In a historic first for The Deen Show, Canadian journalist and Islamic events organizer Sister Faia Muhammad joins the program to discuss one of the most frequently asked questions about Islam: Does Islam oppress women? The answer, as Sister Faia eloquently explains, is the exact opposite of what mainstream media would have you believe.
Islam: The First Religion to Recognize Women’s Rights
Contrary to the negative stereotypes perpetuated by media, Islam was the very first religion to formally recognize the rights of women — over 1,400 years ago. Long before the women’s suffrage movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, Islam granted women the right to own property, conduct business, receive inheritance, choose their spouse, seek education, and maintain their independent identity after marriage. What woman would not want to belong to a faith that honored her rights centuries before any civilization thought to do so?
“Islam was the very first religion to recognize the rights of women. This occurred 1,400 years ago. What woman on the face of this earth today would not want to be in a religion that allows her to have rights and gives her a voice?” — Sister Faia Muhammad
Breaking Free from Stereotypes
- More women than men are accepting Islam worldwide — a fact that directly contradicts the narrative that Islam oppresses women
- The hijab is not a symbol of oppression but of liberation, dignity, and devotion to Allah — women who wear it testify to the inner peace and confidence it brings
- Muslim women throughout history have been scholars, educators, business owners, and community leaders, following the example of the Prophet’s own wives and companions
- True oppression is a society that reduces a woman’s worth to her physical appearance and exploits her image for commercial gain
“Give up your fears. Shake it off. Step up and go learn about this deen. Step towards the right direction — submitting to the One who created you, Allah the Almighty. That is how we can have peace.” — Sister Faia Muhammad
If you are a woman who has been told that Islam is not for you, we invite you to look beyond the headlines and discover the truth for yourself. Visit your local mosque, speak with Muslim women, and read the Quran with an open heart. You may find that Islam is exactly the liberation, dignity, and spiritual fulfillment you have been searching for all along.
