ہندو مت اور اسلام میں عورت کی مذہبی، سماجی، قانونی اور معاشی حیثیت: بنیادی مذہبی مصادر کی روشنی میں ایک تقابلی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

Women constitute a fundamental pillar of human society and play a central role in the formation, continuity, and stability of the family institution. Different religions and civilizations have developed distinct perspectives regarding the status, rights, responsibilities, and social role of women, and these perspectives have significantly influenced the individual, familial, and collective lives of their followers. Hinduism and Islam are among the world's major religions; however, their theological concepts, historical developments, and social traditions concerning the position and rights of women reveal both notable similarities and significant differences.This study presents a comparative and analytical examination of the status of women in Hinduism and Islam in the light of their primary religious teachings. It explores the religious, social, familial, ethical, and legal dimensions of women's status within both traditions. In Hinduism, women are honored as mothers, wives, daughters, and, in certain contexts, as divine figures. Nevertheless, religious texts, historical developments, and social customs have produced diverse perspectives regarding their rights and practical status. In contrast, Islam grants women a dignified and honorable position by recognizing their human worth, spiritual accountability, social respect, and legal rights. The Qur'an and the Sunnah guarantee women essential rights, including the right to education, consent in marriage, dower (mahr), ownership of property, inheritance, and social protection.

The research compares the concepts of womanhood in both religions by examining their views on religious status, human dignity, family roles, marital rights, education, economic rights, and social responsibilities. The findings indicate that both religions acknowledge women as indispensable members of the family and society. However, they differ significantly in their understanding of women's rights, obligations, and legal autonomy. By distinguishing between the primary religious sources and the socio-cultural practices that evolved over time, this study seeks to provide an objective and scholarly understanding of the status of women in Hinduism and Islam while contributing to contemporary academic discourse on women's rights from a comparative religious perspective.