The question of whether women are “half-humans” is rooted in misunderstandings, particularly of religious texts and cultural practices. In Islam, women are unequivocally considered full human beings, equal in their intrinsic value, dignity, and spiritual potential to men. This essay critically examines this concept from an Islamic perspective, focusing on the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, debunking misconceptions, and exploring the nuances of gender roles within Islamic discourse.
Indeed, the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) uphold the dignity of human beings, including women, without any form of discrimination based on gender. There is no verse in the Qur’an or any authentic hadith that condemns women intrinsically or suggests their inferiority. On the contrary, Islam places great emphasis on the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of gender, and this is reflected throughout the Qur’anic message and the practices of the Prophet (PBUH).
1. The Dignity of All Human Beings:
The Qur’an clearly asserts the honor and dignity of all human beings, without distinction between men and women. In Surah Al-Isra (17:70), it is stated:
“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.”
This verse makes no distinction between men and women in terms of their dignity and status as honored creations of God. Both genders are equally part of the “children of Adam” and are deserving of respect and honor. Islam teaches that men and women are created from a single soul, with equal spiritual value and potential.
2. Creation from a Single Soul:
The Qur’an emphasizes the equality of men and women from the very beginning of creation. In Surah An-Nisa (4:1), Allah says:
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women…”
This verse reinforces the concept that men and women are created from the same essence, making them equal in their humanity and in their potential to achieve spiritual closeness to God. There is no notion of one gender being inherently superior or inferior to the other.
3. Equal Accountability and Reward:
The Qur’an consistently stresses that both men and women are equally accountable for their deeds and will be equally rewarded for their good actions. In Surah An-Nahl (16:97), it states:
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.”
This verse establishes that in the eyes of God, both men and women are equally capable of righteousness and are rewarded based on their actions, not their gender. Islam teaches that the criteria for reward and success is piety (taqwa) and righteous deeds, not one’s gender, wealth, or social status.
4. Gender Equality in Spiritual and Social Obligations:
The Qur’an places the same spiritual, moral, and social obligations on men and women. Both are required to pray, fast, give charity, and perform acts of worship. The Qur’an emphasizes the complementary roles of men and women, with both genders being partners in supporting one another in life, family, and community. In Surah At-Tawbah (9:71), it states:
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
This verse clearly affirms the spiritual partnership between men and women in carrying out their religious duties and fostering a just and righteous society. Both genders are equally responsible for promoting good, preventing wrong, and obeying God’s commands.
5. The Prophet’s (PBUH) Treatment of Women:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and dignity. He consistently elevated the status of women in a society where they were often treated as second-class citizens or property. The Prophet (PBUH) said in a famous hadith:
“The best of you are those who are best to their women.“ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1162)
This hadith demonstrates the Prophet’s (PBUH) high regard for women and his insistence on their respectful and honorable treatment. His life is full of examples where he showed kindness, fairness, and respect to women, including his wives, daughters, and the women of the community.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) treated women with immense respect, recognizing their full personhood. One of the most significant examples of this is his statement in his Farewell Sermon:
“O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you…”
He emphasized that women were not only to be treated well but also granted rights that were revolutionary at the time. His personal relationships with women also serve as a testament to their full humanity.
6. The Rights of Women in Marriage, Education, and Society:
Islam granted women rights that were revolutionary for their time, including the right to education, the right to own property, the right to choose their spouse, and the right to divorce. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah”H#224)
This statement does not differentiate between men and women, highlighting that both genders are equally obligated to seek knowledge and education.
Asma bint Yazid (may Allah be pleased with her) came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said, “I have come to you as a representative of the other Muslim women. Allah has sent you to both men and women alike, but we women live in seclusion and remain in our homes, while the men surpass us in rewards because of their attendance at Friday prayers, participating in funerals, and going out in Jihad. Meanwhile, we are occupied with looking after their wealth and raising their children. Are we not sharing in the reward of our men?”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) turned his blessed face toward the companions and asked, “Have you ever heard a better question regarding religion from a woman than this?” The companions replied, “No, we cannot even imagine a woman speaking so wisely.” The Prophet then turned to Asma and said, “O woman! Go back and inform the other women that a woman’s good conduct with her husband, seeking his pleasure, and acting according to his wishes is equal in reward to all these good deeds.” The narrator mentions that the woman left joyfully, proclaiming the praise and greatness of Allah. [Sho’ub al-Iman by Imam al-Bayhai: H#8743]
This hadith reflects the Prophet’s acknowledgment of women’s intellectual and spiritual contributions to the community, further dispelling any notion of women being “half-humans.”
Furthermore, women in Islam were given the right to own and manage their own wealth, a right that many women in other societies at the time did not have. The Qur’an explicitly protects women’s financial independence in inheritance laws, allowing them to inherit property and wealth in their own right (Surah An-Nisa, 4:7).
7. Protection Against Discrimination and Harm:
Islamic teachings explicitly prohibit any form of harm towards others. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:58) warns against causing harm or annoyance to believers:
“And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin.”
This verse makes it clear that causing any harm or discomfort to others, including women, is a sinful act in Islam. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or emotional, is a violation of the moral code that Islam promotes. This prohibition extends to any behavior that undermines the dignity and safety of women.
The Qur’an and Sunnah also emphasize the protection of women from any form of harm or discrimination. Islam places a great emphasis on justice, fairness, and compassion towards all individuals, especially those who are vulnerable. The Prophet (PBUH) condemned mistreatment or abuse of women in any form and promoted their protection and well-being.
One of the Prophet’s (PBUH) final public messages during his farewell sermon (Khutbah al-Wada’) was:
“O people, fear Allah concerning women! Verily, you have taken them on the security of Allah.”
This sermon, delivered during the Prophet’s (PBUH) final pilgrimage, underscores the importance he placed on the fair and just treatment of women, reinforcing their status and rights within the Islamic community.
8. Protection from Harassment:
Islamic law offers comprehensive protection to women against harassment, a problem that has plagued societies throughout history. The teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide a moral, social, and legal framework that safeguards the dignity, honor, and safety of women. These protections are designed to preserve the well-being of women and to promote respect and accountability in personal and social conduct.
Islam establishes clear guidelines to prevent the objectification and harassment of women. One of the core teachings is the instruction for men to control their gaze and behavior in order to prevent any form of inappropriate interaction. In Surah An-Noor (24:30-31), Allah commands:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts…”
This verse highlights the responsibility of men to lower their gaze, which is a safeguard against lustful looks and any behavior that could lead to harassment or disrespect. By controlling one’s gaze and behavior, Islam encourages men to treat women with the utmost respect and honor, preventing any conduct that could make women feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
The misconceptions that arise about the status of women in Islam often stem from misunderstandings or cultural practices that are not rooted in Islamic teachings. The Qur’an and Sunnah present a clear vision of gender equality and mutual respect, ensuring that both men and women are valued and protected in all aspects of life.
9. The Misinterpretation of Inheritance:
Some misconceptions arise from the Islamic laws regarding inheritance and testimony, which critics use to argue that women are given inferior status. However, a nuanced understanding of these rulings reveals a different reality.
The issue of women receiving half the share of men in Islamic inheritance laws is often misunderstood and criticized without a proper understanding of the broader context and principles behind these laws. It’s essential to recognize that Islamic inheritance laws are part of a comprehensive legal system that ensures justice and balance based on various responsibilities, rights, and familial obligations. The idea that women always receive half of a man’s share is a simplification that doesn’t account for the nuances of Islamic law, where a woman’s share may vary depending on her role in the family and other circumstances.
1. The Widow’s Share:
One key example of how Islamic inheritance laws do not always follow the “half-share” formula is the case of a widow. According to the Qur’an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:12), a widow is entitled to one-eighth (1/8) of her husband’s total wealth if the couple has children. If they have no children, she receives one-fourth (1/4) of the inheritance. This share is given before the wealth is distributed among other heirs, whether male or female, ensuring that the widow is financially protected.
This demonstrates that a woman’s share is not necessarily half that of a man. In some cases, such as when a woman is a widow, she is entitled to a significant portion of her husband’s estate, reflecting the Qur’anic emphasis on safeguarding her financial security.
Indeed, in the scenario where a husband passes away without leaving behind children, the widow receives one-fourth (1/4) of his estate. This significant portion is given to her before the remainder of the wealth is distributed among other heirs, whether male or female. As a result, depending on the specific distribution among the other heirs, the widow could end up with a larger share than male heirs like brothers or uncles, reflecting the Qur’an’s concern for the widow’s financial protection.
This example demonstrates that Islamic inheritance laws are not rigidly tied to the concept of women always inheriting less than men. In fact, there are circumstances where women, such as a widows, can inherit a major share, while male heirs may receive lesser portions. The aim is to ensure justice and equity based on the specific responsibilities and needs of the individuals involved.
a). Widow Inherits Before Others:
In the case where there are no children, the Qur’an allocates the widow one-fourth of her deceased husband’s wealth (Surah An-Nisa, 4:12). This share is allocated to her before the distribution of the remainder to other family members. After her share is allocated, the rest is divided among other heirs, which could include parents, siblings, or other male and female relatives.
b). Male Heirs Can Receive Less:
Depending on the remaining heirs, male relatives like brothers or uncles may inherit less than the widow in this situation. For example, if the deceased had siblings, his brothers might inherit a smaller percentage after the widow’s one-fourth is secured. This system prioritizes the financial well-being of the widow, recognizing her dependence on her husband during marriage and ensuring that she is not left without support after his passing.
c). Justice Through Context-Specific Shares:
Islamic inheritance laws take into account the specific roles and obligations of different family members. The widow’s share is prioritized in certain circumstances to ensure her financial stability. On the other hand, male heirs, while they may inherit less in this scenario, still benefit from other economic rights and responsibilities, such as providing for their families.
d). Flexibility of Islamic Law:
This example highlights the flexibility of Islamic inheritance laws, where the distribution of wealth is not strictly fixed to the concept of women inheriting less. The Qur’an, through a comprehensive set of rules, balances the rights of women and men based on their needs, roles, and responsibilities within the family. Women, in this case the widow, can receive a more substantial share depending on the specific situation.
2. Balancing Financial Responsibilities:
The reason why, in certain cases, men inherit double the share of women (e.g., a brother receiving twice the share of his sister) is directly tied to their respective financial responsibilities in Islamic law. Men are required to financially provide for their families, including their wives, children, and in some cases, other relatives, regardless of their wife’s income or assets. This obligation includes food, shelter, clothing, and other expenses.
In contrast, women have no financial obligations in Islam toward their families, even if they are financially independent or wealthy. A woman’s inheritance, whether it is large or small, remains exclusively hers to manage as she sees fit, and she is not required to spend it on the household. Hence, the apparent disparity in inheritance is actually a reflection of the different roles and financial duties assigned to men and women, rather than a reflection of their value or importance.
3. Women’s Share in Various Situations:
Islamic inheritance laws are complex and take into account various family situations. Women’s shares vary based on their relationship to the deceased and the presence of other heirs. Here are some examples:
- As a Daughter: If a man passes away leaving behind a son and a daughter, the daughter receives half the share of the son. However, the son, as the financial caretaker, is obligated to use his wealth to support his family, including potentially his sister. The daughter’s share, on the other hand, is entirely her own.
- As a Mother: If a deceased person leaves behind children, the mother is entitled to one-sixth (1/6) of the inheritance. If there are no children, and the deceased has siblings, the mother receives one-third (1/3). If there are no children or siblings, her share maybe even larger. This again reflects the flexible nature of inheritance laws, with the mother’s share potentially surpassing that of male heirs in certain circumstances.
- As a Wife: As mentioned earlier, a widow receives one-eighth or one-fourth of her husband’s estate, depending on whether they have children. This share is calculated before the distribution of wealth among other heirs.
4. Protecting Women’s Financial Security:
The Islamic inheritance system was revolutionary for its time, as it gave women the right to inherit property in a world where women were often excluded from property rights altogether. Pre-Islamic Arabian customs deprived women of any inheritance rights, leaving them financially dependent on male relatives. Islam changed this by recognizing women’s right to wealth and ensuring they receive a fair share of family assets.
Moreover, the inheritance system is designed to ensure that no one—especially women—is left without support. The financial obligations placed on men to care for their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters ensure that women are financially secure even if their inheritance share is smaller in certain cases.
5. A Comprehensive and Just System:
The Islamic inheritance laws are part of a broader system of financial rights and obligations that aim to maintain a balance within the family structure. The apparent inequality in some inheritance shares is not an indication of a woman’s lesser status but a reflection of her financial protection under Islamic law. Women are provided for through multiple avenues, including their right to inherit, the financial responsibilities of their male relatives, and their own income and assets, which they are not obligated to share with others.
The criticism that women always receive half the share of men in inheritance laws is based on a misunderstanding of the Islamic legal framework. Islamic inheritance laws are intricate, taking into account various factors such as relationships, financial responsibilities, and the overall welfare of the family. Women are not uniformly disadvantaged; in fact, they are protected and provided for in a way that reflects their roles and responsibilities within the family. In some cases, a woman’s share can be significant, such as a widow’s one-eighth or one-fourth, and the system ensures that her financial security is upheld. Understanding these laws in their full context helps dispel misconceptions and highlights the fairness and balance of Islamic teachings.
10. The Misinterpretation of Testimony:
Similarly, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:282) mentions that two female witnesses are needed in specific financial transactions, which some interpret as a devaluation of a woman’s testimony. It is indeed significant to highlight that the Qur’an’s acceptance of female witnesses was a progressive stance at a time when female testimony was largely inadmissible in most legal systems around the world. While women were generally excluded from formal legal processes in ancient Roman, Greek, and Jewish societies, the Qur’an provided a more inclusive framework that allowed women to testify in certain legal matters, which was groundbreaking given the context of that era.
1. The Qur’anic Approach to Female Testimony
The Qur’an explicitly recognizes the role of women as witnesses, most notably in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:282), where it discusses the requirement of two female witnesses in financial contracts:
“And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses…”
This verse indicates that, while there may be a distinction in the number of male and female witnesses in certain cases (like financial transactions), the inclusion of women as witnesses itself was a progressive departure from the norms of most legal systems at the time, which completely excluded women from such roles.
2. Broader Inclusion of Female Testimony
It’s important to note that the Qur’an does not universally impose the two-female witness requirement for all types of testimony. In many cases, particularly those related to personal and family matters (e.g., childbirth, divorce, or accusations of adultery), a woman’s testimony could carry equal weight, reflecting a more balanced approach to legal rights. For instance, in cases of Li’an (mutual witnessing on accusations of adultery between spouses), both the man and the woman are given equal opportunity to swear oaths before a judge.
Allah Almighty said: [paraphrased]
And those who accuse their wives ˹of adultery˺ but have no witnesses except themselves, the accuser must testify, swearing four times by Allah that he is telling the truth, and a fifth oath that Allah may condemn him if he is lying. For her to be spared the punishment, she must swear four times by Allah that he is telling a lie, and a fifth oath that Allah may be displeased with her if he is telling the truth. [Surah al-Noor:6-10]
3. Contrast with Global Legal Systems
In comparison to the legal systems of the ancient world:
- Roman Law: As discussed earlier, women were generally excluded from testifying in court, especially in criminal or public cases. Their voices were considered unreliable, and their participation in legal proceedings was minimal.
- Jewish Law: In Talmudic times, women were not eligible to testify in most Jewish courts, particularly in cases involving criminal or serious civil matters. This exclusion was based on societal views of women’s intellectual capacity and emotional stability.
- Greek Law: Women in ancient Greece, like in Rome, were often seen as legally incompetent and their testimonies were not accepted in court.
In this context, the Qur’anic inclusion of women as witnesses—even if under certain conditions—marked a significant shift from the practices of other legal systems. It was an acknowledgment of women’s intellectual and moral capacity, reflecting Islam’s broader emphasis on the dignity and rights of women.
4. Contextual Understanding
The requirement for two female witnesses in some instances is often misunderstood as a reflection of women’s inferiority. However, Islamic scholars argue that this was based on the social and cultural realities of the time, when women were less exposed to financial and commercial dealings. The intent behind this requirement was not to diminish women’s status but to ensure fairness and accuracy in sensitive matters like financial contracts, where a lack of experience could potentially lead to confusion. Even at a time when women’s role in financial and legal issues was not acknowledged.
In other areas, such as witnessing childbirth, personal disputes, or familial matters, women’s testimony was considered equally valid. Moreover, the emphasis on protecting the rights and dignity of women is central to the Qur’anic message, as seen in various other aspects of Islamic law.
The Qur’an’s acceptance of female testimony represents a major development in the legal rights of women, especially in the context of a world where women were largely marginalized in legal systems. By giving women a voice in legal proceedings, the Qur’an laid the foundation for greater gender equity in the legal and social spheres. This progressive inclusion stands out as an important aspect of Islamic jurisprudence, which sought to raise the status of women and recognize their full humanity at a time when this was not the global norm.
11. Distinct Roles, Not Inferiority:
It is important to acknowledge that Islam assigns different roles to men and women, but this differentiation is not synonymous with inequality. The complementary nature of these roles serves to create a balanced and just society, and they are assigned based on physical and social differences rather than any notion of superiority or inferiority.
For example, the mother’s status in Islam is elevated to the highest degree. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) famously stated:
“Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.”
This hadith reflects not only the immense respect Islam has for women but also their pivotal role in shaping future generations. Men and women are seen as interdependent, each contributing to the family and society in ways that respect their respective strengths.
12. Misinterpreted Hadith
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him):
Once Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) of `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, “O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women).” They asked, “Why is it so, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ?” He replied, “You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have seen none lacking in wisdom and failing in religion but (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of the wise, besides you.” The women asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our wisdom and religion?” He said, “Is not the testimony of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her wisdom. Isn’t it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?” The women replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her religion.” [Sahih al-Bukhari: H#304, Sahih Muslim: H#80]
This hadith indeed highlights an important distinction in its use of the term “lacking in wisdom” (نقصان عقل). It does not imply that women lack common sense or intellectual ability in general but instead refers to specific legal contexts within Islamic jurisprudence.
In this narration, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) speaks about women being “lacking in wisdom” and “lacking in religion,” he is not suggesting that women are inferior or inherently less capable than men. Rather, these terms are used in a very particular, technical sense:
1. Lack of Wisdom (نقصان عقل):
The phrase “lacking wisdom” refers to the Islamic legal principle regarding the testimony of women in certain cases, where the testimony of two women is considered equal to the testimony of one man. This, however, is specific to financial and contractual matters, as outlined in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282). The reasoning behind this legal stipulation is often understood as a reflection of the social environment and the roles women played in those times, which involved less exposure to financial dealings. However, it does not imply that women are less capable in intellect or reasoning overall, and, as the hadith itself suggests, a wise woman can indeed defeat a genius man in debate. This indicates that the term does not encompass general intelligence, debate, or practical wisdom, but is restricted to certain legal scenarios.
2. Lack of Religion (نقصان دین):
The “lack of religion” refers to the fact that women are exempt from certain religious obligations, such as fasting and prayer, during their menstrual cycles or postpartum periods. This exemption is a mercy from Allah, recognizing the physical hardships that women endure during these times. It is not a deficiency in faith or commitment, but simply a difference in the practice of certain religious rituals. Women are still fully capable of piety, spirituality, and attaining closeness to Allah, just as men are.
3. Clarifying the Context of the Hadith:
Islam does not condemn women for natural phenomena such as the menstrual cycle or postpartum period, which are divinely ordained aspects of their biology. Rather, these phases reflect Allah’s wisdom in exempting women from certain religious duties during times of physical difficulty. The so-called “lack of religion” mentioned in hadiths merely refers to these temporary exemptions from ritual obligations, and it is by no means a reflection of moral or spiritual inferiority.
a) No Moral or Spiritual Inferiority:
The hadith discussing “lack of religion” in women highlights their exemption from fasting and prayer during menstruation and postpartum periods. These exemptions are not a reflection of spiritual inferiority; instead, they recognize the physical and emotional needs of women during these times. Allah, in His wisdom and mercy, has provided relief for women during these challenging periods, allowing them to focus on their well-being without the burden of fulfilling these religious obligations.
This leniency granted by Islam underscores that women are in no way penalized for their natural biological processes. They are not held spiritually inferior to men. Both men and women are judged on the basis of their piety, righteousness, and devotion to Allah, as mentioned in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
The aforementioned hadith, which refers to women as “lacking in wisdom and religion,” could be understood as an “abrogated hadith” (Hadith Mansukh) in light of later revelations, particularly Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), which was revealed in the 9th year of Hijrah. This verse emphasizes the equality of all human beings, regardless of gender, stating: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” The Qur’anic declaration in Surah Al-Hujurat underscores the principle of spiritual and moral equality between men and women, with piety being the only distinguishing factor in the eyes of Allah. This later revelation could be seen as overriding earlier hadiths that may appear to imply a deficiency in women, shifting the focus from specific legal rulings to the fundamental equality of men and women before Allah. Therefore, the interpretation of the earlier hadith could be reconsidered in light of the comprehensive and inclusive guidance provided by the Qur’an.
In Islam, the capacity for moral and spiritual excellence is equally available to both men and women. What distinguishes them is their taqwa (God-consciousness), and not their biological differences.
b) Lack of Wisdom as a Legal Scenario:
Similarly, the phrase “lack of wisdom” in the hadith refers to a specific legal scenario, namely the testimony of women in financial matters. In Islamic law, the testimony of two women is required in place of one man in certain cases, particularly financial contracts. This stipulation, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:282), is not a statement on women’s intellectual abilities, but rather an accommodation that reflects the societal realities of that time, when women were generally less involved in financial transactions.
It is important to emphasize that this legal distinction does not apply across all areas of life or knowledge. For instance, in matters unrelated to financial contracts, a woman’s testimony can be equal to a man’s. Furthermore, women played a pivotal role in Islamic jurisprudence, education, and the transmission of knowledge, proving their intellectual capacity and wisdom beyond question.
c) Women’s Role in the Preservation and Transmission of Islamic Knowledge:
Muslim women have played a critical role in preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge, particularly the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Women like Fatimah bint Muhammad (may Allah be pleased with her) and Aisha bint Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) were among the most prominent scholars of their time, transmitting thousands of hadiths that are essential to Islamic law and ethics today. Their knowledge of the Qur’an, hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence was sought after by male and female scholars alike, and Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) served as a teacher and mentor to many.
This contribution demonstrates that women in Islam were entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and sharing the Prophet’s teachings, a role that requires great intellectual acumen, dedication, and wisdom. There is no distinction between the authenticity or authority of a hadith narrated by a woman versus a man. The criteria for the acceptance of hadith is based on the reliability and trustworthiness of the narrator, not their gender. As Imam Al-Dhahabi, a great scholar of hadith, noted:
“There is no known case in which a woman narrator has been accused of forgery or falsehood in narrating hadiths.”
d) Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s Recognition of Female Narrators:
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the renowned Islamic scholar and compiler of the largest hadith collection Musnad Ahmad, recognized the significant contribution of women in the transmission of hadith. He included numerous hadiths narrated by women in his collection, in section Musnad al-Nisa‘ demonstrating the equal value placed on their narrations. A considerable portion of his collection was dedicated to hadiths transmitted by female narrators, further illustrating the critical role of women in safeguarding Islamic teachings.
This recognition from a major scholar along with other scholars highlights that women were considered integral to the preservation of Islamic knowledge. Their contributions were not diminished or disregarded because of their gender. Instead, their narrations were honored and integrated into the corpus of Islamic scholarship.
e) The Example of Other Prominent Female Scholars:
Beyond Aisha bint Abu Bakr, many other women scholars in Islamic history were respected for their knowledge and expertise. For example:
- Fatima al-Fihri: She founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, the world’s oldest continually operating university, which became a major center for Islamic learning.
- Umm Darda: A distinguished scholar in the 7th century, who taught hadith and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) in the mosque of Damascus, and her classes were attended by men, including prominent scholars and judges.
- Hafsa bint Sirin: A prominent jurist and scholar of hadith who taught leading scholars of her time.
These examples demonstrate that Islamic history is filled with women who not only contributed to, but also led the intellectual development of the Muslim community. Their roles as scholars, teachers, and jurists are a testament to the intellectual equality granted to women in Islam.
f) More Inhabitants of Hell:
The notion that women are the majority of the inhabitants of Hell, as mentioned in some hadiths, is often misunderstood. It is essential to clarify that this is not due to any inherent deficiency in women’s wisdom or religiosity. Rather, it reflects a broader demographic reality: women have historically made up a larger portion of the global population. Therefore, the hadith could be understood as a reflection of the statistical majority of women rather than a condemnation of their intellect or faith. Moreover, Islamic teachings emphasize that both men and women are judged based on their actions, morality, and piety, not their gender. The Qur’an states in Surah Al-Nisa (4:124), “And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer, those will enter Paradise.” Thus, any interpretation that suggests women are doomed due to their gender is contrary to the spirit of Islamic justice and equality. The hadith serves as a reminder for all believers, both men and women, to strive for righteousness, but should not be seen as an indictment of women.
In conclusion, the terms “lack of wisdom” and “lack of religion” in the aforementioned hadith must be understood within their specific legal and ritual contexts, and not as statements on women’s intellectual or spiritual capacities. Islam recognizes and honors the critical contributions of women in all aspects of life, particularly in the realm of knowledge and scholarship. The preservation and transmission of Islamic knowledge by women, as evidenced by their role in hadith transmission, is a clear testament to their intellectual capabilities and the respect Islam accords to them.
Far from condemning women, Islamic teachings provide them with opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth, with both men and women judged equally by their piety and devotion to Allah. This equitable approach is deeply embedded in Islamic law and tradition, as demonstrated by the respect accorded to female scholars and their vital contributions to the preservation of Islamic teachings.
Conclusion:
The notion that women are “half-humans” is a gross misunderstanding of Islamic teachings. The Qur’an and Sunnah make it clear that women are equal to men in their humanity, spiritual worth, and rights. While Islam acknowledges distinct roles for men and women in certain social and legal contexts, these distinctions are based on fairness, justice, and societal harmony, not on inferiority or dehumanization. Therefore, women in Islam are full humans with dignity, rights, and responsibilities, and any interpretation suggesting otherwise misrepresents the core teachings of the faith.
