Women's Rights
What are women's rights in Islam?
1 - Spiritual Equality
Surely ˹for˺ Muslim men and women, believing men and women, devout men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah often—for ˹all of˺ them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.
2 - Mahr (Marriage Gift)
Mahr is a mandatory gift from the husband to the wife at marriage, given as a sign of respect, commitment, and financial security. And it can be money or assets.
And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.
3 - Independent Financial Rights
Women are also not obligated to spend their wealth on household expenses, as this responsibility lies with the husband. She can save her money or help her husband if she would like.
For men is a share of what they earn, and for women is a share of what they earn.
4 - Education
Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim (men and women)
5 - Kind Treatment
The Prophet said “The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.”
6 - Right to Work
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, was a successful businesswoman whose wealth supported the early Muslim community
7 - Marriage Consent
A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission.
8 - Right To Divorce
Also, divorce does not mean no Finicial responsibility, Islam does not abandon the woman. During iddah, she is entitled to financial support. If there are children, the father remains financially responsible for their care, including housing, food, healthcare, and education.
Divorce may be retracted twice, then the husband must retain ˹his wife˺ with honour or separate ˹from her˺ with grace. It is not lawful for husbands to take back anything of the dowry given to their wives, unless the couple fears not being able to keep within the limits of Allah. So if you fear they will not be able to keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame if the wife compensates the husband to obtain divorce.
O believers! It is not permissible for you to inherit women against their will1 or mistreat them to make them return some of the dowry ˹as a ransom for divorce˺—unless they are found guilty of adultery. Treat them fairly. If you happen to dislike them, you may hate something which Allah turns into a great blessing
9 - Compassion
"Fear Allah concerning women! Verily, you have taken them on the security of Allah… Their rights upon you are that you treat them kindly and provide for them with food and clothing in a fitting manner.
10 - Inheritance
"For men there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and for women there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave—whether it is little or much. ˹These are˺ obligatory shares.
11 - Fair treatment in Polygamy
Polygamy practiced before Islam and Islam only allows it with strict conditions.
In Islam, Polygamy was a solution in situations like caring for widows and orphans, or when a wife is unable to have children. And in the times of war ofc! because the number of women is greater than men
Note: Women have the right to put a condition in her marriage contract to avoid polygamy.