Rights of Daughters in Islam

Daughters are the blessing of Allah Almighty. Before the advent of Islam, girls were treated very badly in Arab society. Father of a daughter used to feel shame when a girl born to him. Arab society used to bury girls alive in order to get rid of the shame.  At the time of darkness when people used to treat girls very badly, Islam came and gave rights to women, sisters, daughters, wives and especially to little girls who were affected badly.

Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran: “To Allah belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent” (Quran, 49:50).

This Ayah of Holy Quran shows that Allah Almighty has the right or will to give whatever He wants to whom He wants to give. Allah is the One, based on His ultimate wisdom, who grants whomever He wills sons and daughters. He grants sons only to whomever He wills and daughters only to whomever He wills.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had 4 daughters and was of the opinion that raising daughters were considered as sacred in Islam. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith about the upbringing of daughters in these words:  “If someone has three daughters and is patient with them and clothes them from his wealth, they will be a shield against Fire for him.”

Rights and Duties of Daughters

Islam came into being and granted rights to women as a daughter, sister, and wife. Islam also created some responsibilities for them which are mentioned below:

• Islam gave equal rights to women as men and describe that there is no discrimination against them.

• Islam gave them rights of education. They can get an education just like men and can also work for their family.

• They have right to their father’s property. Her share is half of her brother’s share in the property.

• She has a right of Khula if she is not satisfied with her marriage and husband.
• Islam gave them right to receive love and best maintenance from parents, brother, and husband.

• A daughter always belongs to the paternal family. Marriage does not break this bond. The Islamic social order makes detailed arrangements for fair treatment of the daughter.

• Taking care of them, educating them, liberating them and training them for tomorrow and a better life all comes under the responsibility of parents to their daughters.

• They have the right to choose her husband. The father is not allowed to oblige her to marry a certain person without her wish.

• Islam gave her right to speak and express her views and ideas in front of the public.

• Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “He who raises two daughters until their puberty will be with me in Paradise like this” and he symbolized the proximity by showing two of his fingers with a slight gap between them.” (Muslim)

• Daughter has a responsibility or duty to cover herself properly to live safely in the society.

• She has a duty to keep the dignity of herself.

• She has to take care of her family.

• She has to loyal to her husband after getting married.

• She has to be in limits when it’s a matter of Na-mahram.

• For the very first time, Islam considered a woman equal to man and describe that there is no discrimination against them.

• Islam gave them right to education and work equally like the man for her family.

• Islam gave a daughter right to marry the person according to her wish.

• Islam gave her right to father’s property. Her share is half of her brother’s share.

• Islam gave her a right of Khula if she is not satisfied with her marriage and husband.

• Islam gave her right to sue the person who sexually harassed or abused her.

• Islam gave her right to live happy with or without a man. Man is not everything for her.

• Islam gave her right to speak and express her views and ideas in front of the public.

• Islam gave her right to be a power of the world and explain that without a woman, a man is nothing.

• Islam gave her right to be a self-own person or in other sense taking the decision about herself in every matter.

These were some rights and duties of daughters according to religion Islam that every Muslim should know and fulfill. If someone wants to know about the honor of daughters then it is enough of an honor for girls that the Prophets (SAW), had daughters and that most of the children of our beloved Prophet (SAW) were daughters.

So when you have a daughter don’t get upset instead be happy and celebrate this joy with all your family members and friends as daughters are the blessing of Allah Almighty. May Allah protect all our daughters and sister and blessed them with all the happiness of the world. Ameen!