HIKMA PUBLISHER

Hikma Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies
Published: September 23, 2026 | Vol. 1 Issue 3 | E-ISSN: 3139-5597
Research Article

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

REV. AMBROSE AKPOTOR Ph. D1✉
1 Department of Theology, Baptist Theological Seminary, Eku.
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Abstract

This study examines the roles, status, rights, responsibilities, and contributions of women in Islam and Christianity from theological, scriptural, historical, and sociocultural perspectives. Women have made significant contributions to the religious, social, educational, economic and political development of both religious traditions. However, their roles and status have been shaped not only by sacred texts and theological interpretations but also by historical experiences, cultural practices, legal systems, and changing social conditions. In Christianity, biblical accounts present women as active participants in God’s redemptive mission, exemplified by Mary, Mary Magdalene, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Lydia. Nevertheless, diverse Christian traditions have developed different understandings of women’s participation in church leadership, pastoral ministry, marriage, education, and ecclesiastical decision-making. In Islam, women are recognised as believers and important participants in family, educational, economic, and community life, while the Qur’an affirms their spiritual accountability and dignity. Islamic jurisprudence further addresses matters such as marriage, inheritance, modesty, family responsibilities, and social relationships, although interpretations and practices vary across Muslim societies. The study comparatively explores these perspectives, with particular attention to women’s roles within the family, religious institutions, and wider society, as well as their opportunities and limitations in leadership, education, economic activities, and religious participation. It identifies areas of convergence and divergence in the rights, responsibilities, treatment, and contributions of women in both traditions. The study argues that a balanced understanding of women’s roles requires careful consideration of the interaction between scripture, theology, historical development, culture, and contemporary social realities. Ultimately, the comparative analysis contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how Islam and Christianity have shaped, interpreted, and negotiated women’s dignity, responsibilities, participation, and agency in contemporary society.
Keywords: Women in Islam; Women in Christianity; Gender and Religion; Women’s Rights; Comparative Religious Studies.

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🔓 Open Access | This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

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