Islam was the first religion to grant women comprehensive rights and respect at a time when they were widely oppressed in various societies. Before Islam, women were often treated as property, denied inheritance, and had little to no rights in many cultures.

How Islam Gave Women Rights and Respect Before Any Other Civilization

Islam revolutionized the status of women over 1400 years ago, granting them rights that were unheard of in many societies at the time. Before Islam, women were treated as inferior beings, with little to no autonomy, and were often considered the property of their male guardians. Islam abolished these unjust practices and uplifted women by giving them dignity, respect, and legal rights.

1. Right to Life: Ending Female Infanticide

Before Islam, in many parts of the world, including pre-Islamic Arabia, India, and parts of Europe, baby girls were often buried alive due to the belief that they were a burden. Islam strictly prohibited this practice:

📖 Quran 81:8-9
"And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed?"

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said:
"Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood, he and I will be like this on the Day of Judgment" (Sahih Muslim).

This shows how Islam emphasized protecting and valuing female children.

2. Right to Education: Equal Learning Opportunities

In many ancient civilizations, women were denied education. Islam commanded both men and women to seek knowledge:

📖 Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim (male and female)." (Ibn Majah)

Aisha (RA), the Prophet’s wife, was one of the most knowledgeable scholars of Islam and taught many companions. Women were encouraged to learn and even correct mistakes made by men in religious matters.

3. Right to Inheritance: Financial Independence

Before Islam, women had no inheritance rights. Islam made it mandatory for women to inherit property from their parents, husbands, and even children.

📖 Quran 4:7
"For men there is a share in what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women, there is a share in what the parents and close relatives leave—whether little or much. It is an obligatory share."

This law was revolutionary, as women in many societies, including Europe, only gained inheritance rights centuries later.

4. Right to Own and Control Property

In many societies, women were considered dependent on men and could not own or manage property. Islam granted women full financial independence.

📖 Quran 4:32
"Do not covet what Allah has given some of you over others. Men will be rewarded according to their deeds, and women will be rewarded according to theirs."

The Prophet’s first wife, Khadijah (RA), was a successful businesswoman, showing that women could be entrepreneurs and financially independent.

5. Right to Marriage & Divorce: Freedom of Choice

In pre-Islamic times, women had no say in marriage and were forced into marriages by their guardians. Islam forbade forced marriage:

📖 Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"A woman cannot be given in marriage without her consent." (Bukhari)

Islam also gave women the right to divorce (Khula) if they were unhappy, a concept that was absent in many societies.

6. Equality in Worship: Spiritual Rights of Women

Many religions saw women as spiritually inferior to men. Islam made men and women equal in faith and reward:

📖 Quran 33:35
"Indeed, Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and believing women, devout men and devout women... for them, Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."

Women were given the right to pray, fast, give charity, and go for Hajj, just like men.

7. Respect & Honor for Women: Mothers Given High Status

Islam raised the status of women as mothers, placing them above fathers in terms of respect and rights.

📖 A man once asked the Prophet (pbuh):
"Who among people is most deserving of my respect?"
The Prophet replied: "Your mother."
The man asked, "Then who?"
The Prophet said, "Your mother."
He asked again, "Then who?"
The Prophet replied, "Your mother, then your father." (Bukhari & Muslim)

This showed that mothers hold the highest position in Islam, even above fathers.

Comparison with Other Civilizations

• Hinduism: The Manusmriti (ancient Hindu text) states: “Women have no property rights and must always be under the control of a father, husband, or son.”

• Greek & Roman Societies: Women were considered inferior and had no political or financial rights.

• Christian Europe: Until the 19th century, European women could not own property or inherit wealth.

Islam granted women full rights 1,400 years before Western societies began recognizing women's rights.

Conclusion: Islam Was the First Religion to Truly Empower Women

Islam uplifted women long before modern feminism by granting them:
✅ Right to life (no infanticide)
✅ Right to education (seek knowledge)
✅ Right to inheritance (financial independence)
✅ Right to own property (business & wealth)
✅ Right to choose marriage (no forced marriage)
✅ Right to divorce (seek freedom from oppression)
✅ Equality in worship (equal spiritual rewards)
✅ Highest honor as mothers (three times above fathers)

These laws and teachings were revolutionary in the 7th century and continue to empower Muslim women today.