Women's Economic Empowerment in the Light of Islam: A Pathway to Achieve Sustainable Development

Abstract

Economic empowerment is a fundamental element of gender equality and is also necessary for the social and economic advancement of any nation. Islamic teachings on economic empowerment for women are derived from the Quran and the Hadith, which are the sayings and acts of Prophet Muhammad Allah (ﷺ) did not create men and women to be subservient to one another. Islam has upheld women's rights and gender equality in all spheres of life. Sustainable development relies heavily on empowering women, a point that Islamic teachings emphasize. The primary objective of this study is to examine how Islam upholds women's rights. This study looks at the important role that women play within the framework established by the Quran; pursuing sustainable development leads to economic emancipation. The case studies on women's economic rights underscore the prospects and challenges that Islamic societies may face when leveraging women's potential to build a fair and enduring future. Given that only secondary data were utilized, the study is purely qualitative. An analytical method was also used in this investigation. The Holy Quran, several books, papers, journals, and the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) Sunnah have been systematically reviewed. A thorough review has revealed that   Islam guarantees women's rights, dignity, and status rather than depriving them of them. However, women are unable to exercise their rights due to a lack of proper Islamic education and knowledge.