The Islamic teaching about treatment of women is one of
the most misunderstood. Western women generally view Muslim women as repressed
and deprived of their rights. The media portrays the stereotypical Muslim woman
as fully covered and dominated by her husband, with little more status then a
slave. You may be amazed to find, that for 1400 years, Muslim women have been
enjoying rights for which western women are still struggling.
Islam provides guidance for a peaceful and ideal
society. For such a society to exist, there must be a social system which
upholds the rights and responsibilities of each individual. Such a system would
provide a balance in the role and status of men and women, thus putting the
status of women on an equal footing with that of men. Such a society was in
fact created over 1400 years ago by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings of Allah be on him), through the guidance of Allah in the Holy
Qur'an.
This chapter provides you with an explanation of the rights that Muslim women
enjoy, along with other women's issues and their place in society.
TREATMENT OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
Before
discussing the position of women in Islam, it is important to understand what
the condition of women was before the advent of Islam. In pre-Islamic Arabia,
and in the rest of the world, their condition was equal to that of slaves and
chattels with no rights. Women could neither own nor inherit property. In
domestic affairs, they had no rights over their children or themselves; in
fact, they could be sold or abandoned by their husbands at will. If they were
abused by their husbands, they had no recourse to divorce. They had no real
status in the society, not being respected as wife, mother or daughter. In
fact, daughters were considered worthless and were often killed at birth. Women
were given little or no education, and had no say in religious matters, being
regarded as limited in spirituality and intellect.
These abusive conditions existed well into the 19th century in most parts of
the world, even in the United States, where some basic rights were given to
women only in the beginning of the 20th century. But in Arabia, in the 6th
century, with the advent of Islam the condition of women changed dramatically.
Almost overnight, women were endowed with equal rights and put on the same
level with men. In the Holy Qur'an, Allah makes it clear that He created men
and women as equal beings. He says:
"He has created you from a single being; then of the same kind made its
mate." (39:7)
This single verse removes any taint of inferiority leveled at womankind by men,
as in some other scriptures. The Holy Qur'an further ensures woman's equality
on the spiritual, intellectual, social and economic level. In addition, women's
rights were safeguarded by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on
him), as he himself carried out the commands of Allah and treated women with
great honor, kindness and dignity.
SPIRITUAL STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN
The
most important change that Islam brought for women was to raise their spiritual
status. Allah has clearly declared in the Holy Qur'an that woman has a soul,
that she has the same spiritual capacity as man, and that she can attain equal
spiritual rewards by her own efforts. The Holy Qur'an says:
"But whoso does good works, whether male or female, and is a believer,
such shall enter heaven..." (4:125)
The Holy Qur'an is unique amongst all scriptures in that it repeatedly
emphasizes this equality by addressing both men and women in many verses. It
leaves no doubt as to the spiritual level of women. It says:
"Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing
men and the believing women, and the obedient men and the obedient women, and
the truthful men and the truthful women, and the humble men and the humble
women, and the almsgiving men and the almsgiving women, and the fasting men and
the fasting women, and the men who guard their chastity and the women who guard
their chastity, and the men who praise God and the women who praise God, Allah
has prepared for all of them forgiveness and a mighty reward."
(33:36)
INTELLECTUAL STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN
Another
area where you will find that Muslim women have the lead over other women is in
the field of education. Islam stresses that education for men and women is of
equal importance, and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him)
laid down that education is compulsory for both. He said:
"It is the duty of every Muslim man and every
Muslim woman to acquire knowledge."
He also exhorted both to "seek knowledge even if you have to go to
China," and to "seek knowledge from the cradle to the
grave."
The Holy Qur'an says:
"He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom has
indeed been granted abundant good; and none would take heed except those
endowed with understanding." (2:270)
In other words, only those who ponder can understand the signs of God and
come closest to him. The Qur'an further teaches us a short prayer which simply
says:
"O my Lord, increase me in knowledge." (20:115)
In keeping with these commands, you will find that Muslim women, and
especially Ahmadi Muslim women are well-educated. The Holy Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allah be on him) encouraged his wives to seek knowledge and once
stated that "half the religion of Islam could be learned from Hadhrat
Ayesha (his wife)." Indeed, after his death, the advice of his wives was
sought by the entire Muslim community. Now a days you will see Muslim women
active in many professions, such as medicine, nursing and teaching.
It is interesting to note that at the time Islam brought enlightenment for
women, in Europe a woman displaying any kind of knowledge was in danger of
being burnt at the stake for being a witch! Furthermore, most universities,
even in the United States, did not admit women to higher learning until this
century.
ECONOMIC STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN
Never
before was woman given the economic freedom such as given her by Islam. Islam
makes it clear that she is entitled to possess wealth and property of her own,
whether it is inherited or earned, and has full rights over it. The Holy Qur'an
states:
"Men shall have the share of what they have earned, and women shall
have the share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely,
Allah has perfect knowledge of all things." (4:33)
This verse established the equality of men and women in so far as their
works are concerned. Woman has the right to manage her own wealth. A married
woman is not even required to spend out of her own wealth, as it is the duty of
her husband to provide for her.
The Holy Qur'an also states that:
"...men are guardians over women, because Allah made some of them excel
others and because they spend of their wealth" (4:35)
This means that the husband is responsible for his wife's needs and her
protection, and he is to supply the money for the maintenance of his wife and
their home.
Islam further protected the economic status of woman by requiring a husband to
give her a dowry at the time of marriage. This becomes part of her exclusive
wealth, and her husband has no right over it, unless she wishes to share it
with him. The Holy Qur'an states:
"And give the women their dowries willingly.
But if they, of their own pleasure remit to you a part thereof, then enjoy it
as something wholesome and pleasant." (4:5)
Interestingly, this is addressed not only to the husband but also the
woman's relatives. They have no right over it. The common practice found in
some Islamic countries today where the groom demands that his bride bring a
dowry of gold and household items to the marriage is totally un-Islamic.
Finally, Islam gave woman the right to inherit. She is entitled to inherit from
the deceased in her role of mother, wife, daughter or sister. The Holy Qur'an
makes clear that:
"For men there is a share of that which parents and near relatives
leave, and for women there is a share of that which parents and near relatives
leave, whether it be a little or much -- a determined share." (4:8)
Full and specific details of division of property are
found in the Holy Qur'an (4:12-13).
SOCIAL STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN
The social status of women changed dramatically with the
advent of Islam. Great changes took place in the lives of women. Society was
given clear guidance by the Holy Qur'an and the Holy Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allah be on him) for the treatment of women in their roles as
daughter, wife and mother.
The pre-Islamic practice of killing infant girls at birth for fear of
humiliation or poverty was totally abolished by Islam. In the Holy Qur'an,
Allah says:
"...Slay not your children for fear of poverty, it is We who provide
for you and for them, and approach not foul deeds, whether open or
secret..." (6:152)
And
"... He creates what He pleases, He bestows daughters upon whom He
pleases, and He bestows sons on whom He pleases." (42:50)
After forbidding the killing of children, Islam goes on
to teach a father that he must raise his daughters in the same way as his sons.
In fact, taking good care of a daughter opens the door to Paradise for a
Muslim. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said:
"He who brings up two girls through their childhood will appear on the Day of Judgement attached to me
like two fingers of a hand." (Muslim)
Thus it is clear that Islam raised the status of a daughter from that of being
despised and unwanted to being loved and cherished.
Islam changed the role of wife from being little more than a servant to being
an equal with her husband on all levels. The Holy Qur'an makes it clear that in
marriage women have rights similar to men. It says:
"Of His signs is that He created mates for you of your own kind that
you may find peace of mind through them, and He has put love and tenderness between
you. In that surely are signs for a people that reflect." (30:22)
Marriage is a harmonious union of two souls, with the object of marriage to
seek comfort from each other. The Holy Qur'an beautifully defines the equality
of the relationship with this verse:
"..They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them."
(2:188)
This shows that Islam regards husband and wife equal in providing support,
comfort and protection for one another, fitting each other like a garment fits
the body. Islam further teaches that the woman be treated with kindness and
generosity and be given equal rights in marriage and divorce. Before Islam a
woman could not initiate the divorce process even if she was seriously
mistreated. Islam permits her to seek divorce if absolutely necessary. (The
Islamic Marriage system is discussed in more detail in Chapter 3).
In her role as mother, Muslim woman achieves her highest social status, because
the mother is revered in Islam unlike any other individual. The Holy Qur'an
repeatedly directs Muslims to care for their parents, especially the mother.
Allah says:
"And We have enjoined man to be good to his parents; his mother bears
him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years...."
(31:15)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) emphasized the
love and respect due to the mother by saying:
"Paradise lies at the feet of the mother."
In another hadith, he is reported to have stated when asked to whom a man
should be kind: "to your mother." When asked a second time, again
said: "to your mother." He was asked a third time, again the reply
was: "your mother." Only upon being asked a fourth time did he reply:
"your father." Thus he emphasized three times how important it is for
a Muslim to take of his/her mother and to give full consideration and respect
to her needs and wishes.
HIJAB (THE VEIL)
The teachings of Islam concerning hijab (the veil) and segregation of the sexes
is probably the most confusing and difficult to accept for Western society.
This is because of the widespread and erroneous notion that observing hijab is
a heavy restriction imposed on Muslim women. In fact, the very opposite is
true. You will find that hijab is a means of protecting women, and providing
them with freedom from many social ills. The word "purdah" is
also used to describe the concept and the practice of hijab.
Islam provides guidance not only for individuals, but also lays down rules for
the good of all society. In this case, the institution of hijab/purdah guards
the moral condition of society. Muslim women not only have responsibilities as
wife, mother and daughter, they also share with men the responsibility of
upholding the moral standard of society. The Holy Qur'an has laid down that one
of the methods that men and women are to use to achieve that goal is hijab. It
says:
"Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their
private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they
do." (24:31)
And
"Say to the believing women that they restrain their looks and guard
their private parts, and that they display not their beauty or their
embellishment except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their
head coverings over their bosoms....." (24:32)
The verse goes on to list close relatives from whom observing hijab/purdah
is not necessary.
From these verses it is made clear that both men and
women are to conduct themselves with modesty and propriety at all times, and
especially when in each other's presence. This teaching is based on the fact
that Islam recognizes that "prevention is the better part of a cure."
So segregation of the sexes is prescribed so that situations which cannot be
controlled afterwards, are not allowed to develop in the first place. In this
way, erosion of moral values can be prevented, and society is safeguarded from
problems such as adultery, teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted
diseases.
The Holy Qur'an requires that Muslim women dress modestly, cover their heads
and wear an outer garment to conceal their beauty from strangers. However, you
must understand that this physical covering is the only first step to
developing hijab. The true and full observance of hijab/purdah is achieved when
"veiling" extends to a man or woman's mind and heart. This means that
one should veil or shield his/her mind and heart from impure and immoral
thoughts when in contact with the opposite sex. One's thoughts, words and
actions should reflect a sisterly love and respect towards fellow beings. This
behavior leads to one's own moral upliftment, and also creates an atmosphere
where men and women, instead of resenting and degrading each other, treat each
other with respect and understanding.
Another verse of the Holy Qur'an states:
"O Prophet! tell thy wives and thy daughters, and the women of the
believers, that they should pull down upon them of their outer cloaks from
their heads over their faces. That is more likely that they may thus be
recognized and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful."
(33:60)
A woman who is following the rules of hijab in her dress and actions is not
likely to be treated in a disrespectful way by men. Thus hijab/purdah provides
Muslim women with freedom from some of the problems that women in Western
society are facing today. In Islam woman is not regarded as a "sex
object," nor is she exploited or harassed in this demeaning manner. As you
are probably aware, various feminist movements are trying to deal with these
issues today, sometimes with little success.
Islam has undoubtedly given woman dignity and honor through hijab/purdah, and
has provided a protection for her so that she can pursue her activities more
freely. This gives Muslim women peace of mind. You may have noticed that most Muslim
women who follow the practice of hijab/purdah appear to be more relaxed and at
ease with themselves. This is because Islam has reduced the importance of
physical appearance as a mark of self-esteem. A Muslim woman is free to develop
in herself other talents, and does not have to rely on her physical beauty to
achieve what she wants. At the same time when a woman practices hijab/purdah in
the true manner, she fulfills her responsibility to society and gains
satisfaction in the knowledge that she is able to gain nearness to Allah.
(For more information on wearing hijab/purdah, please see Chapter 4).
THE ROLE OF MUSLIM WOMEN TODAY
This
chapter has attempted to give you an idea of the position that Muslim women
hold in society, and the rights given to them by Islam. As you can see, no
other teaching so specifically addresses the needs of women. Muslim women have
all the rights that Muslim men enjoy, and in some ways, have certain privileges
which men do not enjoy.
To sum up, a Muslim woman's primary duty is her duty to Allah, and then comes
her duty to her fellow beings. Islam reminds her that her foremost
responsibility is to her husband and children. However, it does not restrict
her to that role; she has the right to go out and work if she needs to, but she
is not obliged to shoulder the financial responsibility for the household. She
is encouraged to seek higher education for her own improvement, and
subsequently for her offspring. The institution of purdah provides her with an
environment of respect and dignity. In no way does it limit her pursuit of a
professional career, a business or other kind of profitable activity.
Some misconceptions concerning the role of woman in society are prevalent
because unfortunately, some "Muslim" countries do not practice the
teachings of the Holy Qur'an. In these societies, the education and training of
Muslim women is very much neglected. This may be due to political reasons; or
to the fact that some of these societies live in abject poverty, where women
are deprived of their right to education. Lacking this tool, they are unaware
of the status Islam has given them and are still submitting to conditions
similar to the time before Islam was born.
However, within the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, you will find that women are
well aware of the rights that were brought to them by the Holy Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allah be on him). Not only that, the men in the community are
also conscious of their womenfolk's rights. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the
present Head of the community, repeatedly reminds his followers of their rights
and duties. Most Ahmadi women are well-educated, and active in many spheres of
life, while maintaining their dignity through Islam. One of the beautiful
aspects of Islamic teaching is that by defining the role of women in society,
and then by giving dignity to that role, Muslim women feel fulfilled in
themselves. This is a great blessing from God Almighty.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Holy Qur'an with commentary. Trans. and Ed. Malik Ghulam
Farid. U.K., 1994.
Holy Qur'an with commentary. 5 volumes. Trans. & Ed.
Malik Ghulam, Farid. U.K., 1988.
Gardens of the Righteous. Hadith (sayings of the Holy
Prophet). Trans. Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. U.K., 1980.
Ahmad, Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood. Muhammad, the
Liberator of Women. Pakistan.
Khan, Muhammad Zafrulla. Women in Islam. Michigan,
1995.
See appendix for additional references.
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