WOMAN’S STATUS IN ISLAM

Sister Sidrah Unis      

Adam was the first man, and Eve the first woman created by Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa). Thus, from the beginning of time, man and woman were a pair and companions for each other: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female...” (49:13)

It is a general belief of the western society that women are considered inferior to men in Islam. This belief is so maintained because of their ignorance of what the Quraan and the Ahaadeeth (Traditions) state on this matter. As a matter of fact, Islam is the only system that ensures equality between the two genders.

The most authentic expression of equality in Islam is seen, when unlike other faiths, Islam blames Adam along with Eve for the first sin. They both gave in to temptation and committed a sin:

“We said: ‘O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will, but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression. Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood for a time.’.” (2:35,36)

Men and women are regarded equal keeping in view their different nature and particular disposition. A woman’s rights and responsibilities are equal to those of a man yet not alike. Their roles are different yet this does not imply that one is inferior to the other.

In Islam, both men and women can rise in spiritual eminence. The greatest honor bestowed on man by Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) is Divine Revelation. Along with men, women have also received the gift of Divine Revelation.

“Behold! The angels said: ‘O Mary! Allah hath chosen three and purified the, chosen the above the women of all nations’.” (3:42)

“Behold! We sent to thy mother, by inspiration, the message:” (20:38)

“So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses...” (28:7)

In Islam, both men and women will be equally rewarded for their good and righteous deeds in the present world as well as in the hereafter:

“Whoever works righteou-sness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (16:97)

“For Muslim men and wom-en, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (33:35)

A woman being equal to man has along with food, clothing, and shelter, the right to be educated. Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) declared that it is incumbent on every Muslim male and female to pursue knowledge.

It being the touchstone of civilized society, Islam allows no discrimination in its attainment. The following is a well known Tradition of the Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) that describes the significance of education for both men and women:

“Hadhrat Anas reported that the Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa)’s Messenger (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) said, ‘Search for knowledge is compulsory upon every Muslim (man and woman).”

Both men and women have a right to inherit from their parents and near relatives:

“From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large, a determinate share.” (4:7)

A woman’s right of inheritance is protected under the law. If the deceased wishes to deprive a female heir by giving her share to another relative, he will be prohibited to do so under Islamic law.

Her right though protected, her share is half of that of a man. This is because of the quantum of financial responsibilities that rest on a man as breadwinner of the family. Apart from one or two exceptions, a man has to provide for his family and needy relatives and has also to make charitable contributions in accordance with his wealth for the benefit of society at large.

A woman is, on the other hand, provided for and is financially secure. As a daughter, the father provides her for; as a wife the husband provides her for; and as a mother her son is responsible for her financial security. Due to this security, and absence of any financial responsibilities, a woman’s share in inheritance is half of that of a man.

A woman, maintaining other obligations prescribed by Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa), has every right to enter contractual agreements, and participate in affairs of commerce. She has the right to earn and derive benefit from her earnings: “...To men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn...” (4:32)

History reveals that women have participated in public life wherever needed, especially in times of emergency and war, nursing the sick and wounded, preparing supplies, etc.

A woman’s life, property and honor are sacred in Islam: “And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, (to support their allegation), flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors...” (24:4)

The penalty imposed on her for an offence committed is equal to that of a man. Similarly, her right to compensation in case of suffering harm is equal to that of a man.

Women are held equally liable as men regarding offences of both civil and criminal nature. An example is that of theft liable to hadd. The charge proved, be it man or woman, the following punishment is inflicted:

“As to the thief, male or female - cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of Allah, for their crime: and Allah is exalted in power.” (5:38)

Same is the case in inflicting punishment for adultery:

“The women and the man guilty of adultery or fornication, flog each of them with a hundred stripes; let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the last day: and let a party of the believers witness this punishment.” (24:2)

Women are also entitled to certain privileges, which have not been granted to the opposite gender. She is exempted form performing some religious duties, like offering Salaah and observing Saum during menstruation period and in times of confinement. She is under no obligation to offer Salaatul Jumu’ah (Friday prayers).

As a mother she is granted more honor:

“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning....”

Women of western society had to fight for their rights, and due recognition was given to them after a long period of perseverance and active tussle with the opposite gender. They acquired their rights by force, unlike Muslim women who acquired their rights by Divine law.

Muslim women were not subject to the hardships their counterparts in the West had to face and overcome. Protection, education, respect, and freedom of speech made women prominent members of Muslim society at a time when women of the West were captives of ignorance and exploitation. Islam has preserved their separate identity and distinct qualities that make them equal but not identical to men.