Unequivocally, yes they are! Men and women are spiritual equals in Islam; they are equally important and accountable to God. Muslim men and women have the same duties and responsibilities to God. Numerous verses of the Quran speak to this including, "Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to them will We give a new life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions." (Chapter 16, Verse 97)

Women are poorly treated in many developing and developed countries such as China, India, and the regions of Latin and South America, which are non Muslim populated societies. Treatment of women, children, and underprivileged groups and classes depend on a number of factors, including the country, culture, region, education, social and economic development, family circumstances, and many other factors that differ not only from one country to country but also from city to village life. Even within a single-family, people have individual characters that impact their outlook and treatment of women.

While some Muslim men and cultures have oppressive or misogynistic attitudes or practices, others have women involved in the highest levels of education, employment, and politics, including heads of state in countries like Bangladesh, and formerly in Indonesia, Pakistan and Turkey.