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Rights of Women in Islam is used as a title for the set of injunctions which constitute the most important part of Islamic System of family life. The west likes to see Muslim women in their full make-up, moving freely and participating with strangers in social life. Let's take a glimpse at the position of women.
Women in the ancient civilisations were slaves of their fathers and brothers first, and then their husdands. They had no rights whatsoever, whether it was freedom of speech, to work or even to choose their husdands. In Arabia, before the advent of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, girls were thought to be a burden, hence they were buried alive before the age of four. Women in the west too, do not have a secure life: women are raped every day and the number of unmarried mothers is increasing day by day.
Now lets look at Muslim woman's rights in Islam. Islam has given her many privileges, e.g. she is the sole owner of her property, wealth and belongings. If she is an earning member of the family, her guardian still has to provide for her needs (clothes, food, etc.) according to his financial status. Muslim women have a right to choose whom they wish to marry. A husband has to give his wife Mahr (Dowry) when he marries her.
A Muslim woman has a major role in building the Muslim society. As a mother, she is the first school for her children. She is the one who teaches them love and affection. She is the one who teaches them how to distinguish right from wrong, and no babysitter or maid is able to fulfil this role of hers. She is given a high status and honour by Almighty Allah through the words of His last Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, " Paradise lies under the feet of mothers."
She also plays an important role as a wife, standing by her husband and supporting him in all phases of life. She takes care of his house and children and is a means of peace and happiness. Almighty Allah says in the noble Qur'an, "And among His Signs is that He has created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them and He has ordained love and mercy between you." (30:21)
The noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives." He also said, "Whosoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favour his son over her, Allah will let him enter Paradise."
Islam has laid down the injunction of hijaab to protect women from the evil desires of men. A Muslim woman has all rights to seek knowledge as long as it is within the bounds of Islam. The noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Seeking knowledge is compulsory on every Muslim (male and female)."
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