Status of Women in Islam

Islam is the first religion that has recognized women as equal partners to men. She has equal rights and responsibilities in Islam. Persuasion of knowledge is compulsory for both men and women. Both men and women are equally accountable to God.

Throughout the Islamic history women have enjoyed complete freedom of expression.

In the days of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), women participated in serious discussions on policy matters and voted on those matters, a privilege obtained by the Western women only recently.

Islam strongly encourages marriage and Muslim women have right to choose their life partners.

Her property or the wealth remains hers even after her marriage, and she retains her maiden name. In all financial matters Islam recognizes women, single or married, as independent human beings, with independent personalities.

She is entitled to inherit property from her deceased kin as a wife, mother, sister or daughter. Islamic laws guarantee maintenance rights to her, even against an adverse will. She enjoys an extraordinarily high position in Islam as a mother.

Unlike other societies, Islam does not see her as a commodity, and forbids her exploitation.

Muslim women dress modestly. They follow the same dress code that was prescribed by God for the women of the Jewish and Christian faith but is now limited to only nuns.