Before Islam was bestowed upon the people, women were oppressed. Back then, women were seen as sexual substances not humans. The birth of a baby girl was seen as dishonor and shame to the family. These babies were usually buried alive. Forget being forced into marriage, women had no right to decide anything about her own marriage. Once she was married, she had no say in divorce. Any property that may have been under her name was now her husbands and she could not inherit any property from him. [3]
After Islam was accepted by the people of Prophet Muhammad, the rights of women changed altogether. These rights of women were embedded in many parts of the Holy Quran, especially Surah Nisa (Chapter of Women) and were observed by people through the actions of the Holy Prophet. The Quran stated very clearly against the burial of infant girls: “And when the female (infant) buried alive – is questioned, for what crime she was killed.” (81:8-9). The Prophet only had a baby daughter whom he adored. Women gained rights as individual persons:“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him will We give a new life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to their actions.” (Quran 16:97, also see 4:124). Women also gained the rights of marriage and divorce. This was shown as the Prophet married a women 15 years older to him.
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