Israel Quote by Karen Armstrong
““The Quran gave women rights of inheritance and divorce centuries before Western women were accorded such status. The Quran prescribes some degree of segregation and veiling for the Prophet’s wives, but there is nothing in the Quran that requires the veiling of all women or their seclusion in a separate part of the house.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong, 2000
The Quran introduced inheritance and divorce rights for women long before similar Western reforms, while not mandating universal veiling or seclusion.
In simple terms: Quran gave early women rights, but doesn’t force all women to veil or stay hidden.
Key Takeaway
Recognize early Islamic gender reforms and their limits.
Themes
women’s rights
religious law
cultural practices
historical comparison
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- legal reform discussions
- interfaith dialogue
- educational curricula
- women’s empowerment initiatives
Key Concepts
Islamic jurisprudence
gender equity
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How do religious texts versus cultural traditions shape women’s roles?
- What can modern societies learn from early Islamic reforms?
A Different Perspective
Some argue later cultural practices, not the Quran, imposed stricter veiling.
![“The Quran says nothing about the veil, except for an injunction to veil the bosom, which is obvious. As for the face, Muhammad's wife Khadijeh never wore the veil, nor did the other wives of the Prophet after Khadijeh died. [...] The ulema have twisted the Quran with their hadith, always twisting…” quote by Kim Stanley Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4a0/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_bosoms_the-quran-says-nothing-about-the-veil-ex_297158.jpg)
![“[Islam] Leaves no room of human legislation in an Islamic state, because herein all legislative functions vest in God and the only function left for Muslims lies in their observance of the God-made law.” quote by Abul A'la Maududi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/704/abul-a-la-maududi-51903_function_islam-leaves-no-room-of-human-legislatio_886.jpg)
