Women In Islam

Many people have a misconception that women in Islam are oppressed. They think that this oppression is because men seem to have more rights in Islam. This section shall show that Islam never oppressed women but actually Islam gave women a high rank since she plays a huge role in building the society, But in society, it is up to humans how they behave or treat women. We also have evidence suggesting violence against women, but it is humans and their own desires and decisions that are responsible, which is not related to Islam. These things can only be stopped if there were a better system in society to take immediate actions, This article shall discuss women rights in Islam.

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

📖Quran 4:7
For men there is a share in what the parents and the nearest of kin have left. And for women there is a share in what the parents and the nearest of kin have left, be it small or large-a determined share.

📖Quran 16:97
Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds.

📖Quran 4:4
Give women their dower in good cheer. Then, if they forego some of it, of their own will, you may have it as pleasant and joyful.

📖Quran 4:19
O you who believe, it is not lawful for you that you should forcibly take women as inheritance. Do not hold on to them so that you may take away some of what you have given them, unless they commit a clearly shameful act. Live with them in the recognized manner. If you dislike them, then it is quite likely that you dislike something and Allah has placed a lot of good in it.

📖Quran 9:71
The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

📖Quran 2:223
Mothers suckle their children for two whole years, if they wish to complete the term, and clothing and maintenance must be borne by the father in a fair manner. No one should be burdened with more than they can bear: no mother shall be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor any father on account of his. The same duty is incumbent on the father’s heir. If, by mutual consent and consultation, the couple wish to wean [the child], they will not be blamed, nor will there be any blame if you wish to engage a wet nurse, provided you pay as agreed in a fair manner. Be mindful of God, knowing that He sees everything you do.

📖Quran 22:23
Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearl, and their garments therein will be silk.

📖Quran 55:54
[They are] reclining on beds whose linings are of silk brocade, and the fruit of the two gardens is hanging low.

📖Quran 53:31
And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth – that He may recompense those who do evil with [the penalty of] what they have done and recompense those who do good with the best [reward]

📖Quran 33:35
Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

📖Quran 31:14
And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship upon hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.

📖Quran 2:60
And [recall] when Moses prayed for water for his people, so We said, “Strike with your staff the stone.” And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, and every people knew its watering place. “Eat and drink from the provision of Allah , and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.

📖Quran 21:107
And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

📖Quran 5:3
Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah , and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a hadith:

📖Sahih Muslim 2328 a
‘A’isha reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) never beat anyone with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant.

📖Sahih Muslim 1468 a
Allah’s ApoSahih Muslim 2328stle (ﷺ) as saying:
He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter, if he witnesses any matter he should talk in good terms about it or keep quiet. Act kindly towards woman, for woman is created from a rib, and the most crooked part of the rib is its top. If you attempt to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it, its crookedness will remain there. So act kindly towards women.

📖Sunan Ibn Majah 1847
The Messenger of Allah said: “There is nothing like marriage, for two who love one another.

📖Tirmidhi 1162
The Messenger of Allah said: “The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.

📖Riyad as-Salihin 316
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person came to Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and asked, “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?” He (ﷺ) said, “Your mother”. He again asked, ”Who next?” “Your mother”, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied again. He asked, “Who next?” He (the Prophet (ﷺ)) said again, “Your mother.” He again asked, “Then who?” Thereupon he (ﷺ) said,” Then your father.

📖Sunan Ibn Majah 1977
The Prophet said: “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.

📖Riyad as-Salihin 280
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The world is but a (quick passing) enjoyment; and the best enjoyment of the world is a pious and virtuous woman.

📖Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112
Ibn ‘Abbas informed Ibn az-Zubayr, “I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.

📖Hadith 26, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day that the sun rises: to judge justly between two people is a charity. To help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity. And the good word is a charity. And every step that you take towards the prayer is a charity, and removing a harmful object from the road is a charity.” [Al-Bukhari] [Muslim]

📖Sunan Ibn Mājah 3669
Whoever has three daughters and he is patient with them, he gives them food and drink, and he clothes them, then they will be his shield from the Hellfire on the Day of Resurrection.

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 3432
Narrated `Ali: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “Mary, the daughter of `Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadija is the best amongst the women. (of this nation).

📖Sunan Abi Dawud 567
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying; Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque; but their houses are better for them (for praying).

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 6968
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A virgin should not be married till she is asked for her consent; and the matron should not be married till she is asked whether she agrees to marry or not.

📖Tirmidhi 1914
The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever raises two girls then I and he will enter Paradise like these two.” And he indicated with his two fingers.

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 5199
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been formed that you fast all the day and stand in prayer all night?” I said, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” He said, “Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you.

Inheritance Laws

📖Quran 4:11-12
Islam prescribes that a daughter inherits half of what a son does. However, this is because,

1. Men are financially responsible for their wives, children, and even dependent relatives.
2. Women are not obligated to spend their wealth on family; their wealth remains entirely theirs.

Fixed shares for heirs (e.g., son gets twice the share of the daughter).

Husband provides financial support, so he gets a larger share in inheritance.

Western Secular Laws (USA, UK, Europe, etc.)

• Full freedom of will – A person can leave their wealth to anyone (family, friends, charities, etc.).
• Equal inheritance – Sons and daughters usually inherit equally unless specified otherwise in a will.
• Spouse’s share – The surviving spouse often gets a significant portion (sometimes 50% or more).
• Government intervention – If a person dies without a will, inheritance laws decide distribution, usually equally among children.

Full Freedom of Will – Why is it Problematic?

🔹 In modern law, a person can distribute wealth however they want—even disinheriting family members.
🔹 This leads to injustice, where:

• Some children get nothing while others get everything.
• Parents or spouses may favor one child unfairly.
• A person may leave all wealth to a stranger or a pet while ignoring their own family.

✅ Islamic Solution:

• Islam fixes inheritance shares so that no one is deprived unfairly.
• A person can only give up to 1/3 of their wealth in a will (wasiyyah), while the rest follows Islamic law.

Rights in Marriage and Society

📖 Surah An-Nisa (4:4)
“And give the women (upon marriage) their due Mahr as a free gift. But if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, then take it in satisfaction and ease.”

📜 Sahih al-Bukhari (No. 5086)
The Prophet ﷺ said:”Give a dowry (Mahr) to the woman, even if it is an iron ring.

1. Women in Islam have the right to dowry (Mahr), which is a gift from the husband at the time of marriage.
2. A wife is not obligated to spend on the household; that is her husband’s responsibility.
3. Women have rights to education, business, and property ownership, which were granted in Islam 1400 years ago, while many other civilizations restricted women’s rights until modern times.

The Qur’an denounces and derogates such practices. Some verses regarding this topic include:

In pre-Islamic times, Arabs used to feel disheartened and annoyed when a girl was born. Fathers would even say, “By Allah, she is not as blissful as a son; her defense is crying and her care is but stealing!” They meant that their daughters could not defend their family except by screaming and crying, and that they could only care for their family by taking from their husband’s money to give to their own family. In some cases, fathers were allowed to bury their daughters alive out of actual or expected poverty or to avoid the disgrace she might bring upon the family when she grew up. It is also important to note that the Qur’an is not just for Arabs or to be viewed as solely based on what happened to Arabs; rather, its verses apply to all of mankind, such as the prohibition of such actions. These things are still present in many places around the world. Here are some references:

Infanticide has become less common in the Western world. The frequency has been estimated to be 1 in approximately 3000 to 5000 children of all ages and 2.1 per 100,000 newborns per year. It is thought that infanticide today continues at a much higher rate in areas of extremely high poverty and overpopulation, such as parts of India. Female infants, then and even now, are particularly vulnerable, a factor in sex-selective infanticide. Recent estimates suggest that over 100 million girls and women are ‘missing’ in Asia.

Reference: Gendercide

The Qur’an denounces and derogates such practices. Some verses regarding this topic include:

📖Quran 81:8-9
And when the girl-child who was buried alive is asked. Upon what sin was she killed for.

📖Quran 16:58-59
And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.

The Quran condemns the killing of children, regardless of gender:

📖 Quran al-Anaam Verse 140
Losers are those who kill their children foolishly, without knowledge, and hold as prohibited what Allah has provided them, falsely ascribing it to Allah. They have gone astray, and they are not on the right path.

📖Quran 17:31
Do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide sustenance to them and to you, too. Killing them is a great sin indeed.

Some ancient laws gave the father the right to sell his daughter if he wished; while others allowed him to hand her to another man who would either kill her or own her if the father killed the other man’s daughter. When Islam was revealed, it decreed a daughter – like a son – was a gift from Allah, to be granted to whomever Allah wishes of His worshipers 👇

📖Quran 49:50
To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males, Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.

Women as Educators and Scholars:

1. Aisha (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was a renowned scholar and teacher. There are numerous Hadiths narrated by her, indicating that women played important roles as educators
2. Khadijah’s Role as a Businesswoman, The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself married Khadijah, a successful and wealthy businesswoman. This demonstrates that the Prophet (PBUH) did not only allow but also encouraged women to engage in business and work. Khadijah was a prominent example of a woman excelling in the business world while fulfilling her responsibilities

Does Islam Allow Beating of Wives?

Islam allows divorce as a solution when a marriage becomes irreparable, and it emphasizes that separation should be carried out in a just and respectful manner. Divorce is seen as a last resort, after all efforts to reconcile have failed, and there are clear guidelines to ensure fairness and protection for both partners, especially for women. *Surah Al-Baqarah (2:231) and Surah At-Talaq (65:2-3) emphasize the importance of kindness and fairness in divorce, ensuring that the process is not abusive or harmful. the issue of beating or physical discipline, the Quranic verse Surah An-Nisa (4:34) is often cited. It addresses situations where marital discord arises due to a wife’s misconduct, such as disobedience, neglect, or, in some interpretations, adultery. However, the verse is frequently misunderstood or misquoted. Here’s why:

📖Sunan Ibn Majah 1851
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: I enjoin good treatment of women, for they are prisoners with you, and you have no right to treat them otherwise, unless they commit 👉clear indecency👈🏻. If they do that, then forsake them in their beds and hit them, 👉but without causing injury or leaving a mark👈🏻 If they obey you, then do not seek means of annoyance against them. You have rights over your women and your women have rights over you. Your rights over your women are that they are not to allow anyone whom you dislike to tread on your bedding (furniture), nor allow anyone whom you dislike to enter your houses. And their right over you are that you should treat them kindly with regard to their clothing and food.

1. Gradual Steps: The verse outlines a series of steps to address marital problems. First, the husband is encouraged to advise his wife (the admonishment). If that doesn’t work, the next step is to withhold intimacy (separation in bed). Only after these attempts have failed, and if the situation warrants it, is physical discipline (referred to as *”daraba”*) mentioned. However, the word *”daraba”* in this context does not imply violence, but rather a symbolic and very light physical gesture, and scholars argue it should never cause harm or injury. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never physically harmed his wives Sahih Muslim 2328 a, and he taught that any form of violence against women is completely prohibited.
2. The Prophet’s (PBUH) Example: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exemplified how to handle marital disputes with dignity and respect. His own behavior serves as a model, and he never resorted to violence against his wives. In fact, he is reported to have said — The best of you are those who are the best to their wives. (Tirmidhi)
3. Context of Misconduct: The Quran and Hadith suggest that such measures may only apply in cases of serious marital misconduct. The vast majority of scholars agree that it should be a rare exception, not the rule, and certainly not in the case of minor disagreements. Even then, it should be done with the utmost care, and any form of harm or cruelty is absolutely prohibited in Islam.
4. The Right to Divorce: If marital issues cannot be resolved through communication, counseling, or other methods, divorce is an acceptable and honorable option in Islam. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:229) allows divorce when the relationship has become untenable. The right to divorce is available to both men and women, and it is considered a humane way to resolve situations where reconciliation is not possible.

In summary, Islam allows divorce to ensure the well-being of both spouses and to avoid prolonged suffering. The mention of physical discipline in the Quran is not a command to resort to violence, but rather a limited measure that applies only in extreme cases and should never result in harm. In practice, the emphasis in Islam is on communication, reconciliation, and, when necessary, divorce, as a means to maintain dignity and respect for both parties.

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 5204
Narrated `Abdullah bin Zam`a:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “None of you should flog his wife as he flogs a slave and then have sexual intercourse with her in the last part of the day.”

• This hadith is about treating women with respect, dignity, and kindness, forbidding any abusive behavior that mirrors the harsh treatment of slaves. The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically refers to flogging slaves, a practice that was common at the time, and warns against using such a severe and degrading approach toward one’s wife. The comparison made by the Prophet (ﷺ) highlights that such cruelty is forbidden in marriage. Moreover, the Prophet (ﷺ) also prohibited the beating of slaves in general. In Sunan Ibn Majah 1985, the Prophet (ﷺ) stated: “Do not beat the female servants of Allah.” This prohibition extends not just to slaves but to all individuals under one’s care, urging fair and compassionate treatment. Thus, this hadith and others emphasize that both women and slaves must be treated with kindness, and any form of abuse is forbidden in Islam.

📖Sahih Muslim 1468 b
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.

Addressing Husband’s Misconduct in Islam

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 5364
Hind bint `Utba said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Abu Sufyan is a miser and he does not give me what is sufficient for me and my children. Can I take of his property without his knowledge?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Take what is sufficient for you and your children, and the amount should be just and reasonable.

When a husband is not providing sufficient support to his wife and children, the guidance in the hadith allows the wife to take what she needs from his property without his knowledge. However, it’s important to understand that while the act is permitted, it should be approached carefully and with consideration. Here’s a more practical explanation of how this could happen.

1. The wife would need to determine what is necessary for her and her children. This could include basic necessities like food, clothing, and any other essential items. The principle is that the amount should not be excessive—just what is needed to meet their immediate needs.
2. Since the Prophet (ﷺ) said she could take without her husband’s knowledge, it suggests she could do so in a discreet manner. She may have access to his belongings (for example, a household stash of provisions or money) and could take a portion of it to meet their needs. However, it would be important for her to be discreet so that it doesn’t cause conflict or escalate matters unnecessarily.
3. The amount she takes should be modest and fair. For example, if she takes some food or money, it should be what is reasonable for her and her children’s needs—nothing more. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that it should not be more than what is just and necessary.
4. The key principle is to avoid excess. the wife should not take more than she needs, as the purpose of this allowance is to prevent hardship, not to exploit the situation for personal gain.
5. If a wife finds herself in a situation where she cannot obtain what is necessary for her and her children, and the husband is not fulfilling his duties, She can request the courts to intervene and mandate that the husband fulfills his financial responsibilities.
6. If a husband is found to be guilty of misconduct, such as disobedience, neglect, or adultery, Islamic law provides clear guidelines for addressing these issues. The wife has the right to seek justice, either through counseling, mediation, or divorce (khula). In cases of adultery, the husband is accountable for his actions and could face legal consequences in an Islamic legal system. The overarching principle is that justice, accountability, and fair treatment must guide the relationship, ensuring that neither partner suffers abuse or oppression..

Islam teaches that both men and women are created by God with unique qualities and roles, but these roles are not inherently about superiority or inferiority. Rather, they reflect complementary natures designed to fulfill different functions in the family and society. However, it’s important to clarify the nuances of these roles based on Quranic principles and Hadith.

📖Surah An-Nisa (4:1):
O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women.

Both men and women have equal spiritual worth and come from the same origin. Their roles are meant to complement each other, not one being superior to the other.

📖Surah An-Nisa (4:34):
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means.

Why doesn’t a woman have the right to discipline her husband?

As I have explained the reasoning behind Surah An-Nisa, the permission for a husband to discipline his wife does not mean he has the right to beat her at all times. In fact, such an action is forbidden unless it is absolutely necessary in extreme circumstances. The permission is granted when the husband finds actions that are serious and damaging to the marriage, such as if the wife engages in an affair, refuses to listen to her husband, or neglects her duties in the relationship. This permission is a last resort and is intended to protect the marriage, not as a license for abuse. It must be understood within the context of mutual respect and care in marriage, and it should never be used as a means of control or harm.

1. In Surah An-Nisa (4:34):, God made it clear that the husband’s duty is to protect his wife and family, and to take care of them. Now, the husband cannot claim superiority simply because he does everything for his wife and family. God nullified any such claim by granting him the permission to discipline his wife in serious matters. This permission, however, does not apply to women, which shows that the responsibility to protect and maintain the family is on him. While God gavethis him this responsibility, He also knew that the husband might still claim superiority. Therefore, God gave him this permission, so if the husband ever claims that he does everything and is superior, the wife can remind him that it is his responsibility, and even if he has the right to discipline her, it is part of his duty, not a privilege, The verse also provides evidence that women, with their natural softness of heart, are seen as the emotional compass of the home. The relationship is balanced by these roles, where men show strength through control and responsibility, and women bring softness, warmth, and emotional insight that help nurture and heal. Both roles complement each other, creating a partnership built on mutual respect, patience, and love.
2. Sunan Abi Dawud 2147 is in the context of Quran 4:31 because, as clarified in Sunan Ibn Majah 1851, it only applies when clear indecency is committed. If clear indecency is not committed, it is not allowed and is completely forbidden based on all the references. also the hadith Sunan Abi Dawud 2147 emphasizes that such matters should remain personal. If something like this occurs, no one has the right to question why the husband is behaving in a certain way, as it is a private issue. A woman’s actions should not be shared or disclosed to others. A husband’s disciplinary actions are only allowed under very serious circumstances, as I mentioned before. It is forbidden by the Prophet (PBUH), and the Qur’an provides specific steps that must be followed before such an action is permitted. It is only in cases where a woman has committed a serious wrongdoing, such as having an affair or engaging in inappropriate conversations (e.g., on WhatsApp) or refusing to listen to her husband, that a husband may resort to such measures after exhausting all efforts to repair and maintain the marriage.

Additional Information

In Islam, women are considered equal to men in terms of their spiritual worth and are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as men. The Qur’an and Hadiths emphasize the importance of treating women with kindness, respect, and dignity. Women have the right to education, to work, to own property, and to engage in business transactions. Islam also grants women the right to choose their own spouse and to seek a divorce if necessary. Women are also entitled to financial support from their husbands, even if they work outside the home. In addition, women have the right to inherit property, and the share they receive is equal to that of men. Islamic history is filled with examples of women who were leaders, scholars, and businesswomen, including Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, who was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and contributions to Islamic scholarship. In contemporary times, there are many Muslim women who are successful professionals, scholars, and activists, and who work to promote women’s rights and gender equality within Islamic societies. However, there are also instances where cultural practices and patriarchal attitudes have led to the marginalization and mistreatment of women, despite the teachings of Islam. It is important to distinguish between cultural practices and the true teachings of Islam, and to work towards creating societies where women are respected, empowered, and treated as equals.