Some Aspects of the Position of Women in Islam

Abstract

Through a detailed analysis of the Qur’ān’s principles and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, this article discusses the status of women in Islam with a focus on understanding her spiritual nature, the importance of veiling, marital rights and duties and rights to education and employment. These are considered most important in understanding the complex gender dynamic and the (in)equality of the sexes within Muslim societies. Considering that differences do not necessarily mean proof of inequality and that the Qur’ān’s teachings should be interpreted in the context of the time and place of its revelation, this article accepts the viewpoint that the limitation of women's rights may be attributed to the longstanding patriarchal interpretations of their religious legacy, and not to the intentions and nature of Islam itself.