DOES ISLAM OPPRESS WOMEN?!
To truly understand the answer to this question, it is essential to explore teachings, customs, traditions, and systems beyond Islam that relate to this issue. In ancient traditions and cultures: Since they are many, we will mention a few examples from different lifestyles and systems to give clarity on this matter.
1) The Greeks
The people from whom the political system of capitalism democracy originated. A system which today is hailed as the guarantor of justice, equality, justice and rights; any place not governed by it is considered tyrannical and oppressive. However, Greek women were subjected to oppression in many aspects of life:
First is the Economic and secondly is political. In economic they had no right to own property, conduct business, or invest while political they had no right to participate in decision-making, leadership, or elections. Thirdly it’s Social where women were treated like property. Even the dowry, which was their right, was arranged and taken by their male relatives. Worse still, they were denied the right to choose a husband. Any man brought to them by male family members became their husband.
2) The Arab World before Islam
Before the rise of the light of Islam, girls were despised and subjected to severe torment, including being buried alive. Allah ﷻ says:
“And when the girl who was buried alive is asked: For what sin was she killed?”
(TMQ 81: 8–9)
A woman became pregnant, her husband would be anxious:
“Will the baby be a girl?”
Allah ﷻ also says:
“And when one of them is given news of a female child, his face darkens with gloom and he suppresses grief. He hides from the people because of the bad news he received. Shall he keep it in disgrace or bury it in the earth? Surely, evil is what they decide.”
(TMQ 16: 58–59)
The Modern Capitalist System (Democracy)
The current global system, designed by Adam Smith, regards as women as objects of sensual gratification (sexual toys).A woman is often sexually exploited by employers in exchange for job opportunities or promotions. Wealthy businessmen use her body, whether modest or nude, to market their products.Yet,at the same time, they promote propaganda against polygamy, portraying it as oppressive and dishonoring to women. While sexual relationships with multiple mistresses is celebrated as personal freedom even protected by law! They claim this has “liberated” women from gender oppression taking her out of the kitchen, only to lock her in an office where men exploit her body as they please!
Often, such criticisms target Islam, the only system that poses a real threat to their worldview.
Western media, TV, and democratic regimes promote these ideas which contradict Allah’s laws.
The tragedy is that these ideas have infiltrated Muslim homes, via educational institutions and their curricula. Our sisters, lacking proper Islamic upbringing and religious knowledge, have absorbed this poison, unaware that Islam came to elevate and honor the status of women, giving her full human dignity, unlike the animalistic treatment of other systems and traditions.
ISLAM’S STANCE
Islam brought a unique framework to honor both men and women as servants of Allah ﷻ, assigning different roles and responsibilities based on natural differences, not superiority.
These responsibilities are of three types:
- i) Shared Responsibilities
Applicable to both men and women equally for example; Worship ALlah ﷻ says:
“Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female,and is a believer,We will surely give them a good life…”
(TMQ 16:97)
Allah also says “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin good and forbid evil, establish prayer, give Zakaat, and obey ALlah and His Messenger. They will be shown mercy by ALlah…”
(TMQ 09: 71)
B)Seeking Knowledge
Islam made education compulsory for all, regardless of gender something unknown before Islam.The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
(Narrated by Ibn Majah)
The word “Muslim” includes both male and female.
2)Men’s Responsibilities
Islam made it mandatory for men to provide food,clothing, shelter,and basic needs for their wives and children.
Even if the wife is a billionaire,she is not responsible unless she voluntarily gives up that right.
ALlah ﷻ says:
“And upon the father is the provision and clothing of them in a just manner.”
(TMQ 2:233)
3) Women’s Responsibilities
- Islam assigned childcare and nurturing to women as a specific duty.
- Even if the husband is skilled in parenting,he cannot take away this right from the mother.
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION
Any injustices committed by individuals or cultural traditions, even if they claim to be Muslim, must not be blamed on Islam.
There must be a clear distinction between:
1.Islam as a divine religion based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, which honors and respects women,
- Cultural practices falsely attributed to Islam, which may oppose its teachings.
WOMEN’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR SPOUSE
Islam gave women the right to choose their own husbands, something absent before and still rare in some societies.
Hadith:
AbdaLlah ibn Buraidah (RA) narrated from his father:
“A girl came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
“My father married me to his nephew to elevate his own status.”
The Prophet ﷺ gave her the option to annul the marriage.
She said:
“I approve of what my father did, but I wanted to let women know that fathers have no authority to marry off their daughters without their consent.”
(Narrated by Ibn Majah)
This clearly shows that a woman has the right to accept or reject a marriage proposal.
Forced marriage is not accepted in Islam, whether:
- By bringing a suitor she dislikes, or
- By preventing her from marrying one she loves, provided he meets Islamic criteria.
ALlah ﷻ says:
“So do not prevent them from marrying their husbands if they agree among themselves in a lawful manner.”
(TMQ 2:232)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A previously married woman cannot be married without her decision, and a virgin cannot be married without her permission.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
WOMEN’S RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTY
Islam, unlike other traditions, recognized a woman’s right to inherit and own property.
ALlah ﷻ says: “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 be it little or much. A fixed share.”
(TMQ 04:7)
Islamic teachings allow women to own, inherit, trade, and use their wealth independently, within the bounds of Shari’ah.
WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY & POLITICS!
Throughout Islamic history, women were teachers, businesswomen, and even participated in consultative councils (Shura).
Why the West Accuse Islam of Oppressing Women?!
- Cultural Bias
Some communities, despite being Muslim, implement oppressive traditions in the name of Islam.
- Lack of Understanding
Many are denied the opportunity to learn authentic Islamic teachings, confusing cultural practices with the religion itself.
- Western Media Propaganda
Islam is often portrayed negatively especially regarding women without context or understanding of its true principles.
Islam inherently honors women, giving those rights, respect, and a place in religious, social, and economic life. The problem is not Islam, but rather ignorance or misuse of culture disguised as religion.So, if you see a place where a woman is oppressed in the name of Islam, ask yourself: Is this really Islam? Or are these cultural practices hiding behind Islam? Don’t rush to blame Islam.
By: Hussein Muhammad.
Member of Hizb ut-Tahrir Kenya
16th Safar 1447 AH
August 11, 2025