Womens Writes in Islam
Introduction:
Family, society and ultimately the whole of mankind is treated by on an ethical basis. Differentiation in sex is neither a credit nor a drawback for the sexes. Therefore, when we talk about status of woman in Islam it should not lead us to think that Islam has no specific guidelines, limitations, responsibilities and obligations for men. What makes one valuable and respectable in the eyes of Allah, the creator of mankind and the universe, is neither one’s prosperity, position, intelligence, physical strength nor beauty, but only one’s Allah-consciousness and awareness {Taqwa}. However, since in the western culture and in cultures influenced by it, there exists a disparity between men woman there is more need for stating Islam’s position on important issues in a clear way.
Woman’s rights as a wife: She enjoys absolute equality as an equal member of the family unit. In certain ways her position as wife and as mother is unique and of great honour and distinction. As a wife she is the queen and mistress of the household and the status of the husband is determined by the way he treats her. The Holy Prophet said, ‘the best among you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best among you to my family.’’[Miskat]. He also said ‘Among the believes who show most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition to, and are kindest to their families’’ [Miskat].
In the Farewell Massage on the occasion of the Last Pilgrimate, the Holy Prophet spoke of the rights of women at great length and said: “O people surely there are rights in favour of your women which are incumbent upon you, and there are rights in favour of you whichare incumbent upon them.” And he ended the massage with the words: “Have therefore fear of God with regard to women, and I enjoin you to treat them well.”{9} The Qur’an clearly states: “And they {women} have rights similar to those of men over them according to what is equitable {2:228}.
As wife, s woman is the source of joy, pleasure, delight and comfort for her husband and the center of all wordly attractions for him. He seeks peace and security in his company: “Among His signs is the fact that he has created mates for you from among yourselves so that you may console yourselves with them. He has planted affection and marcy between you; in that are signs for people who reflect.”{30:21}. And in surah al-A’raf we read: “He is the one who has created you from a single soul, and made its mate from it, that he might find comfort with her.”{7:189}.
And the Holy Prophet has wonderfully summer up the mutual relationship between husband and wife in these words: “Abu Hurairah said that when God’s Massenger was asked which woman was best, he replied, ‘The one who pleases her husband when he looks at her, obeys him when he demands {something}, and does not go against his wishes regarding her person or property by doing anything which he dissapproves’ {Mishkat}. In fact, as his help-mate and comforter, she makes man’s stay on earth a pleasanter, easier and more worth-while experience.
Marriage is a sacred contract and is formed woman. The woman can refuse if she does not like or approve of by the free consent of both the man and the match. The parents may, and do, suggest and select the life-partners for their young sons and daughters, but the final word in the matter rests with the latter. “No widow should be married without consulting her; and no virgin be married without her assent. And her assent is her silence” {Bukhari and Muslim}.
In all kinds of family disputes, men and woman are treated alike: “If you fear a split between a man and his wife, send for an arbiter from his family and an arbiter from her family. If both want to be reconciled. God will adjust thins between them. “[4:35] Other family matters, regarding their children, are also decided by mutual consultation and agreement: “If the {husband and wife} desire to wean the child by mutual consent and after consultation, there is no blame on them.”{2:233}.
Just as she has the right to decide her marriage, so she enjoys the same right to seek to end the marriage that has not been successful. However, at all moments, husbands are advised to treat their wives politely, even if they don’t like them, because it is just possible that you dislike something but God placed some good in it for you. {4:19}. They are enjoined to be kind to their wives even when they have finally decided on separation {2:231}.
Woman’s Rights as a Mother: Woman’s position as mother is unique in a Muslim society. She is the focus for all members of the family. She enjoys great system and resfect from all and all come to pay their respects on all important occasions, and her opinions and suggestions carry great weight in all family matters. According to one tradition: “Even paradise lies beneath the feet of your mothers.” According to a report of Al-Bukhari: “Someone asked the prophet which work pleased God most. He replied, “The offering of prayer at the appointed time.” When the question was asked and what after that pleases God most?’ the Prophet replied: ‘Your parents.’
It is reported by abu Hurairah that a man asked the prophet of God: “Who is the most deserving of friendly care from me?” He replied: “Your mother.” Again he asked who came next and the Holy prophet replied “Your mother.” The man again asked who came next and the Holy prophet replied: “Your father”{Miskat}.
The Qur’an regards kindness to parents as next to worship of God {17:23}. But has laid special emphasis on the treatment of mothers: “And we enjoined upon man {to be good} to his parents: his mother bears him in travail upon travel.”{31:14 and46:15}
Rights of the Female child: Female children used to be buried by some Arabian tribes but this is condemned by Islam. “When news is brought to one of them of the birth of a female child, his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief. With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had. Shell he retain her on suffererance and in contempt or bury her in the dust? Ah What an evil choice they decide on”{16:58-59} Such parents will suffer their fate on the day of judgment: “And when the female{infant} buried alive is questioned, for what crime she was killed…”{81:8-9}.
Islam stopped this practice and instead enjoined kind and fair treatments to girls. The Prophet said: “Whoever supports two daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her and does not favour his son over her will be received by God into Paradise.”
And he also said: “Whover supports two daughters till they mature, he and I will on the day of judgment like this {and he put two fingers close together}” {Ibn Hanbal}.
Woman and Spiritual Life: Islam regards both men and woman as equal and promises equal rewards to them for their efforts: “So their Lord accepted their prayers,{saying}: ‘I willnot suffer to be lost the work of any of you, whether male or female. You proceed from one another.’”{3:195}. And in Surah al-i-Imran we read: “Wheover works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, surely to him 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.”{16:97 and 4:124}.
And again in Surah Al-Ahzab: “Lo Men who surrender to God , and woman who surrender, and men who believe, and woman who believe, and men who obey, and woman who are truthful, and men who are humble, and woman who are humble, and men who give charity, and woman who give are charity, and men who fast, and woman who fast, and men who guard their modesty, and women who guard their modesty, and men who remember for them forgiveness and a great reward.”{33:35}.
These verses of the Qur’an explicitly state the absolute equality of men and woman in matters of the reward for their efforts- each will earn the reward for that he or she has done in this world, for in the sight of God they, as human beings, are equal and will reap what they have sown. “O mankind Lo We have created you male and female…. The noblest of you, in the sight of God. Is the best in conduct.”{46:13}.
Woman and Economic Life: Islam recognizes woman’s right to inherit, to have money and own property, whether single or married. She can buy, sell, mortgage or lease any or all of her property . She inherits property, including land and real state, from her parents, brothers and husbands: “To men {of the family} belongs a share of thst which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much- a determinate share.”{4:7}.
She keeps her property acquired before marriage and has no legal obligation to spend on her family out of her personal wealth. She is also entitled to a dowry {mehr} husband. She may invest her property in any way she likes or thinks best. She is quit independent and even keeps her maiden name and does not merge it after marriage with her hasband’s, as happens in western, African and Asian counties.
Woman And Education: Woman have the same rights as men in the acquisition of knowledge and education. The Holy Prophet said: “The search for knowledge is a duty for every Muslim, male or female. Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
And knowledge in Islam is not divided into religious and secular knowledge. It is the duty of every Muslim man and Muslim woman to acquire any knowledge which is useful and not futile in order to benefit them and to enrich human culture and civilization with its applications to life. The acquisition of knowledge is essential for both men and woman, not only to knowledge God with all His attributes, but also to learn His Teaching so that they may find out what is the right and proper way of life for them. And this duty falls as much upon woman as it does upon men, because they are equally responsible and accountable for their omissions and commissions on the day of Judgement. Unless they acquire this knowledge how can they possibly follow the way of God?
The Conditions of Women in Arabia Before Islam: In those days before Islam, women were treated like slaves or property. Their personal consent concerning anything related to their well-being was considered unimportant, to such a degree that they were never even treated as a party to a marriage contract.
Women were used for one purpose, and then discarded. They had no independence, could own no property and were not allowed to inherit. In times of war, women were treated as part of the prize. Simply put, their condition was unspeakable.
In addition, the birth of a daughter in a family was not an occasion for rejoicing, but was regarded with humiliation. The practice of killing female children was uncontrolled. With the advent of Islam came the verse from the Quran condemning those who practiced female infanticide:
“And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision.” (An-Nahl 16:58-59)
And as part of a description of various events on the Day of Judgment, the Quran mentions:
“And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed? (At-Takwir 81:8-9)
Outside Arabia conditions for women were no better. In India, Egypt, and all European countries in the Dark Ages, women were treated worse than slaves. They were not regarded as human beings but as sort of a sub-species between humans and animals.
llah (SWT) Gave the Arab Women Their Rights:
The rights of Muslim women were given to us by Allah (SWT), who is All-Compassionate, All-Merciful, All-Just, All-Unbiased, All-Knowing and Most Wise. These rights, which were granted to women more than 1400 years ago, and were taught by the perfect example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), were given by the one Who created us and Who alone knows what rights are best for our female natures. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“O You who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at time of marriage) you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good.” (An-Nisa 4:19)
The most basic right of a woman in Islam is the knowledge and recognition that she never has to ask or demand or fight for her rights which are guaranteed to her by Allah (SWT) Himself.
Rights That Islam Gives to Women:
Islam considers a woman to be equal to a man as a human being and as his partner in this life. Women have been created with a soul of the same nature as man’s. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you.” (Al-Nisa 4:1)
And in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
“Assuredly, women are the twin halves of men.” (Sahih reported by Abu-Dawud (RA)
Islam does not blame Eve alone for the First Sin. The Quran makes it very clear that both Adam and Eve were tempted, that they both sinned and were both forgiven after their repentance. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“Then Satan whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” And he (Satan) swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.” So he mislead them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you?” They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” (Allah) said: “Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Adam, Eve, and Satan, etc.). On earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment, – for a time.” He said: “Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e. resurrected).”(Al-A’raf 7:20-25)
In Islamic law a woman is an independent, unique individual in her own right. She has the same responsibilities towards herself, towards Allah (SWT) and towards other human beings as the male, and will be punished or rewarded in the Hereafter without discrimination towards her female gender.
There is no compulsion in religion according to the Quran: “There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut [anything worshipped other then the Real God (Allah)] and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” (Al-Baqarah 2:256)
A Muslim woman is not permitted to change her family name to her husband’s name upon marriage. She is always known by her father’s name, as a mark of her own identity. In choosing a marriage partner, her consent to accept or reject any prospective suitor for marriage must be respected. A Muslim woman has the right to seek divorce, if necessary within the laws of Islam.
Muslim Women Have the Right to Go Outside of Her Home:
Muslim women are not forbidden from going out in the community, working, or visiting relatives and female friends, if there is no objection from their guardian/husband and they are covered and behave and speak according to Islamic guidelines and, if necessary, escorted by their Mahram (a close male relative). However, a woman’s home should be the main base that she works from. Allah (SWT) instructed the wife’s of the Prophet (SAW):
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he is whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner. And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and offer prayers perfectly (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins, etc.) from you, O members of the family [of the Prophet (SAW)], and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (Al-Ahzab 33:32-33)
In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
“To seek knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.” (Declared Authentic By Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani)
Muslim here meaning male and female Muslims, as women are the twin halves of men. The Prophet (SAW) also said:
“Whoever follows a way to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a way to paradise.” (Declared Authentic By Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani)
A woman in Islam has the right to knowledge and education. Allah (SWT) encourages women to read and keep up the learning process. He also bestows His mercy upon all who seek knowledge, and gives them high status:
“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). (Az-Zumar 39:9)
“O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up (for prayers, Jihad, or for any other good deed), rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. (Al-Mujadilah 58:11)
This is referring to religious knowledge, in the first place, and to any other kind of knowledge, in the second place, where one has the intention of benefiting herself, her family and the Islamic society. Additionally, a husband should not forbid his wife from going out of the house to seek basic religious knowledge, unless he is teaching her at home. The Quran advises mankind to pray:
“Then High above all be Allah, the True King. And be not in haste [O Muhammad (SAW)] with the Quran before its revelation is completed to you, and say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Ta-Ha 20:114)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “If someone’s wife asks his permission to go to the mosque, he should not deny it to her.” Women should be covered Islamically, according to the Muslim woman’s dress requirements.
At the same time, a woman’s prayer in her home is better, from the standpoint of her household duties and duties as a mother. Also it is better in the sense that it prevents unnecessary mixing with men. The Prophet (SAW) also stated on another occasion:
“But their homes are better for them.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and Ahmed).
In reality, and in Islam, the rights and responsibilities of a woman are equal to those of man, but they are not necessarily identical with them. Equality and sameness are two very different things. I think you’ll agree that, for one thing, women and men are physically very different from one another, although they are equal to each other in other important ways.
In the West, women may be doing the same job that men do, but their wages are often less. The rights of Western women in modern times were not created voluntarily, or out of kindness to the female. The modern Western woman reached her present position by force, and not through natural processes or mutual consent of Divine teachings. She had to force her way, and various circumstances aided her. Shortage of manpower during wars, pressure of economic needs and requirement of industry forced women to leave their homes to work, struggling for their livelihood, to appear equal to men. Whether all women are sincerely pleased with these circumstances, and whether they are happy and satisfied with the results, is a different matter. But the fact remains that whatever rights modern Western women have, they fall short of those of her Muslim counterpart! Islam has given woman what duties her female nature. It gives her full security and protects her against becoming what Western modern women themselves complain against: a “mere sex object.”
The Right to Seek Employment:
If you take a look at many societies today, a woman is only valued and considered important if she performs the functions of a man, (while at the same time displaying her feminine attractions to the public). While these women may carry the immense responsibility of bearing and rearing children, you have to admit that they may still be at par with men in nearly every area of life. The result is the present-day confusion concerning sex role differentiation, resulting in very large numbers of divorces and emotionally distraught children.
In Islam, however, the value and importance of women in society and the true measure of their success as human beings, is measured with completely different criteria: their fear of Allah (SWT) and obedience to Him, and fulfillment of the duties He has entrusted them with, particularly that of bearing, rearing and teaching children.
Nevertheless, Islam is a practical religion, and responds to human needs and life situations. Many women need, or wish, to work for various reasons. For example, they may possess a needed skill, such as a teacher or a doctor.
While Islam does not prohibit women working outside the home, it does stipulate that the following restrictions be followed to safeguard the dignity and honor of women and the purity and stability of the Islamic society, (the conduct of women, after all, is the “backbone” of any society):
1. Outside employment should not come before, or seriously interfere with her responsibilities as wife and mother.
2. Her work should not be a source of friction within the family, and the husband’s consent is required in order to eliminate later disagreements. If she is not married, she must have her guardian’s consent.
3. Her appearance, manner and tone of speech and overall behavior should follow Islamic guidelines. These include: restraining her glances in relation to any men near the work place, wearing correct Islamic dress, avoiding men, not walking in a provocative manner, and not using make-up or perfume in public.
4. Her job should not be one which causes moral corruption in society, or involve any prohibited trade or activity, affect her own religion, morals, dignity and good behavior, or subject her to temptations.
5. Her job should not be one which is mixing and associating with men.
6. A woman should try to seek employment in positions which require a woman’s special skills, or which relate to the needs of women and children, such as teaching, nursing other women, midwifery, medicine with specialization’s like pediatric or obstetrics-gynecology.
A Muslim Woman is Required to Dress a Certain Way When She Goes Out in Public:
For a Muslim woman, her modest dress is an expression of a universal sisterhood. An Islamic dress also liberates the Muslim woman, and she is then automatically respected for her mind instead of her body. Simply put, she retains her dignity! It is like saying: I am a respectful woman. I am not for every man to look at, touch, or speak to. I am protected, exactly like a precious white pearl which, if touched by everyone, will become black and dirty.
A woman’s modest dress protects society from adultery and other forms of illegal sexual relations that lead to the break up of families and corruption of society.
Conclusion:
It is also worthwhile to state that the status which woman reached during the present era was not achieved due to the kindness of a men or due to natural progress. It was rather achieved through a long struggle and sacrifice on woman’s part and only when society needed her contribution and work, especial; during the two world wars, and due to the escalation of technological change.
In the case of Islam such compassionate and dignified status was decreed, not because it reflects the environment of the seventh century, nor under the threat or pressure of woman and their organizations, but rather because of its intrinsic truthfulness. If this indicates anything, it would demonstrate the divine origin of Qur’an and the truthfulness of the massage of Islam, which, unlike human philosophies and ideologies, was far from proceeding from its human environment, a massage which established such humane principles as neither grew obsolete during the course of time and after these many centuries, nor can become obsolete in the future. After all, this is the massage of the All-Wise and all-knowing God whose wisdom and knowledge are far beyond the ultimate in human though and progress.
