Guest Author - Serkan Tufan
As far as women’s role in the family life concerned, woman is recognized by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of humankind. He is the father; she is the mother, and both are essential for life. Her role is not less vital than his. By this partnership she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights; she undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are as many qualities and as much humanity as there are in her partner.
God says:
O mankind! Verily We have created your from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other... (Qur’an, 49:13; cf. 4:1).
Men and women complement each other:
“The believing men and believing women are associates and helpers of each other. They collaborate to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil.” (Nisa -Women -4:19)
Her rights match beautifully with her duties. The balance between rights and duties is maintained, and no side overweighs the other.
Women’s Rights in Islam
- Right to own and dispose property
- Right to inheritance
- Right to choose husband and divorce
- Right to acquire education and work
- Full freedom of expression of views
Marriage in Islam
- Men and women are created for each other
“They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.” (Al-Baqara 2:187)
- Love, mercy and tranquility in marriage
“And among His signs is this, which He created for you mates among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them and he has put love and mercy between you.” (Ar-Rum 30:21)
Role of Husband and Wife
- Different but complementary natures
- Husband is financially responsible. He has to prepare house and furniture for marriage, and he also has to give the bride the marriage-gift (Mahr, called dowry in English- Bride decide what she wants and the amount or type of the gift-money, property or else...)This is to support women more financially. In Islam, the giving of mahr to the bride by the groom is an essential part of the contract stated by God:
"And give the women (on marriage) their mahr as a free gift." (Qur'an 4:4)
- Duty, not superiority:
“We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you might get to know one another. The noblest of you in God’s sight is who is most righteous” (Al-Hujurat 49:13)
- Wife does not have to spend for household expenses
- Not obligated to do housework
- Not even responsible for nursing her child after the birth, in that case, the husband has to hire a woman to give breast milk to the child.
- Keeps her basic rights after marriage
Responsible for:
- Safeguarding her own and husband’s chastity, as well as his property
- Raising the children
These are the basics about women in Islam, I’ll conclude by quoting a hadith from Messenger Mohammed: “Whoever raises her/his daughter with great care and help her get educated (having faith and having formal education), that means he already built himself a shield against hell" (Ebu Davud, Tirmizi).
