In an age marked by unprecedented modernization and sophistication, it is distressing that women are still often perceived as inferior members of society. Despite centuries of progress, women in certain marginalized cultures continue to be regarded as subordinate to their male counterparts, their roles largely confined to domestic responsibilities. Systemic discrimination remains deeply ingrained in modern yet traditional cultures, denying women their fundamental rights to education, employment, and healthcare. The world continues to require conventions and treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence Against Women, and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), among many others, to protect women’s rights and combat systemic violence against them. It is indeed deplorable that even after 21 centuries, the fight for women’s rights and gender equality remains.

The Pre-Islamic Era
Before the advent of Islam, women were regarded as second-class citizens, stripped of rights and subjected to egregious practices such as infanticide and forced marriages. They were denied inheritance rights and treated as property, their roles confined to household duties.
The Post-Islamic Era
The advent of Islam in the 7th century heralded a profound transformation in women’s lives. Islam offers a comprehensive framework that guides individuals in all aspects of life, outlining rights, responsibilities, and duties towards one another and Allah. It places significant emphasis on “Haqooq ul Ibad,” the rights owed to others, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. In Islam, men and women are regarded as equals, sharing the essence of a single soul.
The Qur’an underscores the spiritual equality of men and women. In Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter 4:1), it states:
“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.”
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad further elevated the status of women by granting them rights and protections in marriage, education, and legal matters, marking a significant departure from the oppressive conditions of pre-Islamic era.
Education
The importance of education in Islam is underscored by the fact that the first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began with the command to “Read.” The Prophet emphasized the necessity of seeking knowledge for both men and women. Hazrat Ayesha, the Prophet’s wife, became one of the most renowned female scholars in early Islam, narrating thousands of hadiths and playing a pivotal role in Islamic jurisprudence. This highlights Islam’s commitment to women’s education.
Inheritance
One of Islam’s groundbreaking reforms was the right of women to inherit property. The Qur’an explicitly outlines the shares of men and women in inheritance. In Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter 4:7), it states:
“Just as there is a share for men in what their parents and kinsfolk leave behind, so there is a share for women in what their parents and kinsfolk leave behind – be it little or much – a share ordained (by Allah).”
This provision was transformative, granting women financial independence that had previously been denied to them.
Property and Economic Rights
Islam bestows upon women the right to own and manage property independently of male relatives. A woman’s possessions are entirely her own, and she is not obligated to share them unless she chooses. Women are also permitted to work or run businesses, as exemplified by Hazrat Khadija, the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, who was a successful businesswoman of her time.
Right to Make Marriage Decisions
Islam introduced significant reforms to women’s rights in marriage. Women are granted the right to choose their spouses, and their consent is mandatory for marriage to be valid. This innovation abolished the practice of forced marriages, empowering women to accept or reject proposals. The concept of “Mehr,” a gift given by the groom to the bride, is outlined in the Qur’an and is considered the bride’s exclusive property.
Moreover, Islam emphasizes mutual rights and responsibilities between spouses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2:187), it states:
“They (your wives) are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.”
This verse underscores the reciprocal support and protection that spouses should offer one another, fostering a balanced relationship.
Status of Mothers
Islam holds the role of the mother in the highest regard. One of the most well-known hadiths states, “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother,” highlighting the honour and respect accorded to women and acknowledging their vital maternal roles. Mothers receive a status higher than fathers in many Islamic teachings, recognizing their sacrifices and nurturing contributions to the family.
Islam elevated women’s social status by affirming their dignity and worth, both within the family and society at large. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) actively advocated for and acknowledged the crucial role of women in society by practically demonstrating kind treatment of his wives and treating his daughters with the utmost respect and love. He stated, “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” In his final sermon, “Khutba Hajjatul Wida,” he urged men to treat women with kindness, declaring, “Do treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
The Qur’an dedicates an entire chapter to women, titled “Al-Nisa” (The Women), which is one of the longest Surahs in the Qur’an. It elucidates women’s rights and the rulings concerning their issues. Islam acknowledges women’s status and grants them the rights they were historically denied, providing a framework for economic independence, inheritance rights, and legal protections. These reforms significantly altered women’s social standing, restoring the respect and dignity they rightfully deserve.
Despite the profound advancements made in women’s rights through Islamic teachings, the struggle for gender equality remains ongoing. The historical context reveals both the challenges faced by women and the transformative changes brought about by Islam. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and advocate for the rights of women, ensuring that their contributions are valued and their voices heard. Only then can we hope to achieve a world where equality and respect are afforded to all, regardless of gender. HH