AN ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN RIGHTS AMONG THE FOUR SUNNI’S SCHOOLS OF ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE

This study explores the comparative perspectives of women's rights in Islamic jurisprudence across the four major Sunni schools of thought Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali as well as relevant insights from the Shi'a Ja'fari school. It seeks to identify both the convergences and divergences in legal interpretations related to key areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, education, and public participation. The research employs a qualitative analytical method, drawing on classical juristic texts and contemporary scholarly discourse to evaluate how each school addresses women’s rights within the framework of the Shari’ah. The findings reveal that while all schools affirm the dignity and spiritual equality of women in Islam, variations exist in the scope and application of certain rights due to differences in legal methodology (usul al-fiqh) and socio-cultural contexts of early jurists. The study concludes that understanding these differences can enhance contemporary discourses on women's rights in Muslim societies and contribute to more informed legal reform and advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of contextual ijtihad and scholarly engagement in aligning classical jurisprudence with present-day realities.