International Women’s Day: March 8, 2025*
تقرير عن اليوم العالمي للمرأة: 8 مارس 2025
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
Theme: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment
Introduction
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is not just a symbolic occasion but a global movement advocating for women’s rights, equality, and empowerment. It serves as a reminder that sustainable progress cannot be achieved without the full inclusion of women in all aspects of society—social, economic, political, and cultural.
The theme for 2025, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” underscores the urgent need to create inclusive societies where every woman, regardless of background, enjoys her inherent rights and dignity.
Islam, as a divine system of justice, enshrines women’s rights in its teachings, granting them dignity, education, inheritance, economic independence, and social influence. However, a gap often exists between these divine principles and societal realities in many Muslim countries, where cultural traditions overshadow religious guidance. This report explores the true Islamic perspective on women’s empowerment, supported by Quranic verses, the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the sermons of Imam Ali (AS). It also highlights the exemplary life of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA) as a guiding light for women’s empowerment.
Islamic Teachings on Women’s Rights and Empowerment
1. Equality and Dignity of Women in Islam
The Quran explicitly declares that men and women are equal in their creation, moral responsibilities, and spiritual standing before Allah:
> “O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Quran 49:13)
This verse establishes that superiority is not based on gender but on taqwa (righteousness and piety). Islam does not differentiate between men and women in their ability to attain closeness to Allah.
Another verse reinforces this equality:
> “Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another.” (Quran 3:195)
Women are active participants in the spiritual, intellectual, and social development of society. Their role is not confined to the domestic sphere; they are central to the moral and ethical foundation of a community.
2. The Right to Education and Intellectual Growth
Islam was the first system to mandate education for both men and women:
> “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim (male and female).” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that an educated society is one where women are empowered:
> “Educate your daughters, for they are precious jewels.”
Despite these clear instructions, women in many Muslim societies face obstacles in accessing education. It is imperative to uphold this divine mandate and ensure that every girl receives the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society.
3. Economic Rights and Financial Independence
Long before modern legal systems granted women financial independence, Islam established their economic rights:
> “For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much—an obligatory share.” (Quran 4:7)
Women in Islam have the right to own property, earn independently, and manage their wealth without male intervention. Hazrat Khadija (SA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was a successful businesswoman and an example of financial independence.
4. The Status of Women in Family and Society
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) transformed a deeply patriarchal society by emphasizing respect and kindness toward women:
> “The best among you is the one who is best to his wife.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
He further stated:
> “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i)
These statements show that Islam elevates the role of women as mothers, wives, daughters, and contributors to the moral fabric of society.
Imam Ali (AS) reinforced this principle, saying:
> “Women are flowers, not servants. Treat them with kindness and dignity.”
Yet, in many societies, women continue to suffer domestic violence, forced marriages, and discrimination. These practices contradict Islamic teachings and must be eradicated.
Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA): A Role Model for Women’s Empowerment
Hazrat Fatima (SA), the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), is an enduring symbol of women’s empowerment. Her life demonstrates strength, wisdom, social activism, and devotion to justice.
1. Defender of Justice
After the passing of the Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Fatima (SA) stood firmly against injustice, delivering her famous Fadak Sermon, in which she eloquently defended her rights and challenged oppression. Her courage is a lesson for women to stand up for their dignity and rights.
2. Advocate for Social Change
She worked tirelessly to support the underprivileged and uphold social justice, demonstrating that women have a crucial role in community development.
3. Balance Between Family and Society
Despite her responsibilities as a mother and wife, Hazrat Fatima (SA) remained deeply engaged in the welfare of the Muslim community, proving that women can excel in multiple roles.
Bridging the Gap : Call to Action for Muslim Societies
While Islamic teachings uphold the dignity and rights of women, societal practices often lag. To ensure that women’s empowerment becomes a reality, the following steps must be taken:
1. Ensuring Equal Access to Education
Governments and institutions must invest in girls’ education, particularly in regions where access is limited. An educated woman contributes not only to her family but to the progress of the entire nation.
2. Economic Opportunities and Workforce Inclusion
Islam encourages women’s financial independence. Policies should promote women’s entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership roles in all sectors.
3. Legal Protections Against Violence and Discrimination
Legislative reforms must protect women from domestic abuse, honor killings, forced marriages, and workplace discrimination. Religious leaders must actively condemn cultural practices that contradict Islamic principles.
4. Promotion of Women Role Models
The contributions of historical and contemporary Muslim women must be highlighted to inspire future generations. Hazrat Khadija (SA), Hazrat Fatima (SA), Bibi Zainab (SA), and modern Muslim scholars, activists, and leaders serve as role models.
Conclusion :
A Vision for the Future
International Women’s Day 2025 is a call for action—not just words but concrete steps—to ensure that every woman receives the dignity, respect, and rights granted by Islam. The Quran, the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and the sermons of Imam Ali (AS) provide a blueprint for justice and equality that must be upheld.
As Allah declares :
> “And do not deprive people of their due and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” (Quran 26:183)
A society that neglects its women is a society that undermines its own future. True progress lies in empowering women, ensuring justice, and honoring the divine principles of equality.
Let us work together to transform these principles into reality, for a world where every woman is valued, respected, and empowered.
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
References:
1. The Holy Quran
2. Sahih Hadith Collections (Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood)
3. Nahj al-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence) by Imam Ali (AS)
4. The Life of Hazrat Fatima (SA) by various Islamic scholars