How did Islam honor the woman?

Islam has honored the woman by considering her guiltless of Adam's sin, unlike other religions, and by holding her in high esteem.

In Islam, Allah forgave Adam and taught us how to return to Him whenever we commit a sin throughout our life. Allah Almighty said:

{Then Adam received some words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. He is the Accepter of repentance, the Most Merciful.} [213] Surat al-Baqarah: 37.

Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him), is the only woman whose name is mentioned in the Noble Qur’an.

The woman played an important role in many of the stories mentioned in the Qur’an. An example of that is Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba, and her story with Prophet Solomon that ended up with accepting Islam and submitted to the Lord of the worlds as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an: {I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.} [214] Surat an-Naml: 23.

The Islamic history sheds light on how Prophet Muhammad consulted women and adopted their opinions in many situations. He also allowed women to go to mosques just like men, provided that they be modestly dressed, knowing that a woman's prayer in her house is better. Moreover, women used to participate with men in wars and provide medical care. They also used to take part in trade transactions and compete in the fields of education and knowledge.

Islam has significantly improved women's conditions compared to the ancient Arab cultures. It has forbidden the burial of baby girls alive and granted the woman an independent personality. It has also arranged the contractual issues related to marriage, maintaining the woman's right to a dowry and ensuring her rights in inheritance and private possession in addition to her right to manage her own properties by herself.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The most perfect believer in his faith is the one who has the most excellent morals, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives." [215] Narrated by At-Tirmidhi.

{Muslim men and women, believing men and women, obedient men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, and the men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah much – Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.} [216] Surat al-Ahzāb: 35.

{O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to forcibly inherit women, nor to hinder them from marriage, in order to take back some of what you have given them, unless they commit a clear adultery. Treat them kindly. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something which Allah has put much good in it.} [217] Surat an-Nisā’: 19.

{O people, fear your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate, and from both of them created countless men and women. Fear Allah in Whose name you ask one another, and be mindful of your kinship ties, for Allah is ever Watchful over you.} [218] Surat an-Nisā’: 1.

{Whoever does righteous deeds, male or female, while being a believer, We will surely grant him a good life, and We will surely reward them according to the best of their deeds.} [219] Surat an-Nahl: 97.

{...They are garment for you just as you are garment for them...} [220] Surat al-Baqarah: 187.

{And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves that you may find comfort in them, and He placed between you love and mercy. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who reflect.} [221] Surat ar-Rūm: 21.

{They ask you [O Prophet] concerning women. Say, “It is Allah Who gives you a ruling concerning them. It has been recited to you in the Book concerning orphan girls whom you deprive of their prescribed rights [of dowry and inheritance], yet you desire to marry them, and concerning helpless children, and that you should treat orphans with justice. Whatever good you do, Allah is All-Knowing of it.” If a woman fears ill treatment or indifference on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them to reach an amicable reconciliation between themselves, for reconciliation is best, even though human souls are prone to avarice. If you do good and fear Allah, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.} [222] Surat an-Nisā’: 127-128.

Allah Almighty has commanded men to provide for women and preserve their properties, and has relieved women of all financial responsibilities towards the family. Islam has also preserved the woman's identity and personality as it has allowed her to keep her family name even after getting married.