In the next two weeks, the city of New York will host the annual Conference on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters. This conference is one of the most important events held by the UN to discuss the status and rights of women. Female delegates from around the world have begun arriving in the city.
The issue of women’s rights is always relevant. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the world would be empty without women. Women make the world a vibrant and dynamic place. They are the driving force behind human existence. Women are the reference point for human life.
This is why, in Islamic terminology, women are referred to in three different ways:
1. Mar’ah: This term refers to a woman’s role as a reflection of life.
2. Nisaa: This term emphasizes the importance of women in bringing peace and tranquility to the family.
3. Umm: This term refers to a woman’s role as a mother and the first reference point for human life.
Unfortunately, throughout history, women have been mistreated and oppressed. In ancient civilizations, women were seen as objects for men’s pleasure. Even in the modern era, women are still subjected to various forms of exploitation and oppression.
Islam, however, has elevated the status of women and provided them with rights and protections that were unheard of in many ancient and even modern civilizations. Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of treating women with respect, kindness, and justice.
The Status of Women in Islam
There is a common misconception that women in Islam are treated as second-class citizens. This view is often perpetuated by those who do not understand Islam or who intentionally seek to distort its teachings.
In reality, Islam recognizes the equal value and dignity of men and women. While men and women may have different roles and responsibilities, they are equal in terms of their humanity and spiritual worth.
The Quran emphasizes that men and women are created from the same source (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13). It also recognizes the importance of women in bringing peace and tranquility to the family (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:228).
In Islamic teachings, men and women are seen as complementary to each other, rather than as rivals or competitors as we see in modern tendency. The Quran describes the relationship between men and women as one of mutual support and protection (Ch. 2:187).
Conclusion
Islam is often misunderstood as being oppressive towards women. However, this could not be further from the truth. Islam has elevated the status of women and provided them with rights and protections that were unheard of in our world.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognize the important contributions that women make to our societies. Let us also acknowledge the vital role that Islam plays in promoting the dignity and well-being of women.
Islam is not just a religion that liberates women; it is a way of life that recognizes the inherent value and dignity of every human being, regardless of their gender or background.
Congratulations to all the women participating in the CSW conference. May this conference bring benefits to women and the world. And may we all recognize that Islam is not just a religion that liberates women, but a way of life that saves them.
Jamaica Hills, March 9, 2025
Director of Jamaica Muslim Center & President of Nusantara Foundation