Muslim Women's Rights: Misunderstood

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“And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in a just manner… (Surah Al Baqarah 2-228)
Islam is a religion of peace, equality, and tolerance. It discusses the issues of life regarding to politics, academics, social, economics, and spirits. In addition, there are also rights and obligations for men and women to act according to Islamic teachings for their prosperity in this world as well as in the eternal life. With respect to women’s rights in Islam, non-Muslims interpret the Islamic teaching in an erroneous manner due partly to lack of understanding; however, it is also partly due to bad conduct of some Muslims in Muslim countries.
Non-Muslim society thinks that women in Islam have no freedom. Men are dominant and women are submissive to her father, brother, husband or son. According to Islamic teachings, Muslim women possess freedom. They have the right to acquire education, choose a career, and select a life partner. The first example was set by Khadija. She was the lady who liked Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and asked him to marry. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) accepted her proposal and married her. Indeed, they also have the right take Khula (the right of Muslim woman to take divorce from her husband in Islam) under the worst circumstances.
Moreover, there are no restrictions for women to work and hold leadership positions. In history, there are famous Muslim women scholars, philanthropists, and rulers. The first wife of Muhammad, Khadija is business women. Also, Ashifa Bint Abdullah was the first woman to be appointed by Caliph Umar Ibn Alkhatab as a market inspector and a manager. According to the Quran, men and women have the same spirit; there is no superiority in the spiritual sense betw...

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...t create these false allegations. Muslim women have equal rights as men in certain conditions. Men have authority or take actions to protect women from dangers. Islam believes in equality, as a matter of fact, God has given men more strength. For instance, if a thief enters the house, will you say, “I believe in women’s rights- I believe in women’s rights”- Will you tell your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife, to go and fight the robber? No, but naturally, you will fight them.
So, in physical strength, man is one degree higher than the woman. On the contrary, the mother is three times preferred than the father as the mother is one degree higher. In conclusion, both Muslim men and Muslim women are equal. They are equal but not identical. They have equal rights and are able to work as long as they are in Islamic limits, rules and dress code.

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