The claim
"Islam systematically oppresses women and denies them basic rights."
The short answer
Islam granted women rights to property ownership, inheritance, education, and consent in marriage over 1,400 years ago — centuries before Western societies. Cultural practices in some Muslim-majority countries are often incorrectly attributed to Islamic teachings.
Evidence-Based Clarification
Islam Established Women's Rights 1,400 Years Ago
At a time when women in many civilizations had no legal standing, Islam affirmed women's right to own property, conduct business, inherit wealth, seek education, choose their spouse, and initiate divorce. The Prophet ﷺ's first wife Khadijah was a successful businesswoman who proposed marriage to him. His wife Aisha became one of the most prolific narrators of hadith and a teacher of the leading Companions.
PRIMARY SOURCES (2)
"For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave."
— Surah An-Nisa 4:7check the original
"The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.'"
— Sahih Muslim 2699check the original
Muslim: Sahih