Status Of Women In Islam

Status of women before Islam:

Before the advent of Islam, the whole of the Arabic world was doomed in the darkness of ignorance and mayhem. The rights of the weak were disregarded. Women, slaves and the poor were severely mistreated. In fact, women were considered as objects used to satisfy physical needs. They had no identity or esteem of their own. They were denied the right to inheritance. When a daughter was born in a house, she was regarded as a symbol of shame and disgrace. Newborn daughters were buried alive. It was a state of complete despair and hopelessness.

Status of women in Islam:

Allah sent the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a source of enlightenment and uplift of the world. He came as a savior for the weak and vulnerable. His teachings and conduct raised the status of women in society. He clarified that the status of women in Islam is a lot higher than how they were being treated at that time. The importance Islam gives to women can be gauged by the fact that there is a complete chapter in the Holy Quran, Surah al-Nisa for the rights and status of women in Islam. Hazrat Maryam (AS), Hazrat Aasia (RA), Hazrat Khadija (RA) and Hazrat Aisha (RA) are some of the women who have exalted status in Islam.

Gender Equality in Islam:

• The equal reward for deeds:

Islam was the first religion to recognize the rights of women. Men and women both are given equal reward for their worship. Likewise, their accountability for their deeds is also in the same manner. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“Allah has promised to the believers, men, and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.”

Everywhere in the Holy Quran, Allah refers to believers as both men and women.

• Equal right to education:

Islam has made education compulsory for both men and women. In fact, Islam has regarded the lap of a mother as the first institute from where a child receives his education. So it is very important for women to receive education, regardless of whether they wish to pursue a professional career or not because women as mothers have the greatest responsibility to raise children. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Education is compulsory for every Muslim.”

• Equal right to choose a life partner:

In many societies even today, women are denied the right to live their life according to their will. The biggest aspect in this regard is the right to choose one’s spouse. Islam gives complete freedom to women to choose their life partner and keep their surname unchanged even after marriage.

Status of women as Mothers, Wives, and Daughters:

Islam lays great stress on the importance of the different roles women play in society. Not just that they are given importance, but there is great reward for women when they perform these roles dutifully.

Muslims are ordered to be kind towards their mother. When a woman becomes a mother, she is immensely rewarded for the hardships she goes through to bring life to this world. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“And we have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his Parents, His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship.”

Just as a husband has rights over his wife, the wife also has right over a husband. A husband must protect, provide sustenance, comfort, warmth, and affection to his wife. He must treat her with respect and kindness.

When Allah is happiest, He blesses his believers with the birth of a daughter. Daughter is a sign of Allah’s mercy. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was immensely affectionate towards his daughter Hazrat Fatima (RA). His generation was lead by his daughter nullifying the concept that generation can only be led by sons.

Conclusion:

Hence it is quite evident that the status of women in Islam is extremely reverent and glorified. However, Allah has created men and women in such a way that they have different attributes and qualities. In no way should they be compared against each other. In fact, they must live together as a team to support and complete each other. Allah says in the Holy Quran: –

“And the male is not like the female.”