It is a misconception that the Prophet Muhammad advocated the oppression of women as it has been perceived to be shown in his actions and the principles that he taught his followers.
But is it really the case that the Prophet’s teachings and practices endorse an oppressive way of life for women? (Of course No!)
Moreover, were his teachings based on his personal knowledge, experience, or the conditions of the society in which he lived?
Equality in Islam
Are Islamic attitudes toward women related to personal, social, and historical conditions?
As stated in the Quran which means: It is God who created you from a single person, and made its mate of like nature, in order that you might dwell with each other in mutual love.
This important verse expresses equality in the essence of both men and women in the means of Taqwa.
It is a principle that is grounded in an overarching view of humankind in Islam: that men and women are at the most fundamental level equal in the pursuit of ultimate happiness.
While Islamic law takes for granted certain biological and social differences between men and women, this overarching view of gender equality is never sacrificed.
At the same time, the rules and regulations that apply to women that seem discriminatory from a modern perspective were not based on the Prophet’s personal opinion or historical contingencies.
Rather, Muslims believe that the Prophet was the conveyer of divine speech which carries far-reaching wisdom.
It should be added that although there are biological and social differences between the genders, the Prophet’s ethics connect man and woman in a very significant way. In their pursuit of good works, the two are meant to be agents of good and help one another in doing what is ultimately virtuous.
Prophet Muhammad Worked to Improve the Lives of Women
The Quran not only endows women with the lofty ideals of attaining virtue and knowledge but also inextricably links the function of men with that of women. Thus one gender is not privileged over another.
In describing the relationship of a husband to his wife, the Quran says: You are a garment to her and she is a garment to you. (Quran 2:187)
Both are to be mutually supportive in the pursuit of good.
The Prophet not only treated women fairly and equally, but also raised her status in a society that treated women as a curse and as inferior.
This was a society that buried alive newly born girls to protect a skewed view of honor.
Two critical instances demonstrate the care and rank he assigned to women.
First, just before his death, when one would be concerned with the most significant of matters, the Prophet strongly advised his companions to treat women gently and compassionately.
Another occasion was his farewell speech at Mount Nur, on his only Pilgrimage which was reportedly attended by one hundred and twenty thousand people.
He purposely used that unique and rare occasion to instruct his companions to treat women fairly and compassionately, lest people go back to their old and unjust practices.
Hundreds of examples can be cited from his own life that show how he treated women compassionately and with utmost dignity and respect.
He Personally Worked Helping the Women In His Life
Whenever his daughter Fatima would come to see him, he would stand to greet her, kiss her, and seat her in his place.
Whenever he visited her, she would do the same: stand up to greet him, kiss him, and seat him in her place.
Women who many would consider unimportant were able to take his attention and go around the streets of Medina to fulfill some of their needs.
In the Prophet, they would always find a helping hand- such was his humbleness, tenderness, and mercy towards women.
Hundreds of examples can be cited from his own life that show how he treated women compassionately and with the utmost dignity and respect.
Women from various backgrounds, races, and ages found in him refuge and mercy.
