ISLAM GIVES WOMEN
COMPLETE FREEDOM

Contrary to the common misconceptions, women enjoy complete freedom in Islam. During the life of Prophet Muhammad, a Muslim lady, Barira, wanted separation from her husband, Mughis. The case was referred to the Prophet of Islam, who counselled: “I would like you to withdraw your case and live with your husband by adjusting with him.” Barira asked the Prophet: “Is this your request, or is it the command of God?” The Prophet replied, “It is my request.” Barira said, ‘Then, I do not need it.’” (Sunan an-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 5417) The marriage was then dissolved. This clearly shows that Islam gives complete freedom to women.

Women were allowed to visit mosques and pray in congregations or individually throughout the Islamic period. Moreover, throughout the history of Islam, women have been free to perform significant roles in the vast arena that Islam affords them for the performance of noble and heroic deeds.

In the early period of Islam, regarded as a model for all believers, we have several examples showing that women used to participate in practical matters. For instance, Hazrat Khadijah, the Prophet’s wife, conducted business, and Hazrat Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter, helped give first aid to the wounded in battle. Asma, Abu Bakr’s daughter, looked after her camels and the date orchard.

Thus, we can see that Islam exalts the position of women. It holds men and women to be equal in respect but different in role, precisely as they were created.

So far as practical home management is concerned, the man is held responsible. However, this does not mean a woman cannot shoulder these responsibilities. If she can bear this burden, no objection will be raised from any quarter. One example of this can be found in the Quran regarding the people of Sheba. They lived in Yemen. The famous dam of Marib made their country very prosperous and enabled it to attain a high degree of civilisation. The Quran tells us that they were ruled by a woman (27:23) without disapproving of her rule. Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, was sagacious, even more so than the men in her court. She did not want to embroil her country in war, while the men advised her to confront her enemies, Solomon’s army. Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the Commentator of the Quran, writes:

“In Bilqis, we have a picture of womanhood, gentle, prudent, and able to tame the wilder passions of her subjects.”

It is an accepted principle with the commentators of the Quran that when the Quran reports something without any disapproval, it means the Quran has approved of that.

So, when we look at this incident in the light of the Quran, we find the status of women even higher than that of men. A woman is in charge of men and shouldered this responsibility more effectively.

Thus, the example of the Queen of Sheba, mentioned in the Quran, shows that rulership is not man’s monopoly. A woman can be a ruler over men if she has the capabilities to do so, and the Quran has testified to it.