Muslim Women and Their Status: A Review in the Light of the Quran and Society
By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
19 November 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the status of Muslim women in light of the Quran, emphasizing their dignity, rights, and equality with men. Islam grants women education, work, social participation, and protection through inheritance, marital consent, and social support, while promoting modesty and respect. Despite these rights, some societies still limit women’s freedom, but Muslim women continue to excel in education, professions, and social service, demonstrating their vital role in society.
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History shows us that women play an equally important role as men in the progress of any society. In ancient times, women were often given a low status and were seen mainly as homemakers or helpers for men. Social, cultural, and sometimes even religious prejudices limited women to a life of oppression, exploitation, and humiliation. Their personal opinions, education, or social roles were ignored, and in some places, even their birth was considered unlucky. The Quran completely changed this perspective, giving women respect, dignity, and rights. Islam considers women equal to men in humanity and gives them the right to participate in every aspect of life.
The Quran teaches women a complete way of life and helps them recognize their own worth. It clearly explains a woman’s rights, duties, and role in society. According to the Quran, the best woman is one who understands and follows Allah’s commands, takes responsibility in her family and community, and develops her personality through knowledge and awareness. The Quran recognizes the value of women from birth to the hereafter and explains that no one is superior or inferior simply because of being male or female. What matters is piety and good deeds. As the Quran says:
“The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat: 13)
Islam gives women the right to education, to work, to fulfil social responsibilities, and to live life according to their own choices. The Quran makes it clear that the deeds of men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah, and success in this world and the hereafter is based on faith and good actions, not gender:
“Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer, We will surely grant them a good life, and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” (Surah An-Nahl: 97)
Islam also clearly protects women’s rights: it grants them inheritance, the right to dowry (Mahr), rights for widows and divorced women, and rules to ensure social protection. The Quran presents women as independent, intelligent, and respected individuals:
“And marry those among you who are single.” (Surah An-Nur: 32)
“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, whether little or much—a share determined by Allah.” (Surah An-Nisa: 7)
Islam considers modesty and hijab as a means of protecting a woman’s dignity and honour, allowing her to live safely and respectfully in society. However, wearing the hijab does not limit a woman’s abilities, education, or professional work. Women wearing the hijab have excelled in education, politics, medicine, business, social work, and research.
Even today, in some societies, women’s rights are limited. Their choice in marriage is ignored, and in some areas, education for women is restricted. In Pakistan, a tragic incident occurred where a woman was killed for marrying the person she chose. This reminds us that the world still lacks awareness about women’s freedom and rights, even though Islam grants women full rights at every level.
The Quran and Islam not only recognize a woman’s personal status but also emphasize her contribution to society. Men and women are described in the Quran as partners supporting each other:
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, establish prayer, give charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy on them.” (Surah At-Tawbah: 71)
Islam also sets rules to protect women from social exploitation. Rights such as divorce, khula (women-initiated divorce), support for widows, consent in marriage, inheritance, and dowry all ensure a woman’s dignity and financial independence. The Quran makes it clear that a woman’s deeds and responsibilities are equal to a man’s, and religious, social, and moral duties are the same for both.
Islam gives women the right to education and awareness. Even today, Muslim women worldwide are achieving remarkable success in education and professional fields. As doctors, engineers, politicians, social workers, writers, and researchers, Muslim women are making their mark. This proves that when given opportunities, Muslim women can excel in every field and play an important role in improving society and the nation.
Today, there are many examples in the Muslim world of women achieving prominent positions in education, politics, and social services while wearing the hijab. These women show that Islam does not limit women but grants them the right to work in every field, as long as they understand their rights and responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The Quran and Islam give women complete respect, rights, knowledge, and independence. Both men and women have the responsibility to understand their rights and duties to strengthen society. Muslim women, whether they wear the hijab or not, can illuminate their own lives and the future of their society through education, awareness, and hard work. Islam holds women in high regard, and by following the principles of the Quran, we can build a balanced, respectful, and progressive society.
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Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar (‘Alima Fazila’), and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-women-status-quran-society/d/137683
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