Is Shariat Really in Favour of Men ??? Many people feel that Shariat or Islamic law favours men. This feeling does not come from nowhere. In practice, many rules give men more authority, ease, and flexibility, especially in areas like divorce, polygamy, inheritance, and guardianship. For example, men can divorce more easily, are allowed multiple wives, and often receive a larger share of inheritance. Women usually need conditions, court involvement, or personal sacrifice to access similar rights. These rules were formed in a time when men were the primary providers and women had limited public roles. That context matters, but it is often ignored today. The Qur’an itself is different from how Shariat is practiced. When it was revealed, it improved women’s status drastically. Women were given the right to inherit, own property, consent to marriage, seek divorce, and stand equal to men spiritually. The Qur’an does not say women are inferior or meant to be controlled. The problem begins with fiqh, human interpretation of Islamic law. These interpretations were developed by men in patriarchal societies, so male authority became normalised. Over time, culture mixed with religion and patriarchy was presented as divine law. As a result, men are often given power while women are told to show patience. Men’s mistakes are forgiven, while women are judged more harshly. This gap is why many women feel hurt, confused, or spiritually disconnected. Islam itself was progressive, but its interpretation stopped evolving. Society changed, but old rulings stayed the same. The issue is not faith, but the refusal to reexamine human-made interpretations. Reform does not mean rejecting Islam. It means returning to its core values of justice, dignity, and fairness for everyone.
