Verses About Women in the Quran
The Quran contains verses that address various aspects of women’s roles and rights. Some of these verses are highlighted below:
- Allah -the Exalted- states:
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.
- Allah -the Exalted- mentions:
Your women are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth however you wish.
- Allah -the Exalted- reveals:
Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire – of women and children, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.
- Allah -the Exalted- advises:
And if you fear that you will not be just to the orphans, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].
- Allah -the Exalted- explains:
And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is harm, so remain apart from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then go to them from where Allah has decreed for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are repellent and loves those who are purified.”
- Allah -the Exalted- asserts:
Men are protectors and maintainers of women by what Allah has given one over the other and by what they spend of their wealth. And righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard.
- Allah -the Exalted- mentions:
And for the elderly women who are past [the prospect of] marriage, there is no blame upon them for putting off their outer garments without adornment. But to remain modest is best for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
Verses About Women’s Rights in the Quran
The Quran also speaks about the rights of women within Islam. Some relevant verses are as follows:
- Allah -the Exalted- commands:
And give the women [upon marriage] their due compensation in goodness. But if they give up willingly anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.
- Allah -the Exalted- warns:
O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take part of what you gave them unless they commit a blatant immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.
- Allah -the Exalted- instructs:
And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable norms or part with them according to acceptable norms. And do not retain them in order to harm them, and whoever does that has wronged himself.
- Allah -the Exalted- stipulates:
Allah instructs you concerning your children: for a male is what is equal to the share of two females. And if there are only daughters, two or more, for them is two-thirds of what he left. And if there is one daughter, for her is half.
- Allah -the Exalted- declares:
And for women is a share of what the parents and closest relatives leave, whether it be little or much – an obligatory share.
- Allah -the Exalted- reminds:
And you will not be able to be just among the wives, even if you should strive to do so. So do not lean completely toward one [wife] and leave another hanging. And if you amend and fear Allah – indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
- Allah -the Exalted- states:
There is no blame upon you if you divorce women you have not touched or specified for them an obligation. And provide for them a good provision – [this is] a duty upon the righteous.
Verses About the Women of the Prophet in the Quran
The Quran includes verses that specifically address the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Some of these verses are highlighted below:
- Allah -the Exalted- states:
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women. If you fear [Allah], then do not be soft in speech, lest one in whose heart is disease should covet. But speak with appropriate speech.
- Allah -the Exalted- warns:
O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you commits a clear immorality – for her the punishment will be doubled, and that for Allah is always easy.