The Importance of Women in Islam

Westerners and Islamophobes who are not knowledgeable about Muslim society often approach it with misconceptions and incorrectly criticize Muslim women and Islam. In reality, many women may choose Islam because it is a belief system that values women greatly. Someone who understands the Muslim family structure will realize how important women are within the family. The rights and respect that Islam provides to women are at levels that many women could not even dream of.

Islam is known as a religion that respects and values women highly. By Allah's command, Islam grants women a special place and a dignified position. Allah says in one verse: 

"For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully." (Quran, 17:23)

Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said: 

"Paradise is under the feet of mothers." (Suyuti, al-Jami' al-Saghir, 3642)

"Have fear of Allah regarding your women, for you have taken them as a trust from Allah. " (Abu Dawud, Manasik 56; Ibn Majah, Manasik 84)

"The best of you are those who are the best to their women." (Muslim, Birr 149)

"The most complete in faith among the believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife." (Nasai, Iqamatu's-Salat 229; Tirmidhi, Faith 2612)

"A woman who prays her five daily prayers, fasts her month (of Ramadan), guards her chastity, and obeys her husband, has the right to enter paradise through any of its gates." (Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 1/191)

With these words, Islam attributes great value to women and places them in a high position.

However, it is important to address some objections regarding gender equality in Islam:

• Allah has created each individual with unique abilities, and these differences serve a purpose. People do not have the right to alter their inherent characteristics.
• Allah has not created men and women the same in all respects. Attempting to make these two genders completely equal in all aspects would require altering human nature, which is not possible. Men and women have distinct qualities that complement each other.
• While men may have greater physical strength, initiative, and courage, women may excel in qualities such as compassion, sensitivity, loyalty, and devotion.
• Both genders possess different abilities and characteristics, which, when combined within a society, contribute to the harmony and balance within families.

Due to men's generally greater physical strength, Allah has placed the primary responsibility for the family's welfare on men. This means that men are responsible for providing for the material and spiritual needs of women. This fact is clearly emphasized in the Quran and Hadith.

In conclusion, while there are different responsibilities and abilities between men and women in Islam, these differences are utilized to create a family unit where both genders are respected and complement each other according to Allah's plan of creation. Gender equality is viewed in the context of both genders being equally valued and respected by Allah.

Family leadership is assigned to men in Islam, but this does not imply gender superiority. According to Islam, superiority or worthiness is based on piety. Piety includes respecting Allah, avoiding sins, abstaining from behaviors displeasing to Allah, and prioritizing Allah's pleasure above all.

According to Islam, being the head of the family means managing the family with love, respect, and fairness. The family head is responsible for providing for the material and spiritual needs of family members and ensuring harmony within the family. However, this responsibility must be fulfilled in accordance with Allah's rules and values.

In conclusion, in Islam, it is not gender but piety that is the measure of worth. Anyone who respects Allah and avoids sin is valuable and superior in the sight of Allah. Family leadership must also be carried out in line with Allah's principles and justice.

Just as the obedience of women to their husbands is important, it is equally important for men to protect the rights and interests of women. The claim that "women are enslaved to men" in Islam is entirely false. In Islam, women have more time to enjoy life and relaxation than men. This is because Islam has made it the responsibility of men to provide for women's financial needs while exempting women from this obligation, assigning them the most enjoyable task of "raising children."

In terms of economic status, a woman's property belongs to her and is under her control. She can use and spend her property as she wishes, and her husband has no right to exert any pressure in this matter.

The things presented today in the name of women's freedom have only led women to moral downfall and difficulties. Islam, on the other hand, has solidified the dignity and honor of women by safeguarding their chastity and modesty.

Some argue that Islam's requirement for women to cover themselves restricts their freedom. However, it is important to know that covering is a common requirement in Christian, Jewish, and all Abrahamic religions as well. The practice of nuns covering themselves is a clear example of this.  

Covering is not only for women but also for all humans. In no society can one observe men or women walking naked. However, there are different approaches to covering. In Islam, women are required to cover any body part that may arouse the sexual desires of unrelated men. This helps protect their dignity and honor in this world and secures their eternal happiness in the Hereafter.

Additionally, when women behave immodestly and flaunt themselves in a manner prohibited by Islam, they lead men into sin, and according to the principle "the one who leads to something shares in the sin," they share in some of the sins themselves. Islam protects women from such dangers through the requirement of covering.

In Switzerland, until 1981, children forcibly separated from their parents were being sold as 'slaves'. These children, who had to grow up in horrifying conditions involving beatings, torture, forced labor, harassment, and sexual abuse, approximately 10,000 of them are still alive today. During the same period when such issues were occurring in Europe, in Muslim societies, women and children were considered the most valuable members of society. In fact, even animal rights were respected, and organizations were established to protect them.

Just 100 years ago in Europe, women were considered second-class citizens with no inheritance or property rights, and they were legally under the control of men. Islam has been valuing women for 1400 years. For example, in 1921, thousands of women workers in a textile factory in New York, USA, went on strike demanding better working conditions. They were attacked by the police, and after the tragic events that followed, including women being locked inside the factory and a fire, the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th began. However, Islam began valuing women 1400 years ago, and women are still the most cherished members of our families. The rights that Islam grants to women are the strongest response to those who criticize Islam.