Status of women in islam

By
Saira Fatima

1. Name: Saira Fatima
Email: [email protected]


Topic:
Status of Women in Islam
By
Saira Fatima

Department of MicroBiology & Molecular Genetics

3. Status of Women in Islam
The status of women in Islam, is an issue that is pertinent in present times; both due to the
divergence of cultural practices in the Muslim world from the Islamic perspective and the
erroneous perception in the West, that Islam subjugates womenfolk.
Primary sources of Islam, along with an analysis of the position of women in societies where
Islam was implemented, actually proves that for women, Islam is a special blessing.
“Prior to Islam” write the authors of The Cultural Atlas of Islam, “a woman was regarded by her
parents as a threat to family honor and hence worthy of burial alive at infancy. As an adult, she
was a sex object that could be bought, sold and inherited. From this position of inferiority and
legal incapacity, Islam raised women to a position of influence and prestige in family and
society.”
The rights and responsibilities of women are equal to those of men but they are not necessarily
identical. This difference is understandable because men and women are different, in their
physiological and psychological make-up.
Islam’s radical revolutionary support, gave women their due rights and uplift the status 1400
years ago in the days of ignorance. The Women’s rights in Islam should judged according to the
authentic sources, and not what individual Muslims do, or what the Muslim society does.
In Islam the role of man and women, it is complimentary, it is not conflicting. It is that of
partnership, it is not contradicting, so as to strive for supremacy.
In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine revelation echoed in the wide
desert of Arabia with a fresh, noble, and universal message to humanity:
As it is mentioned in Surah An-Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.1;
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and
dispersed from both of them many men and women.”
A scholar who ponder about this verse states: “It is believed that there is no text, old or new,
that deals with the humanity of the women from all aspects with such amazing brevity,
eloquence, depth, and originality as this divine decree.”
Stressing this noble and natural conception, Glorious Quran states:
It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in
security with her…(Surah Al-A’raf, Ch.7, Verse No:189)

4. “The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you mates from among
yourselves…”(Surah Ash-Shuraa, Ch.42, Verse No:11)
“And Allah has made for you from yourselves mates and has made for you from your mates
sons and grandchildren and has provided for you from the good things. Then in falsehood do
they believe and in the favor of Allah they disbelieve?”(Surah An-Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No:72)
Where Status of Women’s rights in Islam is concerned, there are six broad categories:
o Spiritual Aspects o
Social Aspects o
Economical Aspects o
Political Aspects
The Spiritual Aspects:
The sacred text of the Glorious Quran and the history of early Muslims bear witness to the fact
that women are considered as vital to life as men.
Islam refuted the idea that Eve tempted Adam to disobey Allah, and thus caused his downfall.
The Quran says that they both disobeyed, and negates the idea that women are a source of evil.
Both were jointly wrong in their disobedience to Allah, both repented and both were forgiven
(Quran 7:20-24).
In a world where women were no more than objects of sexual gratification for men, and at a
time when the religious circles argued over whether women were human or not possessing
souls, Islam proclaimed:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female.”(Surah Al-Hujurat,
Ch.49, Verse No:13)
Quran provides clear-cut evidence that women are equal to those of men but they are
necessarily identical as to the Islamic approach on gender relations, as one of “equity” rather
than the commonly used word “equality”, which could be misunderstood to mean equality in
every minute aspect of life, rather than overall equality.
Glorious Quran states;
And their Lord responded to them, "Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker
among you, whether male or female; you are of one another. (Surah Al-imran, Ch.3, Verse
No:195)
Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely
cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter]

5. according to the best of what they used to do. (Surah An-Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No:97)…See also
(Quran 4:124)
In terms of religious obligations, such as the Daily Prayers, Fasting, Poor-due (Zakat), and
Pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. In some cases indeed, woman has certain
advantages over man. For example, the woman is exempted from the daily prayers and from
fasting during her menstrual periods and postpartum period (forty days after childbirth). She is
also exempted from fasting during her pregnancy and when she is nursing her baby if there is
any threat to her health or her baby’s. If the missed fasting is obligatory (during the month of
Ramadan), she can make up for the missed days whenever she can. She does not have to make
up for the prayers missed for any of the above reasons. Although women can and did go into
the mosque during the days of Prophet and thereafter attendance at the Friday congregational
prayers is optional for them while it is mandatory for men (on Friday).
This is clearly tender touch of the Islamic teachings for they are considerate of the fact that a
woman may be nursing her baby or caring for him, and thus may be unable to go out to the
mosque at the time of the prayers. They also take into the account the physiological and
psychological changes associated with her natural female function.
The Social Aspects:
a) As a child and an adolescent
Despite the social acceptance of female infanticide among some Arabian tribes, the Quran
forbade this custom, and considered it a crime like any other murder.
“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked - For what sin she was killed.” (Surah
AtTakwir, Ch.81, Verse No:8-9)
Criticizing the attitudes of such parents who reject their female children, the Quran states:
And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he
suppresses grief. - He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been
informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is
what they decide. (Surah An-Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No:58-59)
Far from saving the girl’s life so that she may latter suffer injustice and inequality, Islam requires
kind and just treatment for her. Among the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in this regard
are the following:
Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not
favor his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise. (Ibn Hanbal, No. 1957).

6. Reward for having two or three daughters:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also said, “Whoever has two daughters and treats them kindly,
they will be a protection for him against the Fire.”
b) As a wife
The Quran clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society, and that its
objectives, besides perpetuating human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases
are love and mercy.
Among the most impressive verses in the Quran about marriage is the following:
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find
tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs
for a people who give thought.” (Surah Ar-Rum, Ch.30, Verse No:21)
According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to many anyone without their consent.
“A girl came to the Prophet and said: 'My father married me to his brother's son so that he
might raise his status thereby.' The Prophet gave her the choice, and she said: 'I approve of
what my father did, but I wanted women to know that their fathers have no right to do that.' ”
Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Marriage, Hadith 1874

Besides all other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it was specifically decreed that
woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, which is presented to her by her husband and is
included in the nuptial contract, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband.
The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in
certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection.

7. “And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up
willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.” (Surah An-Nisa, Ch.4,
Verse No:4)
The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature. In
consideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have
equal rights and claims on one another, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. This is
a matter which is natural in any collective life and which is consistent with the nature of man.
The Quran states:
And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable.
But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. (Surah Al-Baqarah,
Ch.2, Verse No:228)
Such degree is Quiwama (maintenance and protection). This refers to that natural difference
between the sexes which entitles the weaker sex to protection. In an Islamic household, a man
is obliged to financially provide for his wife. He is responsible to provide her food, clothing,
shelter, medicine and all necessities to the best of his ability.
“Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what
they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth.”
[Surah an-Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No:34)
The Quran implores men to treat women in kindness and respect, even in times of
disagreement. This means, spouses must practice beauty in their speech, their actions and in
their overall presence amongst one another.
Quran states:
“And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah
makes therein much good.” (Surah An-Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No:19)
Many women are oppressed by their husbands, probably you might’ve heard that before; and
in all honesty such statements couldn’t be further away from truth. Islam protects the women
like no other system in place today.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), said, “The best of you are the best to their families, and I am
the best to my family. When your companion dies, then do not abuse him.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3895
As the women’s right to decide about her marriage is recognized, so also her right to seek an
end for an unsuccessful marriage is recognized. To provide for the stability of the family,

8. however, and in order to protect it from hasty decisions under temporary emotional stress,
certain steps and waiting periods should be observed by men and women seeking divorce.
Considering the relatively more emotional nature of women, a good reason for asking for
divorce should be brought before the judge. Like the man however, the woman can divorce her
husband without resorting to the court, if the nuptial contract allows that.
When the continuation of the marriage relationship is impossible for any reason, men are still
taught to seek a gracious end for it.
The Quran states such cases:
“And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them
according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not
keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2, Verse
No:231)….(See also Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2, Verse No:229) c) As a mother
The Quran has a special recommendation for the treatment of mothers.
A man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, _"O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Who is more
entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?"_ The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your
mother." The man said. _"Who is next?"_ The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further
said, _"Who is next?"_ The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth
time, _"Who is next?"_ The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your father." [Sahih al-Bukhari 5971]

Imam Nawawee said in his explanation of this hadeeth:
‘The Scholars have said: the reason for the superiority of the mother is due to _her becoming tired on
your account, her compassion, her serving you, suffering hardship while being pregnant with you, then
giving birth to you, then suckling you, then bringing you up, serving you, nursing you and other things_.’
[Taken from the ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim’ 16/80]

9. This Hadith confirms that one's mother is given _three times_ the precedence to kind treatment
over one's father. Meaning, you should shower her with gratitude, love, kindness and good
companionship, _both in words and deeds_, treat her with tender humility, be dutiful to her
and _never harm her verbally or emotionally.
Allah Almighty states in His book;
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your
parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, _say not to them a word of
disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.” [Surah Al-Isra, Ch.17,
Verse No:23]


Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr: A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) asking his permission to take
part in Jihad. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked him, "Are your parents alive?" He replied in the
affirmative. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "Then exert yourself in their service." [Sahih
alBukhari 3004]

From Humaid who said: When Umm Eyaas bin Muaaweeyah died, Eyaas cried, it was said:
‘What makes you cry?’ He said: ‘I used to have two doors open towards Paradise and _one of
them has been closed_.’ [‘Akhbar as-Salaf’ p.269]

From Sa’eed bin Abu Burdah from his father who said: Ibn Umar (R.A) said: he was making
Tawaaf and he saw a man making Tawaaf while carrying his mother saying: Indeed I am like her
submissive camel, Even if her ride becomes startled I will not become startled and run away, I
carry her since she carried me more, do you think that I have paid her back O Ibn Umar? He
said: No, not even one breath while giving birth.’ [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 11]

What can be greater evidence of honoring mothers than these? After enduring so many
hardships, isn't it obligatory upon us to serve her well and treat her with utmost respect and
humbleness she deserves!

A famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." (In Al'Nisa'I, Ibn
Majah, Ahmad)
The Economic Aspects:
Islam decreed a right of woman was deprived both before Islam and after it, the right of
independent ownership. According to Islamic Law, woman’s right to her money, real estate, or
other properties is fully acknowledged. The right undergoes no change whether she is single or
married. She retains her full rights to buy sell, mortgage or lease any or all her properties. It is

10. also noteworthy that such rights applies to her properties before marriage as well as to
whatever she acquires thereafter.
With regard to the woman’s right to seek employment it should be stated first that Islam
regards her role in society as a mother and a wife as the most sacred and essential one. Neither
maids nor baby-sitters can possibly take the mother’s place as the educator of an upright,
complex free, and carefully-reared children. Such a noble and vital role, which largely shapes
the future of nations, cannot be regarded as “idleness”.
However, there is no decree in Islam which forbids woman from seeking employment whenever
there is a necessity for it, especially in positions which fit her nature and in which society needs
her most. Examples of these professions are nursing, teaching (especially for children), and
medicine.
In addition, Islam restored to woman the right of inheritance, after she herself was an object of
inheritance in some cultures. Her share is completely hers and no one can make any claim on it,
including her father and her husband.
“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of
what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much - an obligatory share.”(Surah
An-Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No:7)
Her share in most cases is one-half the man’s share, with no implication that she is worth half a
man! Man in Islam is fully responsible for maintenance of his wife, his children and this responsibility is
neither reduced because of his wife’s wealth.
Woman, on other hand, is far more secure financially and is far less burdened with any claims on her
possessions. Her possessions before marriage do not transfer to her husband and she even keeps her
maiden name. She has no obligation to spend on her family out of such properties or out of her income
after marriage. She is entitled to the “Mahr” which she takes from her husband at the time of marriage.
If she is divorced, she get an alimony from her ex-husband.
The Political Aspects:
Any fair investigation of the teachings of Islam into the history of the Islamic civilization will
surely find a clear evidence of woman's equality with man in what we call today "political
rights".

During the Caliphate of Omar Ibn al-Khattab, a woman argued with him in the mosque, proved
her point, and caused him to declare in the presence of people: "A woman is right and Omar is
wrong."

11. Although not mentioned in the Quran, one Hadith of the Prophet is interpreted to make woman
ineligible for the position of head of state. The Hadith referred to is roughly translated: "A
people will not prosper if they let a woman be their leader." This limitation, however, has
nothing to do with the dignity of woman or with her rights. It is rather, related to the natural
differences in the biological and psychological make-up of men and women.

According to Islam, the head of the state is no mere figurehead. He leads people in the prayers,
especially on Fridays and festivities; he is continuously engaged in the process of
decisionmaking pertaining to the security and well-being of his people. This demanding
position, or any similar one, such as the Commander of the Army, is generally inconsistent with
the physiological and psychological make-up of woman in general. It is a medical fact that
during their monthly periods and during their pregnancies, women undergo various
physiological and psychological changes. Such changes may occur during an emergency
situation, thus affecting her decision, without considering the excessive strain which is
produced. Moreover, some decisions require a maximum of rationality and a minimum of
emotionality - a requirement which does not coincide with the instinctive nature of women.

Even in modern times, and in the most developed countries, it is rare to find a woman in the
position of a head of state acting as more than a figurehead, a woman commander of the
armed services, or even a proportionate number of women representatives in parliaments, or
similar bodies. One cannot possibly ascribe this to backwardness of various nations or to any
constitutional limitation on woman's right to be in such a position as a head of state or as a
member of the parliament. It is more logical to explain the present situation in terms of the
natural and indisputable differences between man and woman, a difference which does not
imply any "supremacy" of one over the other. The difference implies rather the
"complementary" roles of both the sexes in life.