Women in Islam are very important. The way in which Islam empowers women is incredible. Many Muslim women are now trying to empower others to stand up for what is right in Islam.
Many people believe that women are oppressed in Islam. Islam has empowered women with rights since the seventh century. Islam honors women by allowing them the right to an education, to choose who they marry, to divorce, to work, to vote, etc. In the Quran, God clearly states that all humans are equal: "To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, we shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions. (16:97).
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Even while the Quran states that women and men are equal, this is not always true in the world we live in today.
"Why, if we are equal in the eyes of God, are we not equal in the eyes of men"
"Why, if we are equal in the eyes of God, are we not equal in the eyes of men"
Although, in Islam, God believes that both genders are equal, they have different rules and roles to abide by in their daily life. Modesty is a rule in Islam that both genders must follow, but the way in which women present a modest lifestyle is much different than men. For example, women and men must dress modestly in the Islamic faith. To show this, some women will choose modest clothing and cover their hair in a hijab, where men no not cover their hair.
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Women are not required to be financially independent. If a woman is married, her husband must be able to support her financially, and if she is not married then her closest male relative must be able to support her. A married woman, if she so chooses, does not have any obligation to share her money that she has earned by herself with her husband. A married woman is also entitles to a dowry from her husband. These rules allow women the security of financial independence in daily life, or if she chooses to get a divorce.
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In Islam, motherhood is held at a high status. In the Quran, God mentions the many sacrifices that mothers must go through in order to grow and raise a child. In Islam, one must be kind and respectful towards mothers. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says "Heaven lies under the feet of your mother."
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Living as a Muslim woman in the United States is quite different. Here is a video about what it is like being a Muslim woman in America.
Islam and gender. Accessed December 7, 2021. https://www.umbc.edu/MA/index/number3/nieuwkerk/karin_4.htm.
Islamic Society Writers. “Women in Islam.” ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GREATER LANSING. Accessed December 8, 2021. https://www.lansingislam.com/women-in-islam.html.
Islamic Society Writers. “Women in Islam.” ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GREATER LANSING. Accessed December 8, 2021. https://www.lansingislam.com/women-in-islam.html.