Redefining Women’s Role in Islam: Breaking Cultural Norms in South Asia

Discover how Islam empowered women like Khadijah and Aisha to lead, learn, and contribute, unlike the cultural restrictions many face in South Asia today.

In South Asia, the role of women is often viewed through a narrow lens. Even though women make up a significant proportion of the global population. Women’s roles are often restricted by cultural norms. While families encourage their daughters to pursue education, often leading them to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees, they are then expected to abandon their ambitions, leaving their dreams unfulfilled and on hold, and marriage becomes their only perceived future.

This cultural norm has led to a troubling reality where women, even after acquiring valuable knowledge and skills, are confined to the home. Many are not allowed to work, drive, or explore their potential. This is in stark contrast to early Islamic societies, where women rode horses and camels and even led armies. This mindset, though prevalent, raises a critical question: Is this what Islam teaches about the role of women?

Let’s explore deeper into what Islam truly says about the role of women in society. Yet, this narrow view of our society contradicts the rich history of Islam, where women were empowered, valued, and played integral roles in society, both in the household and beyond. Islam, as a comprehensive religion, values the individual rights and responsibilities of both men and women, including the right to pursue a career, seek knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Contrary to the restrictive norms seen in parts of South Asia, Islam places immense value on women’s participation in society. The Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasize equality between men and women in terms of their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer, We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward according to the best of what they used to do.” Ayah an-Nahl (The Bee) 16:97.

This ayah highlights that righteousness and achievement are not determined by gender but by faith and action. Throughout Islamic history, women have played pivotal roles in various fields, from education to governance.

Inspiring Muslim Women in Islamic History

The Great Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

The first Muslim woman, Khadijah al-Kubra (peace be upon her)’ was actually a leading and successful businesswomanin Arabia. She was delicate, intelligent, and sharp. The first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Khadija was born to a father who was a successful merchant in their Quraysh tribe of Mecca. She inherited her father’s skills at a time in history when society was male-dominated and dangerous. Upon her father’s death, she took over the business, which was a literally hard time for her to take this responsibility and trade goods through the primary commerce centers of that time, from Mecca to Syria and to Yemen. She hired the most trustworthy men of character to brave the dangerous trade routes. Her business was larger than all of the Quraysh trades combined and the most acclaimed with a reputation for fair dealing and high-quality goods and was deeply respected for her leadership.

Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA)

Another prominent figure Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) was a scholar and teacher whose knowledge of Islam was sought after by both men and women. During a time in Islam when women were not expected or wanted to contribute outside the household, Aisha delivered public speeches, became directly involved in wars and even battles, and helped others to understand the practices of Muhammad (PBUH).

The life of Aishah is proof that a woman can be far more learned than men and that she can be the teacher of scholars and experts. Her life is also proof that a woman can exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and leadership. Her influence on Islamic jurisprudence remains profound to this day.

Islam also highlights the importance of knowledge for both genders. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This directive applies equally to women and men, underscoring the importance of education in Islam.

Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (RA)

Islamic history is filled with examples of women excelling in roles beyond the household. Women like Nusaybah bint Ka’ab (RA) stood shoulder to shoulder with men on the battlefield. She fought valiantly in the Battle of Uhud, defending the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and sustaining several wounds in the process.

Economic Advisor Shifa bint Abdullah (RA)

Similarly, Shifa bint Abdullah (RA) served during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) as the market controller in Madinah. Her duties were to ensure that business practices should always be consistent with Islam. She would go around the market, making sure that no cheating or tricks took place and that buyers and sellers conformed to Islamic values. Umar told shopkeepers that if they were in doubt about the legality of a particular transaction, then they should ask Al-Shifa. He trusted her knowledge of Islam. Her role as a market supervisor is one of the earliest examples of women holding positions of authority in an Islamic state.

These examples challenge the prevailing notion in parts of South Asia that women should be confined to the home after marriage. Why should women, who are educated and capable, not be allowed to contribute to society? Islam’s history shows that women can lead, teach, and work alongside men, adhering to the principles of faith and righteousness.

Cultural Norms vs Religious Teachings

In countries like Pakistan, cultural expectations often take priority over religious teachings. Many families, influenced by the belief that sons will provide for them in old age, invest more in their sons’ futures than their daughters’. This leads to discriminatory practices, where daughters are seen as liabilities rather than assets. Despite their education, women are often discouraged from pursuing careers because their primary “duty” is believed to be marriage and motherhood. This is not reflective of Islam’s teachings, which emphasize personal development, education, and contribution to society.

This discrimination is not supported by Islamic teachings. Given the examples of strong, influential women in Islamic history, it is evident that Islam does not restrict women from pursuing careers or contributing to society. Rather, Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and self-sufficiency for both men and women.

The Qur’an emphasizes equality, stating, “And their Lord responded to them, ‘Never will I allow to be lost the work of any worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another'” (Qur’an 3:195). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself empowered women in his community and gave them the freedom to choose their path, whether it be in education, work, or family life.

Why then, are so many women in South Asia restricted by cultural norms that have no foundation in Islam?

How Islam Encourages Women’s Education and Independence

It is time to break the cycle of limiting women’s roles in society. How long will we continue to confine women to the home when Islam itself champions their participation in all aspects of life? Women should be encouraged to pursue their dreams, whether that be in education, business, or any other field that aligns with Islamic principles.

Parents must be reminded of the value of their daughters, not just as future wives or mothers, but as individuals with the potential to make significant contributions to society. Islam encourages women to be educated, independent, and empowered. By following the true teachings of Islam, parents can help their daughters achieve their full potential.

The status of women in South Asia, particularly in countries like Pakistan, needs to be re-evaluated. Are we truly following the teachings of Islam if we limit our daughters’ futures to marriage alone? The examples of Khadijah (RA), Aisha (RA), and other prominent women in Islamic history show that women can and should be active participants in society.

It is time for a shift in mindset one that recognizes women’s rights to education, work, and independence as not just a societal benefit but an Islamic obligation. Only then can we create a society where women are valued for their contributions, not just to the home, but to the world at large.