Author: Um Ayesha
The Position of Women in Islam (Part 6)
The Position of Women in Islam from the Perspective of the Qur’an
Regarding responsibility and the execution of duties, women are equal to men. From the perspective of Islam, women possess the right to directly engage in buying and selling, own property, conduct various transactions, and participate in the shaping of their social destinies. This is one manifestation of the honor bestowed upon women in Islam. Almighty Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an that He created human beings from male and female, and all are equal. The criterion of excellence in Allah’s eyes is righteous action and piety. As Allah says: «يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ» Translation: “O people! We have created you from one male and one female and divided you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Undoubtedly, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious among you. Allah is, indeed, All-Knowing and All-Aware.”
In Islam, the value of women significantly increased with the advent of the religion. Before Islam, women were often considered a source of shame and were even buried alive before taking their first breath. However, after the advent of Islam, women were bestowed with dignity and respect. The Creator, referring to the noble act of birth, reminds us in His eternal book that these births are to be celebrated. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the teacher of humanity, emphasized the importance of girls. He proclaimed that educating girls brings the good news of paradise to their guardians.
The Islamic framework grants women a high position, particularly when compared to the derogatory attitudes of previous religions and civilizations towards women. Within the Islamic system, women can play a crucial and fundamental role in the construction of society. Compared to other religions, Islam has provided particular attention to women, affirming their rights to property, economic independence, and participation in political and social matters of significance.
Islam has recognized the human and civil rights of women, enabling them to demonstrate their talents and abilities in furthering the noble goals of Islam. This is due to the belief that all members of the Ummah carry the responsibility for managing social affairs and upholding societal dignity. The revelation of the Surah titled “Nisa” (Women) underscores their importance and role in society. The Holy Qur’an addresses both men and women equally and does not differentiate between them concerning worship; it acknowledges their equality in essence.
Haissam bin Adi notes: “Burying girls alive was a widespread practice among all Arab tribes, with at least one out of ten people engaging in such acts. When Islam arrived, the Arabs had various motives for this heinous act. Some were driven by jealousy and fear of potential shame from their daughters, while others were influenced by the physical appearance of the girls—considering traits such as skin color or deformities as bad omens.”
Sa’sa’a bin Najiya states: “When Islam came, I prevented the burial of 300 girls alive by giving their ransom.”
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