When thinking of women in Islam, some words that often come to mind is "oppression," "inferiority" and "unequal." These words often confuse the cultural practices and belief systems with the religion of Islam. It is important to remember that the religion of Islam has granted women their most progressive rights since the 7th century and views women as equal to men. In fact, the Quran devotes an entire chapter to women and addresses them repeatedly throughout.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenWhen thinking of women in Islam, some words that often come to mind is "oppression," "inferiority" and "unequal." These words often confuse the cultural practices and belief systems with the religion of Islam. It is important to remember that the religion of Islam has granted women their most progressive rights since the 7th century and views women as equal to men. In fact, the Quran devotes an entire chapter to women and addresses them repeatedly throughout.
To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions" - Quran (16:97)
The Quran is the central holy text of the religion of Islam and is believed to be a revelation from God.
Dating back to the 7th century, it was commanded by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that every male and female Muslim must pursue an obligatory education. One of the most influential scholars was the wife of Muhammad, Aisha. Men and women both would travel to her and learn from her great wealth of knowledge.
In Islamic history, women have participated in government, public affairs, teaching, and scholarship; so much so that it has become a tradition to encourage them to actively participate in improving and leading different aspects of their communities. In the Quran, Allah recognizes the unique differences between men and women, so a woman's opinion and voice in these fields are often sought out to keep balance.
While women are allowed, and even encouraged by the Quran to take on work, pursue their educations, own land, and much more, it openly expresses that a woman's most important role in life is motherhood. This is a role that is deeply respected by the Quran and commands others to respect as well.
Emphasizing the importance of this role is this statement from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Heaven lies at the feet of your mother" - Muhammad
There is also a story of a man repeatedly asking Muhammad- "Who amongst the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?" he replied 3 times "Your Mother." When the man asked a fourth time, he replied "Your Father."
As previously stated, Islam granted women their most progressive rights beginning in the 7th century. In order to better understand the status of women in Islam, it is important to break down the changes that were brought to women beginning in the ancient world.
I command you to be good to women...the best among you are those who are best to their wives" - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
It is vital to remember that not every Muslim is representative of Islam and can follow their own cultural and societal influence over the words of the Quran. In doing this they may not only disenfranchise women but also go directly against the clear guidelines laid out in Islam regarding the treatment of women.
The revered women in Islam are as follows.
Woman | Role |
Aisha bint Abu Bakr name | Aisha bint Abu Bakr was one of the wives of Muhammad after the death of Khadijah. Aisha was a scholar who taught through stories of her husband's private life, as well as addressing matters of inheritance, pilgrimage, and more. She was known for having incredible knowledge, ranging from medicine to poetry. It is said that she established and taught at many schools before she died in 678 AD. |
Fatimah name | Fatimah was the daughter of Mohammad and Khadijah; the only one to survive to adulthood. She accepted Islam at a very young age and her devotion to her religion and her father was compared to that of Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him). While Muslims respect and love Fatimah, she is most important to the Shiites. Shi'a Muslims regard her husband, Ali, as the true successor of the first Imam (spiritual leader). |
Arwa al-Sulayhi | Arwa al-Sulayhi, also known as the "Little Queen of Sheba", was the longest-reigning ruler of Yemen. She co-ruled alongside her 3 husbands; ruling in her own right after each of them died. She would reign alone after the death of her final husband until she died in 1138 AD. She was known for her intelligence and great knowledge and was considered a dai'i (a Muslim who invites those to join Islam through dialogue). She was given the highest-ranking title of dai'i, hujjat, and was the first woman to ever earn this rank in Islamic history. |
Razia Sultana | Razia Sultana was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in India. Her father felt she was more worthy than all of her brothers for the throne and appointed her. Upon his death, his choice was not honored and her half-brother was placed on the throne. He was assassinated 3 years into his reign for his terrible ruling. Razia ascended the throne in 1236 AD and shocked Muslim society further by refusing to wear a veil and adopting men's attire. She also led great armies and conquered many new territories. |
Benazir Bhutto | Benazir Bhutto was the first female in modern history to lead a Muslim nation. She was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988 and was the head of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Bhutto was hailed by the people as a reformer but unfortunately struggled to deal with the country's widespread poverty, government corruption, and crime. She spent nearly 10 years in self-imposed exile and upon returning to Pakistan in 2007, was killed by a suicide bomber. |
The status that Muslim and non-Muslim women reached was not achieved due to the kindness of men or any natural progress; it was achieved through long struggle and sacrifice on the part of women. While Islam teaches us to be compassionate and dignified, it must be remembered that it is not a reflection of society in the 7th century, but rather a view of what is intrinsically truthful.
Things that are Haram for a woman in Islam can be a bit hard to define due to the fact that they are not given as a specified list. It also depends on the division of Islam in which the woman follows. Some examples are-
The answer of what women can or cannot do in Islam is a complicated one. Often, the difference between religion and culture (as well as different divisions of the religion itself) hold many contrasting opinions. For example
According to the religion, yes, a woman can divorce a man (another right that varies between religion and culture). However, divorce should always be a last resort. The Quran tells that a relationship should be worked on as much as possible before deciding if divorce is the proper option. Women also have the right to keep their dowry, gifts, property, and anything that belongs to or was gifted to her after the marriage ends.
Despite cultures across the world mistreating women in the name of a religion, the Quran teaches how women are equal to men. Though it specifies their differences and what makes them unique from each other, a woman has the right to deep respect from her husband and family. According to Islam, a woman has the right to work, take action in politics, own land, and much more. However, it must always be remembered that the Quran states that her first, and most important, duty is motherhood.
In general, no, women cannot wear shorts in Islam. However, the Quran does not specify what exactly a woman should wear (other than a head covering). The text tells women to dress modestly, meaning it is very open to personal interpretation and said woman's personal and private relationship with God.
Cultural practices and belief systems of a country are often confused with the religion of Islam.
True.
The religion of Islam has granted women their most progressive rights since the 7th century and views women as equal to men.
True.
In Islamic history, women have been forbidden to participate in government, public affairs, teaching, and scholarship.
False.
In Islam, a woman's most important role is to be a mother.
True.
Every Muslim is representative of Islam and the Quran.
False.
The status in which Muslim and non-Muslim women reached was not achieved due to the kindness of men or any natural progress; it was achieved through long struggle and sacrifice on the part of women.
True.
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