Gender Equality and Women Status in Islam: An Analytical Study
Authors :Hasna Mol
Abstract
Abstract: This article aims to investigate and explain the principles of equality with a gender perspective and women position in Islam. The results showed that: women and men in Islam have an equal position, as a servant of God who is created through the same reproduction method. Islam introduces the concept of gender equality, referring to the verses of
the Qur'an which at the same time become a general goal of sharia to realize the justice and virtue (Surah An-Nahl: 90), gender equality perspective in Islam has been established in the Sharia to benefit human in the world and in the hereafter both individually and in congregation. Thus, if there is an interpretation that is not in line with the principles of justice, then the interpretation must be reviewed both textually and contextually. In the Islamic view, women position is equal to men, as
humans who have two capacities, namely as servants ('abid) and as a representative of God or as a leader on earth without distinguishing gender, ethnicity and skin color. This issue continues to be fought for by Muslim feminists.
Gender inequality is deep penetrated in Indian society. Although it is a global phenomenon, but in the patriarchal Indian society, it has spread its tentacles widely. Discrimination against women is found even before her birth in the form of female foeticide and when she is born female infanticide has been found in practice. Differential treatment on the bases
of gender is found right from the childhood. Girls are considered as liability. In spite of progress been made economically, gender parity has not been achieved. The root cause of gender inequality in Indian society lies in its patriarchy system. Advances have been made in social legislation but gender inequality has not ended and the child sex ratio has rather worsened. The educated people should develop a national consciousness of the positive impact of gender equality. There is a need for changes in perception towards women. The human society would be most advantaged only if women are treated equally and are not deprived of their rights.
Keywords: Gender, Islam, equality, Quran, Hadith
