What Is the Status of Women in Islam?

Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings without any guardianship over her (whether that be her father, husband, or anyone else). She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts and charity, and may spend her money as she pleases. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband’s.


Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife well, as the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: {The best among you are those who are best to their wives.}(1)

Mothers in Islam are highly honored. Islam recommends treating them in the best way. A man came to the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and said, “O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet (saws) said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet (saws) said: {Then your mother.} The man further asked, “Then who?” The Prophet (saws) said: {Then your mother.} The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet (saws) said: {Then your father.}(2)

(For in-depth articles on women in Islam, please refer to the links at: In-Depth Articles on Women in Islam.)

Footnotes:
(1) Narrated in Ibn Majah, #1978, and Al-Tirmizi, #3895.
(2) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2548, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #5971.


The Family in Islam
The family, which is the basic unit of civilization, is now disintegrating. Islam’s family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish behavior, generosity, and love in the framework of a well-organized family system. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children.

How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly?
In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored. When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.


In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.


God has said:

Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.” (Quran, 17:23-24)

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