Riyadh | BETH

Friday preachers across all regions of the Kingdom highlighted the esteemed status of women in Islam and the comprehensive protection of their rights as affirmed by the Qur’an and Sunnah, stressing that any violation or exploitation of women’s legitimate rights is strictly prohibited. They emphasized the obligation of kind treatment, financial support, and dignity.

This came in implementation of a directive issued by His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, instructing Friday preachers throughout the Kingdom to dedicate the Friday sermon of 21/6/1447 AH to addressing the care Islam affords women, the safeguarding of the rights granted to them by God Almighty, and the reinforcement of their status in society.

In their sermons, preachers discussed the great care, honor, and respect Islam has granted women, citing the Almighty’s words:
“And live with them in kindness” (Qur’an),
as well as the Prophet’s ﷺ saying: “Treat women kindly.”

They urged worshippers to uphold good conduct toward women, to honor them, and to refrain from degrading or denying their lawful rights, explaining the Prophetic guidance in this regard. Among the cited traditions were the Prophet’s ﷺ words: “The best of you are the best to their families, and I am the best to my family,” and “The most complete believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are the best to their women.”

Preachers also warned against the practice of ‘adl (unjust guardianship)—preventing a woman from marrying a suitable partner without valid Islamic justification—citing the Almighty’s words:
“So do not prevent them from marrying their husbands” (Qur’an),
and the Prophet’s ﷺ saying: “If one whose religion and character you are pleased with proposes to you, then marry him; if you do not, there will be tribulation on earth and widespread corruption.”

The sermons further addressed the grave issue of depriving women of their rightful inheritance, noting that such acts stem from pre-Islamic ignorance and directly contravene God’s command. Preachers affirmed that inheritance is a divinely mandated right that must neither be denied nor circumvented, citing the verse:
“For men is a share of what parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much—a determined share.”

They also highlighted the great reward promised to those who raise and care for daughters, referencing the hadith of Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه in which the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever raises two daughters until they reach maturity will come on the Day of Resurrection with me,” and he joined his fingers together.

Preachers reviewed the rights and care enjoyed by Saudi women, by the grace of God and under the wise leadership of the Kingdom, which takes pride in governing by the Qur’an and Sunnah. They noted that Saudi women today are key partners in nation-building, development, and progress.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, continues its efforts to diversify and develop religious discourse in line with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This includes activating the Friday pulpit alongside other outreach platforms to enhance religious awareness through topics that benefit both individuals and society.