Women In Islam

Women in Islam is one of the most misconceived topics today. This is due to the misconceptions about the role and status of Muslim women in the western world. Social media also propagates stereotypes and Islamophobia. Many people think that Muslim women are being tortured or oppressed, and they don’t have any rights. As we celebrate Women’s History Month I would like to take the opportunity to dispel such common misconceptions.

Islam is the first religion that gave women their rights 1400 years ago. Islam abolished the female infanticide prevalent in Arabia. It requires that dowry is paid to the women rather than to her family to provide her some security, guarantees her rights of inheritance, and gives her the right to own property.

In all spiritual aspects, a woman is seen as equal in the sight of God. Men and women both are expected to fulfill the same duties of worship, faith, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Equal spiritual status of men and women is also indicated in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:
“Surely, men who submit themselves to God and women who submit themselves to Him, and believing men and believing women, and obedient men and obedient women and truthful men and truthful women, and men steadfast in their faith and steadfast women, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their chastity and women who guard their chastity, and men who remember Allah much and women who remember Him — God has prepared for all of them forgiveness and a great reward” (33:36).

Islam has elevated the status of women to such a level that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Paradise lies at the feet of the mother”. This saying is often understood that by behaving kindly and taking care of the elderly mother, one will attain a paradise however, there’s a deeper meaning behind this. This also acknowledges her strong influence on her children as she can be the source to guide them to paradise. Furthermore, when on one occasion Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked who deserves a person’s greatest respect other than God and His Prophet, the reply was one’s mother three times before one’s father.
Another common misconception about Muslim women is that Islam inhibits women from acquiring higher education. In the western world, Islam is cited as a source of a hindrance for women’s advancement. However, in Islam seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim man and woman.

Explaining the status of women in Islam, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad said, “Nowhere does Islam say that women should be confined to the home as is sometimes alleged. For example, there are some girls and ladies, who excel in studies and achieve extraordinary results and Islam does not instruct that they should waste their talents or skills and only stay at home. Thus, women who have the capacity to become doctors or teachers or to pursue other professions which are of benefit to humanity can do so.”
It is very important that if a nation wishes to be successful, women of that society must be given equal rights and opportunities. Islam recognizes the concept of ‘division of labor’ but does not restrict women. In the end, while men may think they strive to lead today's generation, women serve as a leader of the future generation in this world and in paving a path towards paradise for their children.