Feminism is a movement of the modern times and may not have been heard at the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Issues like feminism that belong to the new era should be considered from different aspects to see if they are compatible with Islam or not. In most of the similar issues, Islam has some common views and some contradictions.

To find out if Islam accepts feminist theories and ideas, and advocates of feminism, we should first understand what feminism is and when and why it arose?

The Main Purposes of Feminists

The first feminist movement started, to gain some rights for women. These include “guardianship of infants, property rights, divorce, access to higher education and the medical professions, equal pay and protective legislation for women workers - many of which women are still campaigning for today!” [1]

As I mentioned, these issues are not restricted either to western countries or countries with a majority of Muslim population. Even in Muslim countries, there were unfair social and family treatments toward women. We will later discuss the fact that it is not the Islamic rulings that subordinate women, but the traditions of those countries who embraced Islam within years.

Thus feminism, which started in 1848 in America, gradually spread over the world. Women and some men who were in favor of women’s rights became feminists without having a real knowledge of feminism [2].

What is Common in Islam and Feminism?

Although I mentioned that in Muslim countries, women were not treated fairly and some of them became feminist, it never means that the unfair treatments toward women were because of Islamic rules. The fact is that the unjust treatment of women is sometimes due to different cultures and traditions. This unjust treatment existed at the time of pagans even before the birth of Islam.

It was a common act between pagans of Arab peninsula who used to be ashamed of their girls and prefer boys over girls. They used to bury their infant daughters alive, as they used to consider them inferior to men.

Quran describes the attitude of pagans toward their baby girls clearly; “When one of them is brought the news of a female [newborn], his face becomes darkened, and he chokes with suppressed agony. He hides from the people out of distress at the news he has been brought: shall he retain it in humiliation, or bury it in the ground! Behold! Evil is the judgment that they make.” (16: 58 -59)

In these conditions, where women were inferior to men, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) came with the Quran which gave women a high position and value.

It is narrated in history that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had a few sons who all died at a young age. Then he was granted a Daughter. Pagans used to humiliate him for not having a son to keep his family lineage. Then this chapter was revealed to him:

“Indeed We have given you abundance. So pray to your Lord, and sacrifice [the sacrificial camel]. Indeed it is your enemy who is without posterity.” (108: 1-3)

And from his only daughter, his generation continued until now which is an honor for a large group of Muslims.

The Status of Women in Islam

Most of the rights that feminists are campaigning for in this era were mentioned in the Quran 1400 years ago;

Property Rights

“To men belongs a share of what they have earned, and to women a share of what they have earned.” (4:32)

According to Islam, women have a complete right to have an earning. They also have the right to use their earnings in any way that they desire. Besides, men have the obligatory responsibility to pay for women’s daily expenses;

“Men are the managers of women, because of the advantage Allah has granted some of them over others, and by virtue of their spending out of their wealth.” (4: 34)

The Right to Work in Key Positions

At the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), there were many women who used to work in the market to earn money for their living. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not only encouraged them for their job but also taught them the right Islamic rules of business and commerce. The most significant example was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself who used to trade for Lady Khadijah (AS).

Access to Higher Education

According to Islam, gaining knowledge is obligatory for both men and women and knows no time limit in one’s life. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says: “Gaining knowledge is an obligation upon all Muslim men and women.” [3]

Marriage and Divorce

Women have the right to choose their husbands. They have the right to ask the court for separation as well if for any logical, reasonable purpose they do not wish to continue their married life.

Spiritual Equality

“Whoever acts righteously, [whether] male or female, should he be faithful, We shall revive him with a good life and pay them their reward by the best of what they used to do.” (16:97)

All the above points and what will follow in this article is emphasizing on the point that according to Islam, men and women do not have the same rights, but their rights are equal.

Why Equal Rights and not Same Rights?

Murtaza Mutahhari argues that for having equal rights in the society, is it necessary to have the same rights too? He gives an example of a father who would like to divide his wealth between his children. He has a farm, a piece of land and a business company, the price of them, moneywise, is the same but they do not look the same.

The father knows his children, their talents, and interests. So, he gives each of his properties to each child based on his knowledge of the child’s potential. In this example, while the price of the properties is the same, but they are not equal for all children. [4]

The same is with the rights of men and women. They have equal rights according to their talents, potential, and biological features, but their rights are not the same.

Efforts to Reconcile Islam with Feminism

Although Islamic treatment of women is fair and for the benefit of women, family, and society, still there are feminist campaigns that try to show Islamic rules are against women’s rights. Some of the Islamic rules that are usually mentioned by feminists are as follows:

The Islamic Dress Code

It is acceptable that wearing the Islamic dress code may cause some hardship for Muslim women, but nothing can be reachable without accepting its difficulty. Just like a mother who can never enjoy the sweetness of having a baby, unless she goes through nine months of pregnancy.

Thus, wearing the Islamic dress code that will lead to better family life and a safer society is worth its difficulty. Same is with the right to have free relationships with the opposite sex, which is forbidden according to Islam without specific conditions. This applies to both men and women to strengthen the base of family.

Men Having Authority over Women

The authority that Islam gives to men over their wives is the authority of family management. It does not mean that they can be oppressive towards women.

Polygamy

Polygamy is also an Islamic rule that can take place under certain conditions. But it does not give the right to all Muslim men to marry more than one wife. So, neither men should misuse this Islamic rule for their own benefit, nor it should be taken as a tool of undermining Islam without enough knowledge about the issue [i].

Inheritance

According to Islam men have a twice a share of a woman in inheritance: “for the male shall be the like of the share of two females.” (4:11)

Imam al-Sadiq (as) was asked for the reason of this ruling in Islam, and he replied “that it was because Islam had exempted woman from armed combat, and moreover that dower and maintenance had been imposed upon man for her benefit. What is more, in certain cases of doubt, in which blood relatives had to pay ransom money, a woman has been exempted from sharing with others in the payment.

These are the causes why the share of a woman is less than the share of a man.” Thus, it is “the special situation of woman in inheritance is the effect of dower and maintenance is the effect of dower and maintenance and exemption from armed combat and paying ransom money.” [5]

Are Men and Women Equal according to Islam?

According to Islam men and women do not have the same rights, but they have equal rights, which differ from each other according to each person’s biological, physical, and spiritual differences. An example is that Muslim women are not allowed to become judges, which is because of their high level of emotions which is required for a wife and a mother.

The love that a wife and a mother provide for the family is what makes the base of a family firm. While men are more logical to support the family by reason and making tough decisions at critical points. So, it has become an obligation on men to supply for the family or go for defense in war situations. There is no obligation over women in these cases.

This does not mean that women cannot put enough effort to strengthen their reason for their emotion. But if they do so, they have changed their nature, and their life path will be totally changed, in a way that they may never reach the safety and comfort that a woman requires.

Conclusion

If Muslims act according to the Islamic rules and commands, they will not need any of these feminist ideas. Since many of those rights that feminists are trying to gain are already given to Muslim women according to Islamic law.

It is good to keep in mind that the ultimate goal of every human in this life is to reach safety and calmness. This is easier and faster to gain by obeying the rules of Islam, simply because these rules have been ordained by the creator of human beings.

Thus, we can conclude that Islam is not completely compatible with feminism. Islam accepts those points of feminism that is for the best of human beings and the society. And will reject the rights that feminism defines for women while they would harm the woman, family and the society.

Notes:
[i] Find information about Islamic rules on polygamy here: https://www.salamislam.com/content/why-does-islam-allow-polygamy-part-1/3

References:

1. Feminism
2. ibid
3. Amali Al-Sadouq, p. 419.
4. Mutahhari, Murtaza, The rights of Women in Islam, p. 115
5. Mutahhari, Murtaza, The rights of Women in Islam, p. 225

“…and when you feel secure, perform the [complete] prayers, for the prayer is indeed a timed prescription for the faithful.” (4:103)

It is obligatory to perform the following five prayers every day during the prescribed times:

Dawn prayer (Salat al-Fajr), which consists of two units (each unit of prayer is called a rak`ah)

Midday prayer (Salat al-Zuhr) consisting of four units,

Afternoon prayer (Salat al-`Asr): four units,

Dusk prayer (Salat al-Maghrib): three units,

Night prayer (Salat al-`Isha): four units.

Performing the daily prayers involves taking specific steps in order (Tartib) and in regular succession without undue delay between them (Muwalat).

The Call to Prayer (Adhan & Iqama)

Adhan is a set of phrases recited to announce the time of prayer. Lexically, Adhan means announcement or declaration. Iqama literally means to keep up or to make upright. Recited after Adhan which is the first declaration, Iqama is the second and last call which indicates the actual start of the prayer. Adhan is the call for gathering, and Iqama is for standing up and preparing for prayers in Islam [2].

Recital    Transliteration    Translation
Adhan    Iqama    

*4    *2    Allāhu Akbar    Allah is the greatest
*2    *2    Ash-hadu an-lā ilāha illā allāh    I acknowledge that there is no God but Allah.
*2    *2    Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-Rasul ullāh    I acknowledge Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah.
*2    *2    Ash-hadu anna Alian Waliullah    I acknowledge that Ali (AS) is the Chosen Guardian (Wali) of Allah
*2    *2    Hayya'alas-Salāt    Hasten to prayer (Salat)
*2    *2    Hayya ʿalal-falāḥ    Hasten to success
*2    *2    Hayya ʿala Khair-e-lamal    Hasten to the best of deeds
*2    *2    Qad Qamat-e-Salat    Verily the prayer (Salat) has begun
-    *2    Allāhu Akbar    Allah is the greatest
*2    *2    Lā ilāha illā-llāh    There is no God but Allah

When Muslims hear the call to prayer (Adhan), they must first perform preliminary ablution (Wudu). The manner of performing Wudu and prayer (Salat) based on the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings (Sunnah of the Holy Prophet) is explained below:

Ablution (Wudu)

“When you stand up for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe a part of your heads and your feet, up to the ankles” (5:6).

It is stated in a saying (Hadith) from the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) that Wudu if performed carefully, increases the presence of your heart when praying.

According to the verse of the Quran above, the act of Wudu consists of four steps and six parts of the body:

Washing the face
Washing the forearms
Wiping the head
Wiping the feet

Evoke your intention (Niyyah) at the beginning as, “I am performing Wudu for the satisfaction of Allah, and to seek closeness to Him.”

First, pour water over your face with your right hand and wipe it from the tip of your hairline to the bottom of your chin in such a way that the water reaches all parts horizontally within reach of the span of the hand from the middle-finger to the thumb.

With your left hand, pour water over the right arm and wipe it over both sides from the elbow to the finger-tips (not vice versa).

Repeat the very same step for your left arm using the right hand.

Note that washing your face and arms once as described is obligatory. Second such washing is recommended while subsequent washings are prohibited.

Then wipe a wet finger of the right hand from the crown of the head to the hair-line. Make sure your hand does not touch your forehead or else the wetness of your hand will get mixed with the water of the forehead which will make the whole act of Wudu invalid.

Finally, wipe your feet with the moisture that is still on your hands. Wipe your right foot with the right, and then your left foot with the left hand, starting from the tip of any toe up till your ankle joint. It is recommended to wash your hands after this last step.

Daily Prayers in Islam (Salat)

Preparation

Stand upright facing the direction of Mecca (Qiblah) and recite the Adhan and Iqama. Please note that all the recitations during the prayer must be in Arabic. Although approximate transliteration has been given below for each recitation, it is best to try and learn the Arabic script and pronunciations.

Intention (Niyyah): Form the following solemn intention in your mind: “I offer this ____ (name of a particular prayer) prayer, of ____ (number of units) Rak`ahs seeking closeness to God.”

The First Unit (Rak`ah)

Takbirat-ul-Ihram: Lift both hands up to the ears and say:

“Allah-u-Akbar (God is Greater)”

This sentence, the Takbir, will be repeated several times during the prayer.

The Standing (Qiyam): Remain in the standing position while performing the recitations in the next step, Qira’ah.

The Recitation (Qira'ah): Initially, recite the first chapter (Surah) of the Holy Qur’an, the chapter of (Surah) al-Fatiha:

“Bismillah- ir-rahmaan-ir-raheem (In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful)

Alhamd-u- lillah-i-Rabb-i-l'alameen (All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds)

Ar-rahmaan-ir-raheem (the All-beneficent, the All-merciful)

Malik-i-yawm-id-deen (Master of the Day of Retribution)

Iyyaak-a-na`bud-u-wa iyyaak-a- nasta`een (You [alone] do we worship, and to You [alone] do we turn for help)

Ihdina-s-siraat- al-mustaqeem (Guide us on the straight path)

Siraat- al-lazeen-a- an`amta `alayhim (the path of those whom You have blessed)

Qayr-il- maqzoob-i `alayhim (such as have not incurred Your wrath)

wa la-’zzaalleen (nor are astray)”

Secondly, recite another complete Chapter of the Holy Quran (we choose the short chapter number 112, Surah al-Ikhlas):

“Bismillah- ir-rahmaan-ir-raheem (In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful)

Qul huw-allah-u-ahad (Say," He is Allah, the One)

Allah-u-samad (Allah is the All-embracing)

Lam yalid wa lam yulad (He neither begat, nor was begotten)

Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad (nor has He any equal)”

The Bowing (Ruku`)

After completing the second Surah, the worshipper would say the Takbir (see above) and then bow down until the hands can be placed on the knees.

The following Invocation (Zikr) should be recited once in this position:

“Subhana rabbi-al-`azeem-i- wa bi-hamdih (Glory be to my Lord, the Great, and praise belongs to Him)”

Then, resume the standing position, and it is recommended to recite:

“Sami`Allah-u- liman hamidah (God hears the one who praises Him)”

Say Takbir, then go into Prostration (Sujud).

The Prostration (Sujud)

It means that one should place their forehead on earth in a special manner, with the intention of humility before God.

While performing the Sujud, it is obligatory to place the forehead, both the palms and the knees, and the tip of both big toes on the ground. The following Zikr should be recited in the Sujud once:

“Subhana rabbi-al-a`laa wa bi-hamdih (Glory be to my Exalted Lord, and praise belongs to Him)”

After first Sujud, raise the forehead and sit up in a kneeling position with the ankle of one foot on the sole of the other, with hands resting on the thighs and say Takbir, optionally followed by:

“Astaghfir-u-llaah-a- rabbi wa atubu ilayh (I ask forgiveness of God, my Lord, and I turn towards him)”

Followed by Takbir again. Repeat the Sujud again and then sit up in a kneeling position and say Takbir.

Sit up for a moment and then rise while (optionally) saying:

“Bihawl-i-llah-i- wa quwwatih-i aqumu wa aq`ud (With God’s help and through His power I stand and sit)”

The Second Unit (Rak`ah)

After regaining the upright posture, recite Surah al-Fatiha and another Surah of the Holy Quran as in the first unit. Then say Takbir, and then do supplication (Qunut).

Supplication(Qunut)

Keep your hands in front of your face, turning the palms facing upwards, and keeping both the hands and the fingers close together; it is recommended to recite the following:

“Rabbana aatina fi-’d-dunyaa hasanatan wa fi-’l-akhirat-i hasanatan wa qinaa `azab an-nar (2:201)

(O our Lord! Bestow upon us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the fire)”

[Note: Qunut is an optional step]

Say Takbir, followed by the Ruku`, then the two Sujuds, both as described for the first unit.

The Testimonies (Tashahhud)

After the second prostration resume the kneeling position and recite:

Ash’had-u al-laa ilaha illa-llah wahdah-u la shareeka lah, (I bear witness that there is no god apart from Allah, Who is unique and without partners.)

wa ash’had-u anna Muhammadan `abduh-u wa rasuluh (I also bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Prophet)

Allahumm-a sall-i `ala Muhammadin wa Aale Muhammad (O God, bless Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad.)

If you are performing the Dawn (Fajr) prayer, please skip the rest and go to section entitled Completion.

If you are performing the Midday (Zuhr), Afternoon (`Asr), Dusk (Maghrib), or Night (`Isha) prayer, continue by standing up for the third unit while optionally reciting “Bihawl-i-llah-i….” as described at the end of the section First unit.

The Third Unit (Rak`ah)

The Four Recitations (Tasbihat al-Arba`ah): after regaining the upright posture, either recite Surat al-Fatiha or recite Tasbihat al-Arba`ah (optionally three times), as follows:

“Subhan-a-llah-i wa-’l-hamd-u lillah-i wa laa ilaha ill-a-llah-u wa-llah-u akbar (Glory be to God, and praise be to God; there is no god but Allah, and Allah is Greater)”

Perform the Ruku`, stand up momentarily and then do the two sujuds. This is exactly as described under section First unit. If you are performing the Dusk (Maghrib) prayers, recite the testimonies (Tashahhud) next. Then skip the rest and go to Completion.

If you are performing the Midday (Zuhr), Afternoon (`Asr), or Night (`Isha) prayer, continue by standing up for the fourth unit while optionally reciting “Bihawl-i-llah-i….” as described at the end of the section First unit.

The Fourth Unit (Rak`ah)

This is identical to the third unit.

After the second prostration resume the kneeling position and recite the Tashahhud.

Completion

After reciting the Tashahhud of the final unit, recite the Salutations (Taslim) which completes your prayer:

“Assalaamu `alayka ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmat-u-llah-i wa barakatuh (Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and God’s mercy and blessing.)*

Assalamu `alayna  wa `ala `ibadillah-is- saliheen (Peace be upon us, and upon the righteous servants of God)*

Assalamu `alaykum wa rahmat-u-llah-i wa barakatuh (Peace be upon you [all], and God’s mercy and blessing.)”

Thereafter (optionally) say Takbir three times.

References:

1. Adhan
2. praying
3. how perform daily prayers