Status of Women in Islam

1. Status of Women in Islam Dispelling Misconceptions

2. Introduction negative portrayal is at the heart of this society�s misunderstanding of the issue for 1500 years, Muslim women have been enjoying the rights for which Western women are still struggling Within the true Islamic society, the rights of all individuals must be upheld without any discrimination

3. Pre-Islamic Arabia Women have no position in society Cannot own or inherit property No rights over children or themselves No respect in roles of wife, mother, daughter No right to education No say in religious matters Regarded as limited in spirituality and intellect

4. In Europe and the rest of the world, abusive conditions exist well into the 19th century Some basic rights not given until the middle of the 20th century Advent of Islam changes the condition of Muslim women dramatically

5. The Holy Qur�an removes any hint of inferiority aimed at women: "He created you from a single being; then of the same kind made its mate.�(39:7)

6. The Holy Qur�an ensures women�s equality and thoroughly addresses their needs Status elevated on all fronts Spiritual status Intellectual equality Economic rights Social status

7. Intellectual Equality "He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted abundant good; and none would take heed except those endowed with understanding." (2:270) "It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge." Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) 

8. Economic Rights "Men shall have the share of what they have earned, and women shall have the share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely, Allah has perfect knowledge of all things." (4:33) �,,,men are guardians over women, because Allah made some of them excel others and because they spend of their wealth� (4:35)

9. Economic Rights cont�. "And give the women their dowries willingly. But if they, of their own pleasure remit to you a part thereof, then enjoy it as something wholesome and pleasant." (4:5) "For men there is a share of that which parents and near relatives leave, and for women there is a share of that which parents and near relatives leave, whether it be a little or much -- a determined share." (4:8) 

10. Social Status "...Slay not your children for fear of poverty, it is We who provide for you and for them, and approach not foul deeds, whether open or secret..." (6:152) "... He creates what He pleases, He bestows daughters upon whom He pleases, and He bestows sons on whom He pleases." (42:50) 

11. Social Status cont�. "Of His signs is that He created mates for you of your own kind that you may find peace of mind through them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are signs for a people that reflect." (30:22) "..They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them." (2:188) �Paradise lies at the feet of the Mother� Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

12. Purdah Means of protection Provides strength and equality Pursue activities with confidence Not seen as a �sex object� Able to develop her talents Freedom from many social ills Guards the moral condition of society

13. "Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do." (24:31) "Say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head coverings over their bosoms..." (24:32)

14. "O Prophet! tell thy wives and thy daughters, and the women of the believers, that they should pull down upon them of their outer cloaks from their heads over their faces. That is more likely that they may thus be recognized and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful." (33:60) 

15. Conclusion A Muslim woman is privileged woman A Muslim woman is a liberated woman It is the duty of a Muslim woman to remove misconceptions prevalent in society about her