But a more important question which requires our attention is, 'Does a
woman, who has been entrusted with such a delicate and sensitive task,
require any education or training herself?'
I think she requires itmore than the outside worker, but we
practically give no attention to this important issue. The parents try
to give her the best of secular education, but do not impart upon her
any religious knowledge. Her brothers feel obliged to protect her and
comfort her, but fail to realise their obligation to teach her about
religion.
Similarly, the husband would leave no stone unturned to keep her happy
and comfortable; he would give her abounding love and every good thing
in the world - except religion. Finally, when she becomes a mother,
her children would respect and serve her affectionately, but they too
would not speak of religion with her. This attitude actually stems
from a notion, deeply embedded in our subconscious, that she is an
inferior being … by creation.
When the mother of holy Mary vowed to devote her child to the service
of God, she was, in fact, expecting to deliver a son. Such a practice
was allowed in their religion. However, when against her expectation,
she gave birth to a daughter; she was extremely worried about the
fulfilment of her oath. The Quran refers to her anxiety by saying that
she did not know that her daughter was far superior to many sons and
had a high status with Allah. Her life was an explicit illustration of
Divine greatness and power, and a source of guidance for mankind.
According to the Quran, anyone (be it man or woman) who fulfils their
assigned duty isbetter than the one who doesn't- in the sight of
Allah.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his wives
About three quarters of human life relates to personal and private
affairs and is usually spent within the four walls of one's home. If
the chapter relating to specific feminine concerns is also added, it
assumes an even greater portion of the religion. As such, the greater
part of religion was narrated by the blessed wives of the holy
Prophet. He married eleven times and when he passed away, nine of his
wives were still alive.
Those who feel embarrassed at the criticism about his marriages have
really not studied his life. Had he married for the sake of marriage,
he would have marriedduring his prime, his youth. But he passed his
entire youth with Hadhrat Khadijah who was much elder to him. After
her death, when he remarried, he was over fifty years of age. Hadhrat
Aishah was the only virgin, his remaining wives were either widows,
divorced or freed captives. Some had brought their children from
previous husbands and they were also looked after by him. His holy
wives were theonly source to convey a major portion of the religionto
us. In their absence, the private life of the holy Prophet would have
remained obscure and concealed forever.
Equality
Islam has neither allowed the use of a woman as a model for
advertisement (as in the West) nor has it allowed for her to be
treated as a worthless captive slave (as in Hinduism or the Far East).
On the other hand, Islam considers a woman to be a human being worthy
of every honour and respect. Both men and women are equally good
creatures of Allah, duly responsible and accountable for their
actions, although both have different capabilities and duties.
The Islamic concept ofhuman equalityis that a man should do his duty
and a woman should shoulder her responsibility. Both should do their
duty and enjoy their rights and privileges. If she is compelled to
exceed the charter of her duties, this is not equality but cruelty and
injustice - such is the Islamic teaching. However, in the sight of
Islam, all feminine excellence, honour and greatness depend upon only
one virtue - purity.
Women in Today's world
During the present time, there is considerable hue and cry about
women's rights and equality; all the while the press and media are
playing a vital role in setting this issue ablaze. Accordingly, the
advocates of the feminine cause engage in violent processions. But the
standard of this equality has already been defined by the Holy Quran
and illustrated by the holy Prophet (PBUH) during his life. We should
look towardsAllahandHisholy Prophet (PBUH) and not towards the West or
the East for the best solution to this issue.
There is a visible paradox in our approach towards women.
*.On the one hand, we have allowed them to participate in every
worldly activity. They may visit clubs for entertainment, play all
sorts of games, watch movies in theatres and go to the market for
shopping where they may talk and bargain with men during all of these
activities. We tolerate and accept this normal routine of life.
*.On the other hand, if they go out to learn about religion, we are
infuriated beyond control.
We have yet to see any religious verdict prohibiting women from
roaming the markets without Hijab, bareheaded, even though each one of
these acts is prohibited in the Shari'ah. Nobody is bothered where
they go or what they do. But if you guide one of them from a movie
theatre to a mosque, there is an immediate reaction against it,
everybody starts objecting to their religious activity.
In our country (Pakistan), a woman can do anything and everything she
likes; she can contest elections and rule the country. Many renowned
religious scholars have gathered around our present female Prime
Minister, and none has decreed that she cannot participate in
politics. But, if the same lady starts remembering her God, there
would be an instant uproar from the religious quarters that she is
doing wrong.
Conclusion
The Book and the Sunnah have not imprisoned a woman in her home.
During the time of the holy Prophet-saw, women participated even in
battles, such as in the battles of Badar and Uhad. They supplied water
to the wounded, dressed their wounds and took care of them; they even
fought battles with the sword. But during the whole activity, they
kept themselves separate and did not mix with the men.
The point to ponder is, 'Did they learn to ride and use the sword from
some instructor or were they born with these qualities?' During that
blessed era, they received their education and training separately and
performed their duties separately from the men - that is the rule even
today. They should remain within theirPardahand achieve every bit of
excellence that men can attain to. They have a greater need to learn
the basic essentials of the Religion.
"And the men who rememberAllahmuch and the women who
rememberAllahmuch,Allahhas promised them forgiveness and immense
reward."
Allahhas equated them with men in the frequent performance of Zikr;
but, how would they do it, if they don't learn it? This is the
standard laid down by the Divine Book. She is neither a caged bird nor
a showbiz model, there is a middle way for her. She should know and
realise her responsibilities and acquire the ability to fulfil her
requirements honourably. She should neither become a dependent beggar
nor a free-lancer to rub shoulders with men.
MayAllahgrant us the capacity to understand properly and act accordingly! Ameen!
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