The Quran expresses two main views on the role of women.

It both stresses the equality of women and men before God in terms of their religious duties and places them "under" the care of men (men are financially responsible for their wives)

EDUCATION
According to the Sunni scholar Ibn Asakir in the 12th century, there were various opportunities for female education in what is known as the medieval islamic world. He writes that women could study, earn academic degrees, and qualify as scholars and teachers. This was especially the case for learned and scholarly families, who wanted to ensure the highest possible education for both their sons and daughters. Ibn Asakir had himself studied under 80 different female teachers in his time. In nineteenthcentury West Africa, Nana Asmau was a leading Islamic scholar, poet, teacher and an exceptionally prolific Muslim female writer who wrote more than 60 works

EMPLOYMENT
Women are allowed to work in Islam, subject to certain conditions, such as if a woman is in financial need and her employment does not cause her to neglect her role as a mother and wife. It has been claimed that it is the responsibility of the Muslim community to organize work for women, so that she can do so in a Muslim cultural atmosphere, where her rights (as set out in the Qur'an) are respected.Islamic law however, permits women to work in Islamic conditions.

The work should not require the man or the woman to violate Islamic law (e.g., serving alcohol), and be mindful of the woman's safety.If the work requires the woman to leave her home, she must maintain her 'modesty' just as with men.

MARIAGE

The Qur'an considers the love between men and women to be a Sign of God.Husbands are asked to be kind to their wives and wives are asked to be kind to their husbands. The Qur'an also encourages discussion and mutual agreement in family decisions. In the event where a woman rebels against her husband, Muslim scholars disagree on what is prescribed by the Sura and it is permissible for the man to then lightly beat his spouse.

SEXUALITY

Some hold that Islam enjoins sexual pleasure within marriage. To protect women from accusations of unchaste behaviour, the scripture lays down severe punishments towards those who make false allegations about a woman's chastity. However, in some societies, an accusation is rarely questioned and the woman who is accused rarely has a chance to defend herself in a fair and just manner.

BIRTH CONTROL

Islam, as the pre-Islamic Arabic culture before it, is natalist, and promotes the birth of as many children as a Muslim couple can produce. However, under certain circumstances, it is permissible according to Islamic doctrine to limit or at least control reproduction, without suffering the fate of a penalty for the gesture. Limiting the number of children is recommended when a family lacks the resources to provide for them. General opinions among Muslims can sometimes be lenient with women who, being weakened, seek to end an unwanted pregnancy, particularly if her health is endangered or if she has given birth many times.

TRAVEL

Although no limitation or prohibition against women's travelling alone is mentioned in the Qur'an, there is a debate in some Islamic sects, especially Salafis, regarding whether women may travel without a mahram (unmarriageable relative). Some scholars state that a woman may not travel by herself on a journey that takes longer than three days (equivalent to 48 miles in medieval Islam). According to the European Council for Fatwa and Research, this prohibition arose from fears for women's safety when travel was more dangerous. Some scholars relax this prohibition for journeys likely to be safe, such as travel with a trustworthy group of men or men and women, or travel via a modern train or plane when the woman will be met upon arrival.

DRESS CODE
Hijab - A scarf covering the hair. Chador - A cloak covering the head and body, but leaving the face uncovered; worn by many women in Iran when outside the home. Shayla - A long rectangular scarf, pinned or tucked at the shoulder, leaving the face uncovered; worn by many women in the Persian Gulf region. Khimar - A long rectangular scarf, covering the head, neck and shoulders, but leaving the face uncovered. Burka - Covers the entire head and body, including the eyes; the wearer sees through a cloth mesh eye veil sewn into the burka. Al-Amira - A two-piece veil that includes a close-fitting cap and a tube-shaped scarf covering the head and neck, but leaving the face uncovered. Niqab - A veil that leaves the eye clear (although it may be worn with an eye) and worn with a headscarf.

Realizat de : Hossu Alexandra