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Abstract

The discourse on women’s rights has remained one of the most debated subjects in both historical and contemporary contexts. Pre-Islamic societies often marginalized women, depriving them of basic dignity and social standing. Islam, however, introduced a paradigm shift by recognizing women as equal human beings endowed with inherent dignity and granting them multifaceted rights in the spheres of family, economy, education, inheritance and social participation. The Qur’anic injunctions and Prophetic traditions provide a comprehensive framework that safeguards women’s honor while balancing individual freedoms with social responsibilities. Classical jurists such as al-Qurṭubī and al-Ghazālī elaborated extensively on these rights, emphasizing women’s central role in maintaining social and moral equilibrium. In modern times, debates on gender equality have gained global momentum, particularly under the influence of human rights discourses and international conventions like CEDAW. While Western feminism often equates empowerment with unrestrained autonomy, the Islamic perspective presents a holistic approach that acknowledges gender distinctions without compromising dignity or justice. This article critically examines the Islamic conception of women’s rights, highlighting their continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges such as social justice, family stability and gender equity. It argues that Islam’s balanced framework not only affirms women’s essential rights but also offers an alternative model to modern feminist paradigms by integrating ethical, spiritual and societal dimensions.