Women's Rights in Islam: General Rights and Common Rights

Abstract

Islam based its principles on justice between people, including justice between men and women in various aspects of life, and emphasized their equality in duties and accountability. Islam is distinguished by its comprehensiveness and perfection, as it did not neglect the rights of women in its legislation and rulings. Islam came to enhance the status of women and honor them as they had not been honored in any previous religion or civilization. Women in Islam are the half-sisters of men, and from an early age Islam protects the rights of girls to breastfeeding, care, and good upbringing. When she reaches puberty, her position in her family is strengthened, as her guardian surrounds her with care and protection, preventing anyone from harming her. Upon marriage, Allah made the marriage covenant a strict covenant and commanded the husband to honor her and be kind to her. Islam also required honoring the mother and making it coupled with the rights of God Almighty. If the woman is a sister, aunt, or grandmother, Islam commands upholding ties of kinship and be kind to her. Women's rights in Islam include: protection of dignity, the right to marry, the right to annul the marriage contract, freedom to earn, dispose of money, the right to choose a husband, the right to alimony, consideration for special circumstances, and the right to social care. Islam has equalized rights between men and women, and made the rights and duties of both a complementary relationship for the sustainability and success of life between them, so the only measure of differentiation between them is piety.