Can you imagine a world without women? Yes, where your mum isn’t there to fill you up with love and warm cuddles. Or no sisters to tease and play with. And if you are a girl yourself, how would you feel if you were a boy? Strange and weird, isn’t it? Life would be totally devoid of colours, giggles, cuddles and tasty food that only a mother can make.

While it is impossible to imagine a world without women or ignore their importance in our lives, they are often treated as if they matter less. Their hard work goes unnoticed, their voices are hushed, and their dreams put on hold. How unfair is that?

Women not just fill our lives with love and warmth — they have brains that can build, hearts that can lead and hands that can create. Women’s contributions to society and their fundamental rights as human beings have been ignored for centuries, in all cultures and nations, even those that call themselves champions of progress and human rights.

And it is because of this gender inequality that Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8, in an effort to put the spotlight on issues affecting women all over the world. It’s pretty ironic that women’s rights issues are often seen as the worst in countries where Islam is the main religion, considering Islam actually gives women rights unmatched in any religion or culture.

So, as we celebrate Women’s Day, it’s important to talk about the amazing rights and status that Islam gives to women. And it’s not just about knowing these rights — it’s also about clearing up the misunderstandings caused by outdated cultural ideas that have stopped women from getting the respect and rights they deserve in their families and society.

Islam holds women in high regard, granting them respect, dignity, empowerment and numerous rights that were revolutionary at the time of Islam’s arrival 14 centuries ago and remain relevant and unparalleled even today. In Islam, a woman is considered an independent personality, whose roles and rights are clearly defined. She possesses legal and financial rights to own property, inherit, make any contact and conduct business, choose her husband and take part in social, political, and economic activities.

A detailed view of the remarkable position and rights given by Islam to women is a very lengthy topic, especially so because the Quran has given detailed instructions on these rights. So here we will look into the position and rights of women as defined in Islam in a brief manner, leaving it for the inquisitive to find out more on their own.

But before we do that, it is important to understand that men and women are considered in Islam to be equals, not identical. The two genders are created differently — physically, emotionally and psychologically — and so they have different roles and purposes to fulfil in life. They complement, rather than compete, with each other. And this balance is important for a harmonious and prosperous family life and society.

Equal spiritual status

One of the fundamental principles that define a woman’s status is the equality of men and women in their relationship to God. The Holy Qur’an commands equality for men and women regarding religious obligations and rewards — both are equally accountable for their actions, and equally rewarded for good conduct and are promised the same punishment for sinful and undesirable conduct.

There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran, where Allah has used the words “O mankind, or “O believer” to refer to both men and women. And both men and women have the same obligatory religious duties of prayer, fasting, etc, and good moral virtues, such as tolerance, truthfulness, honesty, are expected from both.

Right to economic and financial independence

A Muslim woman has the right to financial independence and to own property. She is entitled to inherit in her position as mother, wife, sister and daughter. She can conduct business and manage her wealth without male interference. She can make any contract or bequest in her own name.

Right to education

Education is one of the most fundamental rights granted to women in Islam.

According to a hadith reported by Anas ibn Malik, The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 224).

This clearly shows that there is no distinction between males and females when it comes to the right to education. The quest of knowledge and teaching of it is of great importance in Islam for both men and woman.

It is sad that the low literacy rate of women in many Muslim households goes against the very spirit of this obligation.

Marriage and family rights

Islam gives women the right to choose their spouses, and after marriage, she is not obligated to adopt her husband’s surname and can maintain her maiden name. Also, a Muslim woman also has the right to seek divorce under certain circumstances.

Political and social participation

Woman in Islam can participate in social and political spheres of life. Historical figures like Nusaybah bint Ka’ab fought in battles alongside Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and there are many instances in the early days of Islam when women played important roles in society.

Legal rights

Additionally, Muslim women have the right to represent themselves in court, to testify before a judge, and to pledge their allegiance on their own behalf. If a woman is wronged or harmed, she is entitled to seek justice and compensation just like a man.

Protection and respect of women

Islam strongly advocates for the protection of the dignity and well-being of women. It denounces any kind of injustice or oppression against them.

The importance of treating women with kindness and honour is evident in this hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi)

These basic, but significant rights bestowed on women in Islam are cornerstones of a just, balanced and progressive society. However, these rights remain dependent on the biased and selfish interpretation of men who continue to deny what God has granted women.

So on this Women’s Day, let us educate ourselves about the rights women possess so that we can all work to get them their rightful positions in society.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 8th, 2025