Based on an article by Mary Ali –
Contrary to what many non-Muslims mistakenly believe, women in Islam enjoy many rights and duties. History clearly shows that the revelation of the divine message to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S.) in the seventh century led to the liberation of women from various types of oppression that was prevalent in many societies of the world. The Quran and the Sunnah (traditions and practices) of Prophet Muhammad are the primary sources from where every Muslim woman derives her rights and duties. The following sheds light into some of those rights and duties.
Equal Human Rights
Fourteen centuries ago, Islam made women equally accountable to Allah in glorifying and worshiping Him – setting no limits on her moral progress. Since men and women both came from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity and in earning of rewards for their good deeds. Islam establishes the basis of equality among both genders. In the Quran, in the first verse of the chapter entitled “Women”, Allah says:
“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allah through whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you.” (Quran 4:1)
