Women in Islam

One of the biggest issues in Islam that is HUGELY misunderstood is the role of women. I will do my best not to make this too long as there are tons and tons of examples of how women are to be treated.

First of all, I feel I need to say this: yes, there are examples of women being mistreated in 'Islam.' I used it in quotes because unfortunately, its hard for people who aren't muslims to know the difference between cultural customs, and true Islamic religious practices. There is sometimes a fine line between what is the religion and what has been passed down over generations as traditions of culture. The only way to know for sure is to read the Quran, study the hadiths (teachings) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to know the religion. We've all heard the horror stories of women being abused, mistreated, and experiencing horrific ordeals in their life. I am sorry for these sisters of mine, and pray for peace and justice in their life. But PLEASE be assured that any practices or anything done to harm, abuse, or mistreat a woman IS NOT ISLAM. I need to say that again... any practices or anything done to harm, abuse, or mistreat a woman IS NOT ISLAM. Unfortunately there are misguided men out there who aren't strong in their deen (religion) and only claim to be muslims because this is the religion of their families. It's like any religion... you have those who truly practice and follow the teachings, and live it... and you have those who claim it but don't live it.

That being said Islam often refers to women as Diamonds of the Deen (religion) or Diamonds/Jewels of Islam. We are to be treated equaly and to be given our rights. There are no forced marriages in ISLAM. (Notice I said Islam, unfortunately there are forced marriages in the world, I'm not denying it. BUT it is NOT Islamic!!) At the time of the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) it was customary to kill newborn daughters and Islam ended this. There are soooo many ayats (verses) in the Quran about women. Here are just a few:
"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them - except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will bring about through it a great deal of good." Quran 4:19
"Women have the same rights (in relation to their husbands) as are expected in all decency from them, while men stand a step above them." Quran 2:228 (Men stand a step above them refers to the economic duties a husband has to his wife in Islam. He is to work and provide for her a house, food, clothing, all her needs. In Islam, a man is to share his money, but a women's money is her own to do with as she wishes. Her husband has no claim to her money. This also refers to the protection a husband is responsible for toward his wife.)
"Dwell with your wives in kindness for even if you hate them, you might be hating someone in whom Allah has placed so much good." Quran 4:19
"The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil, they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise"Quran 9:71 This is proof that a marriage is to be a partnership with Islam (the obedience of Allah) in the center of the marriage.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also had many teachings and hadiths reguarding women in Islam. Here are a few:
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]

A man came to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) asking:
O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet (pbuh) said, Your mother. The man said then who else: The Prophet (pbuh) said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? The Prophet (pbuh) said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? Only then did the Prophet (pbuh) say, Your father. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

A famous saying of the Prophet (pbuh) is: "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." [In An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ahmad]






As you can see, Islam holds women in high reguard. Wives, mothers, and daughters are to be cared for, protected, cherished, loved and valued. Woman are encouraged to be as educated as they desire. Attending schools, universities, etc. are highly encouraged. Working is optional. If the woman enjoys working, then of course she can. The stereotype of the domineering husband who locks his wife in the house making her a Cinderella-type servant is not acceptable or accurate in ISLAM. Consider this example of the diamond/jewel of Islam. Anyone owning a precious gem is careful with it. Keeping it guarded, and safe from scratches and chips. It gets polished, admired and well cared for. Please click here to see many more examples of women in Islam.