The Role of Women in Islamic Society

 

Introduction: Rediscovering the Truth

Women in Islamic society have long been the subject of misunderstandings—sometimes because of cultural mispractices, sometimes due to external misrepresentations, and often because of a lack of education about what Islam actually teaches. Contrary to the stereotypes, Islam recognizes women as dignified, capable, and spiritually equal to men. In fact, Islamic teachings granted women rights and respect at a time when the world, including Europe and Arabia, denied them basic personhood.

But to understand the real role of women in Islamic society, we must separate the core teachings of Islam from cultural distortions and look at how these teachings empower women in religious, social, legal, and personal spheres.

1. Equality in Faith: A Shared Spiritual Responsibility

Islam does not present men as spiritually superior to women. In fact, the Quran treats both genders as equally accountable to God:

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women… for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33:35)

This verse clearly shows that both men and women are judged by their faith, actions, and character — not by their gender.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this repeatedly. Once he said:

“Women are the twin halves of men.” (Abu Dawud)

This hadith means that women share the same essential humanity and moral capacity as men — not inferior, not second-class, but equal before God.

2. Women as Educators and Knowledge Seekers

From the very beginning of Islam, women have played a central role in education. The Prophet himself encouraged women to seek knowledge. His wife, Aisha (RA), became one of the most important scholars in Islamic history, teaching thousands of men and women after his death.

In fact, many of the Prophet’s companions used to come to Aisha for religious rulings. She was not just a wife — she was a teacher, jurist, and historian.

Islamic history is rich with examples of female scholars like:

·         Fatima al-Fihri – Founded the world’s first university (University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco).

·         Rufaida Al-Aslamia – One of the first Muslim nurses and medical organizers in Medina.

·         Zaynab bint al-Kamal – A scholar in Damascus who taught Hadith to male and female students alike.

These women didn't break Islamic norms — they fulfilled them by embodying the Islamic command to pursue knowledge and serve society.

3. Legal Rights: Marriage, Property, and Autonomy

One of the most revolutionary aspects of Islam was how it gave women legal independence over 1,400 years ago:

🟢 Right to Own Property

Women in Islam can own, buy, sell, inherit, and manage their wealth. Their financial rights are completely separate from their husbands or fathers.

🟢 Right to Consent in Marriage

Forced marriage is strictly forbidden. A woman’s marriage is not valid without her clear and free consent. The Prophet said:

“A previously married woman has more right to her person than her guardian, and a virgin’s consent must be sought…” (Sahih Muslim)

🟢 Right to Divorce

Islam permits women to initiate divorce (khula) if they feel the marriage is not working. This was unheard of in many parts of the world at the time.

🟢 Right to Inheritance

While Islam does assign different inheritance shares based on financial responsibility (men are responsible for providing), women still inherit by law — something many other ancient systems denied.

4. Social Roles: Beyond the Four Walls

Islam does not lock women into domestic life. Yes, motherhood and family roles are deeply valued — but Islam also recognizes and encourages women's public roles.

🟣 Women as Leaders and Workers

During the Prophet’s time, women ran businesses, worked in markets, served as medics during battles, and advised community leaders. In today's Muslim world, we continue to see women as:

·         Doctors

·         Engineers

·         Politicians

·         Teachers

·         Lawyers

·         Entrepreneurs

In fact, some Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia have had female heads of state, something that even many Western countries haven’t yet seen.

5. The Family Role: Not Inferior, but Central

Islam doesn’t look down on a woman who chooses to focus on her family. In fact, mothers are honored three times more than fathers according to a famous hadith:

“Who is most deserving of my good company?”
The Prophet replied: “Your mother.”
Then who? “Your mother.”
Then who? “Your mother.”
Then who? “Your father.” (Bukhari)

This honor doesn’t mean restriction. A woman can be a mother and a teacher, a wife and a leader. Islam’s view is balance, not suppression.

6. Common Misunderstandings: Islam vs. Culture

Much of what people criticize about Muslim women’s roles actually stems from cultural traditions — not Islam itself.

For example:

·         Honor killings are cultural crimes, not Islamic law.

·         Denial of education in some rural areas goes against Islamic values.

·         Forcing hijab or restricting movement without consent contradicts the Quranic command that “there is no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256).

It is crucial to differentiate between what Islam teaches and what some societies practice out of custom, ignorance, or control.

7. Women in Today’s Islamic Society: Agents of Change

Today, Muslim women are at the forefront of change across the globe. Many are reclaiming their rights through education, leadership, and spiritual reform.

Some notable Muslim women today include:

·         Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) – Education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

·         Ilhan Omar (USA) – U.S. Congresswoman breaking barriers.

·         Amal Clooney – International human rights lawyer.

Muslim women are also engaging in Islamic scholarship, challenging outdated interpretations and advocating for reform based on authentic Islamic teachings.

Conclusion: Women are the Backbone of Islamic Society

Islam honors women not just as mothers and wives, but as individuals with rights, intellect, and purpose. Their role in society is not to be silent or invisible — it is to be active partners in building families, communities, and nations.

The more we educate ourselves about what Islam truly teaches, the more we realize that the empowerment of women is not a Western import — it is a deeply Islamic principle.