Respect & Kind Treatment

Allah Almighty says:

“Live together with them correctly and courteously.” — Quran 4:19

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said:

“Treat women well. Woman was created from a rib. The most crooked part of the rib is the top part. If you try to straighten it, you will break it. If you leave it, it remains crooked. So treat women well.” — [Agreed upon]

Harsh treatment and domestic abuse contradict Islamic teachings, which emphasize respect, equality in dignity, and protection of women’s rights.

Protection of Rights

Women have independent ownership of property, full control over their wealth, and rights safeguarded under Islamic law. The Prophet (pbuh) emphasized:

“A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes something in her character, he should be pleased with some other trait.” — [Muslim]

Islamic guidance also protects women’s social, familial, and spiritual roles, ensuring they are treated justly and honored.

Misconceptions & Clarifications

Kawama, or male responsibility over women, is often misunderstood. This role is a duty of care and protection, not oppression. Women’s rights over men include being cared for, fed, clothed, and respected:

“I asked the Prophet, what is the right of someone’s wife over him? He said, ‘That you feed her when you eat and clothe her when you clothe yourself and do not strike her face.’ — [Abu Dawud]

Hijab, too, is often misconstrued. It elevates women’s dignity and modesty, rather than oppressing them, and enables equal participation in religious and social life.

Polygamy & Historical Context

Islam limited men to a maximum of four wives, in contrast to pre-Islamic practices of hundreds. This ensured protection for widows and maintained societal balance. Strict conditions and fairness are mandated in such cases.

“A time will come when one man will be seen followed by forty women to be their guardian due to scarcity of men.” — [Sahih Bukhari]

Women in Worship & Society

Women are encouraged to attend mosques, participate in worship, and uphold piety, modesty, and righteousness — the highest adornments for any Muslim woman.

Islamic teachings make it clear: the best believers are those with exemplary character toward their women.

“The best of you are those who are the best to their women.” — [at-Tirmidhi]