The role of women in Arab society before Islam and the era of the message

Abstract

This research aims to examine the role of women before Islam and during the era of the Prophetic mission across various social, cultural, religious, and economic spheres. Influential female figures emerged in poetry, oratory, wisdom, proverbs, and education, and women also contributed to teaching, preserving daily life, and managing family affairs. They demonstrated an effective ability to compete in the cultural field in general, particularly in poetry. In addition, women actively participated in a number of wars, playing a prominent role in supporting fighters and mobilizing members of society for combat .Moreover, women played an important economic role, working in agriculture, spinning and weaving, food production, and trade. They contributed to confronting economic crises and ensuring the continuity of social life. All of this confirms that the status of Arab women before Islam was advanced and diverse, and that their contributions constituted a fundamental pillar in the development of society, despite the negative perception of women that prevailed in some Arab tribes .With the advent of Islam and during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the status of women underwent a profound qualitative transformation that fundamentally reshaped their social and human condition. Women moved from a reality that, in many environments, was characterized by marginalization and the absence of rights to a comprehensive legal framework that guaranteed their basic rights and affirmed their humanity and dignity. Islam affirmed women’s inherent right to life, ensured their rights to inheritance, ownership, and independent management of their wealth, and emphasized their right to education and to choose a spouse without coercion. This reflects Islam’s balanced vision of women’s role and status .This transformation was not limited to the sphere of legal rights alone; Islam also elevated the status of women within the family and society. It honored women as mothers, forming the foundation of sound upbringing; as wives, based on affection and mercy; and as daughters, surrounded by care and respect. Furthermore, Islam granted women independent financial capacity, indicating recognition of their full legal competence and their ability to participate economically.