From the moment humankind came into existence and, by necessity, began struggling against nature to sustain life, men and women have moved forward side by side. Since women make up half of society’s population, their role in addressing social issues is highly significant—particularly that of educated and insightful women. Therefore, no one can deny the practical role of women in society, as they play a vital part in the development and elevation of individuals and human communities. Many aspects of the economy, education, and public services are driven by their capable hands. This is an undeniable reality, and it can be said that the absence of women in certain professions can harm the structure of society.
Upholding Islamic values and ethics is a noble principle that the Muslim woman adopts as a central part of her life. Praise be to Allah, awareness and awakening among the women of the Muslim Ummah are increasing day by day. Islam, too, grants a high status to women—both in the public sphere and within the family. Woman is the builder of the family, and the family is the smallest social unit of society. Thus, it can be said that woman is the builder of society and has the ability to steer it toward prosperity and advancement or toward deviation and corruption.
Introduction
Given the responsibilities that Islamic law assigns to men in meeting family needs, it is necessary for them to spend most of their time outside the home. Due to the closer relationship of children with their mother during early childhood, their influence from her is naturally greater than from the father. Since the moral, religious, and social character of a person is formed in childhood, the role of women in the social upbringing of children is substantial.
Therefore, the woman’s role as a central figure in both family and society is not less than that of the man; rather, it is greater and more sensitive. This fact is well understood by those societies that seek to spread corruption among people. They focus on this large segment (i.e., women) to disrupt the familial order of Islamic communities, which in turn disturbs social order and ultimately challenges religious beliefs. Hence, it is important that, under the guise of defending women’s rights or emphasizing individual freedoms, they attempt to confront Islamic laws that preserve the moral and religious well-being of society, and with seemingly protective policies, they try to lower women from their honorable position.
It is clear that today’s Western world—especially with its hostile mindset toward Islam—understands very well the positive and negative impact of women in strengthening family structures, raising a healthy and responsible generation, and also in derailing Islamic goals and spreading corruption. Through the instrumental use of women, they easily pursue and achieve their inhumane and unethical goals.
Therefore, in order to prevent the penetration of such destructive ideologies and to combat them, it is necessary for every Muslim man and woman to pay attention to three important points regarding family and society:
The honored position that Islam has designated for women, and the boundaries whose observance protects Islamic dignity and pride.
The profound influence that the noble or ignoble thoughts and behaviors of women have on their families and consequently on society.
Most importantly, a careful reflection on Islamic teachings regarding the upbringing of children, as a proper understanding of this philosophy is the only means of preventing the collapse of the moral and social foundation of the Islamic Ummah.
Defending the Identity of the Muslim Woman
Islam, throughout every stage of a woman’s life, has consistently defended her identity and dignity so that the essence of her character becomes evident to all. This protective aspect of Islam is clearly visible in its teachings and principles. Allah the Exalted reminds people of His command to be mindful, saying: “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءَلُونَ بِهِ وَالْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا” Translation: “O people! Be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And be mindful of Allah—through whom you appeal to one another—and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.”
Some commentators have said that “وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا” (“and created from it its mate”) means that Hawwa (Eve) was created from the rib of Adam. Others say it means that every spouse, in origin, is from their partner.
The Glorious Qur’an emphasizes that woman, like man, is a human being. Every human, whether male or female, is a being whose creation involved two human parents. Neither is inherently superior to the other except through Piety (Taqwa), as Allah says: “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ” Translation: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”
The meaning here is that all humans are equal in their essential humanity, being connected by a single lineage, originating from one father and one mother. Thus, pride in lineage is baseless since all humans are equal in origin. Allah created people into different nations and tribes for the purpose of mutual recognition—not for boasting. Indeed, true honor in the sight of Allah lies only in Piety (Taqwa). Whoever possesses Piety (Taqwa) is the one most deserving of respect and excellence. Therefore, abandon pride in lineage.
Allah also says: “فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ أَنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى” Translation: “So, their Lord responded to them: ‘Indeed, I do not let the deeds of any doer among you—male or female—go to waste.’”
In this verse, Allah explicitly states that no effort or action is wasted with Him—whether it comes from a man or a woman. This, in itself, bestows the greatest status and worth upon women. The verse affirms that men and women are equal in obedience and responsibility before Allah. Both are created from one another, and both descend from Adam and Hawwa. Both are equally accountable.
Also, Allah says: “وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ” Translation: “And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves spouses so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for people who reflect.”
Yes! Among the divine signs that indicate Allah’s power to resurrect is that He created spouses for you from your own kind—so you may marry them, find closeness, and feel inclined toward them. Peace of mind and emotional rest is found in this bond. Between husband and wife, within the fortress of marriage, He placed love, compassion, care, and tenderness. Thus, through marriage, mutual affection and kindness are exchanged—though previously, there was neither familiarity nor love.
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