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The status of woman in Islam |
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Written by Ali Unal
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Tuesday, 07 February 2006 |
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Woman is recognized by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of humankind. He is the father; she is the mother, and both are essential for life. Her role is not less vital than his. By this partnership she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights, she undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are as many qualities and as much humanity as there are in her partner.
To this equal partnership in the reproduction of humankind God says: O humankind! Verily We have created your from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other... (49:13; cf. 4:1)
She is equal to man in bearing personal and common responsibilities and in receiving rewards for her deeds. She is acknowledged as an independent personality, in possession of human qualities and worthy of spiritual aspirations. Her human nature is neither inferior to nor deviant from that of man. Both are members of one another. God says: And their Lord has accepted (their prayers) and answered them (saying): “Never will I cause to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female; you are members, one of another...” (3:195; cf 9:71, 33:35-36, 66:19-21)
She is equal to man in the pursuit of education and knowledge. When Islam enjoins the seeking of knowledge upon Muslims, it makes no distinction between man and woman. Almost 14 centuries ago, Muhammad declared that the pursuit of knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim male and female. This declaration was very clear and was implemented by Muslims throughout history. She is entitled to freedom of expression as much as man is. Her sound opinions are taken into consideration and cannot be disregarded just because she happens to belong to the female sex. It is reported in the Qur’an and history that women not only expressed their opinions freely but also argued and participated in serious discussions with the Prophet himself as well as with other Muslim leaders (Qur’an 58:1-4; 60:10-12). Besides, there were occasions when Muslim women expressed their views on legislative matters of public interest and stood in opposition to the Caliphs, who then accepted the sound arguments of these women. A specific example took place during the caliphate of ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab. Historical records show that women participated in public life with the early Muslims, especially in times of emergencies. Women used to accompany the Muslim armies engaged in battles to nurse the wounded, prepare supplies, serve the warriors, and so on. They were not shut behind iron bars or considered worthless creatures and deprived of souls.
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