Islam has been largely misunderstood when it comes to women’s rights. It is believed that Islam oppresses women by limiting them to the four walls of their homes, not allowing them to get education and living a life of their choice. However, a study of the Quran and Sunnah shows a different picture.
More than fourteen hundred years ago, Islam provided rights to a woman that ladies in today’s century have just as of late appreciated. Annie Besant said in the year 1930, “It is just in the most recent a quarter century Christian England has perceived the privilege of a lady to property, while Islam has permitted this privilege under all circumstances. It is a criticism to state that Islam lectures that ladies have no souls.” (The Life and Teachings of Mohammed, 1932)
Quran: “And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women.” (2:228)
Islam in fact elevated the status of women and gave them the rights and protection that were not available to them before its birth. It prohibited the practice of burying alive unwanted newborn girls which was prevalent in the local pagan society. Islam also gave them the rights to property, education, work outside their homes and the choice to choose their life partner.
Following are the rights for women in Islam:
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Men and Women are Rewarded Equally
Worshiping of Allah is the same for both, men and women, and they are rewarded equally. They play out similar demonstrations of love, take after a similar sacred writing, and hold similar convictions. Allah judges every individual reasonably and impartially.
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.”(9:72)
Quran: “Never will I allow the loss of the work of any worker amongst you, male or female; you are of one another.” (3:195)
These verses are from the Quran, and they make it obvious that we will receive rewards from Allah on the basis of our actions; gender does not make any difference.
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Access of Knowledge for Both Men & Women
History proves that Islam produced great scholars, intellectuals and strategists and the list includes not only men but also women. There have been many learned women is Islamic history who excelled in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence, medical sciences, spirituality and poetry. Islam has greatly encouraged both men and women to seek knowledge when it says without any discrimination “Education is compulsory for every Muslim.” On one occasion, just to emphasize on the importance of knowledge, the prophet said, “Seek knowledge even in China.” These and many other commandments addressed to both men and women testify that Islam does not stop rather orders Muslims to gain knowledge no matter what hardships you endure.
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Women Can Choose Their Spouse Like Men
Islam as a religion has regarded women by providing them the privilege to pick a life partner of their own choice. Moreover, many have the feeling that guardians drive their little girls into forceful marriage. It is a social practice and comes with no premise in the religion. Truth be told, it is precluded.
Once a woman came to Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) and stated, “My father has married me to my cousin to raise his social standing, and I was forced into it.” The Prophet sent for the girl’s father and then in his presence gave the girl the option of remaining married or nullifying the marriage. She responded, “O Messenger of Allah, I have accepted what my father did, but I wanted to show other women (that they could not be forced into a marriage).”
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Women Are Different to Men But Not Unequal
In Islam, women and men have a square with rights as a regular standard, the particular obligations and rights conceded to both are not indistinguishable. They both have integral duties and rights.
Quran: “And the male is not like the female.” (3:36)
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Women Deserve to Have Love and Mercy
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) stated: “The best of you are those who are best (in treatment) to their wives.”
Quran: “And among His signs is that He created or you wives amongst yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them; and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Surely in this are Signs for people who reflect.” (30:21)
Women have lots of rights, and they deserve to be loved more than anyone else. Muslim men have been ordered to treat them with kindness, equality and gentleness.
Islam has emphasized a lot on women’s rights, and it is a must for everyone to fulfill them.
About the Author:
Maham Rizwan an author dedicated to boosting Islamic spirit in the Ummah. Traveling and learning new cultures is her source of inspiration. She regularly blogs at http://quranacademy.io/
