WOMEN'S STATUS IN DIVINE SCRIPTURES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ISLAM AND MAINSTREAM WORLD RELIGIONS

Abstract

Each religion defines and upholds women's rights and this comparative study explores the rights and status of women in the holy scriptures of Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity, focusing on how By examining key verses from the Holy Quran, the Vedas, the Torah, and the Bible, this study highlights the unique perspectives and teachings of each faith. Islam, through the Holy Quran, emphasizes the equitable treatment of women, granting them rights to inheritance, education, and independent economic activity. The verse from Surah An-Nisa (4:7) demonstrates Islam's commitment to ensuring women's rights and equality,

"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"¹.

In contrast, Hinduism's historical practice of Sati, where widows were burned alive on their husband's funeral pyres, reflects a starkly different approach to women's rights. Although modern Hinduism has largely abandoned this practice, its historical prevalence highlights the significant challenges Hindu women faced. The Vedas, while offering some positive teachings about women, do not explicitly address such practices, underscoring the need for reform in historical contexts. Judaism, through the Torah, presents a balanced view of women's rights and responsibilities. The verse from Proverbs 31:10-31, often referred to as the Eshet Chayil, praises the virtues of a woman of valor, recognizing her contributions to the household and community. It states,

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come"².

Christianity, represented by the Bible, offers various perspectives on women's roles. In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"³, promoting the idea of spiritual equality between genders.

This study concludes that while each religion has its own unique teachings and historical practices, Islam provides a comprehensive framework for women's rights that is arguably more progressive and equitable compared to the practices observed in historical Hinduism, particularly the custom of Sati. By comparing these religious perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which women's rights are approached and can identify areas for further progress and reform.