CSS 2019 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Rights of Women in Islam
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner has asked about the rights of women in Islam in the context of the current wave of the feminist movement; by exploring the Quranic perspective on women’s rights and comparing it with contemporary feminist movements, one can better understand the unique position of Muslim women today and how Islamic teachings can contribute to ongoing discussions on women rights. In this answer, we will discuss the rights of women in Islam in the context of the current wave of the feminist movement. Also, the first part is an outline, breaking the question into different parts. Moving further, an introduction is given, followed by an overview of the rights of women in Islam and the current feminist wave, a critical analysis, and a conclusion.
Outline
1–Introduction
2-Debunking the term Feminism
3-Significant Rights Granted to Women in Islam
- ✓ Right to spiritual equality
- ✓ Right to education
- ✓ Right to own property
- ✓ Right to inheritance
- ✓ Right to choose spouse and divorce
- ✓ Right of protection from domestic violence
4–Rights of women in Islam in the context of the current wave of the feminist movement
4.1. Convergence of women’s rights in Islam and the current wave of Feminism
- ✓ Financial Rights of women
- ✓ Educational Rights of women
- ✓ Social and Marital Rights of women
4.2. Divergence of Women’s Rights in Islam and the Current Wave of Feminism
- ✓ Political and leadership Rights of women
- ✓ Modesty and dress code for women
- ✓ Family and motherhood Rights for women
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The rights of women in Islam have long been a subject of debate, especially when viewed through the lens of the current wave of feminist movement. Indeed, Islam, centuries ago, granted women legal, social, and economic rights that were revolutionary for the time. However, with the current global wave of feminism demanding gender equality in all aspects of life, there is a renewed interest in how Islamic principles align with or differ from, modern feminist ideals. By exploring the Quranic perspective on women’s rights and comparing it with contemporary feminist movements, we can better understand the unique position of Muslim women today and how Islamic teachings can contribute to ongoing discussions on women’s rights.
Debunking the Term Feminism
Before going deeper into the matter, it is pertinent to Debunk the term ‘Feminism’; its core objectives are gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms. The current wave, dubbed “fourth-wave feminism,” emphasizes intersectionality, inclusivity, and social justice. It addresses issues like reproductive rights, body autonomy, and systemic inequalities. Despite its positive intentions, feminism faces backlash from misconceptions and extremist factions. Mainstream media often amplifies radical voices, distorting the movement’s image. As a result, many individuals, including women, shy away from identifying as feminists. Clarifying feminism’s true purpose and goals is essential to promote genuine understanding, unity, and progress toward gender equality.
Significant Rights Granted to Women in Islam
Islam granted women unprecedented rights over 1400 years ago, revolutionizing their status in society. Women received rights that are mentioned below:
- Right to spiritual equality
First, Islam grants women spiritual Equality, recognizing their equal potential for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. Indeed,
“the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who guard their private parts, the men who remember Allah often and the women who remember Allah often – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
(33:35)
This verse emphasizes equal spiritual worth, using parallel language for men and women. Hence the repetition of “men and women” underscores their equal potential for spiritual growth, obedience, and righteousness.
- Right to education
Second, Islam emphasizes the right to education for women, recognizing its significance in their intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. Indeed,
“Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot of blood. Recite, and your Lord is most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.”
(96:1-5)
This verse commands seeking knowledge without gender distinction. Thus, the emphasis on the pen highlights the importance of literacy and education.
- Right to own property
Third, Islam grants women the right to own and manage property, ensuring financial autonomy and security. For instance,
“And for men is a share of what the parents and relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and relatives leave, whether it is little or much, a specified share.”
(4:7)
This verse establishes women’s inheritance rights, ensuring they receive a designated share of property. The use of “specified share” emphasizes women’s entitlement to property, regardless of marital status or family relationships. Hence, Islam has consistently emphasizes on the women’s property rights.
- Right to inheritance
Next, Islam grants women the right to inheritance, ensuring financial security and protection. Indeed,
“Allah commands you regarding your children: for the male, a share equal to that of two females. If there are only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the estate. And if there is only one, her share is half.”
(4:11-12)
These verses establish women’s inheritance rights, specifying their share in relation to men’s. Therefore, Islam protects women’s financial futures through inheritance rights, ensuring their security and well-being.
- Right to choose spouse and divorce
Moving ahead, Islam grants women the right to choose their spouse, ensuring autonomy and consent in marriage. For instance,
“And how could you take it while you have gone in unto each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?”
(4:21)
This verse emphasizes mutual consent in marriage, highlighting the importance of women’s However, Islam assures women the right to divorce, providing a safeguard against unhappy marriages. For instance,
“And when you divorce women and they reach their prescribed period, then either retain them in kindness or release them in kindness.”
(2:231)
This verse establishes women’s right to divorce. Thus, Islam recognizes women’s autonomy and consent in marriage, granting them the right to choose their spouse and also, if the marriage did not work, women have a right to divorce; Islam provides a safeguard against unhappy marriages.
- Right of protection from domestic violence
Last but not least, Islam prohibits domestic violence, ensuring women’s safety and dignity. To illustrate,
“Live with them in kindness, even if you dislike them. It is possible that you dislike something, and Allah makes therein much good.”
(4:19)
This verse commands kindness and respect in marital relationships. Islamic scholarship interprets this verse as prohibiting physical and emotional harm. Hence, Islam safeguards women from domestic violence, promoting a culture of respect, kindness, and dignity in marital relationships.
Rights of Women in Islam in Context of the Current Wave of the Feminist Movement
4.1. Convergence of women’s Rights in Islam and the current wave of feminism
First, Taking a glance at some major similarities between Islamic Rights for women and the current wave of feminist ideology in the ways of emphasizing equality and justice, education rights, economic rights, and social rights, all are discussed below in detail
- Economic Rights of Women
Second, Islam has given all women the right to own and inherit property, an unprecedented move for the time. Indeed,
“For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.”
(4:32)
This right to financial autonomy is fundamental in Islam, providing women the right to engage in business, earn their own income, and manage their financial affairs without male interference. For instance, feminist movements continue to fight for equal pay and financial independence, Women like Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a Pakistani filmmaker and activist, have used their platforms to challenge gender-based economic disparities and uplift women’s rights. Hence, demonstrating the economic rights of women with relevance to current wave of feminist ideology.
- Educational Rights
Third, the Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of education for both men and women. In fact, The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”
This principle laid the foundation for women’s right to education in Islam, which was ground-breaking at a time when education was typically reserved for men. For instance: In line with this teaching, Muslim women like Malala Yousafzai have become global icons advocating for girls’ education. Malala’s activism aligns with both Islamic teachings and feminist ideals, illustrating that the pursuit of knowledge is a right for all, regardless of gender.
- Social and Marital Rights
Lastly, Islam offers women significant social rights, particularly within marriage. Indeed, in Quran it is mentioned,
“Live with them in kindness; for if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good.”
(4:19)
This reflects the emphasis on respect and compassion between spouses, granting women the right to fair treatment and consent within marriage. For example: current wave within of feminist movement regarding bodily autonomy and marital rights often parallel Islamic teachings on mutual respect and consent, such as Dr. Amina Wadud, an Islamic feminist, has argued that Islam’s marriage principles promote fairness and equity between spouses, aligning closely with modern feminist ideals of mutual respect in relationships.
4.2. Divergence of women’s Rights in Islam and the current wave of feminist Ideology
Taking a glance at some major Differences between Islamic Rights for women and the current wave of feminist ideology in the ways of Modesty and dress code for women, Family and Motherhood Rights, and Political and leadership Rights, all are discussed below in detail
- Modesty and dress code for women
First, Islamic teachings on modesty and dress code for women diverge from modern feminist ideology, highlighting distinct perspectives on autonomy, empowerment, and cultural context. For instance, Islamic rights for women emphasise the hijab, whereas the current wave of feminists critiques patriarchal control over women’s bodies, showing the body and considering it as modernism. The current wave of feminist emphasises individual autonomy and choice regarding dress code, viewing societal expectations as oppressive. Thus, Islamic teachings prioritize modesty (hijab) as a means of protecting women’s dignity and preventing objectification.
- Family and motherhood Rights for women
Second, Islamic teachings on family and motherhood diverge from modern feminist ideology, prioritizing familial responsibilities over individual autonomy. For instance, Modern feminism emphasizes individual autonomy and career goals, while Islamic teachings prioritize familial responsibilities and childcare.
“ A mother’s paradise for kids are at her feet.”
(Bukhari)
Islamic teachings emphasis on family unity and childcare, whereas current wave of feminist critiques of breastfeeding, Taking care of kids alone and doing all mother work done my themselves; they prefer hiring a nurse from the beginning for child’s nourishment. Therefore, Islamic teachings on family and motherhood diverge from modern feminist ideology, reflecting distinct values and priorities.
- Political and Leadership Rights
Further, the Islamic Rights of women and the current wave of feminism differ significantly. Islam assigns positive roles to women in politics and men in advisory positions. Despite granting women’s rights, the current wave of feminism fails to deliver proper political Rights in Western countries, where men dominate and always lead their political parties, but Islam has given all women unmatched status, such as by Hazrat Asma’s participation in battles, whereas in the current era, Pakistan is the developing country but due to its religious affiliations with Islam, a female leader Benazir Bhutto became a Prime Minister. In contrast, the US has never had a female president, highlighting modern feminism’s shortcomings compared to Islam’s robust women’s rights. Hence, political and leadership Rights vary in Islamic teachings and the current wave of Feminist ideology.
Critical Analysis
Critically, the rights afforded to women in Islam are unparalleled, surpassing those offered by modern feminism. For example, despite widespread recognition, no female leader has ever ruled America, the UN’s headquarters. Islam also permits abortion in cases of rape-induced pregnancy, whereas many Western nations have banned abortion. Moreover, the current wave of feminism is dismantling the family system in every aspect, neglecting children’s well-being while prioritizing equal rights to the extent that current Feminists strive to surpass men. In contrast, Islam promotes equality while maintaining a balance between both genders.
Conclusion
Wrapping the above debate, the rights granted to women in Islam over 1,400 years ago have laid a strong foundation for gender equality, offering spiritual, social, economic, and political rights and sparked intense debate amidst the current feminist wave. As the feminist movement continues to evolve, there is growing recognition that Islamic principles can contribute to modern discussions on women’s rights.
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