Women in Islam: Historical Context, Qur’anic Teachings, and Contemporary Muslim Societies
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: نساء (nisāʾ)
- Turkish: Kadınlar
The Condition of Women before Islam
Pre-Islamic Arab Society
Prior to the advent of Islam, the status of women among the Arabs was notably degraded. Women were often viewed merely as property of their male guardians. Practices like Nikāḥu ʾl-Maqt (“odious marriages”)—where step-sons married their mothers-in-law—and the burying alive of infant daughters were prevalent.
Qur’anic Reference:
- Sūrah vi. 138: Discusses the idolaters’ practice of killing their children.
- Sūrah xvi. 60-61: Describes the aversion towards female offspring and the horror of the practice of infanticide.
The Qur’anic Teaching on Women
Islamic teachings emphasize the spiritual and ethical equality of men and women.
Selected Verses:
- Sūrah xxxiii. 35: Enumerates the qualities of believing men and women, highlighting their equal spiritual status.
- Sūrah xxiv. 31: Provides guidance on modesty and appropriate social interactions between genders.
- Sūrah lx. 10-12: Discusses the treatment of believing women who seek refuge and the rules of marriage and dowry.
- Sūrah iv. 1: Calls for mutual respect and support among men and women, and emphasizes their creation from the same soul (nafs).
Teachings of Prophet Muhammad
Hadith References:
- “I have not left any calamity more detrimental to mankind than women.”
- “The best women are those that ride on camels, and the virtuous women of the Quraish are those who are affectionate to young children and who are most careful of their husband’s property.”
- “The world and all things in it are valuable, but more valuable than all is a virtuous woman.”
Legal Rights of Women in Islam
Islamic law (Sharia) provides specific rights and protections for women:
- Women may contract marriages independently and have the right to remarry if widowed or divorced.
- Women’s testimony is important but differs in weight in certain legal matters.
- Women are entitled to financial support and inheritance rights.
- Muslim law discusses appropriate conduct during war and prohibits killing or enslaving women and children.
Contemporary Views and Criticisms
Contemporary scholars like Mr. Stanley Lane-Poole have critically analyzed the impact of Islamic teachings and historical practices on women’s status. While recognizing Prophet Muhammad’s reforms, they critique the continued influence of pre-Islamic cultural norms that perpetuate issues like polygamy and the treatment of female slaves.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Prophet Muhammad significantly improved the condition of women in Arabian society by introducing reforms that provided them with spiritual equality and certain legal rights.
- The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize the importance of treating women with respect and granting them specific protections and rights.
- The status and treatment of women in Muslim societies continue to evolve, influenced by both historical practices and contemporary interpretations of Islamic teachings.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Rights of Women in Islam: An Authentic Approach” by Asghar Ali Engineer
- “Women in Islam: An Anthology from the Qur’an and Hadiths” by Nicholas Awde
- “The Veil And The Male Elite: A Feminist Interpretation Of Islam” by Fatima Mernissi
By engaging deeply with these sources, one can gain a nuanced understanding of women’s roles and rights in Islamic contexts, both historically and in contemporary societies.
