The Rights & Duties Of Women In Islam

August 21, 2025 Islamic Teachings 12 Views

Women hold a very special position in Islam. They are daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers, and each role is respected. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Paradise lies under the feet of mothers, showing the great status of women.

Islam teaches that men and women are equal in front of Allah, and both will be judged according to their deeds, not gender.

The Rights of Women in Islam

Islam gave women many rights at a time when they were oppressed in many cultures. Let’s look at the key rights:

1. Right to Life and Respect

Before Islam, female children were often buried alive in Arabia.
Islam ended this cruel practice and declared the birth of a daughter as a blessing.
Women are to be respected, honored, and never mistreated.

2. Right to Education

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim, male and female.”
Women have full rights to gain religious and worldly education.
Many great women in Islamic history, like Aisha (RA), were scholars.

3. Right to Own Property and Wealth

Women in Islam can own property, do business, and manage their wealth independently.
A husband or father cannot take a woman’s property without her permission.
She has the right to inheritance according to Islamic law.

4. Right to Marriage and Consent

A woman cannot be forced to marry against her will.
Her consent is necessary for marriage to be valid.
She has the right to receive Mahr (dowry) from her husband.

5. Right to Divorce

Islam allows women the right to seek divorce (Khula) if the marriage is not working.
She can go to an Islamic judge or scholar for this purpose.
Divorce is the last option but a woman is not trapped in a harmful relationship.

6. Right to Work

Women can work in suitable fields while maintaining modesty.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife Khadijah (RA) was a successful businesswoman.
Islam allows women to contribute to society while balancing family duties.

7. Right to Dignity and Protection

Women must be treated with respect and cannot be insulted or harmed.
Islam protects women from abuse, exploitation, and unfair treatment.
Hijab is prescribed to maintain modesty and protect dignity.

The Duties of Women in Islam

Along with rights, Islam also gives women responsibilities to maintain balance in society.

1. Worship and Obedience to Allah

Like men, women must pray, fast, give zakat, and perform Hajj.
Their main duty is to obey Allah and follow Islamic teachings.

2. Modesty and Good Character

Women are required to dress modestly and behave respectfully.
They should avoid actions that harm their dignity or honor.

3. Duty Towards Parents

A woman must respect and care for her parents, especially in old age.
Serving parents is one of the greatest duties in Islam.

4. Duty Towards Husband

A married woman should support, respect, and cooperate with her husband.
She should take care of her home and children with love and patience.
A husband also has equal duties to treat his wife kindly.

5. Duty Towards Children

Mothers have the greatest responsibility for raising children.
The Prophet (PBUH) said that a mother’s role in teaching and nurturing is unmatched.
A woman who raises her children well earns great reward.

6. Social Responsibility

Women are encouraged to help the poor, sick, and needy.
They can take part in community work while following Islamic guidelines.

Balance of Rights and Duties

Islam teaches balance. Just like men, women have rights but also duties. If both men and women follow their roles, families and societies become strong. Problems arise when rights are taken away or duties are ignored.

Common Misunderstandings About Women in Islam

Myth 1: Women are oppressed in Islam.
Truth: Women are honored and given more respect than many other cultures.
Myth 2: Women cannot work or study.
Truth: Islam allows both, as long as modesty is maintained.
Myth 3: Women are forced into marriage.
Truth: Islam requires a woman’s consent for marriage.

The rights and duties of women in Islam show that Islam is a religion of justice, balance, and respect. Women are given honor as mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters. At the same time, they are responsible for worship, modesty, and family care. If these principles are followed, women enjoy dignity and happiness in this world and reward in the Hereafter.