Catalogue of Rights of Women Enshrined in the Quran
By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam
8 May 2025
Listing of 46 Rights Mentioned In The Quran
I. Spiritual and Human Rights
1. Right to Spiritual Equality: Women and men possess equal spiritual worth and are equally rewarded by God for their faith, piety, and good deeds. (Quran 3:195, 4:124, 9:71-72, 16:97, 33:35, 40:40)
2. Right to Life and Dignity: The sanctity of all life is emphasized, prohibiting practices like female infanticide and mandating kind treatment. (Quran 6:151, 17:31, 81:8-9; 4:19, 30:21)
3. Right to Equal Moral Agency & Personal Responsibility: Women are responsible for their own actions, equally accountable with men (e.g., Adam and Eve), and not depicted inherently as temptresses. (Quran 6:164, 7:19-22, 35:18)
4. Right to Religious Freedom: There is no compulsion in matters of faith. (Quran 2:256)
5. Right to Divine Love & Mercy: God's compassion and mercy extend equally to women. (Quran 20:82, 39:53)
6. Right to Paradise (Equal Reward for Deeds): Women and men receive equal reward for righteousness. (Quran 3:195, 4:124, 16:97, 33:35, 40:40)
7. Right to Environmental Stewardship: Women, like men, share the role of Khalifah (caretakers of the Earth). (Quran 2:30)
8. Right to Menstrual Dignity: Women are granted exemptions (e.g., from fasting/prayer during menstruation) without stigma. (Quran 2:222)
II. Economic Rights
1. Right to Own Property & Financial Independence: Women can own, manage, inherit, and control their wealth independently; their earnings and property are their own. (Quran 4:7, 4:11-12, 4:32)
2. Right to Work & Earn a Livelihood: Women have the right to engage in lawful professions and earn income. (Quran 4:32, 28:23 - citing example of Prophet Moses' future wife; Khadija (RA) cited as example).
3. Right to Financial Maintenance (Nafaqah): A wife has the right to be financially supported by her husband (covering food, housing, clothing). (Quran 2:233, 4:34, 65:6-7)
4. Right to Mahr (Dowry/Bridal Gift): Women are entitled to receive a marital gift from the husband, which belongs exclusively to her. (Quran 4:4, 4:20-21, 4:24)
5. Right to Inheritance: Women are entitled to a fixed, specified share of inheritance. This includes inheriting as widows and potentially from sons (critiquing customs that ignore this). (Quran 4:7, 4:11-12; Widow provisions: 2:240)
6. Right to Financial Support Beyond Marriage: Widows and divorced women are entitled to fair provision. (Quran 2:241)
III. Marital and Family Rights
1. Right to Consent in Marriage & Choose a Spouse: A woman's consent is necessary for a valid marriage; forced marriages are prohibited. (Quran 4:19, 2:232)
2. Right to Kind and Respectful Treatment: Husbands are obligated to treat their wives with kindness, compassion, and equity. (Quran 4:19, 30:21)
3. Right to Demand Emotional Care: Kindness in marriage includes emotional well-being. (Quran 4:19, 30:21)
4. Right to Sexual Fulfilment & Agency (Within Marriage): Marriage includes mutual rights to intimacy and pleasure. (Quran 2:187 - "Garment" metaphor, 2:223)
5. Right to Sexual Consent: Forced sexual relations within marriage are forbidden (implied in 4:19: "Do not retain them by harm to transgress").
6. Right to Seek Divorce (Khul'): Women have the right to initiate divorce under specific conditions, often involving returning the Mahr. (Quran 2:229)
7. Right to Divorce Abusive Husbands: Separation is permissible if just treatment within the marriage is impossible. (Quran 4:128-129)
8. Right to Protection from Domestic Abuse/Violence: Kind treatment is mandated; interpretations rejecting literal "striking" (4:34) and emphasizing the Prophet's example exist. (Quran 4:19, 4:34)
9. Right to Remarry: Widows and divorced women have the right to remarry. (Quran 2:234-235)
10. Right to Keep Her Family Name: Women are not obligated to adopt their husband's surname (inferred from lineage identification). (Quran 33:5 - inferred)
11. Right to Custody of Children: Mothers often have primary custody rights, particularly for young children, based on principles of child welfare derived from the Quran. (Quran 2:233, 65:6 - principles; Quran prioritizes child welfare over rigid Fiqh rules noted)
12. Right to Breastfeeding Support: Mothers have the right to nurse their children, and arrangements for this are discussed with dignity. (Quran 2:233)
13. Right to Question Polygyny: The Quranic allowance (4:3) is linked to justice for orphans, and its applicability/justice in modern contexts is questioned by some interpretations. (Quran 4:3)
IV. Social, Political, and Intellectual Rights
1. Right to Education: Seeking knowledge is encouraged and considered obligatory for all Muslims. (Quran 96:1-5, 20:114)
2. Right to Social and Public Participation: Women have the right to engage in public life and community affairs. (Quran 60:12 - citing women's pledge/Bay'ah)
3. Right to Political Participation & Leadership: Women can participate in consultation (Shura) and hold leadership roles (citing historical/Quranic examples like the Queen of Sheba). (Quran 27:23-44 - Queen of Sheba example)
4. Right to Voice Opinions & Engage in Intellectual Debate: Women's consultation is valued, and the Quran records instances of women engaging in theological debate. (Quran 58:1 - woman arguing with the Prophet, 60:12 - consultation in pledge)
5. Right to Interpret Religious Texts (Ijtihad): Women have the capacity and right to engage in Quranic exegesis and derive interpretations. (Khalifa role 2:30)
6. Right to Reclaim Quranic Feminism: The Quran itself can be read as anti-patriarchal (e.g., creation from a single soul, 4:1).
7. Right to Challenge Cultural Patriarchy: The Quran condemned harmful pre-Islamic (Jahiliyyah) patriarchal practices. (Quran 81:8-9 - condemning female infanticide)
8. Right to Non-Stereotypical Roles: The Quran presents women in diverse roles, including leadership. (Quran 19:16-34 - Maryam, 27:23-44 - Queen of Sheba)
9. Right to Spiritual Leadership (Imamat): Interpretations exist arguing the Quran does not prevent women from leading prayers, including mixed-gender congregations. (Quran 2:30 - Khalifa role.)
10. Right to Reject "Qiwamah" as Male Dominance: The concept of Qawwamun (Quran 4:34, 9:71, 2:187, 4:19) can be interpreted as caretaking and responsibility rather than authoritarian male dominance.
11. Right to Travel: Women have the right to travel, with safety considerations often discussed. (Quran 34:18, 62:10, 27:23-44, 3:137, 6:11, 12:109, 16:36, 27:69, 30:42, 67:15).
12. Right to Asylum & Protection: Women (like men) fleeing persecution have the right to seek safety and protection. (Quran 4:97-100)
V. Legal Rights
1. Right to Justice: Women are entitled to equal access to justice. (Quran 4:135, 5:8)
2. Right to Legal Personhood: Women possess legal identity, enabling them to contract independently, sue, etc. (Implied in ability to manage property 4:32, testify 2:282, enter contracts like marriage)
3. Right to Protection from Slander: False accusations against chaste women carry severe penalties. (Quran 24:4, 24:23)
4. Right to Witness in Legal Matters: Women's testimony is valid, though specific contexts and interpretations exist (e.g., financial transactions in 2:282; Li'an process in 24:6-9; wills 5:106; divorce 65:2). (Quran 2:282, 5:106, 24:6-9, 65:2)
VI. Health and Bodily Autonomy Rights
1. Right to Health & Well-being: This includes allowances like exemptions from fasting during pregnancy or nursing. (Quran 2:184)
2. Right to Privacy: The sanctity of personal space and gaze is protected. (Quran 24:30-31)
3. Right to Modesty & Choice in Dress: Women (and men) are enjoined to modesty, but coercion in dress contradicts the principle of no compulsion in faith. (Quran 24:30-31, 33:59; linked to 2:256 - no compulsion)
Appendix: Selected Quranic Verses (M.A.S. Haleem Translation published by Oxford University Pres, 2004)
This appendix lists the Quranic verses cited in the "Catalogue of Rights of Women Enshrined in the Quran," arranged in ascending order. The translation used is by M.A.S. Haleem, and only essential parts of the verses relevant to the catalogue's themes are provided.
• 2:30 ... ‘I am putting a successor [Khaliah] on earth.’ ...
• 2:184 ... But if anyone is ill or on a journey, let him fast for a similar number of days later on... God wishes ease for you, not hardship...
• 2:187 ... They are لباس [clothing/protection] for you and you are لباس [clothing/protection] for them...
• 2:222 ... Keep away from women during their monthly periods... Do not approach them until they are purified... God loves those who turn to Him, and He loves those who keep themselves clean.
• 2:223 Your wives are your fields, so go into your fields whichever way you like...
• 2:229 ... It is not lawful for you [men] to take back anything of what you have given your wives, unless both fear that they may not be able to keep within the bounds set by God... If you [arbiters] fear that they may not be able to keep within the bounds set by God, there will be no blame on either of them if she gives something back [to gain her release]. These are the bounds set by God: do not overstep them...
• 2:232 ... do not prevent them from remarrying their husbands if they both agree to do so in a fair manner...
• 2:233 Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years... The father shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing according to what is fair... No soul should be burdened with more than it can bear: no mother shall be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor any father on account of his... If, by mutual consent and consultation, the couple wish to wean the child, they will not be blamed for doing so...
• 2:234 If any of you die leaving widows, they should wait for four months and ten nights before remarrying... then there is no blame on you for what they may reasonably do with themselves...
• 2:235 You will not be blamed whether you hint in your marriage proposals to [widowed/divorced] women, or keep them to yourselves...
• 2:240 Those of you who die leaving widows should bequeath for them a year’s maintenance without them having to leave their homes...
• 2:241 Divorced women shall also have such maintenance as is considered fair: this is a duty for those who are mindful of God.
• 2:256 There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion...
• 2:282 ...call in two men as witnesses. If two men are not there, then call one man and two women out of those you approve as witnesses, so that if one of the two women should forget the other can remind her...
• 3:137 Systems have passed away before you. Travel through the land, and see what was the end of those who denied the truth.
• 3:195 ...‘I will not allow the deeds of any one of you to be lost, whether you are male or female, each is like the other [in reward]...’
• 4:1 People, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them spread countless men and women far and wide...
• 4:3 If you fear that you will not deal fairly with orphan girls, you may marry whichever [other] women seem good to you, two, three, or four. If you fear that you cannot be equitable [to them], then marry only one...
• 4:4 Give women their bridal gift upon marriage, though if they willingly choose to give up some of it to you, you may enjoy it with a clear conscience.
• 4:7 Men shall have a share in what parents and closest relatives leave, and women shall have a share in what parents and closest relatives leave, whether the legacy be small or large: this is ordained by God.
• 4:11 God commands you regarding your children: the male receives the share of two females...
• 4:12 You will inherit half of what your wives leave, provided they have no children... Your wives will inherit a quarter of what you leave, provided you have no children... If you have children, they will inherit one-eighth... after payment of any debts or legacies.
• 4:19 You who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor should you treat your wives harshly, hoping to take back some of the bride-gift you gave them, unless they are guilty of something clearly outrageous. Live with them in accordance with what is fair and kind...
• 4:20 If you wish to replace one wife with another, do not take back any of the bride-gift you have given her, even if it were a great amount...
• 4:21 How could you take it back when you have been intimate with each other and they have taken a solemn pledge from you?
• 4:24 ... you are permitted to seek out wives with your wealth—in modest conduct, not in fornication. Give them their prescribed bridal-gift...
• 4:32 Do not covet what God has given to some of you more than others—men have the portion they have earned, and women the portion they have earned...
• 4:34 Husbands should take good care of their wives... because God has given some more wherewithal than others... If you anticipate disobedience from your wives, try to reason with them, then turn away from them in bed, then tap them gently [alternative interpretations exist]... If they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them...
• 4:97 When the angels take the souls of those who have wronged themselves, they ask them, ‘What state were you in?’ They reply, ‘We were oppressed in the land.’ ...
• 4:98 ...except for those helpless men, women, and children who have no means of leaving and know of no way out...
• 4:99 God may well pardon these, for God is pardoning and forgiving.
• 4:100 Anyone who migrates for God’s cause will find many a refuge and great plenty in the earth...
• 4:124 Anyone—man or woman—who does good deeds and is a believer will enter Paradise...
• 4:128 If a wife fears high-handedness or alienation from her husband, neither of them will be blamed if they come to a peaceful settlement, for peace is best...
• 4:129 You will never be able to treat your wives with equal fairness, however much you may desire to do so...
• 4:135 You who believe, be steadfast in upholding justice, bearing witness for God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives...
• 5:8 ... Be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice...
• 5:106 ... have two just men from among you witness your bequest; or, if you are on a journey when death approaches, two men from outside...
• 6:11 Say, ‘Travel throughout the earth and see what fate befell those who rejected the truth.’
• 6:151 ... do not kill your children for fear of poverty—We provide for you and for them...
• 6:164 ... No soul will bear the burden of another...
• 7:19 ‘Adam, live with your wife in the Garden. Both of you eat whatever you like...’
• 7:20 But Satan whispered to them...
• 7:21 ...swearing to them, ‘I am sincerely advising you!’
• 7:22 ... their Lord called out to them, ‘Did I not forbid you to approach that tree? Did I not warn you that Satan was your sworn enemy?’
• 9:71 The believers, both men and women, support each other; they order what is right and forbid what is wrong...
• 9:72 God has promised the believers, both men and women, Gardens graced with flowing streams where they will remain forever...
• 12:109 ... Have they not travelled through the land and seen how those before them met their end? ...
• 16:36 ... ‘Worship God and shun false gods.’ ... So travel through the land and see how those who rejected the truth met their end.
• 16:97 To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions.
• 17:31 Do not kill your children for fear of poverty—We shall provide for them and for you—killing them is a great sin.
• 19:16 Mention Mary in the Scripture. She withdrew from her family to a place to the east...
• 19:17 ... We sent Our spirit to her; it appeared before her in the form of a perfected man.
• [Summary for 19:16-34: The narrative highlights Mary's piety, the miraculous conception, and her strength in facing her community.]
• 20:82 Yet I am most forgiving towards those who repent, believe, do righteous deeds, and stay on the right path.
• 20:114 ... say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’
• 24:4 Those who make accusations against chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses—flog them with eighty stripes, and never again accept their testimony...
• 24:6 As for those who accuse their own wives of adultery, but have no other witnesses, let the husband testify four times...
• 24:7 ...and the fifth time that God’s curse may be upon him if he is telling a lie.
• 24:8 Punishment shall be averted from the wife if she testifies four times...
• 24:9 ...and the fifth time that God’s wrath shall be upon her if he is telling the truth.
• 24:23 Those who accuse honourable but unwary believing women are rejected by God in this world and the next...
• 24:30 Tell believing men to lower their gaze and remain chaste...
• 24:31 And tell believing women that they should lower their gaze and remain chaste; that they should not reveal their adornments... that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...
• 27:23 ‘I found a woman ruling over them: she has been given everything and possesses a magnificent throne.’
• [Summary for 27:23-44: Describes the Queen of Sheba's wisdom, consultation with her advisors, diplomacy, and eventual acceptance of faith.]
• 27:69 Say, ‘Travel through the land and see how the guilty met their end.’
• 28:23 ... he found two women waiting behind them. He asked, ‘What is the matter with you?’ They said, ‘We cannot water [our flocks] until the shepherds take their sheep away: our father is a very old man.’
• 30:21 Another of His signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live with in tranquillity: He ordained love and kindness between you...
• 30:42 Say, ‘Travel through the land and see how those before you met their end...’
• 33:5 Name your adopted sons after their real fathers... If you do not know who their fathers are, call them your brothers in faith and your protégés...
• 33:35 The Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their chastity and the women who guard their chastity, the men who remember God often and the women who do so—God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward for them.
• 33:59 Prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and women believers to make their outer garments hang low over them...
• 34:18 ...We decreed set stages for their journey, saying, ‘Travel through them by night and day in safety.’
• 35:18 No soul will bear another’s burden...
• 39:53 ...‘My servants who have wronged yourselves, never despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins...’
• 40:40 Whoever does evil will be repaid with its like; whoever does good and believes, be it man or woman, will enter Paradise and be provided for without measure.
• 58:1 God has heard the words of the woman who disputed with you [Prophet] about her husband and complained to God...
• 60:12 Prophet, when believing women come and pledge to you that they will not ascribe any partner to God, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor lie about who fathered their children, nor disobey you in anything reasonable, then accept their pledge and ask God to forgive them...
• 62:10 Once the prayer is over, disperse in the land and seek God’s bounty, keeping God much in mind so that you may prosper.
• 65:2 ... either retain them according to recognized norms, or let them go according to recognized norms. Call two just witnesses from your community...
• 65:6 Lodge them [divorced women] where you live, according to your means, and do not harass them... If they are pregnant, maintain them until they give birth... if they suckle your infants, pay them for it. Consult together in a fair manner...
• 65:7 Let the wealthy man spend according to his wealth, and the man whose resources are limited spend according to what God has given him...
• 67:15 It is He who has made the earth manageable for you––travel through its tracts and enjoy the sustenance He gives you––and to Him you will return.
• 81:8 ... when the baby girl buried alive is asked
• 81:9 for what sin she was killed...
• 96:1 Read! In the name of your Lord who created:
• 96:2 created man from a clinging form.
• 96:3 Read! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One
• 96:4 who taught by the pen,
• 96:5 taught man what he did not know.
V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/catalogue-rights-women-quran/d/135464
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