Islam is very clear about the vital role of women in building a healthy and prosperous society. Before the advent of Islam, women were subject to contempt, disgrace, disparity, torture and cruelty almost everywhere in the world. Islam was the first religion that did not only introduce gender equality in its real sense, but also determined the role of women in building a stable society.

There are some general misconceptions that Islam infringes upon basic rights of women or impose unfair restrictions on them. To strengthen this wrong perception, the Western media usually refers to some tribal or ethnic practices in some Muslim countries that have nothing to do with Islam. For example, the laws of Taleban denying women the rights to education and participating in economic activity are widely cited as "Islamic prejudices" against women where as Islam never imposes such restrictions on women.

This gross misinformation persuaded us to publish a series of articles to educate the public on the role and status of women in Islam. Here are some of the articles:

The Status of a Woman in Islam

By Hammuda Abdul-Ati, PH.D.

"...the fact remains that whatever rights modern woman enjoys fall short of those of her Muslim counterpart. What Islam has established for woman is that which suits her nature, gives her full security and protects her against disgraceful circum- stances and uncertain channels of life."

Women in the Quran and the Sunnah

Prof. Abdur Rahman I. Doi
Professor and Director, Center for Islamic Legal Studies
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira, Nigeria

In Islam there is absolutely no difference between men and women as far as their relationship to Allah is concerned, as both are promised the same reward for good conduct and the same punishment for evil conduct. The Qur'an says:

And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (2:226)

Women in Qur'an

This is a compilation of all the verses in the Quran that refer to "women".

Gender Equity in Islam

Jamal A. Badawi, Ph.D.

Nowhere the Qur'an states that one gender is superior to the other. Some mistakenly translate "qiwamah" or responsibility for the family as superiority. The Qur'an makes it clear that the sole basis for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness not gender, color, or nationality.

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