Status of Women in Islam and Some Misconceptions

Abstract

Women constitute half of the human population and when the man world is used in generic sence, it also includes woman Human development remains unless it takes care of the rights of women as well. In Islam, a woman enjoy such a place of honour and dignity that is certain respects her status may be considered higher than of man. The prophet of Islam is reported to have said that "the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman". Aqba bin Amir States that the Prophet of Islam said "Do not hate girls. They are the comforter and much precious." Islam has laid down rules and laws regarding woman. Women were created as a companion to man, says the Holy Quran. And there are certain duties that have towards women and women have towards men. But due to the prevailing socio-culture norms and practices in the world particularly in Indian subcontinent sometimes the guarantee of Islam do not get translated in to tangible actions. There are some misconceptions prevailing in our subcontinent regarding womens status in Islam. Some time Muslim women themselves falsely knew that they are backward and oppressed by their religion. Some make great mistakes in presuming that all customs and practices of Muslim are connected to Islam. The main focus of this research is to pick out how status of women is safeguarded in Islam. This study concludes with an allusion that women are not subordinate of men and indicate an avenue to identify properly women is the light of Islam.