I often think that woman is more free in Islam than in

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Annie Besant, the British social reformer, writer, and women's rights activist, who was deeply involved in social and political issues, including the Indian independence movement and the Theosophical Society.

“I often think that woman is more free in Islam than in Christianity. Woman is more protected by Islam than by the faith which preaches monogamy. In the Quran, the law about woman is juster and more liberal.”
— Annie Besant

Context and Background

Annie Besant was a progressive thinker who championed women's rights, freedom of expression, and social reform. In this quote, Besant compares the treatment of women in Islam and Christianity, suggesting that Islam provides greater protection and rights for women, especially in comparison to the Christian tradition, which, in her view, has restrictive practices regarding monogamy. Besant’s view stems from her personal interpretation of the Quran's teachings on women, which she considered to be more just and liberal than the interpretations of Christian doctrine concerning gender roles.

Besant’s comment also reflects her respect for Eastern religions, which she studied and promoted during her time with the Theosophical Society. She was particularly influenced by the idea that religions in the East, including Islam, offered more progressive views on social issues like gender equality, compared to what she perceived as the patriarchal constraints in Western Christianity.

Interpretation

• “Woman is more free in Islam than in Christianity” — Besant suggests that Islam offers more freedom and rights to women compared to Christianity, which, she believed, imposed restrictive norms on women’s roles.

• “Woman is more protected by Islam than by the faith which preaches monogamy” — Here, she implies that Islam provides more legal protection to women, while the Christian monogamous model (which traditionally emphasizes one woman, one man) may limit women’s autonomy in certain ways.

• “In the Quran, the law about woman is juster and more liberal” — Besant interprets the laws regarding women in the Quran as more equitable and progressive, especially in comparison to traditional Christian teachings.

Summary

Annie Besant’s quote reflects her advocacy for women’s rights and social reform. She argues that Islam offers greater freedom and protection for women than Christianity, particularly in terms of legal rights and gender equality. Besant was known for her critical analysis of religious doctrines and her support for women’s autonomy, and this quote showcases her belief that Islam, especially as outlined in the Quran, offers more just and progressive laws for women compared to the Christian model, which she perceived as more restrictive.