The position of women in Islamic society in general and in Saudi Arabian society in particular is a complex and frequently misunderstood issue. It is certainly true that Muslim and Western views of the role of women show sharp cultural differences but the stereotype of Muslim women, as uneducated, with no rights and with no opportunities is a caricature born of ignorance or malevolence.
The Holy Quran gave women economic and social rights long before such rights were attained by Western women. From the beginning of Islam, women have been legally entitled to inherit and bequeath property, holding their wealth in their own names even after marriage, without obligation to contribute that wealth to their husband or their family. The important role played by the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in the course of his ministry sorts ill with the view that Islam in any way undervalues the female half of humanity.
