The Qur’an honors women by acknowledging their spiritual, intellectual, and moral contributions to society. It presents women as believers, leaders, mothers, daughters, and individuals with distinct rights and responsibilities. The Qur’an corrects pre-Islamic practices of gender injustice and highlights numerous female figures as examples of faith, resilience, and virtue. It promotes justice and dignity for all, reminding readers that men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah in terms of worth and accountability.
The Qur’an emphasizes that both men and women are equal in their capacity for faith, worship, and reward. There is no distinction in value or rank based solely on gender — only on righteousness and good deeds.
"Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer – We will surely cause them to live a good life." 16:97
Both genders are equally accountable and rewarded based on their faith and actions.
Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an multiple times. An entire chapter, Surah Maryam, is named after her. She is honored for her piety, chastity, and complete trust in Allah.
"And [mention] when the angels said, 'O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.'" 3:42
Maryam is described as a woman of deep spiritual strength and submission — a role model for all believers.
The Qur’an presents the story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) with mutual accountability. Unlike in other traditions, Eve is not blamed alone for the original sin — both were equally tested and forgiven by Allah.
"Then Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed of their private parts. He said, 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels...'" 7:20–22
This egalitarian view emphasizes personal responsibility and dismisses inherited guilt.
The Qur’an highlights several believing women as examples of strength and faith, including:
These women are recognized for their independent faith and moral courage, not merely for their relation to men.
The Qur’an laid the foundation for women’s legal rights at a time when they were often denied dignity. It establishes rights in marriage, divorce, inheritance, education, and protection from harm.
"And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them according to what is equitable." 2:228
Women are not to be oppressed or marginalized — their well-being is a priority in Islamic law.
The Qur’an promotes harmony and cooperation between men and women. They are seen as complementary partners with different roles but equal value. Competition is not between genders, but in righteousness.
"The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong..." 9:71
Women in the Qur’an are portrayed with dignity, intellect, courage, and devotion. From Maryam’s purity to Asiyah’s defiance of tyranny, their stories reflect spiritual leadership and strength. The Qur’an uplifts women not just through laws, but through narratives that affirm their worth and empower their voices.
By studying these examples, both men and women are reminded of the true Islamic view: that honor comes through faith and character, not gender or status.