How does Islam elevate the status of women?

According to the Qur'an, men and women are equal before God; both created for the sole purpose of worshipping god through faith and good deeds. 

"O humankind! Be conscious of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and out of it created its mate, and out of the two spread countless men and women. Be conscious of your Lord through Whom you demand your mutual rights and honor the wombs; God always watches over you." (Qur'an 4:1)

Islam recognizes women as individuals with specific rights. Among these are: the right to life, the right to learn; the right to earn, own and dispose property; the right to choose a husband; the right, as a wife, to her pre-marriage standard of living; the right to be treated equally; and the right to inherit. Women, like men, are rewarded by God for a righteously led life.

Muslim women dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The purpose of clothing is not only to protect oneself from physical elements, but also to protect oneself from immorality and pride. 

Some traditions of dress, and more generally, the treatment of women in some Muslim countries and societies, are often a reflection of culture. These cultural influences, very often, are inconsistent with and even contrary to Islam teachings. Prophet Muhammad said: "The most perfect in faith among you believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife."

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Does Islam give Women equal rights?

Yes, definitely. Islam teaches equality between women and men. However, in some Muslim countries and societies a patriarchal culture dominates, and women are denied of their God-given rights.

Nowhere does the Qur'an state that one gender is superior to another. God makes it clear that the only criterion for superiority is piety and righteousness…virtues only He can judge.

"O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Qur'an 49:13)

Islam recognizes women as individuals with specific rights. Among these are: the right to life, the right to learn; the right to earn, own and dispose property; the right to choose a husband; the right to a marriage gift; the right to retain her maiden name; the right as a wife, to her pre-marriage standard of living; the right to be treated equally; the right to seek divorce; the right to inherit; and the right to a final will.

Women, like men, are rewarded for a righteously led life.

"…Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter the Garden (of Paradise) where they will be provided with bounties beyond reckoning" (Qur'an 40:40)

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What is written in the Qur’an about Motherhood?

"And We have enjoined upon man to be kind to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of a child to his weaning is thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and is forty years (old), he says, 'O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favors, that You bestowed me and upon both my parents; that I may do righteous deeds that are acceptable to You; and be gracious to me with regards to (my own) offspring. Surely, I turn to You repentant, and I wholly give myself (to You)." (Qur'an 46:15)

Mothers are accorded a special place of honor and respect in Islam.

A man once came to Prophet Muhammad and asked, "O Messenger of God! Who among the people is more worthy of my companionship?" The Prophet replied, "Your mother." Then man then asked who next, the Prophet replied "Your mother" again. The man repeated the question a third time and got the same answer. The man asked once again, "Who next?" Only then did the Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him) reply, "Your father."

These, and other references in the Qur'an and incidents from the life of the Prophet, clearly indicate the elevated status Islam has given to mothers. A Muslim sees a mother as an icon of strength and courage, tempered with compassion, kindness and love.

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Does Islam want women to be public and political?

Most certainly. 

Islam not only promotes, but charges women (and men) with the responsibility of using their minds for good, preventing evil as God's trustees on earth.

"The believing men and the believing women are protectors one of another; they enjoin good and forbid evil; they establish regular prayers; practice consistent charity; and they obey God and His Messenger. On them will God Pour His Mercy; for God is the Powerful, the Wise." (Qur'an 9:71)

Several Qur'anic verses chronicle female thinkers and doers, such as: Mary, the mother of Jesus; Bilquis, the Queen of Sheba who ruled justly and believed in the One God; and Aasiya, the Pharaoh's wife who saved Prophet Moses. History also tells of many great women: Aishah , the wise teacher and philosopher wife of Prophet Muhammad, who taught people daily for over 50 years; Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad for her virtuosity and immense patience; and Zubaydah, the famous builder of an aqueduct system for pilgrims.

In the first Islamic state in Madinah, Prophet Muhammad asked women to individually pledge loyalty (one person, one vote) to Islam and to his leadership. Women were expected then, as they are expected now, to assume their rightful role in society as committed partners.

Muslim women today work for the public good as activists, artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, scholars, scientists, social workers and teachers. Muslim women excel in all fields, not in spite of their religious convictions, but because of them.

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How does Islam protect women from violence?

Islam means "Peace" - achieved when a person focuses on God, giving her entire mind, heart and soul to none other than the Creator. This liberates her from human subjection; replacing fear with self-respect; weakness with strength, and conflict with tranquility. God says in the Qur'an: "…do not fear human beings, but be in awe of Me..." (Qur'an 5:44)

Islam strongly prohibits oppression or cruelty to any individual, group or living thing in the Universe. God enjoins good conduct toward women from birth to death. Verbal, psychological, emotional, sexual, and physical violence are forbidden, as are false allegations against women's chastity and honor. Men are further reminded: "...Do not annoy women as to make their lives miserable..." (Qur'an 65:6).

Prophet Muhammad said: "Only an honorable man treat women with honor and integrity. And only a mean, deceitful and dishonest man humiliates and insults women." Referring to physical abuse, he added: "Never hit your wives, they are your partners and sincere helpers." He exemplified this by never, ever, hitting a women or child. The Prophet guaranteed protection of the life, honor, and property of women.

"And why should you not fight in the cause of God and on behalf of those, who being weak, are ill-treated and oppressed, men, women and children whose cry is, 'Our Lord! Rescue us from these oppressors, and raise for us, from You, one who will protect and help.'" (Qur'an 4:75)

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