By: Dr. Showkat Hussain Rather
In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, before the advent of Islam, women endured significant hardships. Early Arab society, steeped in tribalism and patriarchy, often relegated women to the margins, denying them basic rights and subjecting them to practices that starkly reflected their low status. Among these practices, the most horrific was the burying alive of infant girls—a brutal tradition stemming from a belief that daughters were a burden. It was within this harsh environment that Prophet Muhammadﷺ emerged, bringing with him a message that would forever alter the course of history and lay the foundation for women’s empowerment on a global scale.
In deserts vast, where shadows fell,
A light emerged, with truths to tell.
Muhammad’s word, so just and true,
Gave women rights, and honor too.
Long before the West would see,
Equality’s sacred decree,
His teachings rose, a guiding star,
Proclaiming worth both near and far.
Where once was darkness, hope did grow,
For women’s voices, strong to show,
That in the heart of Islam’s creed,
All souls are equal, in word and deed.
One of the most immediate and profound changes that Islam brought under the guidance of Prophet Muhammadﷺ was the abolition of female infanticide. The Quran, the holy book revealed to the Prophet, explicitly condemned this practice, emphasizing the sanctity of all human life. In a powerful verse, the Quran declares:
“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked for what sin she was killed” (Quran 81:8-9).
This verse not only condemned the practice but also highlighted the inherent value of women, challenging the deeply entrenched cultural norms that had dehumanized them.
Prophet Muhammadﷺ’ mission was not just to stop the killing of infant girls but to instill in society a profound respect for women at all stages of life. He taught that daughters were a blessing and a source of joy. In one hadith, he said:
“Whoever has three daughters, and he shelters them, shows mercy towards them, and supports them, Paradise is definitely guaranteed for him.” When asked about someone who only had two daughters, the Prophet replied, “And whoever has two daughters” (Sahih Bukhari).
This teaching was revolutionary in its time. It provided a spiritual incentive for the protection and care of daughters, encouraging a cultural shift that valued women as equal members of the community.
The reforms initiated by Prophet Muhammadﷺ in early Arab society represent one of the earliest and most significant movements toward women’s empowerment in history. At a time when women across the world were largely seen as inferior to men, Islam, through the teachings of the Prophet, introduced principles that recognized women’s rights and dignity.
Prophet Muhammadﷺ teachings introduced rights for women that were previously unheard of in Arabian society—and in many other societies around the world. These rights included the right to own property, the right to inheritance, and the right to participate in social and economic life. The Quran explicitly granted women the right to inherit from their parents and relatives, a sharp departure from pre-Islamic customs where only men could inherit property.
The Quran states:
“To men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn. Ask Allah of His bounty. Surely Allah has perfect knowledge of everything” (Quran 4:32).
This verse not only established a woman’s right to inheritance but also affirmed her economic independence. It was a revolutionary move that recognized women as autonomous individuals with the right to financial security.
In matters of marriage, Prophet Muhammadﷺ emphasized the importance of a woman’s consent, a concept that was largely ignored in many cultures at the time. Before Islam, women had little say in who they married, often being treated as commodities in marriage transactions. The Prophet’s teachings fundamentally changed this by requiring that a woman’s consent be obtained before marriage could take place.
In a hadith, Prophet Muhammadﷺ said:
“A previously married woman has more right to her own person than her guardian, and a virgin’s consent must be asked about herself, and her consent is her silence” (Sahih Muslim).
This teaching empowered women by giving them control over their marital decisions, thereby acknowledging their agency and autonomy.
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ also elevated the status of mothers in a way that was unprecedented in Arab society. He emphasized the importance of honoring and respecting mothers, making it clear that their role was of paramount importance in the family and society.
A well-known hadith highlights this respect:
“A man came to the Prophet and asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Who among people is most deserving of my good company?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet replied, ‘Your mother.’ The man then asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet again replied, ‘Your mother.’ Only after the fourth time did he say, ‘Then your father'” (Sahih Bukhari).
This emphasis on the mother’s role not only raised the status of women but also ingrained in the Muslim community a deep respect for motherhood that continues to this day.
Beyond personal rights, Prophet Muhammadﷺ encouraged women to participate in social, religious, and economic life. His first wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (PBUH), was a successful businesswoman who played a crucial role in the early development of Islam. Her partnership with the Prophet was based on mutual respect and admiration, setting an example for Muslim men and women alike.
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ also encouraged the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. He said:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
This teaching broke the barriers that confined women to domestic spaces, advocating for their active participation in intellectual and spiritual life.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Equality and Justice
The reforms introduced by Prophet Muhammadﷺ over 1,400 years ago laid the groundwork for what can be seen as the first organized movement toward women’s empowerment. At a time when women’s rights were virtually nonexistent, his teachings brought about a profound shift in how women were viewed and treated in society. These reforms not only transformed early Arab society but also set a precedent for gender equality that would inspire future generations.
In a world where women’s rights continue to be a global issue, the teachings of Prophet Muhammadﷺ offer a timeless example of how religious and social reforms can be used to uplift and empower women. His legacy serves as a reminder that true empowerment lies in recognizing and respecting the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of gender.
The writer is Lecturer, Hr. Edu, Jammu and Kashmir. Email:Showkatmohammad111@gmail.com
