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:
- 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
