Women Rights in Islam

Introduction

Islam is the first religion that granted women dignity, equality, and complete rights (Women Rights in Islam). Before Islam, women were treated as inferior beings, but Quran and Sunnah elevated their status.

In today’s world, Western media often spreads misconceptions about Islam and women’s rights, portraying Islam as oppressive towards women. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Allah says in the Quran:

“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women, according to what is equitable.” (Al-Baqarah 2:228)

This verse proves that gender equality in Islam is well-established. Islam not only acknowledges women’s rights but also protects them in all aspects of life.

In this blog, we will explore how Islam has granted women their rightful place in society, ensuring their education, financial independence, inheritance, and personal dignity.

Status of Women Before Islam

Before the advent of Islam, women were subjected to severe oppression in various civilizations. In pre-Islamic Arabia, daughters were considered a burden, and some tribes practiced female infanticide. Allah condemns this practice in the Quran:

📖 “When the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed?” (Al-Takwir 81:8-9)

In ancient Greek and Roman societies, women had no legal rights; they were treated as property of men. Hindu traditions, through the Sati practice, forced widows to burn themselves alive with their deceased husbands.

Similarly, in Judeo-Christian traditions, women were often blamed for original sin and considered subordinate to men. Islam, however, abolished these unjust customs and restored women’s dignity. It granted them equal rights, inheritance, financial independence, and personal security, making it the first religion to do so.

Fundamental Rights of Women in Islam

Islam has granted women comprehensive rights in every aspect of life, ensuring their dignity, equality, and protection. Unlike other ancient civilizations, Islam establishes a balanced framework where women are respected, honored, and empowered. Below are some fundamental women’s rights in Islam:

1. Right to Education

Education is a fundamental right for both men and women in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
📖 “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim (male and female).” (Ibn Majah 224)
This proves that Islam encourages women’s education and intellectual growth.

2. Right to Inheritance

Islam is the first system that ensured women’s inheritance rights, as mentioned in the Quran:
📖 “To men belongs a share of what their parents and relatives leave, and to women a share of what their parents and relatives leave…” (An-Nisa 4:7)
Unlike pre-Islamic Arabia, where women had no inheritance rights, Islam made it obligatory.

3. Right to Marriage & Consent

A woman in Islam cannot be forced into marriage. The Prophet ﷺ stated:
📖 “A woman cannot be married without her consent.” (Sahih Bukhari 5138)

These fundamental rights establish that gender equity in Islam is well-defined and protective of women’s dignity.

Economic Rights of Women in Islam

Islam provides women with financial independence, inheritance, and business rights, ensuring their economic security. Unlike many ancient and modern societies where women face economic exploitation, Islam safeguards their right to earn, own, and manage wealth.

1. Right to Work and Own Property

Women in Islam have the right to engage in business and employment while maintaining their dignity. The Quran states:
📖 “For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.” (An-Nisa 4:32)
This verse confirms that Islam allows women to work and earn while ensuring they are not obligated to provide for the household.

2. Right to Financial Support

In Islam, a woman’s financial responsibilities lie with her father, husband, or guardian. Even if she earns, her wealth remains her own, and she is not required to spend on the family. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
📖 “The best among you is the one who treats his wife best.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1977)

3. Example of Khadijah (RA)

Lady Khadijah (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was a successful businesswoman, proving that Islam never restricted women’s financial independence.

Islam promotes economic justice for women, ensuring fair wages, inheritance, and security without exploitation.

Comparison of Women’s Rights in Islam and the West

There is a significant difference between Islamic women’s rights and Western feminism. While Islam honors and protects women, Western society often exploits them under the guise of “freedom.”

1. Economic Exploitation vs. Protection

In the West, women are expected to work and contribute financially, while in Islam, a woman’s financial needs are the responsibility of her father, husband, or brother.

2. Modesty vs. Objectification

Islam promotes modesty and dignity through hijab, whereas the West commercializes women’s bodies in advertisements and entertainment.

3. True Liberation

The Quran states:
📖 “Do not crave what Allah has given some of you over others.” (An-Nisa 4:32)
Islam provides balanced rights that preserve women’s dignity and role in society without exploitation.

Islamic teachings ensure respect, security, and honor, while Western feminism often prioritizes economic gain over true women’s rights.

Conclusion

Islam is the only religion that has granted women rights with balance, dignity, and protection. Unlike Western feminism, which often leads to economic and social exploitation, Islam provides true empowerment by ensuring education, financial independence, inheritance, and modesty.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
📖 “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1978)

Women in Islam are honored as mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters, ensuring a just and dignified society. True women’s liberation lies in Islamic principles, which preserve their respect, security, and rights without exploitation.