First, in the historical context of 7th-century Arabia, many women had limited legal status. Islam introduced reforms that granted women defined rights within a legal framework. For example, women were given the right to own, inherit, and manage property independently—something that was not universally recognized in many other societies at the time.
Second, Islamic law established women’s rights in marriage. A woman’s consent became a requirement for a valid marriage, and she was entitled to a marriage gift (mahr) that belonged solely to her. She also had recognized rights to seek divorce under certain conditions, which marked a shift from systems where women had little or no say in marital matters.
Third, inheritance laws in Islam explicitly allocated shares to women—daughters, wives, and mothers—ensuring they could receive family wealth. While the shares are not always equal to men’s, the key argument is that formal, protected inheritance rights for women were codified at a time when many cultures excluded women from inheritance entirely.
Fourth, Islamic teachings emphasized women’s spiritual equality. The Qur’an repeatedly addresses men and women as morally and spiritually equal before God, which helped establish a theological basis for dignity and accountability regardless of gender.
Finally, you could argue that compared to some other historical religious or cultural systems, these combined legal, economic, and spiritual rights represented a significant advancement for women in that era. However, it’s important to acknowledge that interpretations and practices have varied widely across time and cultures, and different religions have also evolved in how they treat women.