Muslim Women’s Empowerment

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the determination of women in society. This year’s theme, Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment, honors the legacy of women throughout history. Women are characterized as mothers and educators, as well as leaders. Women are critical to the development and progress of society, as they raise the next generation.

Due to recent news and events, many misconceptions about the role and status of women in Islam are circulating around the world. The Western world considers Muslim women as oppressed and devoid of freedom, submissive to men. In reality, Islam gives high respect and an elevated status to women, placing them on equal footing with men. Before the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the beginning of Islam, no other religion or nation had afforded such rights to women. With the advent of Prophet Muhammad, women were raised from the status of being mere properties of men to that of independent human beings with irrefutable rights. The entitlement of inheritance and divorce that were previously denied to women were granted to them in Islam, giving them their humanity back.

The first thing that people notice when describing Muslim women is their dress and head-covering. This injunction for women to fully cover themselves is known as ‘hijab’ and is actually for their protection.

The Holy Qur'an states, “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw close to them portions of their loose outer coverings. That is nearer that they may thus be distinguished and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (33:60)

In this way, women observing hijab are appreciated not by their physical appearance, but by their deeds and talents. Being defined by their character and not their beauty, Muslim women are able to progress in a male-dominated society. Hijab is not coercion that is forced upon women; in actuality dressing modestly promotes self-esteem and marks the individuality of Muslim women to uphold their honor. A Muslim woman is free to develop in herself other talents, and does not have to rely on her physical beauty to achieve what she wants. In relation to this, when the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Tawakkul Karman was questioned how her hijab is not proportionate with her level of intellect and education, she replied: “Man in the early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I’m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilization that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is regressive back to ancient times.” Indeed, hijab isn’t a restriction placed upon Muslim women at all.

Another misconception about women in Islam is that they are confined to their households and aren’t allowed to pursue higher education or get jobs. This is completely false as women have never been given the level of economic freedom that they have as Muslims. Islam also makes it clear that women are entitled to possess wealth and property of their own, and have full rights over both inherited and earned holdings. While men have to work to provide for their families, women have no such restrictions.

The Holy Qur'an states, “Men shall have the share of what they have earned, and women shall have the share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely, Allah has perfect knowledge of all things.” (4:33)

In conclusion, a Muslim woman's primary duty is her duty to God, and then to her fellow beings. Islam places women’s foremost responsibility for husband and children. This doesn’t mean she’s restricted, but rather has full rights to go out and work if she wants to and is not obliged to shoulder the financial responsibility of the household. In fact, women are greatly encouraged to seek higher education for their own improvement, and subsequently for their children’s development. The institution of hijab provides Muslim women with an environment of respect and dignity and isn’t a limit to her in any way.

Adeelah Sayed