Women Rights and the Importance of Women Empowerment in Islam

Women’s empowerment is a notion that brightens the world and keeps it from becoming dark. Without status and women rights, the world’s systems are incomplete. Women have always played an important part in evolution, but it has been mostly overlooked. 

However, women’s empowerment is a notion that has been in the modern world for quite some time. But it has always existed in Islam. Anyone who studies Islam must have a thorough understanding of the status of women in Arab culture before and after Islam’s arrival.

Thus, in Islam, women have special rights that strengthen their position and empower them in a variety of ways. Contrary to popular opinion, women have the same status as males in Islam. The Prophet (saw) spoke fearlessly about the value of women in a severely sexist historical era.  

Moreover, He honored their unique contributions to family and society. He criticized the ill-treatment of women and advocated for their rights. Shaykh Ibn Baaz, far from the stereotype of the quiet and veiled Muslim woman, says, “There is no question that Islam came to honor the woman, defend her, safeguard her from the monsters of humanity, guarantee her rights, and enhance her position.” 

The Status of Women in Society Before the Arrival of Islam: 

Arabian women had no social standing or privileges. The female kid was buried alive for the small offense of being a girl. For a long time, a guy would marry ten women. In addition, the elder brother of the demised placed a crow on the spouse of the dead.  

This act symbolized that the elder brother has inherited the wife of his demised brother. According to Omar (RA), women in his period were not counted, and they were nearly non-existent. In the Arab world, ignorance was at its peak. 

And this was not only in Saudi Arabia; women were treated the same way in different regions of the world. In pre-Islamic Arabia, there was a terrible inequality towards their female children, whom they used to bury alive.

Thus, the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) not only objected to this culture but also decreed its elimination. He explained to them that raising their female offspring would serve as a shield between them and the fires of Hell. 

In every way, Islam liberated women. Provisions for women’s empowerment in the Islamic way of life are as follows: 

1. Freedom 
2. Gender Equality 
3. Safety and Security 
4. Economic Empowerment 
5. Nobility 
6. Dower 
7. Maintenance 
8. Career Rights 

1. Freedom: 

Islam has given women rights in every aspect of life. Either it is their education or marriage. Also, they have equal rights as men to do whatever they want. Islam makes sure that: 

• Girls have the same right to an education as boys have. “Every man and woman is obligated to get an education.” Moreover, the finest gifts that parents can provide to their children are educated and manners development.
• Moreover, a girl cannot be married off to anybody without her permission. As a man has the right to divorce, a woman has the right to take “khula” (divorce) if she dislikes her spouse. Or if her husband is cruel, unfair, or impotent,
• If a widow or divorcee so desires, she may remarry. 
• If she does not have a male guardian, or if he is unwell or has inadequate income, she may work while wearing a hijab. 

2. Gender Equality: 

The family’s leader is the man. Islam’s critics use this phrase out of context. In Islam, there are no inequalities. However, the man’s role is to protect and build the family system. Moreover, the man is responsible for providing food, housing, and other necessities to all members of his family. Also, all civil and criminal acts of the judiciary treat women equally to males. 

In the Quran, Allah SWT says, “And whoever does righteous good deeds—male or female— and is a true believer in the Oneness of Allah, will enter Paradise, and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date-stone), will be done to them.” (Qur’an, 4:124)  

3. Safety and Security: 

In Islam, women’s safety is a top priority. She is not in any way inferior to a man. Islam motivates parents to raise their daughters with love and care. Moreover, the male family member is responsible for providing bread and meat to women.

Also, when she goes on a journey, a male should travel with her to ensure her security. Islam has provided the best women rights. It makes sure they are protected and in safe hands, as Islam holds them in high regard.

4. Economic Empowerment: 

Money is given to women in the form of a bride price (Mehr). Either her father or spouse provides her with bread and meat. Also, she has a legal share of the property. It is not prohibited for a woman to leave her house if she needs to. 

In addition, women went to the market or to their fields during the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) time. The prophet (peace be upon him) did not forbid a woman in her iddat from leaving her home in an emergency. 

5. Nobility: 

Unlike the Christian belief that a woman is the source of evil and that she opened the door for Satan, Islam believes that Satan tempted both Adam and Eve at the same time. Moreover, to know the importance of women in Islam, read these points: 

• The mother gets priority over the father.
• Heaven is beneath the mother’s feet.
• The woman is the ruler/queen of her father’s business. The veil is merely there to protect her from prying eyes.
• Moreover, men are instructed not to gaze at women when they are asked to wear veils. 

And Allah Taala says in the Holy Quran, “And tell the believing women to reduce (some) of their vision.” (The Qur’an: 24:31) 

The Final Word: Women and Islam: 

Islam ensures the most incredible women rights in our society. It not only makes sure women’s security but also supports women’s empowerment. Similarly, Qibla Travels Ltd. also believes that women are the backbone of our society. 

In addition, they reinforce women’s empowerment and provide safe trips to holy places. Along with men, women can plan their Hajj and Umrah with this travel agency. Hence, their cheapest Hajj and Umrah packages are unmatchable. Choose them for a memorable tour of your life.