Re: What's your Opinion : Question by a Non-Muslim man about his recently converted w
I think PSYAH and PCG both have valid points especially posts 44 and 49 though they are both discussing different aspects.
For those who keep saying 7th century Arabia was male dominated I would like them to show any 7th cventury civilization which was not male dominated. So this is a baseless accusation that Islam promoted a male dominated society.
PCG even if the male is a figurehead of his household that does not degrade women in anyway. Islam does not teach that men should make decisions without consultation of their wives. What it means is he represents the family. It does not mean he should force his wrong ideas or actions on the family. Your misconception comes from your fascination with titles not roles. Just because he has the figurehead title does not imply he has the dominant role in everything. Men and women have different roles. And this does not mean that they cannot share responsibility either provided each one is adept to the role. Like sometimes I cook when my wife is busy or just doesn't have time to cook because she is tending the kids, it depends on fairly viewing the situation. Now for those males who think cooking is a God-given role for women are dead wrong. Infact it is not good for family life if your kids see that mommies are just servants in the house, they serve daddy and us. That will raise children to be inept when they are on their own.
I think someone here mentioned or in some other thread that earning for providing todays basic amenities is not beyond the physical reach of women and hence this barrier should go. I totally agree.
You have some valid points as well that really have lot to do with changing the prevalent mentality of muslims people to get their house in order. In my personal experience I see problems occur when one spouse refuses to lend a helping hand and assume the other has all responsibility. Anyones notion that women should not be allowed to develop any skills or abilities that help in the overall running and raising of their families in todays environment are wrong. What matters from a muslims POV is that anyone in the household does not indulge in things unIslamic. Their are many professions today in which from a phjysical sense men and women serve in the same capacity and it does not require the male horsepower. I think women can contribute there but what is important if they decide to then it should not be at the expense of causing turmoil in the family. There has to be a concensus between the spouses whether than can figure out a schedule or way in which both can work and also be there for the family life. It depends on what is more important in their lives.