What Is the
Status of Women in Islam?
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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 
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
and said, “O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most
worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet
said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?”
The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man further asked,
“Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man asked again,
“Then who?” The Prophet said:
{Then your father.}2
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Footnotes:
(1) Narrated in Ibn Majah, #1978,
and Al-Tirmizi, #3895.
(2) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim,
#2548, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #5971.
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