Women In Islam

Women in Islam- Quran and Hadith Compared




The Quran, the holy book of the Islamic faith, encourages equality between men and women. The Hadith, which was written by Islamic scholars in the belief that it's rules were consistent with the Quran, actually tries to change women's rights.



The Quran is the holy book of the Islamic faith. Muslims believe it is the word of Allah, their God. The Quran is the highest law. It was interpreted from God by Muhammad, the great prophet of the Islamic religion. He was also the man who sprea d the religion throughout the Middle east and Asia. (See Map) The whole Islamic faith revolves around this man's interpretation. Muslim's follow the Quran's laws every day of their life. These laws include treating women with kindness and equity, allo wing women to hold political positions, and allowing women inheritance rights. The Quran states, " And their Lord answered them: Truly I will never cause to be lost the work of any of you, Be you male or female, you are members one of another." (Dr. Sher if Abdel Azeem, "Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition," Welcome to Submission:par.49, online, Internet, 3 October 1997.) An example of an Islamic female leader is Benazir Bhutto, who served as the prime minister of
Pakista n. Dr. Shrerif Abdel Azeem quotes the Quran in Women in Islam Versus Women in Judaeo-Christian Tradition. It says "Live with them (your wives) on a footing of kindness and equity. If you dislike them it may be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a great deal of good." (Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem) The Quran gives women the right to inherit the property of their parents along with their siblings, male or female. The Quran states, "From what is left by parents and those nearest relat ed there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large-a determinate share." (Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem) As proven above, the Quran clearly defends the rights of women.






The Quran does in fact give specific guidance to women. One example is their dress code. There are three dress code rules for women that come from the Quran. (Women Dress Code in Islam," Welcome to Submission: par.42, online, Internet, 3 October 1997.) The first rule is The Best Garment. An excerpt from the Quran states:



O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of God's signs, that they may take heed



The second rule is Cover Your Bosoms. Using this rule, Allah orders the women to cover their bosoms when they dress up. The third rule requires women to lengthen their skirts. The Quran states:



O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall Lengthen their garments. Thus, they will be recognized and avoid being insulted. God is Forgiver, Most merciful



The Quran also says that women are allowed to relax in front of their family, but some women may feel more comfortable relaxed in front of their four year old nephew than in front of their sixteen year old son. The following quote is taken from th e Quran:



The women may relax (their dress code) around their fathers, their sons, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, the other women, and their (female) servants. They shall reverence GOD. GOD witnesses all things



Muhammad wrote in the Quran, "They (women) shall not reveal any parts of their bodies except that which is necessary." (Women Dress Code in Islam) The Quran also says that elderly women who will never be married can relax in public as long as they aren't too revealing. (Women Dress Code in Islam) As you can see, the Quran gives women specific guidance, however this guidance does not take away from their basic rights.



The Hadith is a book written by the scholars of the Islamic people. It is a story about Muhammad's life and contains his preferences. It is not the word of Allah. The Hadith contradicts the Quran in the area of women's rights and allows for wide interpretation. In an updated article written by Lisa Spray called In the name of God. Most Gracious, Most Merciful she quotes the Hadith, "Women are naturally, morally and religiously defective." (Lisa Spray, "In the Name of God. Most Gracious , Most Merciful," Submitters Perspective Newsletter: par.30, online, Internet, 3 October 1997.) In the same article she reminds us of one of the most famous Hadiths that is raised in the face of any Muslim woman seeking higher education or higher position. It was written by a man called Abu Bakra and states that any community ruled by a woman will never succeed. As shown above, the Hadith often contradicted the Quran.



The Hadith also suggests a strict interpretation of the dress code for women. The word Hijab is used in the Quran. Normally it means cover your head. This may or may not include face without eyes and may also include one eye. This is not the wa y it was used in the Quran though. This meaning came from Jewish decent. (Women Dress Code in Islam) The followers of the Hadith adopted this meaning and that is why many of the Muslim women wear head garments. Many Muslim Men tell the women that this rule comes from the Quran.



The Quran and the Hadith clearly contradict each other in the area of women's rights. I believe that the Islamic people should follow the Quran if they truly believe it is the word of Allah. By doing this, women's rights will be protected.