The status of women in Islam is often a topic of debate. It is not a new issue. In the beginning, women’s rights in Islam were seen as the most civilized ever seen. Later, however, Muslims became ignorant due to distortion and lack of understanding of the religion.
Allah SWT Says in the Noble Quran:-
“The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” [At-Tawbah: 71]
This verse shows that both men and women are protectors of each other and have the same responsibilities towards Allah SWT.
In Islam, marriage is a lawful union between a man and a woman to foster a state of tranquility, love and compassion. The Quran clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves and its objective includes perpetuating human life and based on love and mercy.
The Quran States:-
"And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." [Ar-Rum: 21]
However, a happy marriage that last a lifetime is not always the case. Divorce, although it is discourage, occurs in some marriages when the couple fail to coordinate their quest. If the marriage can no longer be saved, Islam calls for men to seek a gracious end for it.
The Quran Says:-
"When you divorce women, and they reach their prescribed term, then retain them in kindness and retain them not for injury so that you transgress (the limits)." [Al-Baqarah: 231]
It is important for us to understand that women are not to be blamed for the fall of man. From the spiritual standpoint, it is important to remember that the Noble Quran never blamed Hawaa for the first mistake of eating fruit from the forbidden tree. What we know is that it speaks about both of them doing this, both of them are told that both of them disobeyed, both of them discovered the consequences of their disobedience, both of them seek repentance and both of them are forgiven. Hence, women should also not be looked down upon or be blamed when a divorce occurs.
We should understand that Islam has given certain rights to women, both before and after marriage and this includes:-
• The bride is entitled to a marital gift (mahr) from the husband. This mahr is the exclusive right of the woman.
• A woman retains whatever property she owns prior to marriage.
• If the woman has her own career or made her own investments, she does not have to spend the income on the household as it is entirely hers. However, she has to seek her husband’s permission to work.
• She must recognize her husband’s duty for running the affairs of the family and obey his judgment provided he does not go beyond the limits of Islam.
• The full maintenance and support of a married woman is the responsibility of her husband regardless of whether she is richer or poorer than he is. However, any difficulties should be given a hand as Allah SWT Says,
"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands) similar (to those of their husbands) over them as regards to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.)". [Al-Baqarah: 228]
• In a divorce, there are certain guarantees during the waiting period and beyond for the woman’s support. This includes child support, which is the responsibility of their father.
It is clear now that women’s rights are protected by Islam. Any perceptions that bear to the thinking that women are oppressed are merely misconceptions.
Allah SWT Says in the Noble Quran:-
“The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” [At-Tawbah: 71]
This verse shows that both men and women are protectors of each other and have the same responsibilities towards Allah SWT.
In Islam, marriage is a lawful union between a man and a woman to foster a state of tranquility, love and compassion. The Quran clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves and its objective includes perpetuating human life and based on love and mercy.
The Quran States:-
"And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." [Ar-Rum: 21]
However, a happy marriage that last a lifetime is not always the case. Divorce, although it is discourage, occurs in some marriages when the couple fail to coordinate their quest. If the marriage can no longer be saved, Islam calls for men to seek a gracious end for it.
The Quran Says:-
"When you divorce women, and they reach their prescribed term, then retain them in kindness and retain them not for injury so that you transgress (the limits)." [Al-Baqarah: 231]
It is important for us to understand that women are not to be blamed for the fall of man. From the spiritual standpoint, it is important to remember that the Noble Quran never blamed Hawaa for the first mistake of eating fruit from the forbidden tree. What we know is that it speaks about both of them doing this, both of them are told that both of them disobeyed, both of them discovered the consequences of their disobedience, both of them seek repentance and both of them are forgiven. Hence, women should also not be looked down upon or be blamed when a divorce occurs.
We should understand that Islam has given certain rights to women, both before and after marriage and this includes:-
• The bride is entitled to a marital gift (mahr) from the husband. This mahr is the exclusive right of the woman.
• A woman retains whatever property she owns prior to marriage.
• If the woman has her own career or made her own investments, she does not have to spend the income on the household as it is entirely hers. However, she has to seek her husband’s permission to work.
• She must recognize her husband’s duty for running the affairs of the family and obey his judgment provided he does not go beyond the limits of Islam.
• The full maintenance and support of a married woman is the responsibility of her husband regardless of whether she is richer or poorer than he is. However, any difficulties should be given a hand as Allah SWT Says,
"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands) similar (to those of their husbands) over them as regards to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.)". [Al-Baqarah: 228]
• In a divorce, there are certain guarantees during the waiting period and beyond for the woman’s support. This includes child support, which is the responsibility of their father.
It is clear now that women’s rights are protected by Islam. Any perceptions that bear to the thinking that women are oppressed are merely misconceptions.
