Islam
is the first religion that has recognized women as equal partners to men. She
has equal rights and responsibilities.
Persuasion of knowledge was made
incumbent equally upon both men and women. Both men and women are equal and are
equally accountable to God.
Throughout
the Islamic history women have enjoyed complete freedom of expression. In the
days of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), women participated
in serious discussions on policy matters and voted on those matters, a privilege
obtained by the Western women only recently.
Islam
strongly encourages marriage and Muslim women have right to choose their life
partners. Her property or the wealth remains hers even after her marriage and
she retains her maiden name.
In
all financial matters Islam recognizes women, single or married, as independent
human beings with independent personalities. She is entitled to inherit property
from her deceased kin as a wife, mother, sister or daughter. Islamic laws guarantee
maintenance rights to her even against an adverse will.
She
enjoys a very high position in Islam as a mother.
Unlike
other societies, Islam does not see her as a commodity and forbids her exploitation.
Muslim women dress and live modestly. They follow the same dress code that
was prescribed by God for the women of the Jewish and Christian faith but is now
limited to only nuns.