b) As a wife
Among the most impressive verses in the Qur'an about marriage is the following:
"And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you among yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herrein indeed are signs for people who reflect." (Qur'an 30:21)
According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their consent.
Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and reported that her father had forced her to marry without her consent. The Prophet gave her the choice... (between accepting the marriage or invalidating it).
(Ibn Hanbal, No. 2469)
Besides all other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it was specifically decreed that woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price of a woman, as was the case in certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection.
In consideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have the equal rights and claims on one another, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. The Qur'an states:
"And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them." (Qur'an 2:228).
Such degree is Quiwama ( maintenance and protection). This refers to that natural difference between the sexes which entitles the weaker sex to protection. It implies no superiority or advantage before the law. Yet, man's role of leadership in relation to his family does not mean the husband's dictatordship over his wife.
Over and above her basic rights as a wife comes the right which is emphasized by the Qur'an and is strongly recommended by the Prophet- kind treatment and companionship. The Qur'an states:
"... But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein God has placed much good"
(Qur'an 4:19)
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"The best of you is the best to his family and
I am the best among you to my family.
The most perfect believers are the best in
conduct and
best of you are those who are best to their wives."
(Ibn Hanbal, No. 7396)
As the woman's right to decide about her marriage is recognized, so also her right to seek and end for an unsuccessful marriage is recognized. To provide for the stability of the family, however, and in order to protect it from hasty decisions under temporary emotional stress, certain steps and waiting periods should be observed by men and women seeking divorce.
-Nessa Rj, 17/05/2012
(source: The Status of Woman in Islam by Dr. Jamal A. Badawi, April 1980)