Women Rights in Islam are reviewed by two sources Al Qura’n and Hadith which never contradict each other. Many people have different perspective and differences which can be eradicated by using the quotations of Qura’n and Hadith. A Muslim should show gratitude towards Allah (swt) and should seek pleasure. Islam believes in equality of both men and women. However, equality doesn’t mean identicality. The character of a man and a woman in Islam is to be approving of one another. Because a man and a woman are partners no one can be noticeable for supremacy. Furthermore, men and women are companions of one and other.
First of all, many unlearned men has a misconception that heaven is only for them not for women, this misunderstanding can be removed by quoting the Qura’n in Surah Nisa chapter 4 verse 124. “If any do deeds of righteousness, – be they male or female – and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them”. In addition in Islam a woman has been uplifted because of her pregnancy and child birth. Both men and women have the same spiritual and moral duties to perform. For example, they both pray, fast, give zakath, believe in Allah (swt), want to go on pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, and they read the same Shahadah everyday when they get up in the morning. However, women have been given some conception in Islam. When she is ailing or pregnant, she doesn’t have to fast; however, she has to make it up later when she feels better.
Secondly, a woman can disclaim or discard any of her property without taking any advice doesn’t matter if she is single, or married. Subsequently, Women in Islam can work if she wants to, as long as she maintains her hijab. There are few jobs that are forbidden for both men and women such as, Smuggling, Movie Acting, Modeling, Serving Alcohol, Gambling, and etc. In Islam women has more financial security than men. For example, when a husband can spend thousands of dollars on the reception then he can give at least the half of it to his wife as a gift which is also known as “Meher”. However, in Islam “Meher” could be anything because it is a gift, but since he is spending so much on one day, he can afford it to give at least the half of it to his wife. Am I right? Or Wrong? The most disgusting thing to me is when the groom’s family ask the bride’s family for dowry, which is actually prohibited in Islam. As we all know Islam doesn’t prohibit a woman from working. When a women works, whatever she earns it’s her property. She can do anything, she wants. She can give it to somebody, or spend it all. However, if she wants she can spend it on her house hold or on her kids. There is more to it! No matter how rich the wife is, it is a man’s responsibility to take care of his wife and kids by clothing, food, and shelter and to fulfill their desired needs. Finally, in case of divorce or widowed a woman is given financial support for a period of time, if she has children she is also given child support as said in Qura’n.
Women are referred as “Mohsana” in Qura’n (fort rate against the devil). A woman marries the man and keeps him on the right path. “Sahih Bukhari chapter 8 verse 7 hadith no 4. Prophet (pbuh) said, “whoever marries completes half deen”. This means that she will protect him from homosexuality which leads to the major sins in this world. Allah (swt) gave love in the hearts of their husbands and wives as said in Surah Rum chapter 30 verse 21. “[21] And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect”. According to Surah Nisa chapter 4 verse 21, marriage is a consecrated agreement. “And how could ye take it when ye have gone in unto each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?” One is forbidden to inherited women against her will. A woman is not married so that she can be treated as a slave, she is not married to a master; however, as mentioned in hadith 7396 “Women are married to her equal”. In Qura’n it is clearly mention that husband and a wife has equal rights; however, man has been given one scale higher in leadership in the family (One degree higher in responsibility not higher in nature or kind) as mentioned in Surah Baqrah chapter 2 verse 228. “Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise”. It is also mentioned in Qura’n that men are the protectors and maintainers of the women; in addition, if a man doesn’t like his wife, he should still show his wife kindness and give his compassion.
Don’t forget to read “Rights of Women in Islam! Part two”
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