The document discusses the status and treatment of women in different societies throughout history and how Islam improved women's rights and status. It notes that before Islam, women in places like Arabia were often mistreated, having no rights and facing practices like female infanticide. It then outlines various rights and roles for women established in Islam, including rights to education, inheritance, divorce, and not being forced to marry. The document emphasizes that men and women are seen as equal in Islam while having different responsibilities. It also discusses polygamy, marriage, and divorce practices in Islamic law.

1. Women in Islam By: Sally Attar "I urge you to treat women well" said the Prophet (PBUH)

2. Women in Medieval Times Women were basically treated like domesticated pets Had to take care of all household responsibilities Worked in fields and helped their husbands Marriage was compulsory Treated with little or no respect

3. Women in Asia Widows were burnt alive Remarriage was prohibited Widows became slaves to their brother-in-laws

4. Women in Arabia before Islam Women were not equal to men when it came to issues such as marriage, inheritance or education Women had no legal rights Female infants were buried alive Polygamy was widespread

5. Women in the West Belonged to their fathers or husbands Whatever they owned became their husbands property after marriage No legal rights Were not allowed to get an education Islam freed women from mistreatment

6. The Qur’an defines woman’s role Made women feel more secure in society Killing infant girls was forbidden Gave women birthrights Divorced woman was entitled to financial support from her ex-husband Khul is the ending of marriage at the wife’s request

7. Different but complementary roles Quran portrays men and women equal although they still have corresponding functions Woman is the work of art of Allah’s formations Woman’s basis of self-respect is equal to man Both can choose the path they want to follow Value is equal, qualities differ Laws such as woman’s rights to owning property, divorce, inheriting family values, owning businesses, and getting an education have existed in Islam since the Prophet’s (PBUH) time Role model woman should be kind and committed Muslim women are entitled to the same rights as Western women, although it doesn’t always appear that way

8. Women & Education Whether male or female, everyone in Islam has the right to be educated Women are not forbidden to go to university or college neither are they forbidden to work Many women in today’s society have high standard jobs such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers

9. Who is superior? Man or Woman? Although they are both viewed equally, women have different responsibilities in life Both are superior in Islam At the same time, women are treated as delicate figures Technically speaking, the man is responsible for providing for the family and the woman is responsible for taking care of her home

10. Man’s treatment of his wife As mentioned earlier in this presentation, the Prophet (PBUH) urged men to treat women with respect The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best among you is the one who is best towards his wives.” “ Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood, he and I will come like this on the Day of Resurrection,” and he held his fingers together

11. Polygamy Polygamy, the marriage to more than one woman, is permitted in Islam but only with a legitimate reason A Muslim man may have up to four wives but he must be in a situation similar to: His wife has a incurable disease His wife cannot have children There are many widows due to war

12. Marriage & Divorce Quran encourages Muslims to marry Enforces that sexual relationships before marriage are sinful In most cases, parents find a husband for their daughter, if she agrees then they can successfully get married The daughter has the right to object if she does not want the marriage Divorce can be demanded by either the husband or the wife It is forbidden for the husband to get his wife out by force The woman must wait three monthly cycles to ensure she is not expecting When two people are divorcing, it is possible for them to change their mind; it is also possible for them to change their mind once again and decide to divorce again; however, after the third time it becomes final Divorce is not encouraged, but if a couple is unhappy and divorce is the only solution, it is permitted

13. In conclusion, women before Islam were mistreated and looked down upon. In today’s society, thanks to Islam, women have rights equal to men and are able to be independent. Thank you for your attention.