Women In Islam

The experiences of Muslim women (Arabic: مسلمات Muslimāt, singular مسلمة Muslimah) vary widely between and within different societies. However, their shared adherence to Islam affects their lives in different ways and gives them a common identity that can bridge their cultural, social, and economic differences.

Several influences have shaped the social, legal, spiritual, and cosmological status of women throughout Islamic history. These include:

• The Quran, the holy book of Islam.
• The ḥadīth, which are records of the sayings and actions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his companions.
• Ijmā’, which is the agreement of Islamic scholars on a legal issue.
• Qiyās, a method of applying the laws of the Quran and the sunnah (prophetic traditions) to situations not directly mentioned in these sources.
• Fatwā, which are non-binding opinions or decisions on religious matters.

Other influences include cultural traditions from before Islam. Secular laws (accepted in Islam as long as they don’t go against Islamic principles). Religious authorities (like the Indonesian Ulema Council and Turkey’s Diyanet), and spiritual teachers, especially in Islamic mysticism or Sufism. Some, like the medieval Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi, have written about the symbolic meaning of women in Islam.

Role of Women in Islam

In Islam, women have important roles in different areas of life. Their contributions are valued and respected. Here’s a look at the role of women in Islam:

• Spiritual Role: Women have the same spiritual duties and opportunities as men. They are encouraged to seek knowledge, worship Allah, and do good deeds. Women can freely practice their faith, attend religious gatherings, and seek spiritual guidance.
• Family Role: Women are vital to the family unit. They are seen as the foundation of the household, responsible for nurturing and raising children. Islam emphasizes a harmonious family life where both parents share responsibilities in loving, caring for, and disciplining their children.
• Education and Intellectual Role: Islam promotes education for both men and women. Women have the right to seek knowledge in all fields, including religion, science, arts, and literature. Islam encourages women to be curious. Pursue education throughout their lives, and share their knowledge and skills with society.
• Economic Role: Islam recognizes women’s economic abilities. Islam allows them to engage in business and financial activities. Women can own and manage property, run businesses, and earn their own income. They can contribute to their families’ economic well-being. They play an active role in societal development.
• Active Participation in Society: Women are encouraged to be active in their communities. Contribute to social welfare, and show kindness and compassion to others. They have the right to express their opinions. They participate in decision-making, and advocate for fairness and equality.
• Leadership and Influence: While cultural practices may vary. Islam acknowledges that women can hold leadership positions and influence various areas. Women can be scholars, teachers. counselors, and mentors, guiding and inspiring others with their knowledge and wisdom. They can also take part in public life and serve in leadership roles that benefit the community.

If you want to learn how to perform Wudu (ablution) for females in Islam, read “How To Perform Wudu For Females?” to enhance your worship by properly performing ablution.

Women’s Rights in Islam

Women’s rights in Islam are an important topic of discussion. Islam gives women many rights and protections, ensuring their dignity and equality in society. Here are some key aspects of women’s rights in Islam:

• Equal Spiritual Status: The Quran states that men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), it says, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” This means that righteousness, not gender, is what matters most.
• Right to Education: Islam encourages both men and women to seek knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” This includes both genders and promotes education for personal and societal growth.
• Right to Own Property: Islam allows women to own and manage their property. The Quran states in Surah An-Nisa (4:32), “For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.” This verse shows that men and women are equally entitled to what they earn, including property.
• Right to Inheritance: Women are given the right to inherit property in Islam. The Quran provides clear rules for inheritance, ensuring that women receive a fair share. Surah An-Nisa (4:7) states the division of inheritance between men and women, stressing fairness in this matter.
• Right to Consent in Marriage: Islam places great importance on mutual consent in marriage. The Prophet Muhammad said, “A woman cannot be married without a guardian, and a marriage is invalid without witnesses.” This emphasizes the importance of a woman’s consent and proper documentation of the marriage.
• Right to Divorce: Women in Islam can seek divorce under certain conditions. The process aims to protect women from unhappy or abusive marriages. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:229) states that divorce can occur twice, and after that, the husband must either keep his wife acceptably or release her with good treatment. This highlights the need for respect and kindness during divorce.
• Right to Financial Support: As a wife, a woman is entitled to financial support from her husband. The Quran states in Surah An-Nisa (4:34), “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.” This verse shows that men are responsible for providing for their wives financially.

Important Women in Islam

Throughout the history of Islam. Many important and influential women have played crucial roles in shaping the religion and its teachings. Here are some of these remarkable women and their contributions:

• Khadija Bint Al-Khuwaylid: Known as the “Mother of Believers,”. Khadija was the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife. A key figure in early Islam. She financially supported and encouraged the Prophet during the difficult times of spreading the religion. Her unwavering support and belief in the Prophet’s mission were crucial to the establishment and success of Islam.
• Fatima Bint Muhammad: Fatima was the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and Khadija. She was known for her intelligence and deep understanding of Islam. Fatima’s strong faith and commitment to Allah remained firm even in challenging times. Her marriage to Ali ibn Abu Talib, one of the Prophet’s close companions. Her role as a mother to their children made her very influential within the Muslim community.
• Zainab Bint Ali: Zainab, the daughter of Fatima and Ali, lived through difficult times in Islamic history. She showed immense bravery and commitment to her family and religion during the Battle of Karbala and its aftermath. Despite witnessing the tragic deaths of her loved ones, Zainab remained steadfast and true to her faith. Her resilience and courage continue to inspire Muslims, especially women, to stand up against injustice.
• Hafsa Bint Umar: Hafsa was one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad and is known for preserving Islamic knowledge. After becoming a widow, she was offered marriage by Uthman and Abu Bakr but declined. Eventually, Prophet Muhammad married her, and she became known for her exceptional memorization of the Quran, which was then primarily transmitted orally. Her dedication to preserving the Quran motivated many, particularly women, to read and memorize the holy text.
• Aisha Bint Abu Bakr: Aisha, the daughter of Abu Bakr, played a significant role in narrating the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. She documented over 2,000 hadiths, greatly contributing to Islamic teachings and scholarship. Aisha’s knowledge and expertise spanned various aspects of life, making her a respected teacher and scholar. She serves as a role model for Muslim women seeking to live their lives by the teachings of Islam.

Women in the Quran and the Sunnah

In Islam, there is no difference between men and women in their relationship with Allah. Both are promised the same rewards for good conduct and the same punishment for bad conduct. The Quran says:

“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women.” (2:226)

The Quran often addresses “believing men and women” to emphasize their equality in duties, rights, virtues, and merits. It says:

“For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (33:35)

This contradicts the Christian Fathers’ claim that women do not possess souls. The Quran says that women have souls just like men and will enter Paradise if they do good:

“Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight.” (43:70)

“Whoever does right, whether male or female, and believes, We will give a good life to them.” (16:97)

The Quran advises men against oppressing or mistreating women:

“O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them—except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will bring about through it much good.” (4:19)

Before Islam, pagan Arabs buried their female children alive, made women dance naked around the Ka’ba, and treated women as objects without rights. The Quran’s teachings were revolutionary. Unlike other religions that saw women as inherently sinful, Islam sees men and women as created from the same essence. The Quran says:

“O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered countless men and women. Reverence Allah, through whom you demand your mutual rights, and reverence the wombs that bore you; for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Women are the twin halves of men.” The Quran uses a beautiful metaphor to describe the relationship between husbands and wives:

“They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them.” (2:187)

Just as a garment covers and protects us, so do husbands and wives protect and support each other.

Islam does not see women as “instruments of the Devil.” Instead, the Quran calls a good woman a “fortress against Satan” because she helps her husband stay on the right path. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) considered marriage a virtuous act and said: “When a man marries, he has completed half of his religion.” He encouraged Muslims to marry and said: “Marriage is part of my way, and whoever keeps away from my way is not from me.”

The Quran describes marriage as follows:

“And among His signs is this: He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.” (30:21)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) praised virtuous and chaste women, saying:

“The world and all things in the world are precious, but the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman.”

“The best property a man can have is a remembering tongue (that praises Allah), a grateful heart, and a believing wife who helps him in his faith.”

Before Islam, women were often treated worse than animals. The Prophet wanted to stop this cruelty. He preached kindness towards women, saying: “Fear Allah in respect of women,” and “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.”

In his famous farewell sermon, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told Muslims to be kind to women, saying:

“Fear Allah regarding women. You have married them with the trust of Allah, and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. You have rights over them, and they have rights over you in respect of their food and clothing according to your means.”

In Islam, a woman has an independent personality. She can make contracts, inherit, and choose her husband. Pre-Islamic Arabs buried their female children alive, but the Prophet opposed this practice and taught that supporting daughters protects against Hellfire.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also supported widows and encouraged his followers to do the same. Most of his wives were widows. He said that helping a widow or a poor person is like fighting in the path of Allah.

The Quran commands respect for mothers. The Prophet said that the rights of the mother are paramount. When asked who deserves the most kindness and attention, he replied three times, “Your mother,” and then, “Your father.”

The Prophet’s followers changed their attitude towards women, giving them rights and roles in society. Women could inherit, work in fields, trade, and go out to meet their needs. The Prophet emphasized that husbands and wives should be partners, loyal and faithful to each other, and genuinely interested in each other’s welfare.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught men to marry pious women and women to be faithful to their husbands. He said the best men are those who are best to their wives, and the best women are those who are best to their husbands.

The Shari’ah considers women the spiritual and intellectual equals of men, with different roles based on physical differences. Men are responsible for family maintenance, while women manage the home and children. The husband, as head of the family, must consult his wife and not abuse his authority. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described the wife as “the queen of her house.”

In contrast to these teachings, Western “women’s liberation” often exploits women’s bodies, dishonors them, and degrades their souls.

Conclusion

Women hold important roles in Islam and have rights that ensure their dignity and equality. Throughout history, women like Khadijah (RA) have been influential figures, scholars, and leaders. Islam teaches that women should be treated with respect and honor, with guidelines for modesty and protection. The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (hadiths) emphasize the importance of treating women kindly. Respecting their autonomy, and recognizing their contributions.