Muhammadan law in its relation to women, is a pattern to European law. Look back to the history of Islam, and you will find that women have often taken leading places - on the throne, in the battle-field, in politics, in literature, poetry, etc.

The quote by Annie Besant highlights her recognition of the progressive aspects of Muhammadan law (Islamic law) in relation to women’s rights. When she says, “Muhammadan law in its relation to women, is a pattern to European law,” she is suggesting that, historically, Islam provided women with certain rights and social roles that European systems did not grant at the time. This reflects her belief that Islamic legal traditions, in their early interpretations, offered models of fairness and empowerment that Europe could learn from.

Besant goes on to say, “Look back to the history of Islam, and you will find that women have often taken leading places – on the throne, in the battle-field, in politics, in literature, poetry, etc.” Here, she emphasizes the historical prominence of women in Islamic history. From queens and political leaders to poets and scholars, women were not absent from public life but played influential roles in shaping societies. This was a striking observation in her era, especially when women in Europe were still struggling for suffrage and equal participation in public affairs.

The origin of this quote lies in Besant’s work as a 19th- and early 20th-century social reformer, women’s rights activist, and later, a prominent figure in the Theosophical Society. Having engaged deeply with religion, politics, and philosophy, she studied different traditions and often compared them. Her remarks on Islam reflect her willingness to challenge the dominant European prejudices of her time by pointing out the strengths of non-European cultures in terms of women’s status and participation.

Ultimately, Besant’s statement is both a critique of European law and a defense of Islamic tradition. By highlighting the leadership roles women held in Islamic history, she underscores the idea that empowerment is not exclusive to Western societies. Her words invite readers to reconsider stereotypes and acknowledge the complexity and richness of women’s contributions across different civilizations.