Women’s Rights in the Qur’an, Superstitions, and the Culture of Narrations

The Qur’an addresses the position and rights of women not only for a specific individual or community but within the framework of universal moral principles. In this context, the verses of Surah An-Nur concerning the accusation of adultery present a perspective that questions patriarchal and traditional pressures against women. However, these verses are often misinterpreted and reduced to specific historical events under the influence of the culture of narrations. This has led to a departure from the essence of the Qur’an and its universal moral principles.
Verses 11–13 of Surah An-Nur do not refer to a single individual or incident, but rather emphasize the moral, legal, and social dimensions of false accusations of adultery. The verses highlight that the accusation was an organized act and state that believing men and women should be sensitive to such situations:
> “Indeed, those who came with the slander are a group among you. Do not think it is bad for you; rather it is good for you… For each person among them is what he has earned of sin… Why, when you heard it, did the believing men and believing women not think good of their own selves and say, ‘This is an obvious slander’? Why did they not bring four witnesses to it? Since they did not bring the witnesses, then they are, in the sight of Allah, the liars.” (Surah An-Nur, 11–13)
From this, it is understood that the issue is not only about a specific individual (such as Aisha), but about the social corruption and legal chaos caused by slander. The Qur’an conveys its message not through individuals, but through moral principles and legal norms.
Gender-based and patriarchal attitudes have historically shaped many societies’ moral and legal understandings. In Jewish and Christian traditions, the perception of woman as the source of sin is one of the foundations of patriarchal thought. This idea has also influenced the Middle East and contributed to the development of traditional approaches that are not compatible with Islam.
While Surah An-Nur mentions that the accusation of adultery occurred as an organized act, this reflects how patriarchal societies attempt to control women and assert moral superiority. In traditional patriarchal societies, women are often portrayed as the source of sin, immorality, and wrongdoing. This understanding forms the basis of systemic oppression against women.
The Qur’an focuses on universal principles rather than individuals. For example, the name of Pharaoh is not mentioned in many contexts; instead, his oppressive and tyrannical character is described. This shows that the Qur’an emphasizes unchanging human conditions and principles rather than historical details. Pharaoh is presented as a symbol of dictators who violate human rights.
Similarly, the issue of false accusations of adultery in Surah An-Nur should be evaluated based on social and moral principles rather than individual cases.
To properly understand the Qur’an’s message, one must adhere to semantic principles. Removing a text from its context leads to misinterpretation. Surah An-Nur teaches universal moral principles by linking adultery, false accusations, and sexuality to legal norms. However, interpreting these verses only within the context of the Prophet Muhammad and his wife obscures the true message of the text.
The Qur’an’s aim is to protect women’s rights through legal principles and to shield them from arbitrary accusations. It questions the traditional moral understandings of patriarchal societies and teaches that women must be protected in a way that preserves their human dignity.
The following emphasis in Surah An-Nur is particularly important in this regard:
> “Indeed, those who brought forth the slander are a group among you… (Surah An-Nur, 11).”
This verse links the act of slander to individual and collective responsibility, thereby protecting women from such destructive attacks.
The Qur’an presents a universal moral teaching free from superstition and the culture of weak or unreliable narrations. False accusations against women are a disease of patriarchal and traditional societies, and the Qur’an identifies this disease and offers solutions. However, these solutions must not be obscured by narrations and superstitions.
Understanding and living the Qur’an is only possible by interpreting it within its context and through its universal principles.
In this regard, the message of Surah An-Nur is clear: protecting women’s dignity and rights is a moral responsibility of society. Fulfilling this responsibility requires understanding the universal message of the Qur’an and putting it into practice.