RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

While conceding equality of the genders, the Quran categorizes men and women according to their deeds in this world. It states that all men and women are answerable equally to God: To whoever does good deeds, man or woman, and is a believer, We shall assuredly give a good life; and We will bestow upon them their reward according to the best of their works. (16: 97) Even while seeking the blessings of God, both men and women are promised full returns of their labour, apart from the excessive bounties showered by Him: “Men shall be rewarded according to their deeds, and women shall be rewarded according to their deeds. You should rather ask God for His bounty. God has knowledge of all things.” (4: 32) The wisdom of the principles and laws of nature have been employed in regulating mutual relationship. The Quran states: “All things We made in pairs” (51: 49). This acknowledges men and women as distinctly separate entities, yet relates the two mutually making each the guardian of the other: “The believers, both men and women, are friends to each other; they enjoin what is good and forbid evil, they attend to their prayers and pay the alms and obey God and His Messenger.” (9: 71) Personal development, intellectual pursuits and the acquisition of knowledge are human rights that should be conceded to males and females alike, without discrimination. Islam allows for equal opportunities to both the genders in the pursuit of knowledge. There is no derision, no underestimation anywhere. Each gender is encouraged to build up its individuality in every way. The Prophet said, “It is essential for every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge.” Women’s guardians are advised not to obstruct their pursuits in education but to encourage them and provide them with opportunities. Examples exist of a number of educated women scholars during the Prophet’s time and after, who have contributed to Quranic interpretations, medicine, poetry and many other fields. The wives and daughters of magnates and sovereigns have known to patronize knowledge and give lavish endowments for the establishment of institutes of learning and social service. All such actions undertaken for the construction of society and building up righteousness will not go Islam does not have any concept of dowry or dehej. On the contrary, the woman receives the Mehr (Dower) in marriage, which is the bridemoney, an exclusive right of the bride.