagine our forefathers burying baby girls alive that too out of shame? And only one man stood against them–the one who preaches Islam, who brought with him the light and knowledge of the Quran to us. He gave us hope and stood with the oppressed until he granted them justice.
Come to think about it, though burying women alive was an ancient practice the way women are being treated now is no different than before. Just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came forward and stood the ground for women, the world needs to be shaken to open its eyes to the reality that women deserve to live. Women have the right to every other luxury that man has been granted unquestionably–but for that to happen, the world needs to be shaken every now and then.
It wasn’t a movement that ended back then. It is a lifelong battle to be fought to make life easy for the women who are deprived of engaging in any decision-making that is about them. Unfortunately, women have been kept in the dark about how they are manipulated and exploited in the name of religion, Islam, which is the first and only religion that granted numerous rights to women.
You might have heard how women were treated before Islam and if you haven’t, this article will inform you how women were treated before the dawn of Islam and educate you about the rights of women.
What was the status of the women before Islam?
Women were subject to sexual violence, physical labor, and slavery and were even punished severely. Here are some popular figures known to have treated women inhumanely;
- Genghis khan, the founder of Mongol Empire, led campaigns marked by mass rape, forced marriages and violence againts women.
- During the reign of King Leopard II of Belgium, women were subjected to sexual violence, mutilation and forced labor.
3. Nero, the fifth Emperor of Rome, ordered assassination of his own mother.
Since society denied women of autonomy, right to earn, marry or reproduce, they faced brutality and their fate was decided by the men. These are just few incidents of violence exercised by authoritative figures mentioned here. There could be even numerous incidents off records. Hence, it calls for educating people about the rights and status of women to end the cruelty against them.
But before we dive into the rights of women in Islam, it is essential for us to understand that Islamic teachings are rooted in equality, justice and compassion. Islam treats women as an honourable and important member of the society. It grants her various rights encompassing every walk of life, explained in great detail below:
Social rights of women in Islam
Right to Education:
Islam made it obligation upon every Muslim, regardless of gender, to pursue education. Education not only grooms and nurtures us intellectually but can help women contribute to the society as well.
Being educated, she can serve well as a mother, daughter and wife without compromising her belief. She will be informed about the matters of the world and won’t just be dependent on the men of her family to make decisions about her life. She can pursue education, get into a professional career, without having to worry about her future and financial needs.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim (male and female).
According to recent studies, about 46.49% of women in Pakistan are illiterate, and it is increasing as many don’t even get to attend primary school. While majority of women are facing gender violence, or being subjected to child marriage, leading to dropouts.
Right to Marriage and Consent:
You might have heard of a woman eloping just because her father wanted her to marry someone against her consent or many being murdered for marrying someone of their choice.
Ghag (is an act of opening gunfire at a woman’s house enforcing marriage mostly with the intention of taking revenge on the family. Though it is never guaranteed that she will get married or not It prohibits the woman from marrying someone else even if she has to sit at her parents’ house for the rest of her life) and honor killing is an infamous practice common in Pakistan.
In many cultures, women are married off only into the same castes, and for that very reason, some women never get married. All such practices contradict the teachings of Islam, these are utterly baseless.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly said:
“A woman should not be married without her consent.”
Seeking Divorce (khula):
For any given reason, if a woman feels her marital life falling apart, she can seek divorce through proper channels.
Marriage Contract:
Women can set conditions in the marriage contract which is not a common practice but not discouraged in Islam.
Right to Respect
There are so many cases of domestic violence, divorce, and many cases of wives being murdered or beaten to death we hear often about. But what does the Quran instruct us about treating women?
"Live with them in kindness." (Quran 4:19)
Economic Rights of Women in Islam
Right to Inheritance
Unlike societal or cultural myths, Islam allows women to inherit property, ensuring financial stability.
“Allah decrees a will for your children; the male gets twice the share of the female. If the heirs are women, more than two, they receive two thirds of the estate.” Al Quran (4:11)
Engaging in business or trade
Women are allowed to own property and earn a living without any obligation to spend their money on household except they choose to.
Political Rights of Women in Islam
Leadership
According to historical records, women participated in governance and assisted leaders in decision-making. Al Shifa bint Abdullah, known as a wise woman, learned how to read, write, and took an interest in various subjects such as medicine and finances. She taught Hazrat Hafsa, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and was trusted as a financial advisor in matters of the market by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Right to voice opinions
Historical accounts hold numerous examples of women whose opinions on political, social, and financial matters were sought. Her share of words was considered as important as that of any man. Whatever restrictions are implied on women now are baseless and have no roots in Islam.
Gender Equality in Islam
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while they are a believer, We will surely give them a good life.” (16:97)
- Women and men are encouraged to engage and remain steadfast in the acts of worshipping Allah.
- Acquiring Islamic knowledge is obligatory for both men and women. There is no exception for women when it comes to acquiring Islamic knowledge.
- Men are stationed as the head of the family being the protectors and providers. Here woman has been given an advantage over a man, she is the sole earner of what she earns but the man is responsible for feeding his family.
Sharia Law and Cultural Myths about Women
Many cultural beliefs are practiced under the disguise of Islamic Sharia but it is important to know the difference and mark boundaries.
- Islam encourages women to own property, engage in business, and acquire knowledge.
- Women’s consent in marriage is important or else it is considered invalid.
- They should be protected from any harm or exploitation.
- Men are the protectors of women. And for protecting women, men necessarily don’t have to be related by blood. That being said, it emphasizes respecting a woman even if she is a stranger.
- Taking more than one woman in marriage is allowed only if the husband can carry out his duties without compromising justice and equality among them.
- While Islam values a woman’s role as a caregiver, it also encourages her to pursue education, work, and leadership roles.
Some famous women in the History of Islam
- Khadija bint Khuwaylid: first woman to believe in Islam and the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She was a known businesswoman, highly reputable among Muslim women.
- Aisha bint Abu Bakr: the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a renowned scholar of Islam. She taught the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh to the companions of the Prophet and followers.
- Khawla bint Al Azwar: one of the greatest female warriors in Islamic history who played a vital role in the Muslim conquest of Levant.
Marriage is just another part of life. But the idea of marriage is fed into the minds of girls from a young age. They often grow up fantasizing about marital life but the reality is harsh. Marriage itself is a huge responsibility.
Even for women to enjoy a successful and happy marital life, they must be educated and allowed to earn a decent living so in case, they are prepared to face challenges ahead of time.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of the parents and society to protect and educate women so that they grow up to be psychologically sound, intellectually aware, and financially independent.
Sometimes, women have to come out of their homes and work to support their families. Some may experience domestic violence or may endure the death of their husband. Life is meant to test us and put us through trials regardless of gender and it is also instructed in the Quran.
One never knows what he or she may have to face. But as Muslims, we know we are accountable for whatever we choose to do. Hence, exploiting, harming, manipulating, and depriving women of their right to seek knowledge, earn, and work under the disguise of Islam, must come to an end
Islam is the only religion that promotes gender equality in terms of education, work, politics, business, acts of worship and grants special honor to women.
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