Womens Rights in Islam

Soc 228

Research paper 1

Women in Islam

Women's right has been an issue in every culture, every religion, and every country throughout history. They have been positioned behind man as companions and supporters. Women's rights are the rights that promote a position of social and legal equality of women to men.

Islam is a religion that shows the way of life from beginning to end. It is the second largest faith that has influenced many parts of this earth. Unfortunately because of the actions of some followers that misinterpret the Holy book Quran and the way of living of Prophet Muhammad (pubh) it is a misunderstood religion in some parts of the world. Islam is derived from the word salaam, which means peace in Arabic. According to Islam the creatures of Allah (God) cannot harm or take away any other creature's life because God is the one that gave the life and He is the one to take it. Muslims believe that you have to love all the creatures because of your love to the Creator. According to Islam every human being is equal, "O humankind! Surely We have created you from a single (pair of) male and female, and made you into tribes and families so that you may know one another (and so build mutuality and co-operative relationships, not so that you may take pride in your differences of race or social rank, and breed enmities). Surely the noblest, most honorable of you in God's sight is the one best in piety, righteousness, and reverence for God. Surely God is All-Knowing, All-Aware Quran (Hujurat 49:13) As clearly seen in above verses of Quran Islamic view of humans does not approve any discrimination based on gender, race, color, family, culture or nation. All humans are the offspring of Adam and Eve, and in this sense, we are all brothers and sisters.

Islam is not the cause of the status of women in some Muslim countries, but rather it takes on the role of a scapegoat. Unfortunately since the media only covers certain things, an bias ideology was created, it is the religion that put women as the second class and that it prevents them to have basic humane rights. If we are to look at facts, Islam stopped the oppression of women. In the early 7th century before Islam, women in the Arabian peninsula, Europe, Roman civilization and Athens were not able to buy or sell, were not able to marry by their freewill, were not able to teach or tutor, could not own property, and were totally dependent on their father or husband. (Encyclopedia) After the arrival of Islam, women were acknowledged as equals with man. The Quran had given, the right to decide and have a say in their marriage, education, family, and kids. They gained right to own property and gained right to be a part of society. And their Lord has accepted (their prayers) and answered them (saying): "Never will I cause to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are members, one of another" Quran 3:195 33:35 66:19-21. Islam gave these rights to women in late 7th century, whereas women received these same rights, as equal to man, in the 19th century in rest of the world.

Woman is recognized by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of humankind. Islam does not blame Eve alone for the First Sin. The Qur'an makes it very clear that both Adam and Eve were tempted, that they both sinned, that God's pardon was granted to both after their repentance, and that God addressed them jointly Quran verses "O Adam! Dwell you, and your spouse, in the Garden, and eat (of the fruits) thereof to your hearts' content where you desire, but do not approach this tree,or you will both be among the wrongdoers. " But Satan (tempting them to the forbidden tree despite Our forewarning,) caused them both to deflect therefrom and brought them out of the (happy) state in which they were. And We said, "Go down, all of you, (and henceforth you will live a life,) some of you being the enemies of others. There shall be for you on the earth a habitation and provision until an appointed time. " (2:35-36; 7:19, 27; 20:117-123).Man is the father; woman is the mother, and both are essential for life. Her role is not less vital than his. By this partnership she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights, she undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are as many qualities and as much humanity as there are in her partner. A woman enjoys certain privileges of which a man is deprived. She is exempt from some religious duties, i.e., prayers and fasting, in her regular periods and at times of confinement. She is exempt from all financial liabilities. As a mother, she enjoys more recognition and higher honor in the sight of God "And we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination, Now (among the good deeds) We have enjoined on human is the best treatment towards his parents. His mother bore him in pain, and in pain did she give him birth. The bearing of him and suckling of him (until weaned) is thirty months, until when he has reached his full manhood and reached forty years of age, he says: "My Lord! Arouse me that I may be thankful for all Your favors (life, health, sustenance, faith, and submission, and more) that You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good, righteous deeds with which You will be pleased, and grant me righteous offspring (so that they treat me righteously, as I treat my parents). I have turned to you, and I am one of those who have submitted to you." Quran (31:14;46:15). The Prophet acknowledged this honor when he declared that Paradise is under the feet of the mothers. As a wife she is entitled to demand of her prospective husband a suitable dowry(The mahr (dowry) is something that is paid by the man to his wife. It is paid to the wife and to her only as an honor and a respect given to her(muslimway.org))that will be her own. She is entitled to complete provision and total maintenance by the husband. She does not have to work or share with her husband the family expenses. She is free to retain, after marriage, whatever she possessed before it, and the husband has no right whatsoever to any of her belongings. As a daughter or sister she is entitled to security and provision by the father and brother, respectively. That is her privilege. If she wishes to work or be self-supporting and participate in handling the family responsibilities, she is quite free to do so, provided her integrity and honor are safeguarded. (Dislam.org)

Islam is a way of life consonant with human nature, provides human solutions to complex situations, and avoids extremes.