Q.4 Elaborate on the rights of daughters granted by Islam and how these are denied by Muslims in the contemporary world. 2023

Islam grants daughters’ certain rights that are meant to provide them with protection, dignity, and equality in their families and society. These rights are derived from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and are based on the principles of justice and fairness. However, in some parts of the world, including among some Muslims, these rights are denied, ignored, or violated due to cultural, social, or economic reasons. In this response, we will elaborate on the rights of daughters granted by Islam and how these are denied in the contemporary world.

1. The right to life: Islam considers the killing of a human being, including a daughter, as a major sin. In fact, the Quran specifically forbids the practice of female infanticide, which was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia. However, in some cultures, daughters are still considered a burden or a liability, leading to sex-selective abortions, neglect, or even killing of female infants.
2. The right to education: Islam encourages the acquisition of knowledge for both males and females, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly stated that seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim. In fact, the first word revealed in the Quran was “Iqra” (Read). However, in some societies, girls are denied access to education or are discouraged from pursuing academic or professional careers.
3. The right to inheritance: Islam grants daughters the right to inherit from their parents and other relatives, which is based on the principle of equity and justice. In fact, the Quran specifies the share of daughters in the inheritance, which is half of that of sons. However, in some societies, daughters are deprived of their rightful share of inheritance, or their share is diminished or delayed.
4. The right to marriage: Islam recognizes the right of daughters to choose their spouses and prohibits forced or arranged marriages. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of the mutual consent and compatibility of the spouses. However, in some cultures, girls are forced to marry at a young age, without their consent or choice, and often to older or abusive partners.
5. The right to dignity and respect: Islam considers every human being, including daughters, as equal and worthy of respect and dignity. In fact, the Quran states that men and women were created from a single soul and that their differences are meant for mutual recognition and cooperation, not for superiority or domination. However, in some societies, daughters are treated as second-class citizens, subjected to discrimination, harassment, or violence, and their voices and opinions are often disregarded.

In conclusion, the rights of daughters granted by Islam are based on the principles of justice, equality, and dignity, and are meant to provide them with protection, respect, and empowerment. However, in the contemporary world, these rights are often denied, ignored, or violated due to cultural, social, or economic reasons, leading to the marginalization and oppression of girls and women. It is crucial for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to recognize and uphold the rights of daughters, and to work towards creating a just and equitable society for all.