One of the features of Islam is its comprehensive attention to all areas and dimensions of human life, providing complete and varied programs for each aspect. Islam has fully explained the rights of all its followers, including the rights of women. In this article, we will mention some examples of the measures taken by the religion of Islam to restore and fulfill women’s rights.
1. Revival of Women’s Personality
Throughout history, due to the perceived physical superiority of men over women, the character and status of women have been degraded to the lowest level, often regarded as a source of disgrace and a curse. However, the religion of Islam, with its irreplaceable laws and the teachings and behavior of the Prophet—who was a mercy to the worlds—revived the lost character of women and introduced her as a source of mercy and blessing. As the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, says: “Girls are a source of mercy, good life, and blessing.”
2. Recognition of Women’s Ownership Rights
Before Islam, women not only lacked the right to own property but were also bought and sold like commodities, inherited alongside the deceased’s property. Even in Western countries, despite all the rhetoric and slogans regarding men and women’s rights, women were not granted the right to own property until only a century ago. After the Industrial Revolution, to encourage women to work in factories as cheap labor, the right of ownership was eventually recognized for them. The great historian Will Durant writes: “The first step to free our grandmothers was the Act of 1882. According to this law, the women of Great Britain enjoyed an unprecedented privilege and had the right to keep the money they earned. This high moral law was enacted by the factory owners in the House of Commons so that they could entice the women of England into the factories. From that year until today, the irresistible pursuit of profit has liberated them from servitude at home, only to trap them in servitude and hardship in shops and factories.”
Contrary to the accusations made by some 20th-century critics who claim that Islam restricts women’s rights, the religion of Islam recognized women’s right to ownership centuries ago and prohibits anyone from seizing their property. Almighty Allah clearly states: «لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا اكْتَسَبُوا وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا اكْتَسَبْنَ» Translation: “Men have a share of what they earn, and women also have a share of what they earn.” Thus, the rights of none of them should be violated.
Additionally, Islam has established the right of inheritance for women within the framework of Sharia, as Allah the Exalted says: «وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُونَ» Translation: “And there is a share of what their parents and relatives leave for women.”
