Shaykh Ibn Baz explains that Islam, contrary to widespread misconceptions, honors and protects women, granting them significant and comprehensive rights. These rights are not granted by a government or society, but are ordained by Allah in the Qur'an and Sunnah, and are therefore immutable. Any fair-minded person who studies the sources of the Shari'ah will see the high status afforded to women.

Islam established numerous rights for women centuries before any Western legal systems. For example, a woman has the independent right to own property, conduct business, and inherit from her relatives. Her husband must provide for her completely, and the dower (mahr) he gives her at marriage is her exclusive property. She is not a possession but a partner, to be treated with kindness and respect. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best of you are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives."

In terms of worship and reward, women are the same as men. Allah says, "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do." (An-Nahl 16:97). The different roles prescribed for men and women in the family structure are not a sign of inferiority, but are based on their different natures and serve to maintain balance and harmony in society. The man is the provider and protector, and the woman is the guardian of the home and family. Both roles are essential and honorable.

Any oppression of women that is witnessed in some Muslim countries is not due to Islam; rather, it is due to ignorance of Islamic teachings, adherence to backward cultural customs, or a misapplication of the religion. True adherence to Islam guarantees a woman's honor, dignity, and rights.