Women's History Month

Americans are not ready to elect a female president. Ironically the situation was not much different for Western women a couple of centuries ago. They had to fight for their rights and seek help from men. Gender alone was the basis for women’s exclusion from voting or holding an office. According to the Coverture law, a married woman could not own property independently of her husband. The husband had the right to use her wages and income as he desired without consulting her. Similarly it was virtually impossible for women to seek divorce. Muslim women on the other hand, were granted these rights respectfully several centuries ago.

Contrary to the popular belief that Muslim women are subjugated, women’s rights in Islam were established over 1400 years ago. They were given the right to inherit property, select or reject a marriage proposal, right to seek divorce and get education. In terms of equal reward for men and women, Holy Qura’n states: “But whoso does good works, whether male or female, and is a believer, such shall enter Heaven, and shall not be wronged even as much as the little hollow in the back of a date stone.” (4:125).

Islam has placed different roles and responsibilities on men and women according to their natural tendencies. Men are required to provide for their family, while women are entrusted to take care of the children and the household. No one has ever described the status of mothers more beautifully than Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him); He said, “Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.” This literally and metaphorically means that a mother’s guidance and training can lead her children to paradise.

Muslim women are not prohibited to seek higher education or to become a useful member of society. Working women have the right of complete control over their earnings and wealth. They are not obligated to provide for the family. In addition to this, Islam has granted women the right to inherit the wealth of their parents, husbands, and their children. Unfortunately the Western women’s fight for equal rights is far from over. They are still not deemed eligible for equal pay. The United States still doesn’t have a female president, as it hasn’t for the last 227 years. On the other hand, Benazir Bhutto (former president of Pakistan) and Khaleda Zia (former president of Bangladesh) were successful and cherished Muslim leaders of their nations a few decades ago.

Islam is the protagonist of establishing women’s rights; their rights are protected and safeguarded. The injustices carried out against women in certain cultures are due to lack of proper understanding of Islamic teachings. Muslim women truly have the freedom to make decisions for themselves without compromising their honor and sanctity. When we commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day this month, let’s review the status of women according to Islam before anyone passes judgement about how Islam mistreats them.