Women's Rights by Sister Sara PotterEducation and work The right of females to become educated is equal to that of males, and, indeed, it is their duty to become educated. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said:
Although the fundamental role of women in Islam, as in any society, is to care for her family, there is nothing in Islam forbidding women to work. Marriage Although the Western media would have us believe that Muslim women are routinely forced into arranged, loveless marriages, when performed according to sunnah, a girl must give her consent to marry and may refuse marriage as many times as she wishes.
The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) is reported as telling a girl who was unhappy that her father had forced her into marriage, that she could choose to accept or invalidate the marriage. (Ibn Hanbal) Divorce Just as a Muslim woman is not forced into marriage, neither is she bound to remain in a marriage which is unhappy. Although divorce is not taken lightly by Muslims, considered Makruh (disapproved of) when not necessary because of the destabilising effect on the family, and although waiting periods must be respected by anyone, male or female seeking a divorce, when all attempts at mediation and reconciliation have failed a Muslim woman does have the right to divorce her husband, especially in cases where she fears cruelty or desertion. Ownership A woman’s inheritance, property or any money owned or earned by her is hers alone and there is no obligation upon her to share it with anyone, including her husband, nor is she required to spend it on her family.
Related Links: |