Ikhlas Ahmad BCS-2D 23L-0638

Women Rights: Comparison of Islam

and West

Introduction:
If we analyse throughout the history, we came to know that women have been
suppressed in every possible way before Islam. They had no rights and were
considered pitiable objects of the society. During the time of ignorance, Arabs
used to burry their daughters alive because according to them it was a shame to
them. They were considered slaves of their husbands were deprived of basic
human rights. But as soon as Islam came, it elevated the status of women to the
highest possible level. Islam gave rights to life, inheritance, business, and vote,
etc. to women. But if we talk about today’s era, the liberalism that west had
provided women is against Islam. Islam completely deny, western liberalism
concept of women. Though both Islam and the West aim for gender equality,
their approaches, interpretations, and manifestations of women's rights differ
considerably.

Status of Women in Islam:

The only faith that allowed a woman to hold the position she rightfully deserved
is Islam. The Quran establishes equal standing and rights for women in all
spheres of life, including religious activities like fasting, prayer, pilgrimages,
and business dealings. The Quran makes specific mention of it:

“And whoso doeth good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a
believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date
stone.”
In another verse, Quran has described the equal status of men and women in the
following words:
"And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others.
For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what
they have earned. And ask Allah for his bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all
things, Knowing."
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Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has also stressed on the rights of women. It is

reported that Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) narrated that Prophet (PBUH) said, “O Allah,
I declare inviolable the rights of two weak ones: the orphans and women.”
From the above verse and hadiths, it can be inferred that Islam has provided
equal rights ton both man and women. And the violation of women rights is
strictly prohibited in Islam.

Rights of Women in Islam:

Islam has provided women with all the rights at par with men. Women's
standing was elevated by Islam, and in most cases, they were granted the same
rights as men. Thus, it is required of women, just as it is of men, to believe in
and worship Allah. In the Hereafter, women are granted the same rewards as
males. Women have the right to self-expression, to offer true counsel, to
prohibit wrong deeds and to urge people to Allah. Women are entitled to
possess property, purchase, and sell, inherit, donate to charities, and exchange
gifts. A woman's money cannot be taken by anyone without her permission.
Some of the rights provided by Islam are mentioned below:
1. Right to Education:
Islam encourages women to gain knowledge and be educated in all beneficial
matters in which they are capable. However, seeking religious knowledge is
necessary for everyone regardless of the gender. Allah had mentioned in the
Quran:
“Can those who have knowledge and those who do not be alike?’ So only the
wise do receive the admonition.”
Prophet (PBUH) has also made seeking knowledge essential, “Procurement of
knowledge is essential for all Muslims [both men and women with no
discernment].”
2. Right to Inheritance and Wealth:
During the days of ignorance, women had no right to inherit the property or to
have any wealth. But Islam provided women with these rights. Daughters,
wives, mothers, and sisters all have particular share in the wealth, in accordance
with the relation to the deceased one. In Surah Al-Nisa, the laws of inheritance
about women are mentioned. The verse says:
“Unto the men (of a family) belongeth a share of that which parents and near
kindred leave, and unto the women a share of that which parents and near
kindred leave, weather it be little or much – a legal share.”
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A woman who marries has the right to inherit from both her parents and her
spouse.
3. Right to make Marriage and Divorce Decisions:
Islam has granted women the write to make decisions for themselves. In Islam it
is necessary to have the consent of the women for marriage. Marriage is a
relation established on the basis of mutual agreement, compassion, and love. A
major misconception among the people is that the women had no right to make
decision on marriage for themselves, but it is entirely wrong. This
misconception can be made clear through following verse:
“If they fear they are unable to keep up with the limits of Allah, there is no
blame on the couple if she gives back [the mahr] for her freedom (Khula).”
It is reported that a girl came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said that
“her father had married her against her will”. So, the Prophet (PBUH)
allowed the girl to either keep the marriage or leave him.

The Prophet (PBUH) stated:

“A virgin cannot be given away in marriage until she gives her

permission.” (Al-Bukhari, 5136).

4. Right to Participate in Affairs:

Since the Islam came into Arab, women were allowed to take part in the affairs
of the society. There are many examples in which women played important role
as nurse on the battlefield etc.
Prophet Muhammad's wife, Khadija, worked in business. She could read and
write, which was rare for women then. Umer chose Al-Shifa bint Abdullah to
oversee the market. Islam lets women lead or govern. Islam doesn't view
women as less than men.
“Umm Salamah used to lead women in prayer and stood in the middle.” –
(Sunan Al-Bayhaqī)
5. Rights of women as Daughters:
Before Islam women as daughters were given no importance. Arabs used to
bury their baby girl’s alive, and the father used to feel ashamed wanted to get rid
of them. This behaviour of Arabs towards their daughters is also mentioned in
Quran:
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“Whenever one of them is given the good news of a baby girl, his face grows
gloomy, as he suppresses his rage.”
But as soon as the Islam came, it placed daughters at the highest possible rank.
They are regarded as “blessing” in Islam. Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah controls the earth and skies as the Creator. He creates whomever He
desires. To some, He bestows daughters; to others, sons. Additionally, He
fashions combinations of males and females. Furthermore, Allah determines
who will be infertile. Indeed, Allah possesses profound wisdom and unmatched
capability.”
Prophet (PBUH) said, “If a man has three daughters and is kind to them and
nurtures them well and when they reach of age marries them, then he will enter
Jannah.”
6. Rights of Women as Mother:
Islam places an emphasis on the importance of motherhood valuing it more,
than any religion. With rights and recognition by Islam mothers carry the
responsibility of caring for their children nurturing them imparting moral values
and fostering a strong aversion to evil. Driven by love they guide their children
to follow Allah’s teachings encourage them to stand up for righteousness and
steer them towards choosing the path of virtue, over sentimentality without
dissuading them from striving for Allah’s cause (a form of jihad).
“And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and
goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say
not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous
word."
Hazrat Abu Hurayrah narrates that: A man came to Prophet (PBUH) and asked,
“Who is most deserving of my kindness?” Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Your
Mother.” He asked, “After That.” Prophet (PBUH) again replied, “Your
Mother.” He again asked, “After That.” Prophet (PBUH) again replied, “Your
Mother.” He again asked, “After That.” Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Your Father.”
From this it can be inferred that Islam ranks the status of Mother above all.

Western Perspective of Women:

Western concept of status of women is somewhat different and contradicts with
the Islamic view. Although the western concepts promote all those rights that
Islam has given to women but excel in some fields beyond the limits. In fact,
Ikhlas Ahmad BCS-2D 23L-0638

the women in west had no rights till 19th century. Yet Islam has provided all the
rights to women 1400 years ago. In west, before women had rights, they were
only considered only subjects of amusement for men. But now west has
provided to much freedom to women that has led to many exploits in the
society.
Absolute Independence:
Women in west considers marriage a prison and according to them it suppresses
their freedom. This has led to many bad things taking birth in the society.
Because living without marriage frees them from any responsibilities. The
modern way of living has transformed culture into a community resembling
creature, where both men and women live together without the constraints of
marriage akin, to animals. Couples live together without any agreement and free
of any liabilities of a relationship. Even the care of old parents is not their
responsibility. This created many problems for the society and has also
promoted unethical deeds. This division demolished the institution of family
and badly affected the new generation.
Western Women and Nudity:
In the world there is a belief that Islam restricts women’s freedom by mandating
the use of veils, which is seen as a barrier, to women’s progress and growth.
They view women’s empowerment as being minded, inquisitive and able to
engage with men. The feminist movement, focused on gender equality has
influenced society with what some perceive, as immorality, indecency and
nudity becoming more prevalent. Casual sex is not condemned all. Same sex
relationships and homosexuality are legally accepted. Born into challenging
circumstances, their children are considered legally valid. Many of the issues
confronting the West stem from the women's rights movement, which has
significantly transformed perceptions in the region. The impact of gender
equality includes changes to family structures, drug abuse, infidelity, out-of-
wedlock births, high rates of children born outside of marriage, sexually
transmitted diseases, gender identity shifts, child neglect, and a rising trend in
suicide.
West Women Duties as Wife:
Family system in the west has been destroyed. Many Western women left their
families to follow personal desires for freedom. They frequently engaged in
immoral, depraved behaviours daily. Traditional family life diminished. A
mother's role nurturing children disappeared.
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Raising kids is a huge responsibility in Western cultures. Many mothers struggle

to balance work and parenting duties. She prioritized outside activities over
family and home commitments.
Conclusion:
Islamic and Western views on women's rights are different yet also agree on
women's roles. Islam respects women as daughters and mothers. This helps
families and communities. In the West, women have more freedoms now
compared to earlier times. However, this causes some issues like less focus on
traditional family life. Finding a good balance between women's rights and kee-
ping important values is key for a successful society.