How did women's roles differ in Islamic and Christian societies?

In Islamic societies, women had more legal rights and economic roles, while in Christian societies, they were more domesticated.

In Islamic societies, women's roles were defined by both the Quran and the Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). Women were given specific rights in areas such as inheritance, divorce, and business. They could own and manage property, and were entitled to receive a dowry upon marriage, which remained their own property in case of divorce or widowhood. Women were also allowed to work and engage in trade. Some women, like Khadijah, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, were successful businesswomen. However, women's roles were also influenced by cultural practices and patriarchal norms, which often limited their public participation and enforced practices like veiling and seclusion.

In contrast, women's roles in Christian societies, particularly in the Middle Ages, were largely domestic and tied to the family. Women were expected to marry, bear children, and manage the household. They were largely excluded from public life and had limited access to education. The Church played a significant role in shaping women's roles, with teachings that emphasised women's submission to their husbands and their roles as mothers. Women could not hold positions of authority within the Church, and religious women often became nuns, living in convents and dedicating their lives to prayer and service. However, there were exceptions, such as women mystics and saints, who had a significant influence on Christian thought and practice.

It's important to note that women's roles in both Islamic and Christian societies varied greatly depending on the time period, region, and social class. For example, in some Christian societies, women could own property and engage in trade, particularly in the absence of male relatives. Similarly, in some Islamic societies, women had significant influence in politics and culture, such as during the Abbasid Caliphate. However, these were often exceptions rather than the norm.