⫷ Gender Justice in Islam and the Natural Rights of Men and Women ⫸
In Islam, gender roles are assigned based on the natural characteristics of men and women. Man has been endowed with strength and capability to manage external responsibilities, while woman, owing to her tenderness and natural constitution, is entrusted with the care and nurturing of home and family. This difference is not an injustice or bias, but a natural division, essential for the welfare and stability of society.
❖ Man is generally stronger in physical capacity, and thus is made responsible for financial provision and social obligations.
❖ Woman is blessed with gentleness and creative traits, making her ideal for nurturing and upbringing of children within the home.
Despite these biological differences, Islam affirms equality of status for both genders in terms of spiritual reward and accountability in the Hereafter:
"…And women shall have rights similar to those [of men] according to what is reasonable…"
(Surah al-Baqarah: 228)
The Islamic concept of gender justice is rooted in natural law, assigning rights and duties based on strengths and sensitivities.
By contrast, the Western notion of equality insists on uniformity of rights in all fields, regardless of nature or consequence—often disregarding physical, emotional, and psychological realities.
✔ In striving to make women "equal" to men, the West has placed on them burdens inconsistent with their natural build.
✔ The outcome has been exploitation, psychological strain, and disruption of societal balance.
Islam grants women rights in line with their natural disposition—honoring them as mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives.
(Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Birr, Hadith: 1898)
Islam permits up to four marriages—with the condition of justice among wives. If a man fears he cannot be just, then one wife only is allowed.
(Surah al-Nisa: 3)
A woman’s share in inheritance is typically half that of a man, but she bears no financial obligation. Her maintenance is the responsibility of her father, brother, or husband.
(Surah al-Nisa: 11)
The rule of a woman’s testimony being half is not a sign of inferiority, but a measure to protect her dignity in the male-dominated courtroom environment.
(Surah al-Baqarah: 282)
Marriage in Islam is a sacred bond, where both spouses have defined rights and obligations. It aims to ensure family stability and social progress.
Though discouraged, divorce is permitted when necessary. Islam recommends giving a single divorce, followed by the waiting period (‘iddah), to allow space for reconciliation. Hastily issuing three divorces at once is sinful.
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Talaq, Hadith: 1471)
In countries like Pakistan, it is common for women to be deprived of their rightful inheritance. Considering dowry as a replacement for inheritance is Islamically invalid. Scholars must address this injustice from pulpits and platforms.
Islam strictly condemns crimes such as honor killings, Vani, Karo-Kari, and sexual harassment. Punitive measures must be enforced to establish social justice.
Women must be granted equal access to education, healthcare, and basic rights. The ignorant mentality of grieving over the birth of daughters must be eliminated through Islamic awareness and education.
Islamic gender theory promotes justice, harmony with human nature, and a balanced division of responsibilities. It is a system that not only guarantees women’s honor and dignity but also safeguards their active and meaningful role in society.
◈ The Islamic Gender Theory
In Islam, gender roles are assigned based on the natural characteristics of men and women. Man has been endowed with strength and capability to manage external responsibilities, while woman, owing to her tenderness and natural constitution, is entrusted with the care and nurturing of home and family. This difference is not an injustice or bias, but a natural division, essential for the welfare and stability of society.
◈ Natural Distinctions Between Men and Women
❖ Man is generally stronger in physical capacity, and thus is made responsible for financial provision and social obligations.
❖ Woman is blessed with gentleness and creative traits, making her ideal for nurturing and upbringing of children within the home.
Despite these biological differences, Islam affirms equality of status for both genders in terms of spiritual reward and accountability in the Hereafter:
"…And women shall have rights similar to those [of men] according to what is reasonable…"
(Surah al-Baqarah: 228)
◈ Comparing Islamic and Western Concepts of Gender Justice
The Islamic concept of gender justice is rooted in natural law, assigning rights and duties based on strengths and sensitivities.
By contrast, the Western notion of equality insists on uniformity of rights in all fields, regardless of nature or consequence—often disregarding physical, emotional, and psychological realities.
◈ Harms of the Western Gender Narrative
✔ In striving to make women "equal" to men, the West has placed on them burdens inconsistent with their natural build.
✔ The outcome has been exploitation, psychological strain, and disruption of societal balance.
◈ Islamic Gender Justice
Islam grants women rights in line with their natural disposition—honoring them as mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives.
(Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Birr, Hadith: 1898)
◈ Islamic Perspective on Key Women's Issues
✿ Polygamy
Islam permits up to four marriages—with the condition of justice among wives. If a man fears he cannot be just, then one wife only is allowed.
(Surah al-Nisa: 3)
✿ Inheritance
A woman’s share in inheritance is typically half that of a man, but she bears no financial obligation. Her maintenance is the responsibility of her father, brother, or husband.
(Surah al-Nisa: 11)
✿ Half Testimony
The rule of a woman’s testimony being half is not a sign of inferiority, but a measure to protect her dignity in the male-dominated courtroom environment.
(Surah al-Baqarah: 282)
◈ Family System in Islam: Marriage and Divorce
✔ Marriage and Rights
Marriage in Islam is a sacred bond, where both spouses have defined rights and obligations. It aims to ensure family stability and social progress.
✔ Divorce and Its Principles
Though discouraged, divorce is permitted when necessary. Islam recommends giving a single divorce, followed by the waiting period (‘iddah), to allow space for reconciliation. Hastily issuing three divorces at once is sinful.
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Talaq, Hadith: 1471)
◈ Women’s Inheritance Rights and Modern Challenges
In countries like Pakistan, it is common for women to be deprived of their rightful inheritance. Considering dowry as a replacement for inheritance is Islamically invalid. Scholars must address this injustice from pulpits and platforms.
◈ Non-Islamic Cultural Practices
- Exchange Marriage (Watta Satta): Islam permits it only if proper dowries are paid, though such marriages often lead to complications. Caution is advised.
- Marriage with the Qur'an: This non-Islamic custom is strongly condemned in Islam.
◈ Islamic Teachings Against Gender-Based Violence
Islam strictly condemns crimes such as honor killings, Vani, Karo-Kari, and sexual harassment. Punitive measures must be enforced to establish social justice.
◈ Equal Opportunities for Women
Women must be granted equal access to education, healthcare, and basic rights. The ignorant mentality of grieving over the birth of daughters must be eliminated through Islamic awareness and education.
◈ Summary
Islamic gender theory promotes justice, harmony with human nature, and a balanced division of responsibilities. It is a system that not only guarantees women’s honor and dignity but also safeguards their active and meaningful role in society.
