Women in Islam
Islam suggests equal rights and responsibilities for both men and women; however, these responsibilities are not identical. Women are held liable for specific duties in the familial system. The duties of men differ from those of women to complete a domestic system in the best possible way. There is no other reason or base to consider women less than men. Hence, it is to be said that Islam believes in “equity” and not “equality” in each minute.
Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said, “To seek knowledge is obligatory for all men and women.” Islam not only equated women’s rights to that of men but directed men to respect women and hold them responsible for being guardians of women’s rights. On the other hand, women are given the privilege of being mothers to their children and mothers of men. In Islam, there is no concept of providing favors to the son and not to the daughter. Instead, Islam refrains Muslims from such behavior where the son and daughters would be treated differently. To recall, Allah blessed his beloved Prophet with four daughters, and Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) treated them with the most respect a father can give his daughter. Both Muslim men and women are responsible for social and moral values and have equal rights toward freedom of speech. In the early days of Islam, women fought during wars and played a prominent role in emergencies and warlike situations. Women used to argue with Prophet in severe discussions and were free to express their thoughts in front of the Prophet to seek solutions to specific societal or familial issues.
According to Islam, in a family system, men are held responsible for meeting their family’s financial needs. Women are not liable to share their assets, earning, or property with their husbands.
Hence, it should be clear that in Islam, a woman is not less than a man but rather respectful. Due to certain relations, such as being a mother, daughter, or sister, her status is raised. Islam suggests that men and women perform specific duties to increase their family system’s worth. It does not mean to deprive any of them of their rights. The distinction is due to both genders’ psychological and physiological makeup and solely depends on their agreeable behavior.