Gender And Faith Women In Islam

Introduction 

Islam is often portrayed as a religion that subjugates and oppresses women. But are these claims true, or are they the result of biased media portrayals? The Qur’an clearly states: 

“And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women.” (Qur’an 2:228)

Over fourteen centuries ago, Islam granted women rights that many Western women only gained in the past century. In the 1930s, Annie Besant observed, “It is only in the last twenty years that Christian England has recognized the right of women to property, while Islam has allowed this right from all times. It is a slander to say that Islam teaches women have no souls.

(The Life and Teachings of  Muhammad, 1932).

Both men and women in Islam are descended from the same source- Prophet Adam (peace be upon him)-and Islam mandates justice and kindness toward both genders. 

Equal Reward and Equal Accountability Men and women worship Allah in the same way, following the same teachings and performing the same acts of worship. Allah, the One true God, judges all people justly, regardless of gender. 

Several Qur’anic verses make it clear that both men and women receive equal reward based on their actions, not their gender:

“Allah has promised to the believers, both men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.” (Qur’an 9:72) 

“Never will I allow the loss of the work of any worker amongst you, male or female; you are of one another.” (Qur’an 3:195)

These verses emphasize that gender does not influence how one is judged by Allah. Islam also rejects the notion that Eve is solely responsible for the sin in Paradise. Both Adam and Eve sinned, repented, and were forgiven, which aligns with the Islamic view of shared responsibility. 

Equal Right to Knowledge 

Both men and women are equally encouraged to seek knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Seeking knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim.” (Sahih Al Jame’e, 3913)

Throughout Islamic history, there were prominent female scholars who contributed significantly to the preservation and understanding of Islamic law and teachings. Aisha, the wife of the Prophet (peace be upon him), is a prime example, transmitting a substantial portion of Islamic jurisprudence. 

Equal Right to Choose a Spouse 

Islam honors women by granting them the right to choose their spouse and to retain their family name after marriage. The notion that women are often forced into 

marriage is a cultural practice, not a requirement of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) addressed this issue when a woman came to him, complaining that her father had married her off to her cousin against her will. The Prophet gave her the option to accept or annul the marriage, showing that 

Islam upholds a woman’s right to choose. The woman chose to stay in the marriage, but she wanted to make it clear that other women should not be forced into marriage. 

Equal Yet Different 

While men and women have equal rights in Islam, their roles and responsibilities are complementary rather than identical. This acknowledges the natural differences between the genders. 

Scientific research supports this idea, showing that men and women differ in areas such as verbal and social skills, spatial abilities, and emotional processing. Recognizing these differences, Islam assigns roles that are suited to each gender’s unique characteristics. The Qur’an states:

“And the male is not like the female.” (Qur’an 3:36) 

“Does not the One who created, know? And He is the Most Kind, the All-Aware.” (Qur’an 67:14) 

This verse affirms that the Creator, who knows His creation best, has given men and women complementary roles that align with their strengths.

The Family Unit 

In Islam, the family is a central pillar of society. The man is typically responsible for the financial well-being of the family, while the woman contributes to the family’s physical, emotional, and 

educational needs. This balance promotes cooperation and mutual support between the genders.

The Qur’an beautifully describes the relationship between husband and wife: “They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them.” (Qur’an 2:187)

Just as clothing provides comfort, warmth, and security, so too should the relationship between husband and wife. This mutual relationship of care and support strengthens families and, in turn, societies.

Love and Mercy in Spousal Relations

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught men to treat their wives with the utmost kindness and respect:

“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Sahih Tirmidhi, 3895)

The Qur’an also underscores the importance of love and mercy between 

spouses:

“And among His signs is that He created your wives among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them; and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Surely in this are Signs for people who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:21) 

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) once described the Prophet’s conduct at home, saying he was gentle, generous, and even helped with household chores. He would mend his own clothes and assist his wives in their daily tasks (Sahih Ahmed: 25341). 

Lofty Positions of Mothers and Daughters Islam highly values the role of mothers, recognizing their immense contribution to society, especially in raising children. The Qur’an highlights the hardships mothers endure in childbirth and upbringing: “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.” (Qur’an 46:15) The Prophet (peace be upon him) further elevated the status of mothers, saying that the mother is the most deserving of a child’s kindness, even more than the father. The Prophet also emphasized the special reward for those who raise daughters, 

saying: 

“Whoever Allah has given two daughters and treats them with kindness, they will be a reason for him to enter Paradise.” (Sahih Ahmed: 11384) 

Conclusion 

Before Islam, women were often treated as property. Female infants were buried alive, and women had no rights in marriage, inheritance, or society. Islam abolished these practices and gave women dignity, respect, and rights long before many Western societies did. 

The mistreatment of women in some Muslim-majority countries is often the result of cultural practices that contradict Islamic teachings. Islam honors women 

and grants them equality and respect. Why, then, would millions of women around the world willingly embrace Islam if it were truly oppressive? 

We conclude with the words of our Lord: “Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing men and the believing women, and the obedient men and the obedient women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women, and the humble men and the humble women … Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” (Qur’an 33:35)