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"Status, identity, and privileges of women in Islam"

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European Journal of Social Sciences
ISSN 1450-2267 Vol.30 No.1 (2012), pp. 146-154
© EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012
http://www.europeanjournalofsocialsciences.com

“Status, Identity, and Privileges of Women in Islam”

Aziz-ur-Rehman Saifee
Assistant Professor / Head of Sciences and Humanities Department
National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, FAST Karachi
E-mail: aziz.rehman@nu.edu.pk

Abdul Ghafoor Baloach

Associate Professor Department of Islamic Studies
Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology Karachi
E-mail: Draglashari@gmail.com

Sameera Sultan
Lecturer of Sciences and Humanities Department
National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, FAST Karachi
E-mail: sameera.sultan@nu.edu.pk

Irfan Khalid
Lecturer of Department of Islamic Studies
Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology Karachi
E-mail: irfan.khalid33@yahoo.com

Abstract
The research deals in the study of women in Islam that investigates the role of women
within the religion of Islam. A woman in many societies is still regarded as a second-class
citizen and deprived of numerous fundamental rights enjoyed by the male population. The
West has often deemed Islamic women to be backward in a male-dominated world. Quite
the opposite, Islam appeared to be the very first religion officially to grant the women a
status rarely ever known before. The Holy Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam,
incorporates countless teachings, which apply equally to men and women alike. The moral,
spiritual as well as economic equality of men and women as propagated by Islam is
unquestionable.
The quest I undertook in researching, compiling and scripting this paper has been a
significantly rewarding one. I have learnt a great deal more than I had personally
anticipated. I am hoping this compilation of ‘‘Status, Identity and Privileges of Women in
Islam’’ provides an in-depth and unbiased sight on the subject, and is a source of
knowledge for everyone.

1. Introduction
We are all aware that in this modern time, one can find - for the overpowering majority of human race
- essentially two global views. These two opinions are often in conflict - not only within the individual
level in which individual people are making alternatives, but also for the international degree with
regards to the controversy over the credibility and correctness of the two modern world views. The

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initial world view, that usually most people are aware of, is a Western liberal perspective, a view that
states to draw its origins from the Judeo-Christian traditions. The second perspective is that of the
Muslims - the Islamic world perspective, which claims that its origins and concepts lie within the
revelation provided by Allah The almighty towards the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). People who
proclaim this view say that it can be utilized by humanity during almost any age and periods, and that
its significance and benefit is not limited to a certain time period, geographic region or specific race of
humans. Similarly, the enthusiasts of the first perspective, that of Western secularism plus the liberal
custom, assume that their world view, concepts, culture and civilization are the best for humanity.
One of the matters regarding contention among the two of these global perspectives, relates to
the secular liberal humanist under western culture and the Islamic customs, issues women. What
exactly is the status of women? Are women elevated in a single culture and oppressed when it comes
to another? The Western view is that women are elevated solely under western culture and they are
achieving much more in this regard, whereas the women in the Islamic world are still deprived of even
their basic rights. On the other hand, Islam proposes a system where everyone-men and women-are
given liberty to freely live life but within the boundaries that Islam draws for their own safety and well
being. However, women in the western world along with men are fooled into a concept of liberty
which really doesn't exist. Women worldwide demand equivalent rights, which no system can offer no
matter how logically it is built, but Islam not only gives women rights as men, but also offers a true
understanding of women rights.
More than fourteen centuries back, the divine book, the Holy Qur’aan, was revealed to the
reverend Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Along with this Holy Scripture, the conduct and teachings of the
Prophet (SAW), and the Sharia laws, function as the foundations of Islam. All these elements of the
foundation have played an important role in the spread of Islam. The early followers of Islam modeled
their lives completely on the Islamic principles and beliefs, and as a result, inspired people where ever
they went attracting them to accept Islam and its teachings which promote justice and love for
humankind. To thoroughly understand how Islam respects and grants womankind equal rights as men,
we have to consider how women were treated in Arab before the advent of Islam.

2. Previous Research
Before the advent of Islam people, due to illiteracy didn’t give women their rights and never respect
them. They treated women as their slaves. So I decided to share my ideas in order to explain the whole
world about the rights of the respected creature on the earth (women) in light of Qur’an and Sunnah.
In addition, I went through some of the authentic links on web and articles regarding the
respect of women in this world. I concerned the Encyclopedia Britannica, (11th ed.), University Press
Cambridge, England, 191 1, Vol.28, Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures BRILL (2005), ISBN
90-04-12818-2, “The position of women in Islam” by Dr. Jamal A. Badawi - Islamic Dawah Centre
International, Rapoport, Yossef (2005), Marriage, Money and Divorce in Medieval Islamic Society,
Cambridge University Press, ISBN 052184715X, The New Encyclopedia of Islam (2002), AltaMira
Press, ISBN 0-7591-0189-2, The Role of Islamic Shari’ah in Protecting Women’s Rights, Omar Ha-
Redeye, Ryerson University, (United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Fifty-sixth
session of the Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations, March 10, 2009, “The
Encyclopedia Britannica”, “Suad Joseph and Afsaneh Najmabadi, Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic
Cultures BRILL (2005), ISBN 90-04-12818-2”.

3. Women Before the Advent of Islam

In the pre-Islam Arab world, women were treated very badly. They had to go through extremes of
humiliation. Their rights were cruelly thwarted. Let’s consider some examples:

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1. Women were not given their share in inheritance, both from parents and spouses.
2. They were treated as material things. The protector of a woman had the right to decide
her faith. As proof, if a husband died without paying his debt, the lender would own the
deceased’s wife as a compensation.
3. Men could marry as many women as they wanted to. There were no rules in this regard.
4. Women did not have the right to choose their husbands, or getting consent from a woman
for a marriage proposal was out of the question. Her protector or rather owner could hand
her over to anybody he pleased to.
5. Mostly fathers were horrified at the birth of a female child. They considered her an evil
omen. Fathers felt embarrassed and unhappy. The Holy Qu’raan explains their reaction in
the following lines:
“And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he
suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed.
Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.”[1]
Fathers even went to extent of killing the female child to express their anger and dissatisfaction.
As proof, the Holy Qur’aan states:
“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked For what sin she was killed?”[2]
6. Women were subjected to unimaginable atrocities, like, they could not even eat certain
kinds of food items.
These are a few examples of the cruelty and injustice that was directed towards women. Umar
ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Muslims talks about the ignorance of the pre-Islamic Arabs
regarding women rights in the lines below:
“By Allah, we didn’t use to think that women had anything until Allah revealed about them
what He revealed in the Quran, and distributed to them what He distributed…”[3]
A similar scenario existed in Hindu culture as well. Women, again, were treated as inanimate
objects and material goods. For example, they were offered by the loser as a prize to the winner in a
gambling competition. The husband-wife relationship was more like a master-slave relationship, and if
a husband happened to die, the wife was cremated along with him as a sign of faithfulness. Finally,
they were misused in religious services as well by being offered sometimes as an object to be
sacrificed to please some god, or were given to priests as prostitutes.
The treatment women received in Chinese culture was in no way less horrifying than the one in
Pre-Islamic Arab or Hindu culture. For the Chinese, a male child was a great gift of God, whereas the
female child was an acceptable humiliation. Women were despised to such a degree that they were
forced to do the most derogatory jobs in a society. There were many other such horrible customs which
a girl had to bear.
Unfortunately, in Greek culture as well, women were treated badly. They were hated and
believed to be the embodiment of evil. Again, they had no share in inheritance. They were denied the
right of education. Divorce was a right enjoyed by men alone. In fact, the society lacked a system to
protect women and their rights. They were again reduced to material goods with no feelings and free
will. Women also had to bear the atrocities and harassment by men.
In ancient Rome, women again enjoyed no rights and respect. The society was male dominant
through and through. Also, men had the authority punish her with vicious punishments, sell her or even
send her into exile. Furthermore, a husband had the right to give his wife death penalty in case of
particular offenses.
In Jewish society as well, women were treated without dignity and respect. She was merely an
object owned by the male protector, whether father or husband. In case of male children, a girl was
denied rights of inheritance. Women were looked down upon as weaklings who could not look after
themselves.

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4. Identity and Status of Women in Islam

It is not an overstatement to say that Islam is the first religion in the world to offer a system for the
protection and well being of women and their rights. This system is absolutely perfect. It offers her
dignity, respect, and equal status as men. In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah Almighty instructs both men and
women separately and collectively regarding their role, duties, and responsibilities both as men/women
and as a practicing Muslim. These instructions throw light on the purpose of the creation of both
genders. They also provide guidelines using which will ensure the safeguard of the chastity and
modesty of both the creations as this is important for the sustenance of the society. Allah Almighty
says in the Holy Qur’aan:
“He created you from one soul. Then He made from it its mate.”[4]
“[He is] Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you from yourselves, mates,
and among the cattle, mates; He multiplies you thereby. There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the
Hearing, the Seeing.”[5]
“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. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one
another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. “[6]
“It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in
security with her. And when he covers her, she carries a light burden and continues therein. And when
it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allah , their Lord,”[7]
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find
tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a
people who give thought.”[8]
Islam teaches to be thankful to Allah (The Almighty) for all the countless blessings He
bestowed upon us:
“And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He
made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful.”[9]
Therefore, Islam pays attention to all details regarding the role of women in society, their
relationship with men as mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters. It provides a charter of rules and
regulation to make sure that women are protected and respected in every possible scenario in society.

5. Rights of Women and Its Equality in Islam

Islam is a system of life which offers equal rights to both men and women. The following are some
examples:
1. According to Islam both men and women are created from the same source. None of
them is in any way superior or inferior to the other. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Verily, women are the twin halves of men."10
2. It is obligatory for both men and women to abide by all the laws of the Sharia in every
aspect of life. The have to practice the five pillars of Islam religiously.
3. Men and women will receive similar rewards and punishments for their respective
conducts and deeds. Allah in the Glorious Qur'an states:
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely
cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to
the best of what they used to do.”[11]
The Most Majestic Lord also says:
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the
obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient
women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting
men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men

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who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a
great reward.”[12]
4. Both men and women enjoy equal respect in the society. If a woman is wrongly accused
of fornication or adultery, the culprit will receive the same penalty as would be the case
with him/her if a man was accused. Allah, the Exalted, states in the Glorious Qur'an:
“And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with
eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly
disobedient.”[13]
5. Women, like men, can buy, sell, and participate in any financial activity subject to the
condition that if she is not financially supported by her guardian.
6. A person who treats women with respect and justice is doing an extremely noble deed.
The Prophet of Allah(PBUH) said:
“The most complete believer is the best in character, and the best of you is the best to his
womenfolk.”[14]
7. Education is a right of both men and women in Islam. In fact, it is obligatory for every
Muslim whether male or female to obtain education. The Prophet clearly commands:
“Seeking knowledge is compulsory for each and every Muslim (that is both men and
women).”[15]
Regarding the slave girls, the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever has a female child with
him (under his guardianship from slavery), and trains her in the best behavior, and teaches her well,
and then frees and marries her, will have a double reward.”[16]
8. Both men and women have a share in inheritance. Allah (The Most Gracious) says:
“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of
what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much - an obligatory share..”[17]

6. Islam: The True Elevation of the Honor of Women

Propagandists have tried to defame Islam by misrepresenting the teachings of Islam regarding women
rights. They present the conduct of misguided non-practicing Muslims as an example of Islam’s stance
on women rights. True Islamic teachings regarding women rights are discussed below.

6.1. Islam and Polygamy

Polygamy refers to the practice of having more than one wife simultaneously. It is a practice as old as
human civilization itself. Islam permits polygamy, but also restricts the number of wives a man can
have which was not the case in the pre-Islamic Arab world. Islam instructs and commands a man to
treat all his wives with justice and equality. If he does not do so, he will be sinning tremendously. The
Holy prophet (PBUH) warns by saying: “Whoever has two wives and favors one of them over the
other, will come on the Day of Resurrection with one of his sides leaning.[18]
Allah, the Most Gracious, says in the Holy Quran: “And if you fear that you will not deal justly
with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if
you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is
more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].”[19]

6.2. Guardianship in Marriage

In Islam, it is obligatory to obtain a woman’s approval and agreement in marriage. Also, a woman can
not marry without a guardian. A father, grandfather, brother, or even a mature son can be her guardian.
In cases where no Mehram (men with whom marriage is Impossible) is there, the state will act as a

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woman’s guardian. This is so because Islam seeks to protect and guard a woman’s rights while she
signs the marriage agreement.
The Prophet of Allah said (PBUH): “An “ayyim” (a divorcee or a widow) must not be wedded
unless she is asked, and gives her approval. And a virgin must not be wedded unless she is
consulted.”[20]
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made this perfectly clear when he said: “There is no
marriage without a guardian, and the ruler is the guardian for those who have no guardian.”[21]

6.3. Moral and Financial Responsibilities

Allah, the Exalted, stated in the Glorious Qur'an: “Men are in charge of women by [right of] what
Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So
righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have
them guard.”[22]
A woman is created to bear and raise children in the best possible way. She is also responsible
for looking after the house and belongings of her husband when he is away to work.

6.4. Wife Disciplining

Allah, the Exalted, stated in the Glorious Qur'an: “…But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance
- [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they
obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.” [23]
Islam strongly condemns beating and abusing women. The Prophet (PBUH) always treated his
wives with love, affection, and compassion as stated by Hazrat Ayesha (RA) in an authentic tradition.

6.5. Divorce
In Islam, divorce is allowed, but strongly discouraged. Islam propagates that efforts should be made to
settle down issues between husband and wife to avoid divorce. Allah, the Exalted, states in the
Glorious Qur'an: “And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon
them if they make terms of settlement between them - and settlement is best. And present in [human]
souls is stinginess. But if you do good and fear Allah - then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do,
Acquainted.”[24]
Allah, the Exalted, also says: “And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator
from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause
it between them. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Acquainted [with all things].”[25]
The Islamic way of divorce requires that a man divorce his wife only when she is not
menstruating and he has not experienced sexual relationship with her within a month’s time. In this
way, they can buy time to settle down issues.

6.6. Inheritance Rights of Women

Allah, the Exalted, stated in the Glorious Qur'an: “Allah instructs you concerning your children: for
the male, what is equal to the share of two females...” [26]
In Islam, financial responsibilities are placed on the shoulders of men only. For this reason,
Allah Almighty does justice with both men and women by giving them that much share in inheritance
that would make it possible for both of them to fulfill their subsequent responsibilities. A woman gets
fewer shares than a man only because she has no responsibility to look after the financial needs of the
household. Despite this, she gets her share.

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6.7. Hijab
Many non-Muslims do not like this obligation in Islam for a woman. It is obligatory for a woman in
Islam to observe hijab (cover and veil). This is so because if a woman dresses up herself, she may
tempt men to seduce and molest her. In order to protect and guard her integrity and dignity, Islam
instructs the ladies to cover and hide their physical assets. A woman ought to be thought of as a human
being with a will and intellect rather than just as an object of entertainment which can be placed
anywhere to attract people. We can see that the current media exploits women by feeding them with
ideologies like covering and observing hijab makes them appear backward and inferior to man. On the
other hand, a man is never seen wearing bikinis, backless or deep necks, tight dresses revealing the
figure, etc; then why should a woman show skin and body if she were equal to man? How does skin
prove equality to man?
Allah (The Most Generous) says: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the
women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more
suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful..” [27]
Allah (The Almighty) also said: “And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision
and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears
thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment
except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their
brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or
those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private
aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their
adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers that you might succeed.”[28]
Both men and women are instructed to lower their gazes and dress in a decent and modest
fashion to guard their integrity and chastity.

7. Conclusion
Islam is no doubt the true religion. It is nothing but the word of God. Islam believes and propagates
that all human beings are equal. They are superior to fellow human beings exclusively on grounds such
as, piety, worship, and goodness. Sex, race, caste, creed, financial status, etc do not in any way define
the greatness of a person. Both men and women are creatures of Allah almighty made for worship and
servitude. Both have been assigned different roles and are in no way superior to the other except on
grounds such as morality as described earlier. Allah the Almighty says:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and
tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most
righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”[29]
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right
and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger.
Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise..”[30]
“And their Lord responded to them, "Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker
among you, whether male or female; you are of one another....”[31]
Islam honors and respects women. It maintains that achievement of Heaven and Allah’s grace
lies in serving and respecting one’s mother. Islam regards daughters as the blessing of Allah and so on.
Undoubtedly, in Islam, women enjoy great status, and receive all their rights. Hopefully, this paper will
clarify the misconceptions about Islam regarding women rights. It is an earnest appeal that Islam not
be judged by observing the conduct of misguided Muslims, but by a careful objective scrutiny of the
Glorious Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet (SAW).

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References from Quran and Sunnah

[1] Surat An-Naĥl: 58-59.
[2] Surat At-Takwīr: 8-9.
[3] Bukhari #4629 & Muslim #31]
[4] SuratAz-Zumar: 6
[5] Surat Ash-Shūraá: 11
[6] Surat An-Nisā': 1
[7] Surat Al-'A`rāf: 189
[8] SuratAr-Rūm: 21
[9] Surat An-Naĥl: 78
[10] Abu Dawood #234, Tirmidhi #113
[11] Surat An-Naĥl: 97
[12] Surat Al-'Aĥzāb: 35
[13] Surat An-Nūr: 4
[14] Tirmidhi #1162
[15] Ibn-e-Maja #224
[16] Bukhari #97 & Muslim #154
[17] Surat An-Nisā': 7
[18] Abu Dawood#2133,IbnMajaah #1969,Tirmidhi #1141
[19] Surat An-Nisā': 3
[20] Bukhari #4843
[21] Ahmad #2260, IbnMaajah #1889
[22] Surat An-Nisā': 34
[23] Surat An-Nisā': 34
[24] Surat An-Nisā': 128
[25] Surat An-Nisā': 35
[26] Surat An-Nisā: 11
[27] Surat Al-'Aĥzāb: 59
[28] Surat An-Nūr: 31
[29] Surat Al-Ĥujurāt: 13
[30] Surat At-Tawbah: 71
[31] Surat 'Āli `Imrān: 195

References from Journal

[32] The Encyclopedia Britannica, (11 th ed.), University Press Cambridge, England, 191 1, Vol.28.
[33] Suad Joseph and AfsanehNajmabadi. Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures BRILL
(2005), ISBN 90-04-12818-2
[34] The position of women in Islam by Dr. Jamal A. Badawi - Islamic Dawah Centre International
[35] Rapoport, Yossef (2005). Marriage, Money and Divorce in Medieval Islamic Society.
Cambridge University Press. ISBN 052184715X.
[36] The New Encyclopedia of Islam (2002), AltaMira Press. ISBN 0-7591-0189-2.
[37] The Role of Islamic Shari’ah in Protecting Women’s Rights, Omar Ha-Redeye, Ryerson
University, (United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Fifty-sixth session of
the Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations, March 10, 2009)

Reference Links
[38] Oxford Islamic Studies Online
[39] Equality of Men and Women in all Three Levels of Islam

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[40] Azeem, Sherif Abdel. "Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judeo-Christian Tradition."
[41] Women of Our World 2005
[42] Al Qaradawy, Yusuf. The Status Of Women In Islam
[43] Jamal Badawi, The status of women in Islam
[44] An-Nisa, 34#i.E1.B8.8Drib.C5.ABhunna,
[45] "The Role of Islamic Shari’ah in Protecting Women’s Rights"
[46] http://quran.com/

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