Ai Fatimah Nur Fuad is a Dean at Prof. Dr. HAMKA Muhammadiyah University Jakarta, Associate Professor in Islamic Studies at the same University, and a member at ‘Aisyiyah Council of Cadre Development, and serving at various centers dealing with Islamic studies and Arabic language and culture.
Data in various countries with Muslim-majority populations shows that men own more property than women. This is partly influenced by a patriarchal culture that provides more opportunities for men and less space for women to work. Basically, in the context of a developed society, opportunities for women to work are increasingly open. Women also get access to higher education which has an impact on better types of work and guarantees their financial independence. Women can own houses, vehicles, land, jewelry and other forms of property with ownership documents in their own names. Unfortunately, in certain societies, there are still women who do not have full control over the management of their rights.
In Islamic history, having wealth and being rich was not solely dominated by men. Early Islamic tradition shows that religious practice is not only built through understanding texts but also through understanding the dynamic context of change while maintaining the spirit of Islamic justice. Islam guarantees equal rights between women and men in the ownership and management of property, whether obtained from work or from marriage and inheritance. In marriage, women have the right to receive property both as dowry and nafaqah (subsistence living). In Islamic teachings, women are given the same potential as men to work outside the home, earn a salary/wages, and own property.