In today’s world, Muslim women often find themselves navigating between two powerful forces: the principles of their faith and the calls of modern feminism. For some, these seem to clash; for others, they complement one another. Islam granted women rights long before modern feminist movements, but the lived experience of Muslim women in diverse contexts can create tensions and opportunities in how they define empowerment.
1. Remember That Islam Already Affirmed Women’s Dignity
وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ
"And We have certainly honored the children of Adam…"
[Surah Al-Isra, 17:70]
Muslim women ground their worth first in the Qur’an, which established their dignity 1,400 years ago. Faith becomes the anchor, ensuring their pursuit of empowerment remains tied to divine justice, not shifting cultural trends.
2. Distinguish Between Liberation and Assimilation
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are the best to their women."
[Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1162]
True liberation in Islam means dignity, respect, and spiritual equality—not adopting systems that strip away modesty or redefine worth through material or sexual independence. Muslim women balance this by asking: “Does this empowerment draw me closer to Allah or away from Him?”
3. Reclaim the Narrative of Modesty as Power
ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ
"That is more suitable that they will be recognized and not be abused."
[Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59]
Whereas mainstream feminism often frames modesty as oppression, Muslim women see hijab and modest living as empowerment—choosing to be valued for intellect, faith, and character rather than appearance.
4. Hold on to Spiritual Equality Over Social Comparison
إِنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ
"Indeed, I do not allow to be lost the work of any worker among you, whether male or female."
[Surah Al-Imran, 3:195]
Islamic equality is not about sameness but about equal value before Allah. Muslim women don’t need to mimic men’s roles to prove worth; they find empowerment in living fully within the roles and responsibilities Allah designed, while still pursuing education, work, and leadership.
5. Resist Cultural Misuse of Religion
Some restrictions placed on Muslim women are not from Islam but from culture—like denying education or silencing their voices. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from attending the mosques of Allah."
[Sahih Muslim, 442]
By distinguishing faith from culture, Muslim women reclaim Islam’s authentic protections rather than rejecting religion itself.
6. Engage Feminism Without Losing Faith
Modern feminism raises issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, or domestic safety. Muslim women engage critically—supporting justice where it aligns with Islam, but rejecting ideas that contradict divine guidance. Balance means neither blind rejection of feminism nor blind adoption, but using the Qur’an and Sunnah as the filter.
7. Center Empowerment on Service to Allah
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."
[Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56]
Empowerment in Islam is not measured by competing with men or chasing societal approval. It is measured by serving Allah with integrity, knowledge, and excellence in every role—whether as mothers, professionals, leaders, or students.
Conclusion
For Muslim women today, the balance between faith and feminism is not about choosing one over the other but about filtering worldly calls for empowerment through the eternal lens of revelation. Faith provides grounding, dignity, and clarity, while feminism can sometimes highlight real injustices to confront. The strength of Muslim women lies in walking proudly with both conviction and critical awareness—empowered not because society allows it, but because Allah already did.
