Human Rights in Islamic Thought: The Status of Women
Introduction
The rights of God and His creatures constitute one of the most vital aspects of the Divine
message, as revealed through Scripture and the teachings of the Prophets. This message provides
guidance for righteous conduct and establishes the justice upon which heaven and earth are
founded. As Almighty Allah states:
“Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear arguments, and sent down with them the Book and
the balance that men may conduct themselves with equity.” (al-Hadid 57:25)
The Sharia establishes standards of justice applicable not only among Muslims but also in their
dealings with non-Muslims. In the Holy Qur'an, God commands believers to transcend personal
animosity, ensuring that hatred does not lead to injustice or the denial of rights:
“And let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably: act equitably.” (al-Maidah 5:08)
Consequently, humanity—exalted by God above all other creatures—possesses inherent dignity.
Rights regarding life, convictions, and property are inviolable, regardless of color, race, or
religion, as all people are equal in their fundamental rights and duties. According to a Hadith
related by Ibn Majja: “The true believer is he whom people can trust with their property and
lives.” In this context, "people" refers to all of humanity, not Muslims alone.
Meaning of Haqq (Right)
The Arabic word haqq encompasses several meanings. Al-Damagha identifies no fewer than
thirteen definitions within the Qur'an, including God Himself, the Qur'an, Islam, equity,
monotheism, sincerity, truth, obligation, legitimate possession, order of precedence, luck, and
need. Early authorities on fiqh (jurisprudence) focused primarily on the linguistic and legal
aspects of the term rather than its metaphysical dimensions, typically using it to denote a legal
right arising from the Sharia.
The definition provided by Masud ibn Umar al-Taftazani is particularly comprehensive. He
defined "God’s rights" as those involving general welfare and collective interest, whereas
"human rights" pertain to the protection of private interests.
Islam provides a perfect charter of fundamental human rights, which can be categorized into:
1. Fundamental Human Rights
2. Rights of Non-Muslims within the Islamic State
These rights are derived from the Holy Qur'an, the Ahadith (traditions) of the Holy Prophet
(PBUH), and the precedents set by the four Pious Caliphs.
Fundamental Human Rights in Light of Qur'an and Hadith
Equality of All Humans
Islam emphasizes that all human beings are equal in origin and dignity. No distinction is made
based on race, color, lineage, or social status. Humanity is viewed as one family created by
Allah, entitled to equal treatment and respect. Piety is the only true measure of distinction.
“And of His signs is this: He created you of dust and you are now human beings dispersed
everywhere...” (ar-Rum 30:20)
Right to Life
Human life is sacred and cannot be taken unjustly. Islam strictly prohibits killing and considers
the preservation of life a noble act, applicable to all human beings regardless of background.
“And that you slay not the life which Allah has made sacred, save in the course of justice.” (al-
An'am 6:151)
Right to Religious Freedom
Islam guarantees freedom of belief and prohibits compulsion in matters of faith, promoting
tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“There is no compulsion in religion.” (al-Baqarah 2:256)
Right to Justice
Justice is central to Islamic teaching, requiring fairness in personal, social, and political dealings
without prejudice.
“And if you judge between mankind, that you judge justly.” (an-Nisa 4:58)
Right to Property
Islam recognizes the right to own and protect property, prohibiting unlawful appropriation or
exploitation.
“And eat not up your property among yourselves in vanity.” (al-Baqarah 2:188)
Right to Privacy
Islam safeguards personal dignity by prohibiting intrusion into the private lives of others without
permission.
“O you who believe, enter not houses other than your own without first announcing your
presence.” (an-Nur 24:27)
Social and Legal Equality
All individuals are equal before the law, regardless of race or nationality.
“There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab, nor for a
white over a black nor for a black over the white, except in piety.” (The Last Sermon of the
Prophet PBUH)
Status of Women in Islam
Islam granted an unprecedented spiritual, social, political, economic, and cultural status to
women. It acknowledged their complete personhood and safeguarded their rights while
acknowledging their specific roles within the Divine scheme.
“O mankind, keep your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created
its mate and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women.” (an-Nisa 4:01)
Religious and Social Standing
Islam maintains that women are human beings with souls identical to those of men. They are
equal in origin, their earthly abode, and their ultimate return, making them entitled to equal
rights.
Religious Relaxations: Islam provides flexibility for women regarding religious
obligations. They are exempted from prayer and fasting during menstruation and post-
childbirth recovery. Furthermore, exemptions apply during pregnancy or nursing if there
is a threat to the health of the mother or child.
As a Child and Adolescent: Islam abolished the practice of female infanticide and
mandated kindness toward daughters.
“And when the female (infant) buried alive is questioned, for what crime she was killed.” (al-
Takweer 81:8-9)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: “Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive,
does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise.”
Seeking knowledge is also a mandatory right for females.
As a Wife
Marriage is viewed as a partnership of mutual love, rest, and mercy.
“And among His signs is this: that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find
rest and peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy.” (ar-Rum 30:21)
Right to Select a Spouse: Islam forbids forced marriage. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
stated: “No widow should be married without consulting her, and no virgin be married
without her assent.”
Right to Mahr: A woman has the full right to her Mahr (marriage gift), which remains
her exclusive property.
Marital Rights: “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them.”
(al-Baqarah 2:228). While men are designated as maintainers and providers (an-Nisa
4:34), the relationship is rooted in harmony.
Right to Divorce (Khula): Islam provides women with the clear right to end an
unsuccessful marriage, ensuring their dignity and protection from injustice.
As a Mother
Mothers are accorded the highest level of respect and honor.
“And we have enjoined upon man (to be good) to his parents: His mother bears him in weakness
upon weakness.” (Luqman 31:14)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) famously emphasized the mother’s status three times before
mentioning the father and stated: “Paradise is at the feet of mothers.”
Economic Aspects
Independent Ownership: Islamic law fully acknowledges a woman's right to own
money, real estate, and other properties independently.
Employment: No decree in Islam forbids a woman from seeking employment when
necessary.
Inheritance: While inheritance rules generally state, “To the male the equivalent of the
portion of two females,” this is structured to reflect the man’s legal obligation to provide
financially for the entire family.
Conclusion
Islam recognizes the complete personhood of women, granting them comprehensive spiritual,
social, economic, and legal rights. Grounded in the Qur'an and Hadith, these principles ensure
that women are afforded dignity, equality, justice, and protection within society.