Islamic Perspective on Women’s Right: A Civilizational Study

Abstract

Women’s rights in Islam constitute a comprehensive and multidimensional framework rooted in divine revelation and prophetic practice. This study examines the status and rights of women in Islam through spiritual, social, economic, legal, educational, and political perspectives. Drawing upon primary Islamic sources—the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—as well as classical and contemporary scholarly literature, the paper highlights Islam’s recognition of women as equal moral agents with full dignity, accountability, and legal capacity. The analysis demonstrates that Islam granted women unprecedented rights in the seventh century, including rights to education, property ownership, inheritance, marriage consent, divorce, healthcare, social participation, and political engagement. The study also explores historical examples of women’s contributions to scholarship, governance, healthcare, economic development, and spiritual leadership within Islamic civilization. It further addresses the divergence between authentic Islamic teachings and restrictive cultural practices that have, at times, limited women’s rights in Muslim societies. The findings reaffirm that Islam upholds justice, respect, and empowerment for women and that reviving genuine Islamic principles is essential for addressing contemporary misconceptions and promoting gender justice in the modern Muslim world.