The relationship between women and Islam has long been a topic of discussion around the globe. As we approach the birth anniversary of the Last Prophet of Allah, Mohammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), on September 16, 2024, it is an opportune moment to explore his profound beneficence towards women.
In the 7th century, a time when women faced significant oppression, Mohammad (PBUH) emerged as a champion of women's rights. To understand his impact, one must delve into his life as recorded in hadith literature. Born an orphan, having lost his father before his birth, he was raised by his foster mother, Halima Saadia. In Islam, a foster mother is accorded the status of a biological mother, with special rights, and her children are considered siblings, prohibiting marriages between them. This bond was evident when his foster sister, Shaima, visited him; he welcomed her warmly, spreading his shawl for her to sit beside him.
Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) first marriage was to Khadija (R.A), an elderly widow in her forties, while he was in his twenties. Despite the prevalence of polygamy at the time, he remained monogamous with Khadija until her death in his fifties. Khadija was a successful businesswoman, and Mohammad supported her career, showcasing his respect for women's independence.
Islam introduced restrictions on polygamy, establishing conditions that were previously absent. The revelation regarding polygamy aimed to protect the rights of orphans by allowing men to marry their mothers, provided they could treat all wives equally.
The Quran states, “And if you be apprehensive that you will not be able to do justice to the orphans, you may marry two or three or four women whom you choose. But if you apprehend that you might not be able to do justice to them, then marry only one wife” (Quran 4:3).
Thus, the Prophet’s later marriages often served to strengthen political alliances or provide support to widows. His marriage with the divorced wife of his adopted son was as per the commandment of God to break the tradition of ignorance which recognized the adopted child as a real child.
Among his wives, only Aisha (R.A) was not previously married. Aisha is celebrated as a prominent scholar of hadith, the collection of his deeds and sayings. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) entrusted her with the authority to address religious queries, a practice that continued after his passing. She established the first school of Fiqh (jurisprudence) in Islam. Their relationship was characterized by affection and playfulness, exemplified by the well-known incident where the Prophet (PBUH) challenged Aisha to a race.
When asked about the Prophet's domestic life, Aisha (R.A) described him as actively engaged in household chores, stating, “He patched his clothes, swept the house, milked the animals, and bought supplies for the house from the market. If His shoes were torn He mended them Himself. He tied the rope to the water bucket. He secured the camel, fed it and ground the flour with the slave.” (Bukhari). He lived by the principle: “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives” (Tirmidhi). He emphasized the importance of kindness, stating, “You will be rewarded for whatever you spend for Allah's sake, even if it were a morsel which you put in your wife’s mouth” (Bukhari).
The Prophet (PBUH) also upheld the dignity of women by condemning those who disclosed their wives’ private matters, labeling them among the worst of people (Ahmad).
History witnesses the unprecedented affection he had for his daughter Fatima (R.A), whom he treated with great respect, standing for her when she entered the room and declaring, “Fatima is a part of me; whoever makes her angry, makes me angry” (Bukhari 3767).
Beyond his family, Mohammad (PBUH) worked to elevate the status of women in society, granting them rights and dignity. He abolished the practice of female infanticide, warning of the severe consequences on the Day of Judgment for such acts.
The Quran states, “And when the souls are reunited (with their bodies), and when the infant girl, buried alive, is asked for what crime she was slain, and when the records are unfolded, and when the veil of heaven is removed, and when Hell is set blazing, and when Paradise is brought near, then each person shall know what he has brought with him” (Quran 81:7-14).
He emphasized the importance of consent in marriage, as illustrated by an incident where a girl sought the Prophet’s help against her father's decision to marry her off without her approval. The Prophet granted her the freedom to accept or refuse the marriage, highlighting that fathers should not have absolute control over such matters (Abu Dawud).
Mohammad (PBUH) also recognized women's right to divorce. In one instance, he facilitated the divorce of a woman who requested it from her husband, provided she returned her dower (Mahr). To protect women's honor, he mandated strict conditions for accusations of adultery, requiring four witnesses.
In the 7th century, Islam granted women the right to inherit, long before modern movements for women's rights emerged. While the shares of inheritance differ between men and women, these distinctions are justifiable based on their societal roles. The Quran states, “To men belongs a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, and to women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much—a determinate share” (Quran 4:7).
The Prophet (PBUH) warned against tampering with these laws, stating, “Even if a man worked all his life… yet ended his life’s record by making a wrongful bequest, he would be consigned to Hell” (Ibn Kathir, vol. 2, p. 218). A terrifying warning in which those who either tamper with God's laws of inheritance or violate the legal bounds categorically laid down by God in His Book are warned of unending punishment.
Prophet also taught: “The one who has a daughter born to him and does not bury her alive, nor keeps her in disgrace, nor prefers his son to her, Allah will admit him to Paradise” (Abu Dawud).
The Prophet emphasized the importance of treating mothers with utmost respect, stating that a mother deserves the highest regard, followed by the mother again, and then the father (Bukhari).
In conclusion, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) provided a comprehensive code of life that not only recognized but ensured a social space for women in society. His teachings and actions continue to inspire and uplift women’s status in the world today.