Status of Women in Islam

Before the advent of Islam, most women were treated quite shabbily in a manner worse than animals amidst the Arabs - they were inherited against their will and baby girls were usually killed. The teachings of Islam were meant to change that appalling situation and recognise the potential of women and confer on them dignity. Islam rightly does not equate men and women. A man is not equal to a woman and viceversa because we are unique and complement each other. In accordance with the difference in our nature, men and women are given different rights and duties. In terms of Grace of God, men and women have equal chance of acquiring it and in the Koran, God Almighty calls upon both men and women to the path of salvation - there are innumerous instances of terms like 'believing men and believing women', 'righteous men and righteous women', etc. I find this exceptionally beautiful because most religious texts use the word men and assume it to include women as well but not the Koran.

Quote from the Koran - 'The believing men and women are associates and helpers of each other. They (collaborate) to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil; to establish prayers and give alms, and to obey Allah and his Messenger. Those are the people whom Allah would grant mercy. Indeed Allah is Mighty and Wise.' (Al-Taubah 9:71)

In the life and traditions of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) also, we find women being treated with respect and dignity. A few examples are listed below.

1) Women's Right of Permission: Narrated Khansa bint Khidam Al-Ansariya that her father gave her in marriage when she was a matron and she disliked that marriage. So she went to Allah's Apostle and he declared that marriage invalid. (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 69)

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! How can we know her permission?" He said, "Her silence (indicates her permission)." (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 67)

2) On the Treatment of Women - Narrated Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri: I went to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) and asked him: "What do you say (command) about our wives?" He replied: "Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them." (Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 11, Number 2139) "The best of you is one who is best towards his family and I am best towards the family". (At-Tirmithy). "None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully". (At-Tirmithy).

3) The Prophet's Disapproval of Women Beaters - Patient behavior was the practice of the Prophet, even when his wife addressed him harshly. Once his mother-in-law- saw her daughter strike him with her fist on his noble chest. When the enraged mother -in-law began to reproach her daughter, the Prophet smilingly said, "Leave her alone; they do worse than that." And once Abu Bakr, his father-in-law, was invited to settle some misunderstanding between him and Aishah. The Prophet said to her, "Will you speak, or shall I speak?" Aisha said, "You speak, but do not say except the truth." Abu Bakr was so outraged that he immediately struck her severely, forcing her to run and seek protection behind the back of the Prophet. Abu Bakr said, "O you the enemy of herself! Does the Messenger of Allah say but the truth?" The Prophet said, "O Abu Bakr, we did not invite you for this [harsh dealing with Aishah], nor did we anticipate it." quoted in: Mutual Rights and Obligations.

All rumours of Islam being discriminative toward women are falsehoods. In truth, women are explicitly given more rights in Islam than in any other religion. If women are still mistreated in spite of these beautiful teachings, it is because of cultural, racial, social, ethnic, and political prejudices. It has no basis in Islam. This is a simple truth that the popular media has failed to acknowledge. I wish the world would put aside its misconceptions. I also wish all women would get their due.