Woman In Islam - 2

Education for Woman
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!

Woman In Islam - 1

He found there a whole tribe of men watering. And he found apart from
them two women restraining their flock. He said, "What ails you?" The
two said, "We cannot give our flock to drink unless the shepherds
return from the water, and our father is a very old man." So he
watered their flock for them. Then he returned aside into the shade
and said, "My Lord! I am needy of whatever good Thou send down for
me." ( Surah 28: Verse 22-24)
The HolyQurannarrates numerous events including stories of the nations
of past. It gives the accounts of Allah's Prophets and Messengers and
also mentions both groups of men, those who disbelieved and denied the
Prophets and those who believed and obeyed Allah's Message.
TheQuranrelates all these events in context to the purpose of its
revelation, that is, to invite mankind towards Allah, to define the
path of worship and obedience, and to warn about the way leading to
Divine Wrath.
Historic events are mentioned only as examples for mankind to draw
conclusions and to learn desired lessons. For that reason, it narrates
the conditions of various nations at the time when Prophets were sent
to them. It recounts the hardships endured by Prophets during their
efforts to steer their nations from darkness to the Light, and also
highlights the difference between the fate of the rejecters of Faith
and of the believers. TheQuranrecounts all this to enable the reader
to reflect and decide the best course for himself. Although theQuranic
narration of history is the most perfect and the absolute truth, yet
the mere narration of history has never been the subject ofQuran. Thus
it does not tell the whole story at one place, but refers to its
different events at appropriate places, so as to highlight the desired
lessons.
The holy verses mention the tyranny of Pharaoh, the events of Prophet
Musa'sflight to Madyan and his meeting with Prophet Shoaib. In
addition to the grand sacrifices and steadfastness of ProphetMusaand
the piety and greatness of Prophet Sho'aib-as, these verses mention an
extraordinary event which is full of tremendous wisdom and lessons for
human civilisation. As ProphetMusa-asapproached Madyan, he came upon a
well on the outskirts of the city where people brought their cattle to
drink. A large crowd of herdsmen with their cattle had gathered at the
well. Amongst these herdsmen, he found two young girls holding their
flock to one side. He was genuinely surprised to find these young
girls there and inquired about their odd presence in an all-male
business.
conditions and norms
They replied that they had also brought their flock for water and were
waiting for the others to leave the site before they could take their
turn. They added that their father was old and could not do this job
himself. In this small sentence,Allahhas laid down theconditions and
normsfor women to participate in various spheres of human activity
out­side the four walls of their homes.
A woman ispermitted to step outof her house if there isnone else to
workoutside. Those women who have a man such as father, brother,
husband or son to work for them, are not required to go out of their
homes. But, if the male member(s) of the family are sick or old or
can't work for some reason, then women are permitted to go out and
work - under compulsion.
They must not starve to death within their homes, nor should they beg
or steal, but should adopt a respectable means to earn their living.
However, such women should not mix freely with the working men and
must always keep their proper distance. Thispoint has been
highlightedin the referred verses. The two young girls had come out of
their home under compulsion, but they waited aside for the male
shepherds to leave the site before they took their turn.
Here, two conditions have been laid down when women may come out of
their homes to work;
*.first, when there is no male member of the family to undertake this
obligation,
*.second, when they don't have any source of livelihood, and are
required to earn their bread by themselves.
Current Situation
Our society is infested with strange customs which have actually
beenborrowedfrom the Hindus andinjectedinto this Muslim culture. The
notion that women are inferior or worthless is amythof Hindu cult,
which assigns no significance to them - whatsoever. When the husband
dies, the wife must be cremated with him; otherwise, she would have to
spend her remaining life as an untouchable and detested creature. Even
her near ones won't speak to her and she would be sentenced to
solitary confinement, living a dog's life, performing menial jobs.
We have imported this concept from Hinduism. We too, highlight her
weaknesses emphatically and present her as a worthless and loathsome
member of the human race - thisattitude is certainly wrong.
Message of Islam
Islam is the message oflove for all of humanity; a woman is as good a
member of the human family as is a man. Islam has assigned different
responsibilities and duties to both, keeping in view theirphysical,
mental and psychological potentialsand capacities. Both shall appear
before the same Lord, at the same place and account for their deeds.A
disbelieving man shall be sentenced to the same hell as a disbelieving
woman, and a blessed woman would undoubtedly enjoy the same Divine
Bliss in Paradise asa man would.
As human beings, both follow the same pattern in life. They are born
alike, exist alike, taste the same death, would be raised in the same
manner and would likewise face the consequences of their deeds. They
have been created with different physical, mental and psychological
capabilities. Their requirements and responsibilities, therefore, are
also different. However, both of them are of equal importance as
members of the human race.
A Misconception
On the plea that there has not been a female Prophet, some consider
women as inferior. However, the advocates of this argument tend to
forget that, althoughAllahcreated a Prophet without father, there is
no evidence of amotherlessProphet in the entire human race. Except for
the first human being and a Prophet, whomAllahcreated without a father
or a mother, there is no other instance of a Prophet being born
without a mother.
Without exception, everyProphet was born and brought upin the warm,
loving lap of his mother. If she was such a detestable creature,
thenwhywas every Prophet and Messenger born and brought up in her lap?
Yes, she is not a Prophet but isn't shethe mother of a Prophet? Isn't
she hisloving daughter? Doesn't she share his life ashis wife?
In Paradise, the residence of the holy Prophet will be located at the
most blessed and sublime station. There would be no other house or
person in the vicinity, except his holy wives who will also be
livingwithhim in his house. So how is a woman bad or inferior? In
fact, we have borrowed thisfalse notionfrom the Hindus of the Indian
subcontinent.
Duties and Responsibilites
The natural division of duties and responsibilities of men and women
can be illustrated by the following example.
Suppose a person wants to grow a beautiful orchard, for which he
requires two workers. The first should be physically strong to
undertake hard work such as tilling the earth, planting trees, digging
water channels, etc. He should be strong enough to protect the garden
and work outside at his own.
The second worker, required to look after the plants, may not be as
strong, but should be more caring and loving than the first one. This
worker, by natural instinct, must understand and care for the
requirements and needs of each budding plant and blossoming flower.
This worker's love should so distribute the food and nourishment that
plants should neither die of shortage nor of excess.
The relatively frail body of the second worker must possess a strong
but sensitive and tender heart, because the job is not to protect the
garden but nurture the plants fondly and tenderly.
In my opinion, this task is more delicate and subtle.Allahhas
entrusted thisdelicate and sensitive
responsibilityofraisingandeducatingthe human race to a woman, whilst
the job of aman is to earn and protectit; this is the natural division
of their responsibilities. Both are equally responsible, and I think
the job of a woman is more important.
Continued to Part 2...

Why Marrying More Than One Permitted?

Islam is the last and final word of Allah (SWT), ending the series of
His messages to mankind. It therefore came with ageneral lawsuitable
for all times and places, and for thewhole of humanity. It did not
legislate for the city dweller only, while neglecting the nomad, nor
for the cold regions while ignoring the hot ones, nor for one
particular period of time, forgetting later times and the generations
to come.
Islam recognizes theneeds and interests of all people, of individuals
as well as groups. And among human beings one finds that individual
who has a strong desire for children but whose wife is barren,
chronically ill, or has some other problem. Would it not be more
considerate on her part and better for him to marry a second wife who
can bear him children, while retaining the first wife with all her
rights guaranteed? Then there may also be the case of a man whose
desire for sex is strong, while his wife has little desire for it, or
who is chronically ill, has long menstrual periods, or the like, while
her husband unable to restrain his sexual urge. Should it not be
permitted to him to marry a second wife instead of his hunting around
for girlfriends? There are also times whenwomen outnumber men, as for
example after wars which often decimate the ranks of men.
In such a situation it is in the interests of the society and of women
themselves that they become co-wives to a man instead of spending
their entire lives without marriage, deprived of the peace, affection,
andprotection of marital lifeand the joy of motherhood for which they
naturally yearn with all their hearts. Only three possible
alternatives exist for such surplus women who are not married as first
wives:
1.to pass their whole lives in bitter deprivation,
2.to become sex objects and playthings for lecherous men; or
3.to become co-wives to men who are able to support more than one wife
and who will treat them kindly.
Unquestionably, thelast alternative is the correct solution, ahealing
remedyfor this problem, and that is the judgement of Islam:
"And Who is better than Allah in judgement, for a people who have
certain faith?" ( Surah 5: Verse 50)
For this is the Islamic "polygamy" which people in the West consider
so abhorrent and to which they react with such hostility, while their
own men are free to have any number of girlfriends, without
restriction and without any legal or moral accountability, either in
respect to the woman or to the children she may bear as a result of
this irreligious and immoral plurality of extra-marital relationships.
Let the two alternatives—plurality of wives or plurality of illicit
affairs — be compared, and let people ask themselves which is the
proper course of action, and which of the two groups is correctly
guided!

The Muslim Home andModern Technolo..

Faatimah and Ruqayyah are sisters. Faatimah is the elder one and is
seven years older than her sister. Allaah The Exalted has granted her
a sound mind and an eloquent tongue. Hence, her younger sister
Ruqayyah discusses life's affairs with her and asks for her opinion on
issues or problems that she encounters or any of the various
manifestations of contemporary life.
One evening, they decided to buy a new iron, as the one that they had
was broken. Because Faatimah was busy doing some housework, Ruqayyah
went to buy the iron alone from a large store that sells household
goods and electrical equipment.
When she returned, Ruqayyah said to Faatimah, "I managed to buy a new
iron for a reasonable price, but something strange happened at the
store."
Faatimah asked, "What happened?"
Ruqayyah replied, "While I was buying the iron and checking the
different types and prices, I unintentionally overheard an argument
between a husband and his wife who were standing by my side and buying
some electric equipment.
"The wife said to her husband, 'I want to buy a new electric meat
mincer to make cooking easier for me.' Her husband objected saying,
'Why do you want to buy it if you have the manual mincer that both of
our mothers used to use. Besides, the minced meat that comes out of
the manual mincer has a special taste that I like and I think that the
electric mincer will not give the same taste. Moreover, you are a
housewife and have enough time that would make it possible to use the
manual mincer and you will not need to use the electric one that is
used by working women because they do not have enough time. Thus, I
totally refuse to buy this electric mincer.' Here, the wife looked sad
and distressed. She did not reply and walked on helplessly with her
husband."
Faatimah said, "Allaah The Exalted has granted man a mind and honored
him among all creatures. Allaah The Almighty inspired man to use his
mind in inventing useful things that would make life easier. In the
course of progress, man invented many things that made his life easier
on earth and saved his time and effort. Therefore, our grandmothers
and mothers used the manual mincer and considered it at that time to
be an amazing invention as they used to mince meat and beans with a
mortar or a grinder that were common at that time. Thus, using the
manual mincer at that time was considered great progress and I think
that if the electric mincer had been invented at their time, they
would have hastened to buy it. Therefore, why should we stick to an
old invention that does not save time or effort?
"Is it because the husband likes to waste his wife's time in something
useless or has he other logical reasons like not having enough money
to buy it? If this is the reason, he should have persuaded his wife
gently to postpone purchasing it until he can afford it. Furthermore,
using modern and safe inventions at home is something important as it
saves time and effort for both the working woman and the housewife who
should not spend all day in the kitchen in order to prepare lunch by
using a manual mincer for instance. If she uses an electric mincer,
she will save effort and time that she can use in doing more important
things like looking after her children, educating them and teaching
them the Quran. Also, she can have enough time to learn new things,
read, learn matters pertaining to religion, attend religious lessons
and other useful things."
Ruqayyah said, "The contemporary Muslim, whether male or female, has
important tasks that he should do. Thus, he should save his time and
effort. If he is able to save the time and effort that he spends in
his daily activities, why does he not do so by using modern equipment
that helps him to achieve his aims and saves his time and effort in
order to achieve what is more beneficial and important?"