Women's Rights: Islamic Teachings and Our Practical Approach

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 16 August 2025 The Urgent Need for Practical Implementation of Women’s Rights in SocietyMainPoints: Main Points: 1. Islamic Teachings Have Granted Comprehensive Rights to Women 2. Neglect of Girls’ Education—Especially Religious—is a Major Concern 3. Lack of Institutional Support and Safe Educational Spaces for Muslim Girls ----- When we study human society in the light of Islam, the most prominent truth that emerges is that Islam has recognized women as dignified, respected, and rightful individuals. This is not merely a claim; it is firmly established through the clear directives of the Qur'an and Sunnah, which testify that women have been granted their personal, financial, familial, educational, and marital rights. Not only have these rights been granted, but their protection has also been emphatically emphasized. As a student of Islamic knowledge, I wholeheartedly affirm this reality: Islam is a religion that uplifts the status of women and ensures the safeguarding of their rights. Islamic teachings grant women a share in inheritance, the right to consent in marriage, financial support and maintenance, and—most importantly—the right to acquire knowledge. The Noble Prophet ﷺ declared the pursuit of knowledge obligatory for both men and women. Yet, when we look at our current Muslim society, it is with deep regret that we must admit these shining principles are rarely reflected in our character or collective behaviour. Neglect of Education: The Greatest Deprivation One of the most glaring shortcomings in our society is the lack of interest in girls' education. This neglect is even more severe when it comes to religious education. In urban areas, girls do receive some level of education, but often it is limited to obtaining a degree or securing employment. Islam, however, does not regard knowledge merely as a tool for earning a livelihood—it sees it as a means of personal development and a path to attaining closeness to Allah ﷻ. In rural areas, the situation is even more alarming. Even today, there are countless villages in India where sending girls to school is not considered necessary. Parents often deprive their daughters of education, assuming that since she will eventually be managing a household after marriage, there is no real need for her to study—as if education is a right reserved only for men. As a result, not only do women lag behind in worldly knowledge, but many remain unaware of even the basic tenets of their faith. Another tragic reality is that even among the girls who are familiar with the basic beliefs and practices of Islam, many fall short when it comes to applying them in daily life. The lack of practical adherence in areas such as worship, character, modesty, and Islamic etiquette highlights the deficiencies in the religious upbringing within our homes. From Afghanistan to India: A Shared Responsibility When we hear about the Taliban government in Afghanistan banning girls’ education, we rightly view it as a grave injustice. But we must also ask ourselves: are we, in India—especially in Muslim-majority rural areas—truly providing educational opportunities for our daughters? There may not be an official ban here, but tradition, negligence, and social pressure have created an unspoken barrier that functions in much the same way. Islam places tremendous emphasis on the value of education—so much so that the very first revelation of the Qur’an began with the command to read: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Surah Al-‘Alaq 96:1) Yet in practice, we have pushed this divine instruction to the margins of our lives. Hijab and the Lack of Educational Opportunities Another concerning issue today is that when it comes to students who wear the hijab, many private schools and institutions either avoid admitting them or outright ban the wearing of hijab. This creates serious difficulties for Muslim girls who wish to pursue modern education while remaining committed to their faith. Sadly, our own Muslim community has failed to provide a strong alternative to this problem. While our business community has established countless restaurants, biryani outlets, and shopping centres, it has paid little attention to building high-quality, faith-friendly educational institutions for girls. Our cities lack libraries, research centres are nearly non-existent, and there are very few schools or colleges where girls can receive an education in an environment that respects modesty and Islamic values. The Threat of "Bhagwa Love Jihad": But Where Are the Practical Steps? These days, we often hear concerns about so-called “Bhagwa Love Jihad” and similar conspiracies, where Muslim girls are allegedly lured and pressured into leaving their religion. Protests are held, speeches are made, and campaigns are launched on social media. But the real question is: what concrete steps have we taken on our part to prevent this? We have restricted mosques to men only, without establishing any effective system of religious education or spiritual training for women. We have failed to create institutions, centres, or programs where girls can receive proper guidance on how to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. As a result, when external challenges arise, many of our daughters are found to be weak in both thought and faith. The Practical Implementation of Women's Rights: A Need of the Hour Islamic teachings are not merely theoretical statements; they represent a complete and practical way of life. Until we begin to implement these teachings in our communities, the problems facing women will persist. We must acknowledge the truth: it is not enough to simply claim that “Islam has given many rights to women.” We must turn those rights into a lived reality within our society. Some Essential Steps That Must Be Taken 1. Prioritize Education: Awareness campaigns should be launched to promote girls’ education in both rural and urban areas, with special emphasis on religious education and its importance. 2. Establish Hijab-Friendly Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities should be created where girls who wear the hijab can study without fear or discrimination. 3. Religious Centres for Women: Every locality should have centres—either within mosques or in separate buildings—where women can attend Qur’an study sessions, learn about the life of the Prophet ﷺ, and study basic fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). 4. Parental Awareness and Training: Parents should be educated about the rights, dignity, and religious education of their daughters so they can create a nurturing and respectful environment at home. 5. Lead by Example: Religious scholars, community leaders, and influential figures should lead by example by educating their own daughters and becoming role models for others. Conclusion The status Islam has given to women is unmatched by any other system in the world. However, this status will only become a reality when we change our social attitudes. If we provide our daughters with education, dignity, and opportunities for proper upbringing, they will not only enrich their own homes but also become a source of blessing for the entire ummah. We must remember that an educated, aware, and faithful woman lays the foundation for a generation that is strong in faith, knowledge, and character. On the other hand, an ignorant or religiously negligent mother brings up a weak and vulnerable generation. This is why Islam has regarded the education and training of women as essential for the survival and advancement of the entire Muslim community. Therefore, it is no longer enough to simply say, “Islam has given many rights to women.” We must prove this by putting these rights into practice. Until we take this step, our societal problems will persist, and women will continue to be deprived of their rightful place. ----- Related Articles: Afghan Women under the Taliban: Their Voices and Expectations, with Six Proposals for the International Community Is Islam Misogynistic? A Closer Look at Faith, Culture, and the Power of Perspective The Afghan Taliban's Decision To Deny Women Modern Education Violates Islamic Principles The Denial of Education to Muslim Girls in Afghanistan Goes Against the Teachings of Islam The Prophet’s Deep Love for His Daughters: A Lesson in Respect and Kindness Taliban Vs. Islam: Preventing Women From Education Is A Sin In Islam The Call for Education: A Critical Examination of the Taliban’s Restrictions on Women in Light of Islamic Teachings and International Condemnation ------ Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/rights-islamic-teachings-approach/d/136507 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism