– Yusra Firdaus
In a world that claims to defend freedom and voice to all, the moment a Muslim woman chooses to live by her faith, to wear her hijab, to uphold modesty, to speak through the lens of Islam, the world goes silent. For many Muslims, especially women, the pressure to fit into modern ideas of “liberation” feels constant and relentless. But what if the loudest voices aren’t always the most truthful? What if empowerment isn’t found in imitating others, but in knowing who you are, to whom you are, and where your strength truly comes from? Islam gives us a powerful lens through which to view empowerment – one that is rooted not in ego or society’s trends, but in eternal truth.
Empowerment as Defined by Islam
Empowerment in Islam is not about having power over others or rejecting the framework. Rather, it begins with self-awareness, self-discipline, and the recognition of one’s purpose as a servant of Allah. It is about rising in dignity through submission, not to people, but to the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This form of empowerment isn’t loud, but it is unshakable. It doesn’t parade itself on social media, but it leaves a deep impact wherever it goes.
From the Qur’an and Sunnah, we learn that true empowerment is found in faith, character, knowledge, and making a positive contribution. Consider Sayyidah Maryam (AS), who stood firm in her chastity and obedience even when society accused her. Or Asiyah (AS) (wife of Pharaoh), who faced one of the world’s worst tyrants for the sake of her Lord. Or Khadijah (RA), who was one of the wealthiest and most respected businesswomen in Makkah and the strongest supporter of the Prophet ﷺ. These women didn’t need public validation. Their empowerment came from their unwavering connection with Allah. Today, their legacy continues to inspire millions. That is real power.
What Does Empowerment Look Like for Muslims Today?
In today’s world, empowerment for Muslims takes many different forms, and it often means going against the flow. For a Muslim woman, it might mean choosing to wear her hijab proudly in a society that mocks it. For others, it lies in choosing to be a devoted housewife and mother, a role often overlooked by modern feminist narratives. For a Muslim man, it could be walking away from dishonest business practices to uphold integrity. For a teenager, it might be saying no to peer pressure and choosing prayer over parties. Islam does not demean this role – it uplifts it as a noble act of worship, one that builds the next generation.
At the same time, Islam never barred women from education, work, or leadership provided the boundaries of dignity, modesty, and accountability to Allah are maintained. Whether a woman is raising children at home or managing a team in the workplace, her worth in Islam is not tied to where she is, but to who she is inside, and what intention she carries. Empowerment today looks like choosing your akhirah over your comfort, every single day.
It also means understanding that your worth is not determined by your appearance, your relationship status, or your number of followers, but by your sincerity and submission to Allah. It means making choices that may seem “strange” to the world but are beloved in the sight of Allah. It means holding on to your principles when everyone else has let go. That level of spiritual and moral independence is the purest form of empowerment because it frees you from the slavery of trends, opinions, and insecurities.
Islam Gave Rights Before the World Did
Long before any feminist movement or human rights charter, Islam gave rights to women, children, orphans, slaves, and the poor – not as favours, but as commands from Allah. The right to education, to property ownership, to consent in marriage, to inheritance, to public participation – all of these were granted to women in Islam more than 1400 years ago. And these rights were implemented in a society that once buried newborn girls alive.
Yet today, many believe Muslim women must be “saved” or “liberated” by adopting Western ideals. The irony is that Islam doesn’t need to be updated or validated by modern movements – it already gave rights when the rest of the world was still debating whether women had souls. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the greatest advocate for women’s dignity. He stood when his daughter Fatimah (RA) entered the room. He consulted his wives on decisions. He taught men to treat women with honour and mercy. Islam doesn’t see women as less; it sees them as unique, powerful, and spiritually equal in their ability to earn Jannah.
Challenges Muslims Face Today
Despite the strength and clarity Islam offers, Muslims today face a unique set of challenges – many of them subtle, internal, and rooted in identity. The rise of Islamophobia, hijab bans, media misrepresentation, and peer pressure has created an atmosphere where living as a visibly Muslim person is not just difficult, it’s sometimes dangerous. But the external challenges are only one part of the battle. Internally, many Muslims struggle with an identity crisis, trying to balance modern life with religious values, navigating mental health, or wrestling with the fear of being judged for their religiosity.
There is also the growing influence of social media, where “influencer culture” often promotes a lifestyle that is far removed from Islamic values, glamorising immodesty, arrogance, and materialism. This has led to a quiet erosion of haya (modesty), humility, and self-worth among Muslim youth. Many are beginning to see Islam as a burden rather than a blessing. That’s why it’s crucial to reclaim our narrative, to show that faith is not a limitation, but a liberation from the chaos of the dunya. That living with taqwa is not weakness, but the boldest form of strength in today’s world.
Strengthening the Soul
To find real empowerment, we must return to the roots of our deen. That begins by reconnecting with the Qur’an and the life of the Prophet ﷺ, surrounding ourselves with sincere people, and realigning our goals with the Hereafter. It means honouring both our femininity and our faith, unapologetically. It also means being comfortable with being “different,” because we were never meant to blend in with a world chasing the dunya. It means recognising that we don’t have to fight for validation when we are already honoured by Allah as Ashraf ul Makhluqat (the most honoured of creation).
Empowerment comes from knowing your identity as a servant of Allah and carrying it with pride, even when the world tells you to hide it. Empowerment, as defined by Islam, is not loud, performative, or rebellious. It is humble, intentional, and rooted in purpose. It is choosing obedience when it’s difficult, patience when you’re tested, and trust in Allah when the path ahead looks uncertain. It is the strength to be different, the courage to hold on, and the clarity to know that this dunya is not the destination, but the bridge to something greater.
