Status of Women in Islam - A Speech

Family, society and ultimately the whole of mankind is treated by Islam 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 and women there is more need for stating Islam's position on important issues in a clear way.

According to Islam, being a human, woman is even superior to angels and all other living organisms. If she performs any good task or deed, she will be equally blessed as much as a man will for his good deeds.

• She is the benefactor and patron of Islam, as Lady Khadija (Wife of Holy Prophet [saw]).
• She is a partner of prophethood, as Lady Fatima (Daughter of Holy Prophet [saw]).
• She is one of the greatest leaders, as Lady Zainab (Daughter of Imam Ali [as])
• She superior to man, as a mother.
• She's respectable like a saint.
• She is precious like an expensive pearl.
• She is honorable like a delicate rose.

Describing the status of the Indian woman, Encyclopedia Britannica states:

In India, subjection was a cardinal principle. Day and night must women be held by their protectors in a state of dependence says Manu. The rule of inheritance was agnatic, that is descent traced through males to the exclusion of females.

In Hindu scriptures, the description of a good wife is as follows:

"A woman, whose mind, speech and body are kept in subjection, acquires high renown in this world, and, in the next, the same abode with her husband."

Islam emphasizes the equality of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or social status. Islam has prescribed different roles and responsibilities for men and women, with each gender complementing the other. Centuries before the modern world recognized women's rights, Islam acknowledged the equality of the two genders, and abolished the barbaric ritual of burying infant daughters alive, an outrageous crime practiced by the Arabs before the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

Islam made women aware of their rights and gave them an identity, a personality, freedom, and independence. These rights, among others, include the right to inherit, to own property, to obtain a divorce, to collect a dowry, and to gain child custody.

Far from saving the girl's life so that she may later suffer injustice and inequality, Islam requires kind and just treatment for her. Among the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) in this regard are the following:

Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her; God will enter him into Paradise. (Ibn Hanbal, No. 1957).

Marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society, and that its objectives, beside perpetuating human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases are love and mercy.

According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their consent.

Prophet Muhammad. (P) said:

The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family.  The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 7396)

Islam considered kindness to parents next to the worship of God.

A man came to Prophet Muhammad (P) asking:

O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet (P) said, Your mother. The man said then who else: The Prophet (P) said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? Only then did the Prophet (P) say, Your father. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

A famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." (In Al'Nisa'I, Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

"It is the generous (in character) who is good to women, and it is the wicked who insults them."

I will sum up the whole context in a few lines;

The beauty of a woman:

Is not in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

Or the way she combs her hair,

Or the style she does make up.

The beauty of a woman:

Must be seen in her Hijab,

And her eyes,

Because that is the doorway to her heart,

The place where love resides,

And the beauty of a woman,

With passing years - only grows!

Omer Irfan

Editor-In-Chief | A.V.I.R.A