Would you live in a world without women? Well, most of us cannot. Why? Women play a vital role in building a society. It is them who bring life to the community through teh affection, knowledge, strength, and empathy. In the time of jahaliya, women had no regard, and even many used to bury their girls alive.
However, Islam liberated women in a way that no other school of thought in the world could. Be it an example of Hazrat Khadija being the most amazing businesswoman of Makkah, Umm-e-Ammara aka Nusaybah bint Ka’ab fighting in Uhud and protecting Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), or Mother Ayesha (R.A) narrating more than half of the Hadith in Sahih Bukari.
It all shows the significant role women played in Islam through their wealth, knowledge, skills, and courage. So, we do know the worth of women in Islam. But to understand it more, let’s dive deep.
Who Are Women in Islam?
Regardless of how our cultural norms impact the women’s role in general, Islam has given Muslim women a complete individual identity. She is a mother, daughter, wife, teacher, inventor, and even a warrior when needed to be.
Islam respects women by upholding their femininity. Beautification is one of her qualities. Although both genders must maintain a tidy appearance, women are freer to enhance their appearance. For example, she is permitted to wear gold jewellery and silk clothing, which are prohibited for men. Just have to maintain her modesty.
Additionally, she possesses feminine traits like tenderness and gentleness that are tailored to her roles as a wife and mother, but far less to what is needed to be a breadwinner for the family unless the circumstances need her to be. And as for the equality, when it comes to faith, both men and women are equal.
“And do not crave what Allah has given some of you over others. Men will be rewarded according to their deeds and women [equally] according to theirs. Rather, ask Allah for His bounties. Surely Allah has [perfect] knowledge of all things.”
[Surah An-Nisaa 4:32]
How Are Women Treated in Islam?
Conversations around Muslim women in Islam can sometimes mix up cultural norms with what’s actually in the religion. The core texts of Islam show that women and men are seen as spiritually equal and both play vital roles in creating a just society.
Common Misunderstandings
- People often think women had no rights in early Islam.
- There’s a belief that they were shut out from education and public roles.
The Reality in Islam
- The Qur’an gives women rights when it comes to finances, inheritance, and agreeing to marry. As quran rights of women for inhertitecnce are explained in Surah Nisa:
For men there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and for women there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave—whether it is little or much. ˹These are˺ obligatory shares. (Quran 4:7)
- The Prophet made it a point to highlight the importance of dignity, education, and treating all women fairly.
Historical Examples from the Prophet’s Time
- Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a well-respected merchant and the first person to embrace Islam, supporting the early Muslim community.
- Aisha bint Abi Bakr played a key role as a scholar, sharing religious knowledge with her peers and future generations.
- Nusaybah bint Ka‘b, also known as Umm ‘Ammarah, showed immense bravery by defending the Prophet during battles and was widely praised for her courage.
- Asma’ bint Abu Bakr helped during the Hijrah with great bravery and later became known for her wisdom and resilience.
Dignity and rights of women in islam
Islam always values women’s dignity to the extent that she is given the financial independence. It isn’t obligatory but if she wishes and remain modest during work, she is given the right to earn. Additionally, they on dowries and are given complete right to their own money.
Then, when we talk about education, Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) was herself a well-known scholar which makes it necessary for every Muslim women to come. Moreover, marriage consent is another important aspect that ensures women safety and eliminate the factor of forced marriages as it used to be the culture of many arabs.
Role and Equality in Islam for Women
The laws of equality are the same for both men and women. So, what is the role of women islam and how it is regarded to equality:
- Equality in Religious Duties and Worship
Islam promotes a clear sense of spiritual equality between men and women, emphasizing that both have the same duty to worship and deepen their faith. The Qur’an consistently stresses that it’s one’s righteousness, not their gender, that determines their value in the eyes of Allah.
Main Points
- Both men and women are required to fulfill the same religious obligations like Salah, Sawm, Zakat, and Hajj. It’s all about equal responsibilities.
- The Qur’an reassures that both genders will receive equal rewards for their actions; Allah doesn’t overlook the efforts of any believer.
- Anyone, regardless of gender, can strive for spiritual excellence, with worship being a collective journey toward getting closer to the divine.
Equal Social Responsibilities
Islam acknowledges that women play a vital role in the family, in gaining knowledge, and in society at large. They’re encouraged to pursue education, work, and get involved in their communities, all while finding a balance between their rights and responsibilities. The Qur’an supports this notion of shared moral duty:
The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another. They encourage good and forbid evil, establish prayer and pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will be shown Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Qur’an 9:71)
Equality in Rewards and Punishments
Both men and women are held equally responsible in the eyes of Allah, facing fair outcomes based on their deeds. The Qur’an expresses this quite clearly:
Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds. (Qur’an 16:97)
Women in the Story of Adam: Misconception about Hawwa
Many Muslims believe that Hawwaa (Eve) was created from one of Adam’s ribs, and some narratives are often cited to support this idea. This notion can lead to the misconception that Hawwaa, and by extension, all women, are somehow secondary beings created from a man’s rib. Some even claim it was his shorter, left rib. But that’s simply not true.
We don’t really need to focus too much on the implications of Hawwaa being made from Adam’s rib. What’s important to note is that she was actually created from the same clay as Adam, not from any part of him.
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Conclusion
In Islam, women are regarded with honor and protection, a view backed by the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the practices of early Muslims. To really grasp these rights, it’s important to refer to genuine sources and avoid cultural misinterpretations. Delving into Islamic education can also provide clearer insights, build confidence, and foster a deeper understanding of the true teachings of the faith.