Place of Women in Islam

A Muslim woman answers questions about Islam in the Washington Post and talks about gender equality:

In early Islamic history women played an essential role participating in all aspects of life whether it is political, theological, military, economic or social. As Islam spread, Muslims took on some of the traditions of the cultures they came across that were not always so generous towards women. Despite this, Muslim women have continued to play a major role in Islamic communities but over the centuries their role in public life has become less obvious.

The question that continues to be asked today is about the rights of Muslim women. Chapter 4 of the Qur'an is entitled ‘An-Nisa’ or ‘The Women’. The reason for this is not to separate women from men or to give them special privileges but to emphasize the need to safeguard the ‘rights’ given to them by God.

Muslim women today who are rediscovering their identity are able to find their place in front of God very easily. To find their place with fellow Muslim men is much harder!