Women Rights In Islam

Allah (SWT) Gave Women Their Rights :- The most basic right of a woman in Islam is the knowledge and recognition that she never has to ask or demand or fight for her rights which are guaranteed to her by Allah (SWT) who is All-Compassionate, All-Merciful, All-Just, All-Unbiased, All-Knowing and Most Wise. These rights, which were granted to women more than 1400 years ago, and were taught by the perfect example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), were given by the one who created us and who alone knows what rights are best for our female natures. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: "O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at time of marriage) you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good." (An-Nisa 4:19)

Human Rights:- Islam considers a woman to be equal to a man as a human being and as his partner. Women have been created with a soul of the same nature as men. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: "O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you." (Al-Nisa 4:1)

And in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), "Assuredly, women are the twin halves of men." (Sahih reported by Abu-Dawud (RA)

Equality in Rewards and Punishments: - Both males and females have similar rewards for obedience and penalties for disobedience in this world and the Hereafter. As stated by Allah in the Glorious Qur'an: (Whoever does righteous acts, whether male or female, while he is a believer, verily, to him We will give a good life, and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.)

There is no compulsion in religion according to the Quran: "There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taught [anything worshipped other then the Real God (Allah)] and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower."(Al-Baqarah 2:256)

the Qur'an Sura 4 Verse 32 states: And in nowise covet those things in which Allah hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: But ask Allah of his bounty. For Allah hath full knowledge of all things.

The Economic and Political Position of Women in Islam:-In the Islamic history there were no restrictions in women's full participation in the economic, political and social spheres of their society. e.g., Khadija, the Prophet's first wife was one of the most important merchants of the time, Ayisha, the Prophet's other wife was one of his most important advisers and consultants. The women also participated in wars and fought in the battles.

Right to Get an Education:- A woman in Islam has the right to knowledge and education. Allah (SWT) bestows His mercy upon all who seek knowledge, and gives them high status: "Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). (Az-Zumar 39:9)

"O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up (for prayers, Jihad, or for any other good deed), rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. (Al-Mujadilah 58:11)

The Quran advises mankind to pray: "Then high above all be Allah, the True King. And be not in haste [O Muhammad (SAW)] with the Quran before its revelation is completed to you, and say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge." (Ta-Ha 20:114) Qur'an Sura 35 Verse 28 states: Those truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge.

In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): "To seek knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim."(Declared Authentic By Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani) Muslim here means male and female Muslims, as women are the twin halves of men. The Prophet (SAW) also said: "Whoever follows a way to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a way to paradise." (Declared Authentic By Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani)

The Right to Go to the Mosque: - The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "If someone’s wife asks his permission to go to the mosque, he should not deny it to her." Prophet's Hadiths repeatedly emphasizes the acquirement of education and knowledge for every Muslim. For example, one Hadith states that, “Seeking knowledge is a duty of every Muslim, (Ayisha Lemu 1978: 25). Another Hadith states, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to grave." (1978:25). Another Hadith states that, “The Father, if he educates his daughter well, will enter Paradise." Yet another Hadith states that, “A mother is a school. If she is educated, then a whole people are educated"

In early of Islamic history there were many women scholars who had very significant roles in the Islamic world. For example Ayisha, the Prophet's wife was one of the most famous Muslim scholars. Not only was she very intelligent, she had an exceptional memory. That is why she was considered one of the most important sources of Hadith. The Prophet told the Muslims to trust Ayisha's teaching and guidance (Lemu 1978:: 251).

Equality in Preservation of Honor and Nobility :- Women have the same moral obligations and are entitled to the same general rights as men in guarding chastity, integrity and personal honor and respect, etc. No double standards are allowed. (And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty lashes, and reject their testimony forever. Indeed, they are those who are disobedient to Allah.) [24:4]

The Prophet of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said: The most complete believer is the best in character, and the best of you is the best to his womenfolk.[Tirmidhi #1162 and verified]

Rights:- 1. The right and duty to obtain education. 2. The right to have their own independent property. 3. The right to work to earn money if they need it or want it. 4. Equality of reward for equal deeds. 5. The right to express their opinion and be heard. 6. The right to provisions from the husband for all her needs 7. The right to negotiate marriage terms of her choice. 8. The right to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she simply can't stand him. (pls note that God deeply frowns upon divorce as a solution unless there is hardly any other alternative but it does not mean that men have more right to divorce their wives than women do.) 9. The right to keep all her own money 10. Custody of their children after divorce. 11. A Muslim woman is not permitted to change her family name to her husband’s name upon marriage. She is always known by her father’s name, as a mark of her own identity And more...