Role Of

Woman
In Islam
Presented by Merdina Indriati
Paramadina University
November 25th , 2023
 Introduction

Women have an honorable and noble position in the eyes of Islam. Long
before Islam came, women had no rights to freedom. Worse yet, women
were considered lowly creatures. However, Islam changed everything,
Muslim women have the same rights as men. Even women can feel
equality and justice.

Islam upholds the values of humanity, justice, equality, and dignity. The
teachings brought by Prophet Muhammad have become a religion that
can change a lowly situation into a noble one, a bad situation into a
perfect one. One of the proofs of all this is the respect of Islam for
women.
The dark history of women's condition before the arrival of Islamic teachings
is recorded in several eras. In the book Fiqh al-Mar'ah by Sheikh Muhammad
Mutawalli asy-Sya'rawi, he explains the condition and role of women before
the arrival of Islam. According to him, the condition of women before the
arrival of Islam was very sad.

Before marriage, their power was held by their father and male siblings. After
marriage, their power was held by their husband. In other words, women had
no role in their own lives and did not have any freedom.

Moreover, at that time, kingdoms and great nations also treated women very
poorly.
 "The Position of Women Before the Arrival of Islam"
1. The era of Jahiliyyah in Arab society
In Arab society, women were hated for their birth
and presence in the world. For them, birth was
the beginning of their death. However, women are
the means to continue the lineage through their
nature of giving birth.
In the past, baby girls born during that time were
immediately buried alive underground. Even if
women were allowed to live, they would live in
humiliation and without dignity.
In Surah At-Takwir verses 8-9, Allah SWT says:
"And when the girl [who was] buried alive is
asked for what sin she was killed." (QS. At-Takwir
[81]: 8-9)
Women were only used as a means to satisfy the
desires of men. At that time, men were also
allowed to marry many women without limits,
without regard for justice in marriage.
2. Greek civilization
The Greeks were known as a great
nation because they had a very
advanced civilization and culture.
Unfortunately, the role of women in
Greek society was no better than in
the previous era.
Men at that time believed that
women were a source of disease
and disaster. So they positioned
women as lowly and very
despicable creatures. This can be
seen when a man received guests,
women at that time were only used
as servants and slaves.
3. Roman civilization
The Romans were known for their very
strong military system. Once again,
women did not yet have independence in
the Roman era. In historical records, men
at that time had absolute rights over their
families. They were free to do anything to
women.
Women were treated like slaves. Sadly,
women could be bought and sold like
goods. Even killing a wife in certain
circumstances was allowed for men.
Women's freedom at that time was only
limited to being allowed to choose which
man to marry. At that time, the divorce
rate showed a very high number.
4. Persian civilization
Discussing advanced civilizations, Persia was
not inferior to other nations. Even Persia was a
colony that established laws and social systems
for its colonial territories. However, the laws
they applied did not provide justice for women.
If a woman made a mistake, no matter how
small, she would be punished severely. Even if
she repeated her mistake, she would not
hesitate to be sentenced to death.
A woman was prohibited from marrying a man
who was not a follower of the Zoroastrian
religion (an ancient religion in Persia), while men
were free to act according to their will. If in a
state of menstruation, they would be isolated in
a place far outside the city and no one was
allowed to socialize with them, except for
servants who placed food or drink for them.
"The Position of Women After the Arrival of Islam"

Sheikh Muhammad Mutawali asy-Sya'rawi stated in his book that:

"Truly, when Islam came to the world, it elevated the status of
women, gave them their freedom, dignity, and personality, and
equalized them with men in rights and obligations." (Sheikh Sya'rawi,
Fiqhu al-Mar'ah al-Muslimah, 2019, page 9).

Allah SWT said that the position of men and women is equal.
"Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while
believing, then We will surely cause them 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." (Quran, Surah An-Nahl [16:97])
 "Women in the Holy Qur'an"

"And the believing men and believing women are allies of

one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is
wrong, establish prayer, give zakah, and obey Allah and His
Messenger. Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah
is Exalted in Might and Wise." (Qs. At Taubah, 71)

Because of the special position of women in Islam, Allah SWT

revealed Surah An-Nisa which is recorded in the Quran. This
Surah consists of 176 verses and is classified as a Madinan
Surah, which talks about many things related to women.
"Hadith Prophet Muhammad Saw. about women"

1. From Abdullah bin Amr, the Prophet Muhammad

Saw. said: "The world is an adornment, and the best
adornment of the world is a righteous wife."
(Narrated by Muslim).

2. Al-Bukhari narrated from Abu Hurairah R.a, from

the Prophet Muhammad Saw. , said:
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him
not harm his neighbor, and let him treat women
kindly. For they are created from a rib, and the most
crooked part of the rib is its upper part. If you try to
straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it, it
will remain crooked. So treat women kindly."
3. The Prophet Muhammad Saw. Say : "I am concerned
about the rights of two vulnerable groups among you: the
orphan and the woman." (Narated by Abu Hurairah)

4. The Prophet Muhammad Saw. Say "Fear Allah regarding

women, for you have taken them as a trust from Allah, and
their intimate parts have been made lawful for you by the
word of Allah. Their rights upon you are to provide for
them and clothe them with kindness." (Narated by Muslim)
 Role Of Woman In Islam
In Islam, women play significant roles in various
aspects of life. Some key roles include:

Spiritual Equality
Family and Motherhood
Educational Opportunities
Economic Rights
Legal Rights
Social and Community Involvement
 Islam emphasizes the spiritual equality of men
Spiritual and women. Both genders are seen as equal in
Equality the eyes of Allah, with the opportunity to attain
closeness to God through faith and righteous
deeds.

Surah Al-Imran (3:195) Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)

"Their Lord responded to
them: 'I never fail to reward
any worker among you for
any work you do, be you
male or female, you are
equal to one another.'
"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."
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)
"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 who
remember Allah often and the women who do so - for
them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great
reward."
 Women are highly regarded in Islam for their role as
Family and mothers and caretakers of the family. Islam places
Motherhood great emphasis on the rights of mothers and
highlights the importance of a nurturing family
environment.

Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:15)

"And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His
mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship,
and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until,
when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says,
'My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have
bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of
which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I
have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.'"
One hadith that highlights the responsibilities of a woman
as a wife and a mother is reported in Sahih Bukhari and
Sahih Muslim,
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) :
A man came to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and
said, "O Allah's Messenger! Who is more entitled to be
treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet
Saw. said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?"
The Prophet Saw. said, "Your mother." The man further
said, "Who is next?" The Prophet Saw. said, "Your
mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is
next?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Your
father."
 Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge for
both men and women. The Prophet Muhammad
Educational (peace be upon him) emphasized the
Opportunities importance of education, and historically,
Muslim women have made significant
contributions to various fields of knowledge.

A group of women came to the Prophet Saw. and said, "O Allah's
Messenger! The men have taken all your time; therefore, please give
us a day when we can come to you and teach us some of the
knowledge which Allah has taught you." Thereupon the Prophet
(Saw. said, "Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a
place." They gathered, and the Prophet Saw. came to them and
taught them what Allah had taught him. (Narrated by Abu Huraira)
 Women in Islam have the right to own and manage
Economic
their property. They are entitled to financial support
Rights
from their husbands, and they can engage in business
or employment if they choose to do so.

Women are exempt from all financial liabilities. As a wife, a woman is

entitled to demand of her prospective husband a suitable dowry that
will be her own. She is entitled to complete provision and total main-
tenance by the husband. She does not have to work or share with her
husband the family expenses.

She is free to retain, after marriage, whatever she possessed before it,
and the husband has no right whatsoever to any of her belongings. As a
daughter or sister she is entitled to security and provision by the father
and brother respectively. That is her privilege. If she wishes to work or
be self-supporting and participate in handling the family
responsibilities, she is quite free to do so, provided her integrity and
honor are safeguarded.
 Islamic law (Sharia) provides women with
various legal rights, including the right to
Legal Rights inheritance, the right to a dowry, and protection
from unjust treatment. Sharia aims to ensure
justice and fairness for both men and women.

1. Inheritance
2. Marriage
3. Divorce
4. Financial Rights
5. Legal Testimony
6. Modesty
7. Education
 Women are active members of the
Social and Muslim community, participating in
Community social and charitable activities. While
there may be cultural variations, Islam
Involvement
encourages women to contribute
positively to society.

Men and women are both encouraged to give charity, and there is nothing to
stop a woman giving charity from her husband’s income. Aishah reported
that the Prophet Saw. said: “A woman will receive reward (from Allah) even
when she gives charity from her husband’s earnings. The husband and the
treasurer (who keeps the money on the husband’s behalf) will also be
rewarded, without the reward of any of them decreasing.” Asmaa once said
to the Prophet “O Messenger of Allah, I have nothing except what Zubair
(her husband) brings home.” The Prophet told her: ‘O Asmaa give in charity.
Don’t lock it lest your subsistence is locked.’”
It's important to note that interpretations of these roles can
vary, and cultural practices may influence how these
principles are implemented in different Muslim communities.
Additionally, the understanding and application of women's
roles in Islam can evolve over time.
 There are many women who played significant roles in the
history of Islam. Some of them include:

1. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: The first wife of Prophet Muhammad Saw. and
a successful businesswoman. She supported the Prophet in spreading
Islam.
2. Aisha bint Abu Bakr: The wife of Prophet Muhammad Saw. and a
scholar with profound knowledge of Islam. Many hadiths are narrated
from Aisha.
3. Fatimah bint Muhammad: The daughter of Prophet Muhammad Saw.
and the wife of Ali bin Abi Talib. She came from a noble lineage and
was the mother of the well-known grandsons of the Prophet, Hasan and
Husain
4. Umm Salamah: One of the wives of Prophet Muhammad Saw, known for
her wisdom and resilience. After her husband's death, she continued to
play a role in preserving and spreading the teachings of Islam.
4. Asma bint Abu Bakr: The daughter of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, a close
companion of the Prophet Saw. and the first Caliph. Asma is known for her
loyalty to Islam and her participation in the events surrounding the
migration (hijrah).

5. Umm Kulthum bint Ali: One of the daughters of Ali bin Abi Talib and
Fatimah bint Muhammad Saw, . She was known for her wisdom and virtue.

6. Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (Umm Ammarah): A female warrior who

participated in several battles, including the Battle of Uhud. She displayed
remarkable courage in defending Islam.

7. Rabi'ah al-Adawiyya: A famous 8th-century Sufi and poet. Despite living

over a thousand years ago, she is remembered as a spiritual figure who
continues to inspire.
 Ustadzah Oki Setiana Dewi explains that the role of
Muslim women encompasses five aspects:
1. The role of a Muslim woman as a servant of Allah: Everything we do
serves as an act of worship to Allah.
2. The role of a Muslim woman as a child: As mentioned in Surah Luqman
regarding being obedient and respectful to both parents. No matter how
great we are, if we are not kind to our parents, our deeds are in vain.
3. The role of a Muslim woman as a future wife: Preserving purity,
maintaining one's honor as a woman.
4. The role of a Muslim woman as a future mother: A great woman can shape
a great generation and be a good mother to her children.
5. The role of a Muslim woman as a member of society: As a Muslim woman,
one should contribute to building the world's civilization as an influential
Muslim amidst society, exploring one's potentials. It is like her right hand
swings her child, while her left hand builds the world's civilization.
 Conclusion
In conclusion, the roles of women in Islam are multifaceted and deeply
rooted in the teachings of the religion. As outlined in both Oki Setiana
Dewi's insights and broader Islamic principles, women serve as devoted
worshipers, dutiful daughters, potential wives committed to maintaining
purity, nurturing mothers, and influential members of society. Islam
emphasizes the importance of spiritual, education, modesty, economic
rights, legal rights and family responsibilities for women, Social
community involvement. By recognizing and celebrating the diverse
contributions of Muslim women, we promote a society that values and
respects the pivotal roles they play in building strong families,
communities, and the broader world. As we navigate our understanding of
women's roles in Islam, let us continue to uphold the principles of justice,
equality, and empowerment, fostering an environment where every
individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
The End