Interesting Islam

 

Women in Islam

Stereotypes:

Muslim women are oppressed…” “Muslim women are physically abused by their families…” “Muslim women can’t work…” blah blah… Common stereotypical views worldwide.

So how about an interesting topic? Women. To be more precise, women in Islam.

“What is the role of a Muslim woman and is there equality between the sexes? Are women just meant to be slaves to their husbands? Are women not allowed to work? Muslim women are oppressed! Muslim women are tied and denied basic human rights! Muslim women are nothing but slaves in Islam!”

Completely and utterly… FALSE!

The TRUTH:

Muslim women are spiritually EQUAL to men in Islam, but logically have different roles due to the biological differences. They have the same religious duties and the same criteria will be used on Judgement day.

Muslim women are NOT slaves in any respect. In fact, Islam liberated women and provided them with the respect and kindness that they were entitled to.

Muslim women ARE allowed to work as can be seen by The Prophet’s (s.a.w.) first wife, Khadijah (r.a.) who was a businesswoman.

Oh for God’s sake, Muslim women are most definitely NOT oppressed. There is a reason for wearing Hijab (veil/covering), but more on that later.

‘…denied basic human rights!’? If you think that, then you most certainly do NOT know Islam.

The PROOF:

Hmm…okay. I guess you’re probably thinking that it’s all very easy for me to say all these statements, but where’s the proof? After all, if someone claimed that cows could fly, everyone would probably call them insane! Well, my dear, understanding and patient friends, take a look at the following quotes:

All people are equal as the teeth of a comb. No Arab can claim merit over a non-Arab, no white over a Black, no male over a female.” (Hadith: Saying of the Prophet)

O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.” (Final Sermon of the Prophet (s.a.w.))

Pre-Islamic Arabia: Just so you know, the time before the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) actually came to being was a period known as the Time of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah). The birth of a daughter was regarded as a matter of misfortune… most were killed or buried alive. Similarly, women could be inherited as if they were possessions! They were pretty much treated as slaves and animals. A man could have as many wives as he wanted (some had over 20!) and there was absolutely no respect for women. People felt ashamed if they had daughters and physical and mental abuse was not only common, but also accepted. Don’t believe me? Go do your homework then.

Inheritance of Women:

“O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness… live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike a thing through which Allah brings about a great deal of good.” (Quran 4:19)

Abuse of Women:

Sadly, there is a HUGE misconception that Islam allows abuse of women, and even more SADLY, so many people believe this false statement!

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) has commanded, “Do not beat the female servants of Allah.”

He has also said, “…How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?…” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 8, hadith 68, p.42-43)

Consent in Marriage

Hmm… let’s think, shall we? We look around and we see so many veiled women who never seem to say anything (in Public) that can be seen as even slightly rebellious, to their husbands. “They’ve been forced into marriage, that’s what it is. Islam allows the forcing of marriages!” Holy moly, completely and utterly FALSE, once again. Want proof?

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) has said, “The widow and the divorced woman shall not be married until she has consented and the virgin shall not be married until her consent is obtained.”

Respect for Mothers:

Islam emphasised the respect that a person should demonstrate towards his/her mother. This can be seen in the following ahadeeth:

The Prophet (s.a.w.): “Paradise lies under the feet of your mother.”

“A man asked: O Prophet of Allah, who deserves to be treated well by me most of all? The Prophet said: Your mother. He asked: Who then? The Prophet said: Your mother. He asked: Who then? The Prophet said: Your mother. He asked: Who then? The Prophet said: Then your father.” (Al-Bukhari)