Women’s Role and Rights in Islam

If you were to ask a person who is not a Muslim what they thought of women in Islam, they would probably use the words ‘oppressed’ and ‘secound class citizens’. This is not their fault as they are simply reading into the headlines and films that portray Muslim women as being weak and with no real rights in Islam whatsoever. They see Muslim women wearing a veil or headscarf but do not know the reason behind this and will reach the conclusion that this is because they are being dominated by their jealous husbands. It is time to dispel some of the myths surrounding Islam & women.

Muslim women are actually given a high status in Islam. Much of what is seen and how some Muslim women are treated is not because of religion but more by tradition. These two should not be confused as being related to one another. Islam does not say that women should not be educated as it encourages women to learn as they are to help lead the future generations of Muslims in the world and for them to be good citizens in their respective countries.

The wearing of the headscarf and covering of the body is required by Muslims but much can be taken out of context as it was originally written. Men are also required to cover themselves but this is not always done by Muslim men, this is when Islam is used against the believing women to make them believe that what they are told to do is part of Islam but is actually not. Women that wear the headscarf often due so out of personal choice and their willingness to follow their belief.

Muslim women are fully permitted to work, and to educate themselves and have been doing so in many countries around the world. There are many countries around the world where Muslim women are being oppressed and are being treated as secound class citizens but in the West things have changed dramatically and are continuing to progress the rights of the everyday Muslim woman. Forced arranged marriages are a thing of the past in the West as is the notion that women should not be entitled to vote or drive.

Women are the heart of a Muslim family and should be treated with love and respect. Islam does not say for women to be used as cleaners or cooks around the home. This is a traditional trait usually brought back from the Eastern countries back here to the West and for the sole convenience & leisure of the husband. This is not how Islam says to treat women.

Islam is a way of life, a way to lead a very peaceful and productive life for both men and women. There are differences from men and women but as long as they follow the true teachings of Islam then they can work together to both be the best Muslims they can be.