Women's Rights in the Light of the Prophetic Seerah: A Comparative Analysis of Western Feminism and the Islamic Perspective

Abstract

Women's rights remain one of the most debated subjects in contemporary academic, social, and political discourse. The modern concept of women's rights has been significantly influenced by Western feminist movements, which emerged in response to various forms of social, political, and economic discrimination experienced by women in Western societies. At the same time, Islamic teachings, particularly those embodied in the Prophetic Seerah, present a comprehensive framework of rights and responsibilities for women that predates modern feminist movements by more than fourteen centuries. This study aims to examine women's rights in the light of the Prophetic Seerah and to compare the Islamic perspective with the principles and objectives of Western feminism. Employing a qualitative, descriptive, and comparative research methodology, the study analyzes primary Islamic sources, including the Qur'an, Hadith, and Seerah literature, alongside contemporary scholarly works on feminist theory and gender studies. The findings indicate that while both Western feminism and Islam seek to enhance the status and dignity of women, they differ significantly in their philosophical foundations, understanding of equality, concept of freedom, and approach to family and social responsibilities. The Prophetic model emphasizes justice, human dignity, moral accountability, and the complementary nature of gender roles, whereas many contemporary feminist approaches prioritize individual autonomy and structural equality. The study concludes that the Prophetic Seerah offers a balanced and holistic framework for women's rights that integrates spiritual, social, economic, and legal dimensions while maintaining social harmony and family stability. The research contributes to ongoing discussions on gender justice by highlighting the relevance of the Prophetic model in addressing contemporary challenges related to women's rights.