Phase 1: Issues of Muslim Life (According to Al-Quran)

Islam is more than a religion; it is a comprehensive way of life. The Quran, Mohammed, his immediate followers, and generations of theologians prescribed numerous regulations governing every aspect of the Muslim social, political, economic, and religious life. 

WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Are women equal to men according to Islam?

• Islam teaches that women are inferior to men.
  "...And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree over them..." Surah 2:228
  

In what areas are women unequal to men in Islam?

• Islam teaches that women are less than equal to men in at least two major areas:
  First, in inheritance: A woman's share is half that of a man.
  "To the male a portion equal to that of two females..." Surah 4:11
  Second, in court witness: The witness of two women equals the witness of one man.
  "And get two witnesses out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women such as ye choose, for witness..." Surah 2:282
  

What is the status of a wife in relation to her husband?

• Islam considers the wife a possession.
  "...Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses..." Surah 3:14
  

What is the extent of a husband's authority over his wife in Islam?

• Islam teaches that a wife is subject to punishment by her husband. As a punishment, beating a wife or abstaining from sexual relations with her is allowed.
  "...As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, Admonish them, refuse to share their beds, beat them,..." Surah 4:34
  "For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if they return, God is oft-forgiving, most merciful." Surah 2:226
  

What rules apply only to women regarding their appearance in public?
Islam instructs women to veil themselves always when they are outside their homes.  And, even inside their homes, in certain situations.

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty..." Surah 24:31

"O prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad)..." Surah 33:59

[source: www.Islam Review.com ~ Abdullah Al Araby (In this article we will examine only a few of these Islamic regulations, based on the most reliable source of all Islamic teachings, the Quran. The reader must determine whether it is acceptable to live under such teachings)]