Women in Islam are always pitied by the non Muslims for they think Islam oppresses women who are kept in veils and treated like slaves by their husbands. And it is for this reason, women organizations around the world abhor Islam for suppression of rights of women in a free world where women roam around in much revealing dresses, openly coupling with the opposite gender while Muslim women are draped in cloaks that cover their entire body.
Likewise the allowing of marriage with four wives is taken as usurpation of rights of women while in other religions the concept of one man-one woman for life exists when it comes to matrimonial relations. That is why whenever a Muslim is to portrayed, he is shown having four completely covered wives and a battalion of children.
This negative image of Islam is mainly due to the fact that most non Muslims act of heresy or the distorted knowledge fed to them by their priests and religious men. However, those who have read Islam, interestingly mostly the women, have reverted to Islam after knowing the true perspective of status of women in Islam in general and in matrimony in particular.
Today, to answer many a questions about status of women in Islam, we share an informative video at the end of the post to clear many doubts and put the tainted hearts at rest for Islam honour women much more than any other religion of the world. However, we before the video, let us a say a few words about status of women in marriage and the dignity Islam affords them to preserve their chastity, honour and purity.
This is a very important topic and one that is often misunderstood. Islam is very clear about the status of women within marriage, and it is not slavery. The Qur’an defines the husband–wife relationship as one of love, mercy, mutual respect, and responsibility, not dominance and submission.
What Does the Qur’an Say?
The key verse often referenced is: “Men are the qawwāmūn (maintainers, protectors, supporters) of women…” — Surah An-Nisa (4:34)
- The word qawwāmūn does not mean:
- Owner
- Master
- Superior
- Rather, it means:
- Protector
- Provider
- Caretaker
- Responsible guardian
So, a husband is someone who takes responsibility, not someone who controls or oppresses.
Islamic Marriage is Based on Mutual Rights
Let us just have a run down of responsibilities of man and women in a matrimony and see how a balanced approach exists in their mutual relationship:
- Husband’s Responsibilities
- Provide financial support (housing, food, clothing)
- Treat kindly and without harshness
- Protect, defend, and care for her well-being
- Wife’s Responsibilities
- Maintain dignity, respect, and loyalty
- Participate in mutual cooperation and harmony
- Build a loving and stable home
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” — Tirmidhi. This means a man’s character is judged by how he treats his wife.
Are Women Slaves to Their Husbands?
No. Absolutely not. The Prophet ﷺ clearly stated: “A woman is not to be harmed or oppressed.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). He ﷺ also said: “Your wives are your partners and your trusted companions.” (Masnad Ahmad)
The above quoted Hadiths clearly show that a wife is:
- A partner
- Not a servant
- Not property
Why Then Are Husbands Called Maintainers?
Because Islam assigns roles, not superiority. Men are required to:
- Earn and provide
- Protect the household
- Take accountability before Allah for those under their care
- Women are not required to:
- Earn money
- Spend on themselves or the household
- Exhaust themselves in labor or provision
And if a woman earns her own money — it is fully hers. The husband cannot take it.
The Model of Marriage in Islam
The Qur’an sums it beautifully:
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you love and mercy.” — Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)
Thus, marriage is meant to bring:
- Sukoon (peace)
- Mawaddah (love)
- Rahmah (mercy)
- Not fear. Not power. Not control.
Women in Islam are not slaves
At no stage or place, Islam commands men to take their wives as slaves and treat them something lower in status than theirs from both husband and wife are partners - a relation that is based on respect and dignity of each other.
This clearly means that"
- Husbands are responsible protectors and maintainers
- Wives are honored partners
- Marriage is based on love, respect, and mercy
When this balance is practiced, marriage becomes a form of worship — and a pathway to Jannah.
Inheritance by Muslim women
Islam not only allows women to inherit, it was the first major civilization in history to grant women legally guaranteed inheritance rights. This was revolutionary in the 7th century. Before Islam:
- Women were not considered inheritors.
- Often, women themselves were treated as property to be inherited.
The Qur’an explicitly commands that women must receive their rightful share of inheritance.
“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave — whether little or much — a legal share.” — Surah An-Nisa (4:7)
This was revolutionary in the 7th century.
Whereas in England the common law was enunciated in 1870 (Married Women’s Property Act), while in USA it started in late 1800s to early 1900s (varied by state). Interestingly, in Switzerland before 1985 husbands had legal financial control.
Before these reforms:
- Western women lost ownership of property when they married.
- Their earnings and inheritance automatically belonged to their husbands.
- They could not open bank accounts without male permission.
Why Did Islam Specify Different Shares?
Now the most asked question about disparity in share of inheritance. This is because financial obligations are different: While man is the maintainer of the household, a woman has no financial obligation and whatever she inherits is all hers and her husband cannot take control over it or spend it away without the consent of the wife.
The larger share to man basically is basically for hsi role as maintainer of the family for:
- He must financially support spouse and children
- Must pay mahr (marriage gift)
- Bear household expense since woman has no obligation in this regard.
So when a man gets a larger share, it is because he must spend it on the family, while the woman:
- Keeps her share entirely
- Does not owe a single cent to anyone
Islam’s system thus ensures that while women are financially protected, men are held financially responsible
Let us share a mind boggling video in the form of a debate which comes as a rebuttal in response to misconception about Islam and status of women. The video covers some of the oft raised question by non Muslims, specially the non Muslim women and answers some of the oft asked questions given herein under:
- Are Muslim women really oppressed?
- Is hijab imprisonment or liberation?
- Why do men get more inheritance? (although explained above)
- What about polygamy and women’s testimony?
- The truth about discipline in Islamic marriage
We hope this publication shuns any doubts in the mind of the non Muslims who think Islam still carries on the tradition of slavery which existed in Arabia at the time of evolution of Islam. In fact it was Islam which stopped burial of baby girls alive and slowly and gradually abolished the custom of slavery from Muslims. By the time of death of the Prophet ﷺ, slavery had been abolished altogether. So let us read about evolution of Islam which brought a unimaginable change in the social fabric of Arabia and introduced reforms that for the first time gave woemen to right to inheritance - something that came about in the non Muslim world many centuries later.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the reference material contained in Islam: My Ultimate Decision are that of the Islamic scholars / websites. We have shared these view as added information for better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the views owing to their own perception / school of thought being followed. If any one differs with the material contained in this blog, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make our posts all encompassing / comprehensive.
You may also refer to our reference page on Women in Islam and other Reference Pages created so far, to know more about Islam.
Photo: Royalty free photos from Pixabay
References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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