Man's Qiwāmah (being in charge) is nothing but an honor bestowed on women and a responsibility placed on men's shoulders to look after women and fulfill their needs. A Muslim woman plays the role of a queen, which every woman on earth aspires to. A smart woman is the one who chooses what she should be: an honorable queen or a hardworking woman in the middle of the road.
If we admit that some Muslim men misuse Qiwāmah, this does not indicate a deficiency in the Qiwāmah system itself; rather, it indicates a deficiency in those who misuse it.
In the pre-Islamic era, women were deprived of inheritance. When Islam came, they were not only included in inheritance but they were also granted more or equal shares to those of men, and in some cases a woman is entitled to inheritance while man is not. In other cases, men get higher shares than women depending on the degree of kinship and consanguinity, and this is the case mentioned in the Noble Qur’an:
{Allah instructs you concerning [the inheritance of] your children: the share of a male is equal to that of two females...} [210] Surat an-Nisā’: 11.
A Muslim lady once said that she had not understood this point until the death of her father-in-law when her husband inherited double the amount that was inherited by his sister. He used the money to buy the missing essentials including a house for his family and a car, whereas his sister used her money to buy jewelry and saved the rest in a bank, as it is her husband's responsibility to provide the habitation and other essential needs. Only then she understood the wisdom behind this ruling and praised Allah.
Even if the woman works hard in many societies to provide for her family, this does not indicate a deficiency in the inheritance ruling. For example, if a mobile phone starts to malfunction because its user did not follow the usage instructions, this does not indicate the deficiency of such instructions.
Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has never beat a woman in his whole life. As for the Qur’anic verse that talks about beating, it refers to non-violent beating in case of recalcitrance. In some period, this kind of beating was depicted in the man-made law of the United States of America as the permissible beating that should not leave trace on the body. That is used to prevent a graver danger like when someone shakes his son by the shoulder to wake him up from his deep slumber so as not to miss his exam.
Let us imagine that someone found his daughter standing on the edge of the window to throw herself; he will inadvertently grab her and pull her back so as not to hurt herself. This is exactly what is meant here by beating the woman; it is the husband's endeavor to prevent his wife from destroying her home and her children's future.
This, actually, comes after several stages as mentioned in the verse that reads:
{As for those women on whose part you fear rebellion, [first] admonish them, [next] forsake them in bed, and [last] hit them [gently]. Then if they obey you, do not take further action against them. Indeed, Allah is Most High, All-Great.} [211] Surat an-Nisā’: 34.
Considering the woman's weakness in general, Islam has granted her the right to resort to the court in case of being mistreated by her husband.
The marital relationship in Islam is to be built, in principle, on love, tranquility, and mercy.
Allah Almighty said:
{And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves that you may find comfort in them, and He placed between you love and mercy. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who reflect.} [212] Surat ar-Rūm: 21.
Islam has honored the woman by considering her guiltless of Adam's sin, unlike other religions, and by holding her in high esteem.
In Islam, Allah forgave Adam and taught us how to return to Him whenever we commit a sin throughout our life. Allah Almighty said:
{Then Adam received some words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. He is the Accepter of repentance, the Most Merciful.} [213] Surat al-Baqarah: 37.
Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him), is the only woman whose name is mentioned in the Noble Qur’an.
The woman played an important role in many of the stories mentioned in the Qur’an. An example of that is Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba, and her story with Prophet Solomon that ended up with accepting Islam and submitted to the Lord of the worlds as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an: {I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.} [214] Surat an-Naml: 23.
The Islamic history sheds light on how Prophet Muhammad consulted women and adopted their opinions in many situations. He also allowed women to go to mosques just like men, provided that they be modestly dressed, knowing that a woman's prayer in her house is better. Moreover, women used to participate with men in wars and provide medical care. They also used to take part in trade transactions and compete in the fields of education and knowledge.
Islam has significantly improved women's conditions compared to the ancient Arab cultures. It has forbidden the burial of baby girls alive and granted the woman an independent personality. It has also arranged the contractual issues related to marriage, maintaining the woman's right to a dowry and ensuring her rights in inheritance and private possession in addition to her right to manage her own properties by herself.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The most perfect believer in his faith is the one who has the most excellent morals, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives." [215] Narrated by At-Tirmidhi.
Allah Almighty said:
{Muslim men and women, believing men and women, obedient men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, and the men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah much – Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.} [216] Surat al-Ahzāb: 35.
{O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to forcibly inherit women, nor to hinder them from marriage, in order to take back some of what you have given them, unless they commit a clear adultery. Treat them kindly. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something which Allah has put much good in it.} [217] Surat an-Nisā’: 19.
{O people, fear your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate, and from both of them created countless men and women. Fear Allah in Whose name you ask one another, and be mindful of your kinship ties, for Allah is ever Watchful over you.} [218] Surat an-Nisā’: 1.
{Whoever does righteous deeds, male or female, while being a believer, We will surely grant him a good life, and We will surely reward them according to the best of their deeds.} [219] Surat an-Nahl: 97.
{...They are garment for you just as you are garment for them...} [220] Surat al-Baqarah: 187.
{And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves that you may find comfort in them, and He placed between you love and mercy. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who reflect.} [221] Surat ar-Rūm: 21.
{They ask you [O Prophet] concerning women. Say, “It is Allah Who gives you a ruling concerning them. It has been recited to you in the Book concerning orphan girls whom you deprive of their prescribed rights [of dowry and inheritance], yet you desire to marry them, and concerning helpless children, and that you should treat orphans with justice. Whatever good you do, Allah is All-Knowing of it.” If a woman fears ill treatment or indifference on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them to reach an amicable reconciliation between themselves, for reconciliation is best, even though human souls are prone to avarice. If you do good and fear Allah, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.} [222] Surat an-Nisā’: 127-128.
Allah Almighty has commanded men to provide for women and preserve their properties, and has relieved women of all financial responsibilities towards the family. Islam has also preserved the woman's identity and personality as it has allowed her to keep her family name even after getting married.