A CRITICAL REVIEW OF WESTERN CONCEPT OF WOMEN'S INDEPENDENCE AND THE WOMEN RIGHTS DEFINED IN ISLAMIC SHARI'A

Due to the divergence of cultural practices in the Muslim world from an Islamic perspective as well as the false notion in the West that Islam subjugates women, the status of women in Islam is a topic that is still relevant today. An objective examination of Islam's foundational texts and an examination of women's status in civilizations where Islam was practiced actually demonstrate that Islam is a special blessing for women. Women have a unique place and status in Islam. It emphasizes women's greatness and the emancipation of women, and dismisses the Western conception of women's liberation as a lie. Women in the West are being exploited in the name of freedom. In the Holy Qur'an, Allah says: "ھُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّکُمْ وَ اَنْتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّھُن"[i] Translation: “They are your clothing, and you are theirs.” 

Islam views both men and women equally and does not in any way devalue women. Islamic law accords women a position and status that is unmatched in human history.

The article that follows will give a critical overview of how the Western idea of women's independence differs from the rights guaranteed by Islamic law.