Women In Islam Does Islam Oppress Women?

In answering this question, we must differentiate between the teachings of Islam and the practice of some Muslims. Although some Muslim cultures oppress women, it often reflects local customs that are inconsistent, if not contrary to Islamic teachings. Islam expects its believers to uphold the rights of women, to protect their social status and prevent their degradation in every way. Islam furthers holds that woman are equal to men in their origin, their humanity, their honor and their accountability before Allah Almighty عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

Today, western societies have actually downgraded women to sex objects. The idea that Islam treats women as second class citizens worth half a man is nothing but a myth. Islam elevated the status of women over 1,400 years ago by declaring them the sisters of men as believers, giving them the right to education to the highest level, the right to inheritance, in general, and the rights of a full citizen of the state. Not only material and physical rights, but those of kindness and consideration are equally specified and significant is Islamic Law.

Men and women are two equally important component parts of humanity, and the rights and responsibilities of both sexes are equitable and balanced in their totality. Roles of man and women are complementary and collaborative. Although their obligations might differ in certain areas of life in accordance with their basic physical and psychological differences, each is equally accountable for their particular responsibilities.

Under Islamic Law, when a Muslim woman gets married she does not surrender her maiden name, but keeps her distinct identity.

In a Muslim marriage, the groom gives a Mahr (mandatory gift) to the bride herself, and not to her father. This becomes her own personal property to keep, invest or spend, and is not subject to the dictates of any of her male relatives. The glorious Quran places on men the responsibility of protecting and maintaining all of their female relatives. It means, as well, that a man must provide for his wife and family even if she has wealth of her own. She is not obligated to spend any of her money towards the maintaining of her family. This relieves a woman of the need to earn a living, but she can work if she chooses to do so or if her circumstances warrant it, providing she follows the rules, which the Shari’ah (Sacred Law of Islam) has prescribed for her in regard to the employment (for further details regarding the conditions of woman’s employment, read the book of Ameer-e-Ahle Sunnat hadrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadir ‘Parde ke bare me Suwaal Jawaab’).

The family, like any other organization, needs order and leadership. The majestic Quran states that the husband has a “degree” of authority over his wife, which means guardianship. It is important to note, however, that guardianship is in no way a license to be a tyrant within the household. Rather, it is a burden upon him for his wife and children.