The Status of Women in Islam

The Social Aspect

a) As a child and an adolescent

Despite the social acceptance of female infanticide among some Arabian tribes, Quran forbade this custom, and considered it a crime like any other murder. "And when the female (infant) buried alive - is questioned, for what crime she was killed." (Quran 81:8-9). Criticizing the attitudes of such parents who reject their female children, Quran states: “When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on?” (Quran 16: 58-59).

Far from saving the girl's life so that she may later suffer injustice and inequality, Islam requires kind and just treatment for her. Among the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUP) in this regard are the following: “Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her; God will enter him into Paradise.” (Ibn Hanbal, No. 1957). “Whosoever supports two daughters till they mature, he and I will come in the Day of Judgment as this (and he pointed with his two fingers held together). “

The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of males. Prophet Muhammad (P.) said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim". (AlBayhaqi). Muslim as used here including both males and females.

b) As a wife: Back to top

Quran clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society, and that its objectives, besides perpetuating human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases are love and mercy.

According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their consent. Besides all other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it was specifically decreed that woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, which is presented to her by her husband and is included in the nuptial contract, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection.

Over and above her basic rights as a wife comes the right which is emphasized by Quran and is strongly recommended by the Prophet; kind treatment and companionship. "...But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein God has placed much good." (Quran 4: l9). The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 7396).

c) As a mother:

Islam considered kindness to parents next to the worship of God. "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none save Him, and that you be kind to your parents. . ." (Quran 17:23).

Moreover, Quran has a special recommendation for the good treatment of mothers. Once, a man came to Prophet Muhammad asking: “O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man asked then who else. The Prophet said: Your mother. The man asked, then who else? Only then did the Prophet say: Your father.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

In another tradition, the Prophet advised a believer not to join the war against the Quraish (i.e. the pagan disbelievers at that time) in defense of Islam, but to look after his mother, saying that his service to his mother would be a cause for his salvation. Mu'awiyah, the son of Jahimah, reported that Jahimah came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and said: "Messenger of God! I want to join the fighting (in the path of God) and I have come to seek your advice." He said, "Then remain in your mother's service, because Paradise is under her feet." "It is the generous (in character) who is good to women, and it is the wicked who insults them." Continue