Are Women oppressed in Islam?
If you still think that Muslim women are oppressed then you are misinformed or looking at those that follow culture or traditions over religion.
Believe me when I tell you that Muslim women aren't oppressed and you can go searching and digging deep into this on your own (using authentic and reputable sources off course). Women in Islam are not the same as your typical western girl. They are not regarded as a sexual object, rather they have rights, responsibilities, roles and a great position in society. Though sometimes, culture overpowers the command of the religion in some communities and culture oppresses women. This is due to men not following the command of God and rather following their culture or ancestors.
Are Males and Females different?
Divine Law gives consideration to the differences of both Males and Females and enables both to give a genuine expression of their faith in accordance with their respective human nature. Thus, there are some regulations where a natural distinction is drawn between them.
The fact is that Males and Females aren’t the same. They are biologically, physically and psychologically different and Science has proven and will continue to prove this. Being different should be celebrated where one being stronger or weaker in areas means having different capabilities and complementing each other for a healthier and more balanced relationship and society. In the sight of God when it comes to worship, all are equal.
Men and women are equal in the sight of God, though they sometimes have different roles, responsibilities and guidelines.
Imagine being different yet expecting the exact same thing from someone? It wouldn’t be fair, equitable or just, rather it would be oppressive!
Misconceptions about what women can do?
Women in Islam are allowed to study, own property, buy and sell, ask for divorce with valid reasons, inherit, give charity, agree or disagree to marry to a potential suitor as well as many other things. Anyone that isn’t allowing women to the above is probably following incorrect cultural customs or traditions. Though, the way which some of these actions happen may be different to the typical common settings you may be familiar with. By default, Islamic societies are segregated, so this plays a role in the above.
The main role of Men in Islam
In Islam, men are the main protectors and maintainers of women. This means they have a greater responsibility in providing for a women’s basic needs such as housing, clothing, food etc. regardless of the women’s wealth status. Men are responsible for the family, pre-marriage would be the father or older brothers and post marriage would be the husband. This is a detailed topic and will be discussed in future articles in more depth. In summary, one shouldn’t be looking at women in isolation without also talking about men as they both complement each other and are crucial for an upright moral society.
When referring to Women in Islam, Western standards or ideologies should not be used as the default governing measure to understand or even compare the two. They are nowhere near equivalent and the themes of both societies are distinctly different. Rather it is important to look at the Islamic ecosystem as a whole within all aspects from an objective non-biased lens.
A few misconceptions and facts about women ….
Women are not slaves to their husbands rather they are a slave to God, though this doesn’t mean that one should not obey and consult her husband.
Islam permits women to study and gain an education.
Muslim women aren’t allowed to change their last names to match the husbands.
Arranged marriage is NOT forced marriage. Arrange marriage is a common method used for both genders to meet and get to know each other with the purpose of marriage in mind. It’s like a blind date though parents are involved from the start in steering the boat. Islam does not allow parents to force their kids to get married out of their own will, this is not Islamic, rather a cultural ignorant practise which some societies or cultures may still follow.
Islam does not allow men to beat their wife or practise domestic violence.
Women are allowed to inherit and this amount differs depending on inheritance rulings.
Women can ask for divorce with valid reasons or get a divorce through Islamic court with valid genuine reasons if husband refuses.
Muslim women aren’t allowed to marry non muslim men. Though muslim men can marry non-muslim women if from an Abrahamic Religion, though this isn’t recommended.
Women do not have to give their husband from their own personal wealth or earnings unless they voluntarily choose to, nor do they have to spend on the house unless they voluntarily make that choice.
Islam came down more than 1400 years ago with women’s rights that were ahead of times. At that time, Women didn’t have a great position in society and were often used and taken advantage of.
On a final note, sexualising and objectifying women everywhere is not freedom. Rather it is devaluing and depreciating the value, integrity and contribution of women within society. Women brought men into the world, and raised them, yet nowadays, they are only seen as “valued objects” only when they wear less fabric and look like dolls!
This article is a short brief introduction about Women in Islam. The article does not mention the actual rights, role and responsibilities of both genders in detail rather gives a superficial glimpse. We hope to release more information in the future.
Preview Photo by Jill Wellington via Pexel
