Introduction

The introduction presents an overview of the status of women before and after Islam. It examines the patriarchal reading of the Qur’an and tradition of the Prophet, which influenced all Muslim dynasties afterward. It discusses how Khadija and ‘Aisha, wives of the prophet, played a vital political roles, which diminished after few decades from the beginning of Islam. In addition, how Fatima, daughter of the Prophet bestowed her political protection over her husband in their attempt to seek the caliphate. The introduction present an Arab Christian queen, which commanded armies herself; A rare model, disappeared by patriarchal reading of the Qur’an in the first century of Islam. That followed by the creation of the harem institution. Thus, caging women in an isolated space. The introduction try to put the question forward: Did Islam improve the status of women? And how.