Women’s Rights and Responsibilities in Islam: Misconceptions and Realities

Abstract

The rights of women in Islam have been a focus of misunderstanding and controversy as well as scholarly discussion. This paper aims to explain the Islamic view of women's rights and duties through referring to primary sources, including the Qur‟an and Hadith, and historical and contemporary examples. It examines six major aspects such as education, marriage, divorce, inheritance, political involvement and economic autonomy. The paper emphasises that Islam accorded women numerous rights centuries before the modern legal frameworks, but cultural traditions and poor interpretation usually overshadow such teachings. The article attempts to provide a balanced, evidence-based position that shows respect to the dignity, equity, and agency of women in Islam by separating Islamic ideals and sociocultural perversions. It also points out the necessity of further reformation and education to restore the modern practice to the true Islamic teachings.