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 the Messnger of Allah,
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.
