The Rights of Women in Islam
Empowerment and Rights
In the era preceding Islam, many women in society were neglected, their rights, freedom, thought, action, and belief often suppressed, but the advent of a new thinking brought confidence, respect, and the chance to work with men as equals without destroying their inner gallery. From my own studies, I see how this shift allowed women to rise above old limits, proving that Islam values dignity and participation.
The Diverse Rights of Women in Islam
Social Rights
As Wives-The Right to Marriage and Divorce
In Islam, women are given the right to choose their partners before marriage, free from coercion or force, with full autonomy to accept or reject a marriage contract.
After marrying, the husband must show good conduct, respect, and fulfill her basic requirements, while mehr and the option of divorce in critical circumstances are also provided to secure marital rights.
The Prophet (S.A.W) said the best among men is the one who is best to his wives, a teaching narrated by Al-Tirmidhi (3895) and Ibn Majah (1977).
As Mothers – The Right to Respect
In Islam, the rights of a mother are set in stone, and the Prophet (S.A.W) said that Paradise lies at the feet of mothers, showing how deeply the faith emphasizes paying respect to them. I remember reading how, when answering questions from his companions about who most deserve reverence, the Prophet repeated three times, “Your mother,” before mentioning “Your Father” once. This powerful narration, recorded by Al-Tirmidhi (Vol-4, Chap, 1, 1897), continues to guide families to honor their mothers above all.
Daughters – The Right to Equity
Islam strongly emphasizes treating daughters justly, as the Prophet (S.A.W) said that whoever cares for two girls until they reach adulthood will be with him on the Day of Resurrection (Narrated Muslim 2631). Islam also forbade female infanticide, reminding people of the punishment hereafter and instead granted rights to daughters once denied in the pre-Islamic era.
Sisters – The Right to Inheritance
In Islam, the rights of sisters are granted within the familial set-up, ensuring that every respective member of society is honored and given their due inheritance. This teaching, narrated in Al-Bukhari 5988, shows how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah) strongly endorsing the ties of kinship remains foremost in protecting these sacred
Economic Rights
Right to Property
Under Islamic law, women have the right to own money, real estate, and other properties without influence from a husband, parents, siblings, or children, which cements the idea of financial security and shows great regard for their independence.
Right to Employment
Islam has provided women the right to sustain themselves by taking part in respected professions. Hazrat Khadija (R.A) was a successful businesswoman, and Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) a well-known Islamic scholar who quoted great sources of hadith. Hazrat Rufaidah bint Sa’ad (R.A) became the first female professional nurse, while Hazrat Umm-e-Ammarah (R.A) bravely partook in military service.
Right to Inheritance
In Islam, the restored inheritance rights ended an era where women were an object of ownership, making it forbidden to inherit them and ensuring their share of property is completely their own.
No one, including fathers or husbands, can stake a claim as the distribution of wealth is set by relationship to the deceased.
A mother may receive 1/6 or 1/3, a wife 1/8 or 1/4, and daughters 1/2, 2/3, or 2:1 with sons in the inheritance division.
Right to Dower
In Islam, a wife is entitled to receive a mehr or bridal gift of cash, jewellery, or property from her husband during marriage to protect her economic interests.
This sum of money is classified into three categories—prompt and eligible on the spot, deferred and given gradually, or a hybrid mixture of both.
The concept of dower highlights a loving token of affection that safeguards the bride while entering the contract.
Political Rights
In Islam, women have the right to participate in public affairs, including election, accession, and administrative offices, with support historically sought through Baya’at, like Baya’at-i-Ainiya and Bay’at-i-Kiffiya.
Moroccan writer Fatema Mernissi, a famous feminist and sociologist, analyzed fifteen centuries of scholarship in her work Forgotten Queens and indicated Islam encouraged women to be the head of the s
Other Specific Rights – Right to Life
In Islam, women are assured the right to life, as it eradicated the gruesome practice of female infanticide and respects their religion through the five pillars, with immunity during menstruation, lactation, pregnancy, and Friday congregational prayers.
Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim, and women as an integral part of society ensures education provides a sound base for future generations, promoting character building and social development.
Conclusion
In Islam, the rights of women were bestowed with privileges and responsibilities equal to men, reinforced by the Quran, Sunnah, and the Holy Prophet S.A.W, elevating their status, honor, and fundamental rights in family, society, inheritance, and marriage. Muslims are guided to approach women’s rights with true gratitude, appreciation, and a nuanced, rational, Islamic framework for contemporary discussions.