Why is Islam perceived as a misogynistic religion?

Why do Muslims mislead people by claiming that Islam is the fastest-growing religion; however, in reality it is not Islam itself that is growing but the Muslims due to their high birth rate? Muslims have many children and practice polygamy; therefore, it’s not the religion itself that is multiplying rapidly, but its followers.

This religion is claimed to be entirely male-centered, misogynistic, and anti-feminist. By comparison, Hinduism, which you describe as polytheistic and ignorant, is actually seen as the religion of a highly educated and cultured society. Hindu families are much happier; there is no polygamy or domestic violence, no misogyny or anti-feminism, women are respected, and their sacred texts contain passages honoring women.

Conversely, some decrees of Islam regarding family and women are criticized: they include the objectification of women in some parts of the Quran as “places to sow seeds” for men, verses that encourage violence, the granting of superiority to men over women, the permission of beating women, and practices such as polygamy.

Dear Brother / Sister,

This question sounds less like it is from someone eager to learn about Islam, and more like it comes from someone who wants to criticize and belittle Islam based on their own misinformation.

First, let us convey the information provided by artificial intelligence to the questioner, who is spreading Hindu propaganda, and find that it is nothing like what he said:

Although women are revered as revered mother and goddess (shakti) figures in traditional texts, they generally occupy a secondary position in a male-dominated social structure. Their primary role is to serve their husbands, whom they regard as gods, to mother them, and to maintain the family’s religious rituals (dharma). While rights have improved in modern India, patriarchal norms, dowry obligations, and restrictions related to widowhood may persist in rural areas.

Key Characteristics Regarding the Status of Women in Hinduism:

Divine and Earthly Role: Woman is seen as the representative of creative energy (Shakti), and mothers are highly respected due to the idea of “Goddess Motherhood.” However, according to traditional Manu laws, a woman must be under the protection (obedience) of her father, husband, and, in old age, her son throughout her life.

Obedience to the Husband (Stri Dharma): A woman’s highest religious duty is fidelity and service to her husband. In some interpretations, worshipping the husband is considered equivalent to worshipping God.

Religious Rituals: Although women participate in family religious rituals, they are forbidden from high-level religious ceremonies such as studying certain sacred texts (the Vedas) or offering sacrifices.

Marriage and Widowhood: Marriage is seen as a sacred and indissoluble bond. In the past, there was a tradition called “Sati,” where a widow’s body was burned in a funeral pyre; this practice is now forbidden. Widows are traditionally viewed as symbols of bad luck and may be isolated from social life.

Menstruation: Women who are menstruating are considered to be in a “dirty” or “purification period” and are kept away from places of worship and sacred objects.

The Need for Male Children: Giving birth to a male child is of great importance for the continuation of the family and lineage, which can sometimes lead to discrimination against female children.

To sum up, in Hinduism, women occupy a complex position as both revered divine figures and those experiencing restricted lives within a patriarchal structure. While this is changing today through education and legal reforms, traditional influences persist.

As for women in Islam.

The person asking the question says:

“They include the objectification of women in some parts of the Quran as “places to sow seeds” for men, verses that encourage violence, the granting of superiority to men over women, the permission of beating women, and practices such as polygamy.”

Let us examine those defamations one by one:

“In some parts of the Quran, women are objectified for men, like ‘a place to sow seeds’.”

The meaning of the verse mentioned in the question is as follows:

“Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.” (al-Baqara, 223)

This verse was revealed to refute the Jewish claim that children born from intercourse in which a man approaches a woman’s vagina from behind would be deformed, and to correct those false thoughts. It has no relation whatsoever to the objectification of women. The word “tilth” is used metaphorically, indicating that sexual intercourse has a legitimate purpose.

“How You Will”: This indicates that couples can use various positions during sexual intercourse, but only if it is done “legitimately” (through the reproductive tract).

“Do some good act for your souls beforehand” has been interpreted in various ways, such as “Invest in the afterlife with good deeds before you die,” and “Try to raise generations who will continue your family and your cause after you”, etc.

Some authors add the following commentary: “Before intercourse with your spouse, say appropriate things to them, caress them, prepare them and yourself for a beautiful intercourse, and do not rush.”

“verses that encourage violence”

Tell us what verses encourage what violence, and we will explain. When we look at all the verses and hadiths, we can easily see that Islam is a religion of solidarity, compassion, justice, and the protection of fundamental material and spiritual values.

“the superiority of men over women”

There is no such understanding in Islam; women and men are equal as human beings and in terms of the opportunity for development in accordance with their purpose of creation.

In terms of social roles, there is no superiority of one over the other, but rather a complementary relationship.

“allowing beating women”

There is no such general permission. Permission is granted in a purely specific situation, to strike the buttocks symbolically (without leaving any visible marks); some interpretations even go as far as using a soft miswak twig, the kind used for cleaning teeth.

Far from permitting beatings in general, there are hadiths that generally advise good treatment of women and forbid beating them.

“One of you might beat his wife as if she were a slave, and perhaps that very night he will sleep in the same bed with her.” (Bukhari, Tafsir of Surah 91, 1; Muslim, Jannah 49)

“My companions! I advise you to treat women well. Follow my advice because they have been entrusted to your care and protection. You have no right to oppress them unless they commit an immorality that you are absolutely certain of...” (Tirmidhi, Rada 11)

“Many women come to the family of Muhammad complaining about their husbands. Those who beat their wives are not among the best of you.” (Abu Dawud, Nikah 42)

“polygamy”

Before Islam, there were no limits on marrying multiple women or on divorcing and remarrying them repeatedly. Islam introduced limits on these practices; by making polygamy contingent on the condition of fairness, it paved the way for remaining married to only one woman.

Questions on Islam