Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
Islam teaches that women, like men, must obey Allah’s commands but are encouraged to use their talents, pursue careers, and contribute to society. Historical examples from the Prophet’s era show that women played vital roles in education, trade, politics, and community life.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Islamic Perspective: Is It Un-Islamic for Women to Be Independent?
I’m not sure what you mean by seeking independence as a Muslim. As servants of Allah, we must always live according to Allah’s commandments. This means we are not free to do as we want or choose. We can’t act without considering our Creator or spouse. Both men and women must follow Allah’s guidelines and be accountable to each other and Allah.
In marriage, Allah reminds us that He sees and hears everything. Although we don’t have complete freedom, we are still responsible for our actions.
Can Muslim Women Develop Talents and Contribute to Society?
However, if you want to develop your talents and contribute to society as a woman, that is a different matter. You can certainly do that. Islam does not stop anyone from developing their God-given talents and contributing to society by realizing their potential.
Examples of Independent Women during the Prophetic Era
During the Prophetic era, women made significant contributions in many areas. They attended congregational prayers, visited medical clinics, and participated in learning and worship at the mosque. Women were involved in agriculture and trade, and some even took part in jihad, supporting military efforts by nursing the injured and providing water.
Notable figures like Rufaydah Al-Aslamiyyah ran a clinic, and Umm `Ammarah Nusaybah bint Ka`b fought in key battles, showcasing the diverse contributions of women during this time.
Throughout Islamic history, women have played critical roles in warfare, scholarship, and politics.
Female Companions like Umm Ammarah, Umm Sulaym, and Asma bint Yazid showed great bravery in battles. Aisha and Umm Salamah made significant scholarly and political contributions.
Women corrected rulers, as seen in Khawlah bint Tha’laba’s encounter with Umar ibn al-Khattab. They actively participated in migration, pledging allegiance and advising leaders. These examples highlight women’s vital roles during the Prophetic era and the time of the Pious Caliphs, emphasizing their partnership with men in fulfilling Allah’s commands (Qur’an 9:71).
Even some Orientalists who were not very friendly towards Islam, like Goldziher, were impressed by the large number of Muslim women scholars – over two thousand – at a time when there were no women scholars in the West.
Don’t let Islamophobes’ propaganda fool you into thinking Islam promotes misogyny and disempowers women.
Explore more Islamic rulings on women’s roles and rights:
- Can Muslim Women Work in Media?
- Can a Muslim Girl Be an Actress?
- Does Working Woman Have to Share in the Household Expenses?
- Can Men and Women Work Together in Islam?
- Are Women Allowed to Work in Islam?
- Can Muslim Women Work at Beauty Salon?
- Are Women Allowed to Drive in Islam?
- Can a Muslim Woman Be a TV Announcer?
- Are Women Permitted to Serve on Mosque Boards?
Almighty Allah knows best.