Introduction
Islam does not grant equal rights to men and women, as many people wrongly assume. Women are obligated to wear veil, which is seen as the oppressive symbol of a woman’s subservience to men by Western feminism. However, Islamic women proudly assess the veil as the symbol of their identity. Such controversial perception of the women’s position in Islam has resulted in the widespread belief that feminism will never be a part of Muslim society and that Islamic women accept their subordinate status willingly.
Assessment of Women’s Position in Islam
Women living in Islamic environments are expected to be humble, supportive, and silent. There is a clear differentiation of female and male responsibilities and statuses in Islamic society. According to Quran and the Shari’ah, men and women are entitled to separate legal statuses, however, both men and women have been prescribed the right to conduct business and to possess property. If the woman is damaged or harmed, she has the right to demand compensation, just as the man. Islamic traditions allow one man to marry more than one woman, and while many non-Muslim marks this practice as unethical, Islamic women do not regard it as a threat. The law requires Islamic women to wear the veil, not to show their face or body to anybody except for the husband, even though not a single Islamic woman would note that this tradition is oppressive. On the contrary, Islamic women are confident that the veil signified their rejection of the modern value system, while Islam elevates women to the position of respect and honor. The law of Islam does not allow contraception, abortions, and marriage on a female’s choice. However, on the other side, Islamic women do not consider their position as inferior or required by traditions; they are willing to follow these laws. Therefore, their position should be assessed as welcomed by Islamic women themselves.
Conclusion
The position of women in Islam is hard to understand from a Western perspective. American or European woman is unlikely to support the lifestyle of the average woman living in accordance with the Islamic rules. Nevertheless, Islamic women enjoy a wide range of rights equal to men, including the right to conduct business and own property. The key point is that Islamic women are satisfied with their status and believe that Quran protects their rights more than any other law in the western communities.