STATUS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
Women enjoyed a privileged position at the very dawn of Muslim Common-Wealth. Their rights and duties were defined as were those of men.
Men and women were declared equal partners in life and each was held responsible for making conjugal relations smooth and happy. Men were
enjoined to provide for women, to give them the best tre atment in all respects and to love and honor them.
In the Qur’anic teaching and that of Hadith, the emphasis is on kindness and forbearance with women. The Holy Prophet was so careful with regard to the kind treatment of women by men that those around him who had not previously been accustomed to looking upon women in the light of help-mates and partners, found it difficult to accommodate themselves to the standard that the Holy Prophet was anxious to set up and maintain.
THE ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ABOUT WOMEN
WOMAN WILL BE REWARDED LIKE MEN
But whoever does good deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer such shall enter heaven, and shall not be wronged even as much as the hollow on the back of a date-stone. Al-Nisa, 125
Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, we shall certainly make him live a good life, and we shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did. Al-Nahl, 98
WOMEN’S RIGHTS OF INHERITANCE
For men is a share of that which parents and near relative leave; and for women is a share of that which parents and near relatives leave, whether it be little or much. Al-Nisa, 8
WOMEN’S DIGNITY AND HONOUR
He (Allah) it is, who has created you from a single soul and made therefrom its mate that might find comfort in her. Al-Araf, 190
THE SACRED JEWELS
Abu Bakr Bin Ubaidullah reports, on the authority of the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of God be upon him) : “A man who brings up two girls and supports them by educating them till puberty shall be close to me like these two fingers.” Then the prophet showed up his two fingers close together.
Hazrat Ans, an illustrious companion of the Holy Prophet (may oeace and blessings of God be upon him), reports : “The Holy prophet (may peace and blessings of God be upon him) said that paradise lies under the feet of one’s mother.”
AFFECTION TO WOMEN
As women are very delicate by nature,The Almighty has ordained that they should be treated with love and care and kindness should always be shown to them . . . . . . . . . . . As far as possible consort with them in kindness, do good to them and treat th em with affection. Allah will give you better reward . . . . . In my opinion the women deserve forgiveness and affection Khutbat-i-Nur Vol.11. P. 217
HUSBAND AND WIFE - GARMENT TO EACH OTHER
The Quran has declared that wives are a garment for thier husbands. This implies that the wives have great rights. They should remain with their husbands. I cannot understand the philosophy of a man who spends his winter in the Punjab and leaves his quilt in Kashmir. Badr dated 8th April, 1909
MUHAMMAD (sa/Pbuh) THE LIBERATOR OF WOMEN
Dear Sisters, Keep ever before you That dark era of ignorance When you were buried alive When the very walls Wept on your unwelcome birth And remember How the false pride of father Set his blood on fire While your mother Felt she had given birth to a viper And trembled in utter consternation.
Dear Sisters, Do but recollect the time when you were considered No better than a common pebble or stone And were like common chattel
Distributed amongst the survivors. On height of infamy : To be of fair sex Was a crime irredeemable ! Your desires and wishes Were trampled upon And your life was worst than death.
Then that Mercy That Blessings for the worlds Came to your rescue And pulled you out From the whirlpool of darkness Gave you a status Equal with man And all your rights were Granted to you.
Be thankful to him My dear Sisters And praise him and bless him A thousand times a day May peace and blessings of Allah Be upon Muhammed
And his progeny. - Amen
[This message has been edited by Zalim (edited 10-17-98).]