Protection of Women’s Rights: Islamic and Sikh Perspectives

Abstract

The protection of women’s rights constitutes a central concern in both Islamic and Sikh ethical frameworks. While Islam articulates a comprehensive legal and moral system grounded in divine revelation, Sikhism advances a spiritually egalitarian vision rooted in the doctrine of Ik Onkar. This study undertakes a comparative examination of women’s rights as articulated in the Holy Qur’ān, Hadith literature, and the Guru Granth Sahib. It further explores the lived experiences of early Muslim women (Sahabiyyāt) and the socio-religious ethos of Sikh tradition. The research argues that both traditions, despite differences in legal structures, converge on the fundamental principles of dignity, spiritual equality, and social justice. Through textual analysis and comparative hermeneutics, the study highlights how these religious frameworks can contribute to contemporary discourses on gender justice and human rights (Esposito, 2011; Singh, 2018).