Introduction
In the era preceding Islam, women were a neglected part of society. They were not provided with due rights and in many places, their freedom of thought, action, and belief were suppressed. In this regard, with the advent of Islam, a new thinking came into being. The rights of women in Islam seek to bestow confidence in and respect for women, which enables them to work with men as equals without destroying their gallery.
Islam has upgraded the feminine world not only in one dimension but in a wide domain ranging from social, economic, and political rights. It supports women’s rights and empowerment.
Muslim women were given their rights 1400 years ago, which indicates that the monotheistic religion has empowered women to assert their independent rights by controlling their destinies.
The rights of women in Islam are an important aspect of its core teachings. They envelop the following:
- Dignity: Emphasis on the right to be treated with honor and respect.
- Equality: Islam teaches that men and women are equal in their humanity and spiritual worth.
- Participation in Society: Women are encouraged to participate in various aspects of society including education, healthcare, politics, and the workforce.
- Protection from Abuse: In Islam, women have the right to be protected from physical and emotional abuse.
- Legal Rights: Women have the right to seek justice through legal means.
The Diverse Rights of Women in Islam
Social Rights
As Wives-The Right to Marriage and Divorce
Prior to marriage, Islam has given women the right to choose their partners without coercion or force. She has total autonomy to accept or reject a marriage contract. Upon marrying, certain rights should be respected and upheld by the husband. He should carry out good conduct with her and fulfill her basic requirements. Moreover, Islam also provides women with the right to mehr and divorce in critical circumstances. To further reinforce the concept of marital rights the Prophet (S.A.W) said:
“The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.” (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi, 3895; Ibn Majah, 1977)
As Mothers-The Right to Respect
The rights of the mother are set in stone. Islam emphasizes paying respect to them as the Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Paradise is at the feet of mothers.”
Subsequently, in answering questions by one of his companions “Who must deserve (my) reverence,” the Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Your mother” and he repeated it three times and then said, “Your Father.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Vol-4, Chap 1: 1897)
As Daughters-The Right to Equity
Islam places strict emphasis on treating daughters justly. As the Prophet (S.A.W) said:
“Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood, he and I will come like this on the Day of Resurrection,” and he held his fingers together. (Narrated by Muslim, 2631)
Moreover, Islam forbade the practice of female infanticide which was rampant in the pre-Islamic era. Prophet (S.A.W) reminded those people of the punishment of the hereafter. In this regard, Professor R.A Nicolson says, “To bury daughters was considered a noble deed but Islam prohibited it and granted them rights.”
As Sisters-The Right to Inheritance
Not ignoring the rights of sisters, Islam has made sure that their rights are granted in the familial set-up and as respective members of society. They are honored and given due right in inheritance, as Islam is foremost at endorsing ties of kinship. Al-Bukhari (5988) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Allah, may He be exalted, said to the ties of kinship: ‘Whoever upholds you, I will support him, and whoever breaks you, I will cut him off.’”
Economic Rights
Right to Property
According to Islamic law, women have the right to own money, real estate, or other properties. Her husband, parents, siblings, and children have no right to influence her in this regard. Therefore, it further cements the idea of financial security for women.
Right to Employment
Islam provided women with the right to sustain themselves by taking part in professions. This is seen in the following examples:
- Hazrat Khadija (R.A): A successful businesswoman.
- Hazrat Ayesha (R.A): A well-known Islamic scholar who quoted great sources of hadith in the Islamic literature.
- Hazrat Rufaidah bint Sa’ad (R.A): Regarded as the first female professional nurse and supervisor. She was in charge of training other nurses as well.
- Hazrat Umm-e-Ammarah (R.A): Partook in military service.
Right to Inheritance
Islam restored inheritance rights in an era when women themselves were an object of ownership in some cultures. Islam also made it forbidden to inherit women.
Their share in property is completely their own and no one can stake a claim on it, including their fathers or husbands.
The following table explains the distribution of wealth/inheritance on the relationship with the deceased:
| Mother | Wife | Daughter |
| 1/6, if the deceased has children. | 1/8, if the deceased has kids. | 1/2 if only daughter. |
| 1/3, if the deceased has no children. | 1/4 if there are no children involved. | 2/3, if two or more daughters and no son are involved. |
| 2:1 if both daughter and son are included. |
Right to Dower
The “wife” in Islam is entitled to receive “mehr” (i.e. bridal gift in the form of cash, jewellery, or property). It is a sum of money the bride is entitled to receive from her husband upon marriage. Dower can be classified into three categories i.e. Prompt Dower (eligible on the spot), Deferred Dower (to be given gradually or in short time frames), and Hybrid Dower (a mixture between prompt and deferred dower). The concept of mehr highlights a token of affection from the husband to his wife, while for the woman it safeguards her economic interests while entering a marriage contract.
Political Rights
Women in Islam have the right to participate in the public affairs of their country at local and international levels. They have the right of election and accession to political and administrative offices. Previously, women’s support was sought in the form of ‘Baya’at'(pledge) i.e. “Baya’at-i-Ainiya” and “Bay’at-i-Kiffiya.”
To reinforce the essence of women’s political prowess, Moroccan writer Fatema Mernissi (famous feminist and sociologist) analyzed fifteen centuries of scholarship in her work, “Forgotten Queens of Islam,” and indicated that Islam even encouraged women to be the head of the state.
Other Specific Rights
Right to Life
As mentioned earlier, Islam eradicated the gruesome practice of female infanticide and assured them the right to life.
Women and Religion
The five pillars are considered mandatory for both males and females, but in certain cases, Islam ensures immunity for women during menstruation, lactation, pregnancy, and the Friday congregational prayers.
Right to Knowledge
Seeking knowledge is mandatory for each Muslim. Women are an integral part of society and their education provides a sound base for future generations in terms of character building and social development.
The first revelation of the Holy Quran expressly asks Muslims to read; hence women are also guided to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. In these terms, an example includes Hazrat Umm-e-Salma, an expert in fiqh and hadith, who has been known to give fatwa in three hundred and seventy-eight cases. Moreover, Fatimah bint Qays, another scholar who exhibited wise judgment and was known to conduct the “shura committee” after the death of the second caliph Hazrat Umer (R.A).
Conclusion
The rights in Islam have bestowed privileges upon women which were earlier denied by other religions or political systems. The rights and responsibilities of women are equal to those of men but not necessarily identical to them.
It is clear that through the Quran and the Sunnah, Islam has granted women rights that resonate with their duties. Contrary to the debate that Islam subjugates women, it has helped advance their position in the family system and society as mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters. Women are considered the building blocks of a progressive and equitable society. This has been reinforced by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) in his last sermon, “O people! Fear Allah concerning women.”
As Muslims, we know that Allah is our Creator and has given us complete guidance for building a just society and leading a successful life. We must have true gratitude and appreciation that Islam elevated the status of women to such an extent and gave them honor at a barbaric time, one where the fairer sex wasn’t even granted fundamental rights, much less those of inheritance and marriage.
In this regard, it must be understood that in the contemporary setup, the subject of women’s rights must be approached with nuanced and rational discussions taken from the Islamic framework. Educating the masses would ensure that anti-woman and draconian practices are outlawed whilst sound policies are made concerning women’s rights.
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