Women in Islam

Society Religion & Philosophy
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Re: Women in Islam

Aqeel WTF here mean 'What that for' i guess :@:

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thnxx 4 the info. I want to know y.. other than just tht its the way it is :(
I know I am supposed to have blind faith and trust allah... which i do trust allah but it is just confusing as to why allah will have all these rules for women and the same does not apply to men.

Also, then if not superior... y is one created to "excel" the other? I thought that they are all created equal.

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Re: Women in Islam

There was nothing narrow minded in that thread that I showed. Remember I was the one who brought 'both side of story to be looked at' thought to be open minded, instead of just what femanazis were trying to discuss and push their agendas? :)

People who are 'sincere' in 'learning' about religion do not bring 'these kind of questions' on forums to general people. They spend time on searching in proper ways.

Sure one does and can ask questions in general for learning, but anyone can see the nature of questions you asked did not really match with the 'sincerity requirement' that is attached to these kind of questions.

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wht do u mean by "these kinds of questions"? wht are the "sincerity requirements"? i would loveeee to know. Btw i did the research but i couldnt not find the answer to my question "why?" tht is y i posted it here so alot of ppl could help me understand. and wht would b the "proper way" of asking my questions.. plz explain. i didnt post them 4 u 2 start accusing and blaming 4 no reason. thnx

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Re: Women in Islam

Oh never thought that way, i hope poster had same intention and i was wrong. Sorry for being judgemental ICE SOUL.

Dear sis, i know can be disturbing when u get a response to ur question like “that is just the way it is”, “r u challenging words of ALLAH”, “dont u have blind faith in Quran”, but i personally think most of the time (not always) it simply means “I dont really know the answer to ur question… but i beleive it and so should u”.

Y cantt we admit that we dont know the answer and we lack knowledge in this field ? well “that is just the way it is” :(. Back to Topic

I will admit i dont have an answer for u in simple words, but this doesnt mean no one does. I am recommending u a book.

I must warn you that the authors of this book are shia and i feel that u shld know before you read the book. However i would also like to mention its an awesome book… its a dialouge between a woman who has questions like you do and a scholar. most of the question woman asks rise from mis-interpeted Quranic verses or famous ahadeeth so even if u r sunni you should appritiate this book and If you dont feel comfortable ask a sunni brother here to recommned you a similar book.

The title is: A New Perspective: Women in Islam
by : Sayyid Moustafa al Qazwini and Fatma Saleh
ISBN 0-9710420-0-4
Link : http://www.al-islam.org/wii-persp-edt2/

I would recommend you readin the whole book but i will quote the part u r concerned about here

Matrimonial Rights

“And women shall have rights similar to the rights upon them in a just and equitable manner; but men have a degree over them”(2:228).

Fatma: This verse is perhaps one of the most controversial and misrepresented verses regarding the relationship between a husband and a wife. Does the verse only pertain to conjugal rights within the family structure, or does it also extend into the whole of society as well? Secondly, could you expound and exemplify the entirety of this verse?

Sayyid: The verse, which you quoted, may not be a suitable translation. Sometimes it can be difficult to translate the precise meaning of an Arabic word into English. There are many Arabic words that cannot be translated from their original meaning or meanings into any language. Transcribers have to search for alternative words in attempt to most accurately define a particular Arabic term. In some instances the precise meaning of the word can be lost, misrepresented, or misinterpreted. Let me attempt to translate that verse:

And the rights of the wives—in relation to their husbands—are equal [just/enabled] to their obligations—toward their husbands—but men in their obligations—toward their wives—stand a step further: Wa lahunna methullathi ‘al ayhinna bil-ma’uruf: walir-rijaali ‘alayhin-na darajah. (2:228)

Regarding your first question, Islamic jurists (fuqaha) commentthat this verse only pertains to family affairs, not to the relationships of men and women in society or outside the boundaries of family life.

In regards to society, the Qur’an states that Muslim men and women share life’s moral and social responsibilities equally and jointly. In addition, they are equal in front of the law and in all religious obligations[28] and punishments.[29]

In addition to the verse mentioned, there is another verse in the Qur’an that is conjointly related, and, thus, it is important to explain them simultaneously.

Men are the supporters and sustainers of women according to what Allah has given [or enabled] advantages of one over the other and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are truly devout ones: Ar-rijaalu qaw-waamuuna ‘alan-nisaa-‘i bima faz-zalallaahu ba’-za hum ‘alaa ba ‘zinwwa bimaa ‘anfaquu min’amwaalihim. Fas-Saalihaatu qaanitaatun. (4:34)

The Qur’an has decreed,

“Men in their obligations—toward their wives—stand a step further: walir-rijaali ‘alayhin-na darajah” (2:228).

The “step further” of which the Qur’an speaks is not a position of greater rank or nobility. The “step” the Qur’an makes reference to is the obligatory duty given to the man in the care of the woman; it is not a degree of superiority. Allah ordained men with the responsibility to preserve and solely sustainwomen. This is supported by the verse that states,

“Men are the supporters and sustainers of women: ar-rijaalu qaw-waamuuna ‘alan-nisaa-‘i”(4:34).

The “step further” is in no way a form of dominance or preferment.

The Qur’an reminds us that men and women were created from the same essence.

“[Allah] created you all out of one living entity: khalaqakum min-nafsinw-waahida” (4:1).

The Qur’an consistently makes reference to equity, parity, and equilibrium among the genders. It disposes of genders and makes no distinction whatsoever between the superiority or inferiority of men and women. On the contrary, it is the piety of a person that distinguishes him or her by ranks or degrees, not gender or lineage.

“The most honored of you [male or female] in the sight of Allah is he who is most righteous of you: in-na ‘akramakum ‘indal-laahi ‘atqaakum” (49:13).

Islam does not represent favoritism or show partiality in the interest of men. Precedence is given toward the general welfare of society, not genders. It is equilibrium of interest between both genders which benefits all members of society. The totality of society always supersedes one sector of society. The rights and responsibilities of a woman are equally proportioned to those of a man, but they are not necessarily identical. Equality and identicalness are two different issues.

“Certainly we sent Our Messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that humankind may conduct itself with equity” (57:25).

**Women and men are symmetrically balanced when it comes to their relationship with Allah. On the other hand, the symmetrical balance differentiates when it comes to men and women’s roles and responsibilities, not only toward themselves and each other but also to society as a whole. It is never implied that one gender surpasses the other; in essence, both genders must be in an equal pace with one another, each recognizing the importance of its unbiased contribution. Women and men in Islam are complementary to each other. According to a tradition of the Prophet, “Men and women are siblings of one another.”**30]

The Qur’an mandates that the husband exclusively shoulders the responsibility of maintaining his wife financially, and that he safeguards the interest of the family. In Islam, the wife is not obligated to pay for her living expenses, and it is incumbent upon the husband to maintain her according to his means. If the husband is wealthy, then he must provide for his wife an affluent lifestyle or, on the other hand, if the husband is poor, then the wife forestalls a less than moderate way of living.[31]

Referring to the two verses (2:228 and 4:34), assuredly, they have defended the honor and integrity of women. When a Muslim woman marries, she has the privilege of never working outside the home. She does not have to contend with raising children, managing a home, and contributing additional income to support the family. Islam has acknowledgedthe noble responsibility and tasks that a woman must endure in raising a family. Therefore, Islam has freed her from the additional undertaking of providing for the family financially. In fact, she is not obligated for any of the domestic affairs.

Fatma: Are you implying that there is no such concept as a “homemaker” in Islam?

Sayyid: There is no such term as “homemaker” in Islam. A woman in Islam is not compelled to cook, clean, launder, or perform any other domestic duties. If the wife chooses to do the work, it would be considered noble and thoughtful; otherwise, she is not obligated to do so. Besides, she can also request monetary compensation for any of the work, even that of nursing her own child. Nonetheless, Islam does not want to undermine the importance or the need of the wife to assist with the household duties. To be considered a homemaker is prestigious, if not the noblest of all roles, for a woman. Not to deter from the subject, it is important to note some very important traditions from the Prophet regarding domestic duties.

“How much reward is there for a woman’s housework?” Um-Salamah (wife of the Prophet) asked the Prophet. The Prophet replied, “Any woman who in the way of improving the order of the house, takes something from somewhere and places it somewhere else would enjoy the grace of Allah and whoever attracts the blessings of Allah would not be tormented by Allah’s anger.“[32]

The Prophet said, “O women! Whosoever among you is busy in arranging the domestic affairs, Allah willing, she will get the reward of Islam’s soldiers and Mujahidīn[33].” [34]

Sequentially, in reference to the two verses, they have not only sanctified the prestige of women, but have underwritten a fostered relationship for raising and caring of children by assuring that the mother would be home and exempted from toilsome domestic work. She is then able to dedicate all her time, thoughts, and love toward nurturing the family.

Some people have taken these two verses and adversely interpreted them as a form of male dominance, or as a form of superiority over women, even defining the verses as the wife being compelled to submit herself to her husband’s will unconditionally. These interpretations are entirely contrary to the foundations and principles of Islam. Islam, by no manner or mean, would allow any form of ascendancy. Islam adamantly opposes tyranny, oppression, dictatorship, abuse, or the infringement of rights. The Qur’an specifically states,

“Treat them [wife] in a just manner: wa lahunna methullathi ‘al ayhinna bil-ma’ruuf” (2:228),

and

“Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity: wa ‘aashiruuhun-na bil-ma’-ruuf” (4:19).

These verses, among many others found in the Qur’an, and hundreds of noted traditions of the Prophet, constitute the basis of marriage.

“And the rights of the wives—in relation to their husband—are equal to their obligations—toward their husbands” (2:228).

This verse affirms that the husband is neither an authoritative partner who cannot be questioned, nor one who is to be favored with absolute obedience. Allah has enunciated in this verse entitlements for wives similar to those of husbands. To clarify, the matrimonial rights are conditional, and are dependent upon a reciprocal compliance in which each partner has a set of responsibilities or duties that must be fulfilled. If one or both partners fails to perform his or her duties, then, subsequently, an injunction and verdict may be implemented.

Fatma: Later, I would like you to explain these conditions, but in continuance of 4:34, the Qur’an mentions two things that need clarifying. One is the word “fadallah,” which has been translated as “given or enabled advantages of one over the other,” and the other is “truly devout: qaanitaat.” What do they mean exactly?

Sayyid: The word “fadallah” may mean given, enabled, preferred, or distinguished in responsibilities and duties, depending on the content and context of the sentence. In reference to this particular verse, it is best to use the word enabled, given, or distinguished, but not preferred.

“Fadallah” is interpreted as distinguishing men from women concerning the undertakings and responsibilities of supporting, sustaining, and taking full care of the family. Itdoes not signify that men are preferred or greater in excellence than women. In fact, upon studying the Qur’an and traditions of the Prophet, one may conclude that admiration, leniency, and preference are sometimes given more to women. There are extraordinary traditions by the Prophet that summarize the eminence of women. Once a man came to the Prophet asking:

“O Messenger of Allah, who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man said, “Then who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the third time, “Then who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man further asked, “Then who is next?” Only then, the Prophet said, “Your father.”[35]

Also, the Prophet said, “Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers.” [36]

Allah would not permit any form of injustice or deficiency among His creations. Allah bestowed unique and distinguishable features upon each individual—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

“And wish not for the things in which God hath bestowed His gifts freely on some of you than others” (4:32).

This verse denotes that every man and woman is created with notable qualities.

Fatma:Why did Islam choose men to be the caretakers of women?

Sayyid: Scholars cite many explanations. However, primarily scholars focus on the biological fact that men are physically stronger than women; therefore, men are more apt to exert themselves for the livelihood of their families. Hence, men become the caretakers of women. In addition, the nature of a man’s psychological development is audacious and chivalrous.

Addressing the word “qaanitaat,” some scholars have transcribed the word as meaning obedient, yet it has many other meanings in Arabic. For example, it can mean truly devoted, or lifting of hands during prayer, or listening, or submitting, and perhaps it could give meaning of obedience, but again obedience toward the husband is only limited within the religious perimeter. That is to say, if the husband makes a request of his wife, and that request is indoctrinated or practiced by Islam, and if it were within her ability, then the wife should cooperate and adhere to the request. On the other hand, if the husband makes a request of his wife which is religiously unlawful, or inappropriate, or not within her ability, then she is not obligated to obey his request.

I though the bold part would really help… so even if u dont wana read the whole book then read the posted part and even if thats kinda lenghty then read the bolded part. If you plan to read the book most of ur questions r answered in chapter 2 in detail.

Wasalm
Aqeel

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Re: Women in Islam

Thnx brother Aqeel… That was very helpful in answering my questions. I do not care whether the author is sunni or shia… they read the same Quran so they should have the same kind of information about Islam (i would hope so). I will definitely read the book u posted the link to. Thanksss!!!

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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.

  1. Daughter

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.

  1. Wife

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).

  1. Mother

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!!

dont be misguided yourself about what u dont know, Islam give the women a way of life in all respected ways all kind of freedom but just inside a respected values and teachings.

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OFF the topic

I wish all of us could think like u do, show our will to learn regardless its coming from sunni shia or even non muslim.

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Re: Women in Islam

lol
i was recently converted to islam...
and i m just trying to get all the information i can get... from all the sources... the book u suggested is definitely very interesting.. i had a final exam today so I was only able to read 1 chapter but it gives alot of good information. very helpful in explaining the answers to several questions tht i had.. i will definitely keep reading it

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Re: Women in Islam

Look, it's up to you what you want to believe. As I said, a Mullah said that the the hadith about traveling is no longer applicable due to better security. I don't believe in this ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam.

Maybe it's because of my personal experience. My mother is a very charismatic woman, and MashAllah a very good Muslim, 5-time Namazi and all that, but she doesn't let anything stop her from living her life.

If you want to get yourself entangled in this mess and debate little things like make up and all that, fine, but you would be much better off trying to get closer to Allah and being a better human being.

Do not only think of the apparent superiority of men! A man once asked Muhammad SAW about who is more worthy of respect. Thrice, Muhammad SAW said "your mother" and then mentioned the father only the fourth time. And who is a mother? A freaking woman!

Anyways, I repeat, Women are a very very small part of Islam. I suggest you go look up human rights in Islam. And woe to all those mullahs who keep their women burqa clad in the name of Islam, but don't even know how to treat a human being!

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yaaa.. i think the ultra conservative way is sorta stupid.. no offense to anyone but its just soo much stuff u can not do... it gets to b too much. I think I will do wht I think is right because I dont think god will send me to hell for dressing up and looking decent or for travelling. thnx 4 ur input.. it really helped. I think some scholars just make it sooo strict tht ppl just give up and feel like crap for doing so many things wrong