The Right and Position of Women in Islam: Focus on The Concept of Gender Equality

Abstract

Issues related to rights and responsibilities, injustice and discrimination, and similarities and differences between the sexes are issues that get attention and are endless. The position of women in society, whether from a religious or socio- cultural aspect, is often debated. This is also the main factor in the emergence of awareness among women to defend their rights that were not given attention before. The issue of gender is a topic that is often associated with women. The western feminism movement demands equality between men and women. This doctrine has influenced the thinking of the Muslim community to the point of demanding equal rights in Shariah law between men and women. Differences in Sharia law are considered unfair and create discrimination between men's and women's rights as claimed by feminist groups. Nevertheless, Islam has provided an understanding of gender issues. This paper will explore gender issues in society, the concept of gender in Islam, the position of women in Islam, the rights of women in Islam, and initiatives to deal with gender issues.