Women rights in Islam and compare it with Islamic countries

Women rights in Islam and compare it with Islamic countries

Hamasa Sultani

Women ascension Peace and Justice- WAPJ

 Supervisor: Dr. Maheen Amjad

As the leader of Islamic countries follow and obey the Islamic rules so why, when it comes to women rights, they don’t have one regulation to implement women rights in their country?

The question of women rights and empowerment in Islam are one of the most controversial issues within the Islamic schema of human rights.  The rights of women as given in Quran and the tradition of Prophet Mohammad were a revolutionary step in the 7^th century Arabia.

However, the context driven reforms of rights of women in Islam is subject to many challenges in the tradition Muslim societies. So, this paper examines that although in Muslim countries and societies women right effect by on culture and tradition and in this article, we are going to cover this issue.

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women in pre-Islamic Arabia faced systemic discrimination, including limited property rights, lack of political representation, and social marginalization. With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, several reforms were introduced to improve the status of women in society. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains verses that emphasize the equality of men and women before God and advocate for the protection of women’s rights.

One of the most significant changes brought by Islam was the recognition of women’s rights to inheritance, education, and financial independence. Women were granted the right to own property, inherit wealth, and engage in business transactions. Additionally, Islam introduced legal protections for women, including the right to consent to marriage and the prohibition of forced marriages.

Throughout history, many Muslim women have played important roles in various fields, including education, politics, and the arts. Women scholars, known as “muftiyyas,” have made significant contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Prominent female figures, such as Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, and Khadijah, his first wife, are celebrated for their wisdom, courage, and leadership.

However, despite these advancements, women in many Islamic countries continue to face challenges and barriers to exercising their rights. Cultural norms, traditional practices, and patriarchal attitudes have influenced the status of women in these societies. In some cases, discriminatory laws and practices have been justified in the name of religion, leading to the marginalization and oppression of women.

Efforts to promote and protect women’s rights in Islamic countries have been ongoing, driven by grassroots activism, legal reforms, and international advocacy. In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in promoting social development and progress.

Several Islamic countries have taken steps to reform their legal systems and improve women’s rights. For example, Tunisia has implemented progressive laws to protect women from violence and discrimination and promote gender equality in various spheres. In Saudi Arabia, women have been granted the right to drive and participate in elections, marking significant progress in women’s rights in the kingdom.

Efforts to promote and protect women’s rights in Islamic countries have been ongoing, driven by grassroots activism, legal reforms, and international advocacy. In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in promoting social development and progress.

Several Islamic countries have taken steps to reform their legal systems and improve women’s rights. For example, Tunisia has implemented progressive laws to protect women from violence and discrimination and promote gender equality in various spheres. In Saudi Arabia, women have been granted the right to drive and participate in elections, marking significant progress in women’s rights in the kingdom.

The issue of women’s rights in Islamic countries is complex and multifaceted, shaped by historical, cultural, and social factors. While Islam promotes the equality of men and women, the interpretation and implementation of these principles have varied across different contexts.

Efforts to promote and protect women’s rights have been ongoing, driven by activists, legal reforms, and international advocacy. By working together to challenge discriminatory practices and promote gender equality, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Submitted in [Partial] fulfilment of the requirements for the internship of Peace and justice, 24^th May 2024

Reference:

Orakzai, Saira Bano, “The right of women in Islam: The question of Public and private spheres for women’s rights and empowerment in Muslim societies”, New England university Australia.

Anwar, Zainah, “Islam and women’s right”, California university.

About the author:
Hamasa Sultani : Women Ascension Peace and Justice  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamasa-sultani-104140278?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

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