PMS 2021 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Barriers to Women’s Economic Rights in Islam
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2021 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored 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, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner asked about a thorough examination of how the barriers to women’s economic rights in Islam were removed and steps that need to be taken to make the financial rights of women in Pakistan effective in this particular question. However, the question will be attempted in appropriate paragraph form with a strong argument from the Quran or Sunnah to receive a good grade.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-A survey of women’s economic rights before the advent of Islam
3- How are the barriers to women’s economic rights in Islam removed?
- ✓Ensuring her right to property
- ✓Providing the right to inheritance
- ✓ Enabling her to conduct trade and business autonomously
- ✓Protecting women’s right to Mahar
- ✓ Encouraging her to pursue education
4-What steps need to be taken to make women’s economic rights in Pakistan effective?
- ✓ By strengthening the current inheritance law
- ✓By reforming the legal frameworks that ensure job equality
- ✓By focusing on women’s education and development
- ✓ By promoting job opportunities and economic inclusion
- ✓ By assessing economic policies that prioritize equality
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Islam acknowledges that although men and women perform different pursuits, both are valuable economically. Therefore, through several transformative teachings and laws, Islam eliminated obstacles to women’s economic rights. These laws sought to establish women’s financial independence and agency, allowing them to trade and conduct business on their own and to own, purchase, and sell property without the intervention of men. Nonetheless, some important things may be done to improve the economic position of women in Pakistan, like enforcing the current inheritance legislation, updating the legal frameworks to guarantee job equality, and expanding financial literacy programs. Therefore, defending and promoting women’s economic rights is essential for social advancement and economic resilience, and it goes beyond simple justice.
“The women are not a garment you wear and undress however you like. They are honoured and have their rights.” Umar ibn Al-Khattab
A survey of women’s economic rights in Pakistan
In Pakistan, there are many obstacles to women’s economic rights, such as significant pay gaps and few legal safeguards as compared to men. Numerous issues about politics, the economy, human capital, and the climate confront Pakistan. Pakistan cannot achieve its full inclusive growth and competitiveness potential unless women play a key role in tackling these issues. Women only made 18% of what males did in 2018–2019, underscoring the nation’s pervasive economic disparity. Additionally, cultural expectations and societal conventions limit women’s visibility and autonomy in the social and economic arenas. Furthermore, Pakistan was 145th out of 156 nations in the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2022 for women’s economic involvement and opportunity, 135th for women’s educational attainment, 143rd for women’s survival and health, and 95th for political empowerment.
“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
(G.D. Anderson)
How are the barriers to women’s economic rights in Islam removed?
- Ensuring her right to property
Undoubtedly, Islam granted women the power to own property, eliminating restrictions on their economic freedom. Islam emphasizes the value of financial empowerment by recognizing women’s autonomy in property ownership, inheritance, and management. For instance, “For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much—a legal share.” Surah An-Nisa (4:7). This verse highlights that women, like males, have a legitimate claim to inheritance; as a result, Islam disapproved of any cultural customs that prevented women from obtaining money and property. Women also have control over their financial resources, and society upholds Islamic values while empowering women to make economic decisions that benefit families and communities. As a result, giving women the right to own property has successfully eliminated obstacles to their economic rights in Islam, advancing financial independence and gender equality.
- Providing the right to inheritance
Additionally, Islam has granted all women the equal ability to inherit, which has led to the lifting of restrictions on their financial rights. Given that the Quran highlights women’s inheritance rights, this idea has strong Islamic roots: “Allah desires to make clear (the way of felicity) to you, and to guide you in the ways of those before you, and to turn to you (mercifully), and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” Surah An-Nisa’, Verse 26. As a result, this Hadith guarantees that Islam has granted women the right to inherit, preserving their financial future and ensuring economic stability.
- Enabling her to conduct trade and business autonomously
Furthermore, Islam has significantly reduced obstacles to women’s economic rights by permitting them to trade and conduct business autonomously. It has encouraged self-sufficiency and financial independence. As evidence, Allah says in the Quran, “Men shall have a share in what they earn, and women shall have a share in what they earn” (Quran 4:32). For instance, Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab selected Ashifa bint Abdullah as a market manager and inspector, emphasizing the role of women in commercial and governmental matters. Additionally, the most incredible wealth is that which a woman earns halal (legally) via her own hard work. As a result, these Islamic teachings promote economic freedom by demonstrating women’s autonomy in business and trade.
- Protecting women’s rights of Mahar
By defending women’s rights to mahr (dower) and dowry in marriage contracts, Islam has also eliminated obstacles to women’s economic rights, which are essential for guaranteeing their financial stability and respect in marriage. Mahr is a required gift given by a husband to his wife in Islam, demonstrating his devotion and giving her financial stability. According to the Quran (4:4): “And give the women [upon marriage] their dowry graciously.” This instruction highlights that, as mahr is the bride’s own financial asset in the marriage, it is an unalienable right that should not be denied or treated lightly. This clause guarantees women the means to support themselves in the event of necessity, a type of empowerment that can be particularly important in divorce or widowhood situations. Therefore, Islamic marriage contracts support women’s security, well-being, and dignity by defending their rights to mahr and dowry, which promotes a civil and harmonious marriage.
- Encouraging her to pursue education
Subsequently, Islam has eliminated the obstacle to women’s economic rights by allowing them to pursue education, which has promoted empowerment, financial independence, and personal growth. Islamic teachings strongly emphasise the value of education for both men and women. For instance, “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” (39:9). Thus, Islam has successfully eliminated obstacles to women’s economic rights by allowing them to pursue education, encouraging self-improvement, financial independence, and empowerment.
What steps must be taken to make women’s economic rights in Pakistan effective?
- Strengthening the current inheritance law
Women’s economic status in Pakistan can be improved by applying the current inheritance legislation in its truest sense. It guarantees their financial stability and autonomy. Nonetheless, women’s inheritance rights are guaranteed by Islamic law. Moreover, Article 23 of the Constitution guarantees the right to own property for every man and woman in the country. However, the government should establish checks and balances to apply this law properly. Therefore, strengthening women’s economic position in Pakistani society—which guarantees equality, independence, and financial security—requires putting the current inheritance legislation into practice in its genuine meaning.
By reforming the legal frameworks that ensure job equality
Afterwards, improving the economic position of women in Pakistan will require changing legal frameworks to guarantee job equality. It will encourage empowerment and financial freedom. Islamic beliefs place a strong emphasis on justice and equality in the workplace. For example, the story of inheritance being passed down via the family’s men is as old as time itself. Even if women are legally entitled to inherit, old habits seem to stick around. For instance, Baba Jan, president of the Awami Workers Party in GB, says, “Men in GB don’t hesitate to enrol their daughters in school — but when it comes to giving them property rights, they consider it shameful.” Jan frequently uses public gatherings and rallies as a platform to urge people to abandon these practices and protect the rights of both men and women. Therefore, improving women’s economic position in the nation requires changing legal frameworks to guarantee job equality. This will support financial independence, empower women, and align with Islamic teachings.
- By focusing on women’s education and development
Additionally, offering educational skill development programs will be a big step toward empowering women to play an economic role in the country by enabling them to gain employable skills and compete successfully in the labour market. Islamic teachings place a strong emphasis on developing one’s knowledge and abilities. By stating that “seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female,” for instance, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) promoted education and skill development (Sunan Ibn Majah). However, in 2021, the literacy rate was only 42% among rural women and 55% in rural areas, compared to 80% in urban areas. Female enrollment peaked at the primary level and then gradually declined at the secondary, college, and tertiary levels is an intriguing aspect of this situation. Productivity will, therefore, benefit society by providing quality education and skill development consistent with Islamic principles of independence.
- By promoting job opportunities, economic inclusion, and economic policies that prioritize equality
Lastly, promoting work opportunities and economic inclusion will be a critical first step towards a successful role for women in Pakistan’s economy. It will help women become financially independent and significantly contribute to their communities. For example, “Men shall have a share in what they earn, and women shall have a share in what they earn” (Quran 4:32) is stated in the Quran. The Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2021, the most current law passed in this area, aims to guarantee that harassment, pressure, force, or fraud do not infringe upon women’s ability to own and hold property. Pakistan can follow Iceland’s lead, as the country has the highest female labour force participation rate (70.1%) among those included in the World Bank’s Gender Data Portal. Therefore, encouraging economic inclusion will aid in bringing Islamic principles of fairness, compassion, and human dignity into line.
“Her aims are noble, her pity so broad,
It covers the world like the mercy of God.
A soother of discord, a healer of woes,
Peace follows her footsteps wherever she goes.”
(Ella Wheeler Wilcox)
Critical analysis
Critically, the complicated obstacles to women’s economic rights in Pakistan are primarily based on patriarchal interpretations of religion and cultural conventions, yet they are frequently falsely ascribed to Islamic teachings. Tax officer Amir Hassan said, “It’s very common for men to deprive daughters of their property rights through tamleek.” He explains that this allows people to get past the regulations that provide women their rightful share of a deceased person’s belongings. Islam grants women the right to work, own property, and inherit, but because of long-standing customs, these rights have been curtailed or ignored in some areas. Moreover, a broad strategy is needed to address these problems, such as enforcing the current inheritance law in its spirit and teaching communities about the genuine principles of Islam about women’s rights to dispel the myths that support these restrictions. Legal reforms are equally important for women to use their inheritance rights, obtain equal job opportunities, and pursue entrepreneurial enterprises without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Moreover, Pakistan can foster an atmosphere where women are permitted and encouraged to participate in the economy as equals by forming support networks, offering skills development opportunities, and involving religious experts in conversations about women’s rights.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” ― Serena Williams
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pakistan must be steadfast in its commitment to legal, social, and educational reforms that mirror the rights Islam grants its women if it hopes to fulfil the economic potential of its women fully. Pakistan can thus unleash women’s economic and social contributions by moving away from constrictive cultural conventions and adopting a genuine concept of gender parity as endorsed by Islamic teachings. Economically empowering women is also a step toward a more robust and resilient society that recognizes the abilities and capabilities of all its members, not merely a question of individual rights. As a result, accepting this shift will improve people’s quality of life, strengthen communities, and significantly advance Pakistan’s growth and prosperity, which will benefit the country as a whole.
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