Islam sees a woman - whether single or married - as an individual in herself with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings as she pleases. At the time of marriage, the groom gives a marriage dowry to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her family maiden name rather than changing it to her husband’s last name.
Both men and women are expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The Muslim woman is required by the Qur’an to cover her entire body with the exception of her face and hands while in the presence of men whom she is not related to (or permitted to marry). This drees code is often referred to as the Islamic hijab.
The various styles and types of women’s dress found in some Muslim countries are often the expression of their local customs and are permitted as long as the minimum requirements are met.
In the Qur’an, Allah addresses both the male and the female believers in regards to their conduct and dress by saying:
“Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts, that is purer for them; surely Allah is aware of what they do. And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display their beauty except what appears thereof, and let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms, and not display their beauty except to their husbands...” (al-Qur’an, Chapter 24, Verse 30-31)
Another aspect that Islam places great importance on is marriage and the family structure.
The final Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad said:
“He who takes a woman (as a wife) should certainly respect her, because the wife of anyone of you is a means of your pleasure, so the one who marries a woman should not spoil or disgrace her (by disregarding her rights).”
In Islam, the bond of marriage which takes place only between a man and a woman, is counted as one of the phenomenon of Allah, as the Qur’an states:
“And amongst His signs is that He has created for you spouses from amongst yourselves so that you may live in tranquility with them; and He has created love and mercy between you. Verily, in this are signs for people who reflect.” (al-Qur’an, Chapter 30, Verse 21)
Thus, the Muslim family is based on the concept of love and mercy – both between the husband and wife and the children.
In Islam, it is the responsibility of the husband to work and earn so as to take care of his wife and children. All of the needs and necessities of the family must be provided by the man of the house.
Although the woman is permitted to work outside of the house, Islam sees her primary role as the nurturer and first teacher of her children. It is through the mother that the children are brought up and taught the morals and values of righteous living. However, if a woman decides to work, then whatever money she earns is entirely hers and she is not required to contribute any of it to the maintenance of the family.
Source: http://www.al-haqq.com/
