Episode 10: Women as viewed by Islam (3/3)

5-Her rights to inheritance, as men did. Depending on who passed away (father, husband, brother or son), she would receive a specific portion that nobody could contest. Allah says: "Men shall have a portion of what the parents and the near relatives leave, and women shall have a portion of what the parents and the near relatives leave, whether there is little or much of it; a stated portion." [Surah An-Nisa’, 7]

She can buy and sell, do business, or give charity with her own money, however she felt like, away from male oppression that took place during the pagan era. And in this is recognition of her financial and economic rights.

6- The command for fair treatment and generosity towards the wife, Allah the most high says: "But consort with them in kindness" [Surah An-Nisa’, 19]. This way, they can live in harmony, love can grow and the family can have an environment of tranquility and calm, especially between couples, which Allah put mercy and love between them. He says in this regard: “And among His Signs is this that He created for you spouses of your own kind, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy for one another: verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” [Surah Ar-Rum, 21].

Lastly, the religion has advised kindness and softness towards the wife, when conditions lead them to divorce, about which the Most High said: "(a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness." [Surah Al-Baqarah, 229].

7- Giving a whole chapter in the Glorious Qur'an the name "women". It contains many rulings related to various topics about women. It reminds about her humanity and the need to be kind to her, by giving her all her legislated rights without dishonesty. It also covers principles regarding her relationship with her husband and family. All of this shows the high position that Islam specified for women.

These were some basic principles and values, which Islam brought in dealing with women. Nonetheless, they caused uproar amongst the Arabs of the pre-Islamic era. That's because it was a revolution against the core ideas and perceptions, which they inherited from their fathers since many centuries ago. Today, they witness these ideas fall and dissipate in front of their own eyes, by the coming of this new religion and new message.

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