The legacy of the history of ignorance concerning women prior to Islam was dreadful. Women back then were treated as objects rather than normal human beings. In some cultures, they were buried alive, inherited when the husband passes away, or even worse, committed suicide in order to join their late husband in the hereafter.
Islam drastically changed this dejected condition of women by clearly identifying the morality of women and underlining their human rights.
“So their Lord responded to them: “Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another.” (Surah Imran 3:195)
Here are some additional examples from authentic ahadith signifying the attention Islam assigned towards women. The Islamic teachings which supported the self-esteem and high status of women are immeasurable and certainly not limited to these customs:
Sympathetic Behaviour
- Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“I command you to treat women kindly.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
- Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
“The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.”(At-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albani)
- Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Women are the twin halves of men.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)
- Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:
“O Allah, I have issued a warning in regards to the rights of two vulnerable groups: orphans and women.” (Ibn Majah)
High Rank of Our Mothers
- Abu Hurairah reported that a man came to the Messenger and asked:
“‘O Messenger of Allah, who is the person who has the greatest right on me with regards to kindness and attention?’
The Prophet (pbuh) replied, ‘Your mother.’
– ‘Then who?’
– ‘Your mother.’
– ‘Then who?’
– ‘Your mother.’
– ‘Then who?’
– ‘Your father.’”
Affection For Your Companion (Wife)
- Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“A believer must have hatred towards a believing woman (i.e. his wife); if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will surely be satisfied with another.” (Muslim)
Daughters Lead to Paradise (Jannah)
- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet said:
“There is no Muslim with two daughters, caring for them in the best manner as long as he accompanies them, but that they will admit him into Paradise.” (Ahmad)
