Re: Shaykh Nuh Keller on Western Apologetic Islam
Equality means that men and women share in decisions. One does not rule the other. Because a man is the protector or breadwinner doesn't mean he is smarter than his wife. Or a better decision maker or manager of money or parent.
What about a disabled man whose wife is the bread winner? What about big fat chicks who can whoop up on their puny husbands? The stronger/bread winner argument doesn't work. It just doesn't make sense to me that God automaticallay puts the man in charge. Because one degree higher implies he rules.
Too many cooks spoil the broth..
Islaam doesn't forbid women from joining in on decision making but the man is the ultimate head.
Women are not forbidden from taking up a career either, as long as it's within Islamic guidelines (a doctor/nurse instead of a bikini model) but the husband is still responsible by Islamic Law to provide for her basic needs, even if she has the capability to earn her own living, she on the other hand doesn't have to spend a penny on her husband, children or home.
When it comes to parentage though the mother has three times more rights over her children than the father.
*A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim). *
Just because the husband is the head doesn't mean to say he has the right to boss his wife about and make her do things which she doesn't agree with, Islam allows women to annull their marriage..
In Islam men are to help their wives with the housework like our Prophet PBUH did, his wife said..
'He used to work for his family and when he heard the call for the prayer, he would go out.'
I think the traditional Islamic way is the best for both partners and their children because it's in line with most peoples nature, back home I've seen most such families live in perfect harmony and happiness whereas socities who have dissented from the natural model suffer from broken marriages, single parents, psychological issues, stress etc. I think even Biblical scripture makes man the head..
God says in the the Holy Koran (intrepretation of the meaning):
*"It is He who created you from a single soul, And made its mate of like nature in order that you might dwell with her in love...." *(7:189)
"Your wives are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them." (2:188)
"Live with them in kindness; even if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which God has place much good." (4:19)