Western Sydney University’s South Parramatta Campus played host to an insightful discussion ahead of International Women’s Day 2025. Organized by the Benevolent Iranian Women’s Association, the event featured a speech by His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Quddoos Azhari, Mufti and Chairman of Jamiatul Ulama Australia. The discourse, titled “Women in Contemporary Iran: A Novel Narrative,” shed light on the perception and treatment of women in Iran from an Islamic perspective.
A Celebration of Women in Islam
Sheikh Abdul Quddoos Azhari commenced his speech by emphasizing Islam’s emphasis on respecting and valuing women. Citing various Hadiths and Quranic verses, he argued that Islam upholds women’s dignity and positions them as equals to men in many respects. One of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings highlighted was:
“Whoever has three daughters and he provides for them, is merciful to them, and looks after their needs, then Paradise is certainty for him.” (Masnad Aḥmad 14247)
The Sheikh further discussed the well-known saying that “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers,” reinforcing the significance of women in both family and societal structures.
Addressing Misconceptions on Women’s Rights in Islam
A major portion of the speech addressed common misconceptions regarding women’s rights in Islamic teachings. Sheikh Abdul Quddoos Azhari clarified issues concerning inheritance, testimony, marriage, and polygyny. He noted that while Islamic inheritance laws sometimes allocate different shares to men and women, the financial responsibilities placed upon men ensure a balanced and fair system.
He elaborated on the rules of testimony, explaining that in some cases, a woman’s testimony is given precedence over a man’s. For instance, in matters of parentage, breastfeeding, and chastity, a woman’s testimony is considered authoritative.
Marriage, Divorce, and Polygyny: A Woman’s Right to Choose
One of the most significant topics covered was the role of women in marriage and their rights regarding divorce. The Sheikh stressed that women have full autonomy in choosing their partners and may initiate divorce proceedings if the marriage becomes untenable. Regarding polygyny, he noted that it remains a choice for women rather than an imposition, with stringent conditions ensuring fairness and equality among spouses.
Islamic Guidelines on Gender Roles
Sheikh Abdul Quddoos Azhari explained that Islam assigns different roles to men and women based on their inherent strengths. He cited the Quranic verse:
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given each different attributes than the other, and because they support them from their means.” (Quran 4:34)
He underscored that this role does not signify male dominance but rather a responsibility upon men to provide for their families while ensuring justice and respect towards women.
A Call for Understanding and Respect
The speech concluded with a call to action for greater awareness and respect for women’s rights within an Islamic framework. The Sheikh urged attendees to focus on the essence of Islamic teachings rather than misinterpretations often propagated by external sources.
The event successfully opened up a platform for meaningful dialogue on women’s rights, offering a perspective that challenges mainstream narratives about women in Iran and Islam. As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, such discussions serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and upholding women’s contributions across all aspects of society.
For those who missed the event, a recording is available via the Benevolent Iranian Women’s Association’s official channels.
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