RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

unrecognized. God says in the Quran: “If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them.” (4: 124) Spiritual attainment is not exclusively for men. Women have as much right over spiritual purification as men. The Quran is very explicit about this. “Surely, for men and women who have surrendered to God—believing men and believing women, truthful men and truthful women, patient men and patient women, humble men and humble women, charitable men and charitable women, fasting men and fasting women, men and women who guard their chastity, men and women who are ever mindful of God—God is ready with forgiveness and an immense reward.” (33: 35) Islam regards women in different roles: as a mother, as a daughter as a wife and as a separate human being, and gives them rights accordingly. Mothers contribute enormously to society. Their love and sacrifice for the off-spring cannot possibly be ignored. The Quran recognizes the pain and hardship the mother experiences while keeping the human race alive and evokes, “In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning” (31: 14). Keeping this noble service in view, the mother is elevated to the highest pedestal of human glory. Islam makes it compulsory for children to obey their mothers. A mother’s interest and welfare must be preferred three times more than a father’s interest and welfare. A mother deserves gratitude, respect, love, kindness and obedience. As a daughter, women always belong to the paternal family. Marriage does not break this bond. The Islamic social order makes elaborate arrangements for the fair treatment of the daughter. They must receive love and best maintenance. They have as much rights as the son in educational, physical and mental upliftment. They have their share in the father’s property, which is recognized and granted at every cost. If, by chance, a woman becomes a widow or is divorced, Islamic law reverts her back to the paternal home where she may be looked after with love and affection. The Prophet said, “Should I not tell you what is the best charity; That you should show kindness to that daughter who (becoming a widow or having been divorced) has been returned to you, and who has no other maintainer or supporter.” (Ibne-e-Majah) Islam encourages marriage and prohibits any deviated forms of gratification.