Lesson 7 – Are Women Dealt Unjustly in Islam?
Many people ask are women dealt unjustly in Islam? Here we are going to talk about two main topics witnesses and inheritance.
Equality of Witnesses
Two female witnesses are equal to one male witness in the case of financial transactions.
Financial transactions should be written with two male witnesses present or one male and two females. Since financial stability is shouldered by men, they are thought to be well versed in finances than females.
Two female witnesses equal to one male witness in a case of murder
Since, in this case, a female can get terrified and confused, one male witness is equal to two female witnesses. But many people think this is the oppression of women in Islam.
Two female witnesses are not always considered equal to one male witness
There are eight verses in the Holy Quran that do not specify men and women. The conditions were
- While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required
- Two persons in the case of Talaaq (divorce)
- Four witnesses in case of chaste against women
- And many more verses where gender is not specified
Thus the statement, are women dealt unjustly in Islam? It is not a valid one.
Qur’an clearly specifies that one female witness is equal to one male witness
“And those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in support) no evidence but their own – their solitary evidence can be received.” (Al Qur’an 24:6)
Solitary Witness of Ayesha (RA) is Sufficient for Hadith to be Accepted
People say women are oppressed in Islam, but if we take the example of Ayesha RA, who narrated 2220 Ahadith which is considered authentic. Similarly, one witness of a woman is sufficient for sightseeing of the moon.
Female Witnesses are Preferred in Some Cases
In dealing with problems of women, for example, giving a burial bath, the witness has to be a woman. Thus are women dealt unjustly in Islam?
Inheritance
There are many verses that talk about Inheritance in Quran.
Specific shares of inheritance for the relative:
Allah has specified all laws regarding inheritance in the verses of the Holy Quran.
Female sometimes inherits the same or more than their male counterpart
Are women dealt unjustly in Islam? Females do get half of the male share, but it is not always the case; sometimes, they may get more than their male counterparts.
Female usually inherits half the share of that of their male counterpart
This is true in the following cases
- A daughter gets half of the son
- A wife gets half that, which is 1/4th if she has no children
- A wife gets 1/8th if having children
- If the deceased has no heir, the sister gets half of the brother.
Male Inherits Double than the Female Because He Financially Supports the Family
Since in Islam, a female has no financial responsibility. She can keep her inheritance for herself without spending any, whereas males have to spend it on their family.
Enroll in our course to learn more about the topic are women dealt unjustly in Islam with Dr. Zakir Naik as he throws light on this popular topic and clears all the doubts.
