MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WOMEN IN ISLAM

In Islam, there is no distinction between men and women regarding their connection with Allah. Both are guaranteed the same reward for good behavior and punishment for bad behavior. The word “believing men and women” is frequently used in the holy Quran to emphasize the equality of males and females in terms of their respective obligations, rights, traits, and virtues. Because there were significant discrimination against women before the arrival of Islam, Islam is a religion that has given women a place of dignity and honor. Islam eradicated inhumanity, inequity, and prejudice against women and provided a comprehensive code of conduct for both men and women. Unlike other faiths, which perceive women as having inherent sin and wickedness while men have intrinsic virtue and nobility, Islam views men and women as having the same essence and being born from the same soul. Allah specifies:

“And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease”. (4: 2)

Islam does not allow men to dominate women; instead, it protects women’s rights, dignity, honor, and position by promoting gender equality and equal rights for men and women in all aspects of life. A woman who has a legal identity and may engage in a contract or make a bequest in her name is entirely self-regulating in Islam. She has the same rights as males to practice any profession or run a business. She also has the same authority to dispose of her property. As a mother, a wife, a sister, and a daughter, she is entitled to an inheritance in many capacities. She has complete freedom to select her husband and allows her dower and maintenance. Women are respected and honored in Islam since the demand of Islam to men is to treat their spouses with compassion and total respect. In Islam, a mother is held more regard than any other person. Many passages in the holy Quran forbid Muslims to honor and serve their mothers, even if they have left Islam and continue to be unbelievers. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasizes that the mother’s rights are paramount. The following are the several sorts of women’s rights guaranteed by Islam:

1. Inheritance: Six types of people are never denied inheritance in Islam. Three of these six groups are male (father, spouse, and son), whereas the remaining three are female (mother, wife, and daughter). As a result, Islam does not discriminate against women in favor of men.
2. Marriage: Allah created men and women to be in companionship with one another for them to procreate and live in peace and serenity by Almighty Allah’s commands and the guidance of His Messenger. In the event of a marriage, Islam has given equal weight to both the groom and the bride, stating that for a wedding to be genuine, one party must offer it to the other, and the other party must accept it. In Islam, women have the freedom to pick their life spouses. Nobody, including one’s father, mother, brother, sister, or paternal or maternal guardian, may compel her to pick her match or marry. The marriage of a prominent woman who has been married before without her agreement is universally invalid, as is the union of a primary virgin girl without her consent.
3. Dower: The payment of dower is highly valued in Islam, and the husband is required to pay dower to the wife. Pay dower (mahr) to your wife, even if it is an iron ring,” the Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked. According to Islamic law, the husband is obligated to give dowry to the wife in cash or any other form, and the husband has no other option except to pay the dower.
4. Maintenance: Maintenance is one of the required and fundamental requirements of the marriage contract in Muslim law. It is owed to the woman from the husband as a reimbursement for the marital restriction. The husband’s role is to offer sufficient upkeep, and this is a task that must be happily carried out without any rebuke, pain, or patronization. If she surrenders herself to him, whether she is Muslim or infidel, poor or wealthy, old or young, the husband must provide appropriate food, clothing, and lodging.