Women in Islam
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| A muslim woman reciting the Quran |
First, let’s agree that what you are going to read in this article is completely different from the stereotypes you hear and read on daily bases in media outlets. It is also far away from the current situation of women in most Islamic societies. Most of the time cultural values and traditions overwhelm religious guidance and there is a huge difference between the two.
In Islam, a woman is an equal entity to a man in terms of rights and their relation to Allah. They are both promised the same reward for good deeds and the same punishment for evil deeds or misconduct.
The Qur'an says:
“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women”. (2:228)
“O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered (like seeds) 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)
Islam revered and honoured women as a daughter, a sister, a wife, and as a mother. On several occasions, the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) praised and encouraged those who deal with their daughters in a good manner.
He (PBUH) said:
“Whoever brings up two girls till they reach the age of puberty, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this (and he joined his index and middle finger”
He (PBUH) also said:
“One who loves his daughters and withstands the hardship of grooming and getting them married, Almighty Allah makes Jannah (paradise) compulsory on him and keeps him protected from the Fire of hell”
Woman as sister in Islam
Islam enjoins Muslim men to treat their daughters and sisters well to enter paradise. The messenger of Allah peace be upon him said:
“There is not one of you with three daughters or three sisters, or two daughters or two sisters, fearing Allah regarding them and treating them in the best manner, but he will enter Paradise.”
Woman as a wife in Islam
There are a lot of verses from the Quran and hadiths (the prophet’ saying) that stress the high value of woman as a wife in Islam to mention only a few :
Take a look at these beautiful sayings of the prophet of Islam (peace be upon him):
“Women are the twin halves of men”
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.”
"There is no woman who removes something to replace it in its proper place, with a view to tidying her husband's house, but that Allah sets it down as a virtue for her. Nor is there a man who walks with his wife hand-in-hand, but that Allah sets it down as a virtue for him; and if he puts his arm round her shoulder in love, his virtue is increased tenfold."
"Among my followers the best of men are those who are best to their wives, and the best of women are those who are best to their husbands. To each of such women is set down a reward equivalent to the reward of a thousand martyrs. Among my followers, again, the best of women are those who assist their husbands in their work, and love them dearly for everything, save what is a transgression of Allah's laws."
Woman as a mother in Islam
Mother status is highly elevated in Islam. In the Quran, Allah mentions all the sacrifices a mother make in bearing and birthgiving to children to remind people to treat their mothers with love, respect, and care.
Allah almighty say in the Quran:
And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination. (31:14)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the high status of mothers as he said:
“Heaven lies under the feet of your mother.”
On another occasion, a man repeatedly asked Muhammad (PBUH), “Who amongst the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” Each time, the Prophet (pbuh) replied, “Your mother.” When the man asked for the fourth time, he replied, “Your father.”
Islam sees women as an integral part of society. She enjoys a completely independent personality as she could make any contract and run businesses in her own name. She also has the complete freedom to choose her husband. The prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“When a man gives his daughter in marriage and she dislikes it, the marriage shall be not accepted”
Moreover, Islam gave women the right to education, to marry someone of their choice, to retain their identity after marriage, to divorce, to work, to own and sell property, to seek protection by the law, to vote, and to participate in civic and political engagement.
That is the brief truth about women in Islam.