Feminism for Sale: How Companies Are Using Women to Make Money
What Modern Feminism Hides—and How Islam Offers Real Respect and Protection for Women
Introduction
Feminism is often shown as a movement that helps women get equal rights, respect, and freedom. But in today’s world, feminism has turned into a business. Big companies use the idea of “women’s freedom” to sell makeup, clothes, and lifestyles. They tell women to show their bodies, work like machines, and spend money to feel powerful. But is this really empowerment—or is it just another form of control?
Islam offers a different path—one where women are honoured, protected, and valued for who they are, not for how they look or what they buy.
Modern Feminism Is a Business
Today’s feminism is deeply connected to advertising and corporations. Companies sell the idea that freedom means dressing a certain way, having certain jobs, or buying certain products. But all of this brings profit to big businesses—not peace or dignity to women.
Ayatollah Khamenei said:
“They turned women’s freedom into something they can sell.”
— Imam Khamenei
Instead of helping women, modern feminism often puts more pressure on them—pressure to look perfect, to compete with men, to work non-stop, and to be available all the time. This is not real freedom.
The Hijab Is Protection, Not Oppression
Islam protects women through modesty. The hijab is not a cage; it’s a shield. It tells the world: this woman has value—not because of her looks, but because of her soul.
The Quran says:
“Tell the believing women to draw their cloaks around them. That will make them known and prevent harm.”
— (Quran, Surah al-Ahzab, Chapter 33, The Allies, Verse 59)
The hijab helps women live with dignity and safety, free from being turned into objects. This is why the best examples of women in Islam—like Lady Fatimah Zahra (SA)—covered themselves, yet they were strong, wise, and respected.
Imam Ali (AS) said:
“A woman is like a delicate flower. Her hijab is her protection.”
— Tuhaf al-‘Uqul
False Freedom and Real Pain
Many feminists say freedom means doing whatever you want with your body. But this “freedom” has brought new problems: anxiety, depression, family breakdown, and more. Women are pushed into public life without any spiritual or emotional support.
Islam gives women rights, but also balance. It allows women to study, work, and lead—but with protection and purpose. It connects a woman’s soul to Allah, not to fashion or fame.
Real Role Models: Lady Fatimah and Lady Zaynab (SA)
Shia Islam shows us real examples of powerful women.
Lady Zaynab (SA) spoke with courage in front of a tyrant like Yazid. She stood for truth, but she remained modest and strong.
Imam Zayn al-Abideen (AS) praised her:
“You are a scholar taught by no one, and a wise woman trained by no teacher.”
— Luhuf, Ibn Tawus
This is the real meaning of female strength in Islam: wisdom, modesty, and resistance to oppression.
Conclusion: Which Freedom Do You Want?
The world sells women a lie: that they are free only if they expose themselves, work endlessly, and follow trends. Islam offers something deeper. It offers women honour, safety, peace, and true self-worth.
So we must ask: Do we want a freedom that makes others rich—or a freedom that brings us closer to Allah?
Reference: The Official Website of Ayatollah Khamenei