What the Quran Says About Women | Truth vs Myths

Women are the foundation of the family and society. The Quran verses clearly highlight the value and sanctity of women. The status of women in Islam has been often clouded by misconceptions and myths that may not align with Quranic teachings. To understand the true Islamic perspective on women, we must examine the Quran directly as it is the primary source of Islamic guidance. 

In this blog, we will explore the rights and respect of women in the light of the Quran teaching and debunk some contemporary myths. 

Spiritual Equality: Men and Women as Equal Believers

The Quran establishes fundamental spiritual equality between men and women. The Quranic verses explicitly state that righteous deeds are valued equally regardless of gender. Both men and women have equal access to Paradise. The phrase “will not be wronged” emphasizes that divine justice applies equally to both sexes. This spiritual equality forms the foundation of the Islamic worldview. It contradicts the myth that Islam considers women spiritually inferior or incapable of achieving the highest levels of faith.

وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ مِن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌۭ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ نَقِيرًۭا

“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, (even as much as) the speck on a date seed.” (Quran 4:124)

Women as Mothers: The Foundation of Respect

The Quran places extraordinary emphasis on honoring mothers, often mentioned alongside the worship of Allah.

 وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًۭا كَرِيمًۭا

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with you, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.” (Quran 17:23)

Another Quran verse specifically acknowledges the physical and emotional sacrifices mothers make during pregnancy and child-rearing.

“And We have enjoined upon man (care) for his parents. His mother carried him, (increasing her) in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years.” (Quran 31:14)*

 Islamic tradition further emphasizes this with the famous saying that “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers.” This reverence for motherhood establishes women in a position of honor and respect within the family structure.

These verses counter the myths that suggest Islam devalues women’s contributions to society.

Economic Independence and Property Rights

The Quran acknowledges women’s right to economic independence and ownership of wealth. It grants women the right to earn, own property, conduct business, and inherit wealth. It was a revolutionary concept for 7th-century Arabia. Women in early Islamic society were traders, property owners, and entrepreneurs. The Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) first wife, Hazrat Khadijah (R.A), was a successful businesswoman who employed him before their marriage. 

لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌۭ مِّمَّا ٱكْتَسَبُوا۟ ۖ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِيبٌۭ مِّمَّا ٱكْتَسَبْنَ ۚ وَسْـَٔلُوا۟

“For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.” (Quran 4:32)

This verse denies the myth that Islam prevents women from economic participation or requires them to be financially dependent on men.

Educational Pursuits: The Obligation to Seek Knowledge

The Quran’s emphasis on knowledge, reasoning, and reflection includes no gender restrictions. Islamic scholars emphasize that the obligation to seek knowledge applies equally to men and women.  Historical Islamic civilization saw women as scholars, teachers, and intellectuals.

وَٱللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًۭٔا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

“And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing and sight and hearts that you might give thanks.” (Quran 16:78)

The myth that Islam discourages female education contradicts the Quranic emphasis on knowledge as a divine gift to be developed by all believers, regardless of gender.

Marriage as Partnership and Mutual Rights

The Quran presents marriage as a partnership based on mutual love, mercy, and tranquility. Marriage is a sacred relation established between spouses.

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ

“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.” (Quran 30:21)

Women have an equal right to decide about their marriage. They are supposed to be treated kindly.

“And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them.” (Quran 2:228)

This verse grants women rights “similar to” those of men, emphasizing reciprocity in marriage. The “degree above” refers to men’s financial responsibilities and leadership in certain contexts, not inherent superiority. The verse emphasizes that this leadership should be exercised in kindness, establishing limits on authority and emphasizing compassionate treatment. 

This verse challenges myths about women being property or having no rights in marriage.

Protection from Harm and Justice

The Holy Quran explicitly prohibits forcing women into marriage, treating them harshly, or exploiting them financially.

The Quran says;

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَن تَرِثُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ كَرْهًۭا ۖ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوا۟ بِبَعْضِ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّآ أَن يَأْتِينَ بِفَـٰحِشَةٍۢ مُّبَيِّنَةٍۢ ۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ

“O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them – except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary, live with them on a footing of kindness and equity.” (Quran 4:19)

The command to live with women ‘on a footing of kindness and equity’ establishes clear standards for respectful treatment. The Quran emphasizes consent, kind treatment, and protection of women from exploitation. 

These verses oppose the myths about women having no agency or protection under Islamic law. These verses established women rights in contexts where such protections were virtually non-existent.

Understanding Context: Cultural Practice vs. Religious Teaching

It is important to distinguish between Quranic teachings and cultural practices that may have developed in various Muslim societies over time. Many practices attributed to Islam, such as honor killings, forced marriages, or denial of education directly contradict Quranic principles. The Quran was revealed in a historical context where it significantly improved women’s status, granting rights that were revolutionary for their time and remain progressive today.

Understanding what the Quran actually says about women requires careful study of the text itself, rather than relying on cultural interpretations or external stereotypes. The verses examined here reveal Islam’s recognition of women as full human beings with rights, responsibilities, and capabilities equal to men in many respects, while acknowledging certain complementary differences in roles and responsibilities.

The ongoing challenge for Muslim communities worldwide is to implement these Quranic principles faithfully, ensuring that cultural practices align with the text’s spirit of justice, mercy, and respect for women’s dignity and rights.

Conclusion

The Quran presents a comprehensive view of women that emphasizes spiritual equality, economic rights, educational opportunities, and respectful treatment within families and society. The Quran verses debunk the contemporary myths that women are inferior in Islamic society. Rather than subjugating women, these verses establish frameworks for dignity, protection, and empowerment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Quran require women to obey their husbands unconditionally?

No. While the Quran discusses leadership roles within marriage, it emphasizes kindness, mutual consultation, and prohibits harsh treatment. Obedience is conditional on righteous leadership and just treatment.

Are women considered half the worth of men in Islam?

A: The Quran establishes spiritual equality between men and women. Differences in inheritance or testimony rules in specific legal contexts reflect different social responsibilities and circumstances, not inherent worth.

Does Islam allow women to work outside the home?

Yes, The Quran grants women economic rights and the ability to earn wealth. Many early Muslim women were businesspeople, scholars, and professionals.

 Can women be religious leaders in Islam?

Women can be scholars, teachers, and spiritual guides. While there are debates about certain formal religious roles, women have historically played important roles in Islamic scholarship and spiritual guidance.