This page begins by presenting selected Qur’anic verses and Hadith that highlight the honor and status of women in Islam. It then explains how Islam established rights and responsibilities for women, showing that their position is one of dignity, fairness, and justice. Islam granted women rights that were often denied in pre-Islamic societies, ensuring that they hold a respected place within the family, society, and legal matters.
Women have the right to education, as seeking knowledge is encouraged for both men and women. Allah says: “and say: O my Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Qur’an 20:114). Women throughout Islamic history played major roles in learning, teaching, and conveying knowledge related to both worldly and religious affairs.
In marriage, a woman has the right to choose her husband, and she cannot be forced into marriage. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A woman without a husband (or divorced or a widow) must not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin must not be married until her permission is sought. They asked the Prophet of Allah, ‘How can her (the virgin’s) consent be solicited?’ He said, ‘That she keeps silent.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5136). She also has the right to a dowry, financial support, and fair treatment. If a husband takes another wife, he must be just between them.
A woman may seek divorce if she is unable to continue in her marriage. She can request khul’, where she returns the dowry in exchange for separation, as shown in the case of the wife of Thabit ibn Qays, who asked the Prophet ﷺ for a divorce because she could not remain with her husband. The Prophet ﷺ granted her request and instructed her to return the dowry.
In testimony, women’s words are accepted in many matters. Allah states the reason in the verse itself: two women are called so that, in as-Sa’di’s rendering of 2:282, ‘if one of them forgets, the other can remind her.’
Regarding inheritance, Islam guaranteed women a share of wealth, which was a major change from pre-Islamic customs when women were often denied inheritance. The Quran says, “Men have a share in what parents and relatives leave behind, and women have a share in what parents and relatives leave behind, whether it be little or much; this is ordained [by Allah].” (Qur’an 4:7) While a son may inherit twice the share of a daughter in some cases, this is balanced by the fact that men are financially responsible for providing for their families, while women are not required to spend their wealth on others.
Women have the right to work and to own property, and their earnings belong entirely to them. They are not obligated to provide financially for the household, as financial responsibility rests with men.
Sharia protects the dignity of women and forbids mistreatment. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best among you is he who is the best with his family. Verily, I am the best one among you with my family.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), on Qur’an 4:19) Women are entitled to safety, justice, and respect, and harming them is strictly forbidden.
The verses that follow demonstrate different aspects of women’s honor in Islam. The first verse (31:14) emphasizes gratitude toward parents, especially mothers, for their sacrifices during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. The second verse (30:21) describes marriage as a relationship based on tranquility, love, and mercy. The third verse (2:187) compares spouses to clothing for one another, illustrating mutual support and protection. The fourth verse (4:34) explains men’s responsibility as maintainers through financial provision. The fifth verse (4:19) forbids forcing women into marriage and commands kind treatment. The final verse (24:23) warns against falsely accusing chaste women, protecting their honor and reputation. Together, these verses demonstrate how Islam honors women as mothers, wives, and individuals while safeguarding their rights.
“We have enjoined upon man kindness to his parents. In travail upon travail his mother bears him, and his weaning takes place within two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the return [of all].” (Qur’an 31:14)
This verse shows the immense sacrifices mothers do for their children and calls for gratitude towards them
“And among His signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:21)
“They are a garment to you and you are a garment to them.” (Qur’an 2:187)
This verse describes the mutual support, love, and respect that should be shared between spouses.
“Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made one of them excel the other, and because they spend of their wealth [on them].” (Qur’an 4:34)
“O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor to hinder them from marrying others, in order to take away some of what you have given them, unless they are guilty of brazenly immoral conduct; but live with them in kindness. If you take a dislike to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” (Qur’an 4:19)
“Verily those who make accusations against chaste women who are innocent at heart and believers are cursed in this world and the hereafter, and theirs will be a grievous punishment.” (Qur’an 24:23)
References
Tafsir as-Sa’di, by Abdur-Rahman Nasir as-Sa’di. IIPH, English Edition 1 (2018), translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattab, edited by Huda Khattab. Volumes 1, 2, 6, and 7. Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, all 10 volumes. The Book of Marriage, from the Explanation of Bulugh al-Maram by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen. Maktabatulirshad Publications USA, First Edition (February 2017), translated by Mustafa Lamei ‘Abdul Hakim al-Misri.
Further Reading
- Status and Honor of Women: the honor Islam gave women after a time of oppression
- Islam Oppresses Women?: the claim of oppression answered from the books
- Advice to the Women: counsel to women on worship, modesty, and conduct
- The Wives of the Prophet (Ummahat al-Mu’minin): the Mothers of the Believers, their lives and their rank
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir as-Sa’di (IIPH), Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), and The Book of Marriage (Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen).