Women's Rights In Islam: A Must-Read For Every New Muslim

Women's rights in Islam have long been a controversial and highly debated topic. Some argue that Islam is oppressive towards women and restricts their rights, while others argue that Islam is a religion that upholds the rights of women and grants them a high level of respect and dignity.

In this article, we will delve into the topic of women's rights in Islam and explore the various rights and roles granted to women in the religion. We will also discuss the challenges and misconceptions that have arisen regarding this topic.

What Are The Rights Granted To Women In Islam?

Islam grants several rights to women, including:

The Right To Education

In Islam, education is a fundamental right for both men and women. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "Seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim, male and female."

This emphasis on education reflects the fact that many of the earliest Muslim scholars were women.

The Right To Own And Inherit Property

Islam grants women the right to own and inherit property. It includes the right to inherit a share of their deceased husband's property and the right to own and manage their own businesses.

The Right To Enter Into Contracts

Women in Islam have the right to enter contracts and engage in business transactions. It includes the right to enter into marriage contracts and the right to make financial decisions and manage their own financial affairs.

The Right To Choose A Spouse

Islam grants women the right to choose their spouse and enter into a marriage of their own free will. It does not allow forced marriages.

The Right To Seek Divorce

While Islam encourages marriage and strengthening family ties, it also recognizes that sometimes, a marriage may not work out. In such cases, Islam grants women the right to seek divorce.

The Right To Fair Treatment And Justice

Islam emphasizes the importance of treating women with kindness and respect. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said,

“The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.”

The Right To Work And Earn A Living

Islam does not prohibit women from working and earning a living. In fact, many of the earliest Muslim scholars were well-respected for their knowledge and learning.

What Are The Roles Assigned To Women In Islam?

In Islam, there are many roles of a women, including:

The Role Of A Wife And Mother

Islam places a strong emphasis on the role of women as wives and mothers. It includes the responsibility of caring for and nurturing their children, as well as maintaining a harmonious and loving relationship with their husbands.

The Role Of A Daughter

Islam encourages strong family ties and the respect and obedience of children toward their parents. It includes the responsibility of daughters to honor and obey their parents, as well as to show kindness and compassion towards them.

The Role Of A Sister

Islam promotes the bond of sisterhood and encourages women to support and care for one another.

The Role Of A Community Member

Islam places a strong emphasis on the role of women in the community. It includes the responsibility to contribute to society's betterment and engage in charitable works.

The Role Of The Religious Leader

Women are encouraged to seek knowledge and understanding of Islam and can serve as leaders in their communities, teaching others about the religion.

The Role Of The Businesswoman

Women are allowed to own and run businesses and work in any profession or field permissible in Islam.

Challenges And Misconceptions Surrounding Women's Rights In Islam:

Despite the many rights and roles granted to women in Islam, there are still challenges and misconceptions surrounding the topic of women's rights in the religion. Some of these challenges and misconceptions include the following:

Misconceptions About The Veil

The veil, or hijab, is a head covering traditionally worn by some Muslim women. Some people mistakenly believe that the veil signifies oppression and that Muslim women are forced to wear it. However, this is not the case.

The decision to wear the veil is a personal choice left to the individual woman. Some women choose to wear the veil to express their devotion to their faith and desire to dress modestly, while others may choose not to wear it.

Misconceptions About The Role Of Women In Islam

Some people believe that Islam is a religion that is oppressive towards women and restricts their rights. However, this is not the case. Islam grants women a number of rights and freedoms and encourages them to be active and engaged members of society.

Challenges In Western Societies

In some Western societies, Muslim women may face discrimination and prejudice due to their faith and cultural practices. It can make it difficult for them to fully participate in and contribute to society.

Muslim-Majority Countries

Some people may assume that the status of women in Muslim-majority countries is universally low. However, this is not the case. The status of women in Muslim-majority countries varies greatly and is influenced by several factors, including cultural practices, social norms, and levels of education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Islam grants many rights to women and assigns them important roles within the family and community. Despite this, there are still challenges and misconceptions surrounding the topic of women's rights in Islam.

It is important to recognize that the status of women in Islam is not monolithic and that the experiences of Muslim women vary greatly depending on their cultural and social context.

TL;DR:

This blog provides an accurate understanding of women's rights in Islam and debunks misconceptions surrounding the topic. It's a must-read for every new Muslim looking to gain a deeper understanding of the status and rights of women in Islam.

References:

1.     "The Rights of Women in Islam." Islamic Information & Dawah Center International, 2021, https://islamicinfo.org/the-rights-of-women-in-islam/.
2.     "The Role of Women in Islam." Islamic Relief, 2021, https://www.islamic-relief.org/the-role-of-women-in-islam/.
3.     "Women's Rights in Islam." Women in Islam, 2021, https://www.womeninislam.org/womens-rights/.
4. Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1162