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The past is filled with paradigms of traditional societies where women have classically been the focus of restriction as opposed to men. They have also been exemplified by lack of opportunities (being able to work or vote) or immobility (for instance in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wherein a female requires the permission from a male family member in order to travel within or outside the country and the fact that women are barred from driving), etc. Undeniably it has been erroneously argued that Islam has played a strong role in restricting the freedom of women in Muslim societies. Such restrictions aren’t inherent in the religion of Islam, but rather stem from cultural interpretations. Trying to incorporate 9th century Arab customs to 20th century populations is often inappropriate despite intentions to have a pure society. When looking to Islam for guidance, it’s important to separate what is cultural from the essence of the religious prerogative.
In Islam there are no differences between male and females as far as their correlation with one another and that to Allah is concerned. Islam says that men and women as are created from one entire soul. The Qur’an states in Surah 4- an-Nisa: “O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women” (Qur’an 4:1)
This is true whereas both sexes are assured equal reward values for positive and negative conduct and behaviour. In the Qur’an, the topic of men and women is conveyed by certain elements and deeds, by which we will all be judged. The most devout Muslim or the ones that follow Allah’s commands are referred to as believers or al-Mu’minum in the Qur’an. This can be seen in Surah 23 – al- Mu’minum: “Certainly will the believers have succeeded” (Qur’an 23:1)
The Qur’an resonates equality by expressively reiterating the terms “men and women” with moral and sensible qualities throughout the following verse ten different times. “Indeed the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so- for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (Qur’an 33:35)
In Islam the role of the wife is an essential key to the survival of the family and marriage. Women are highly respected and safeguarded in this very important and dominant role, so to speak. If you happen to read the Qur’an, without a doubt it brings out the fact that marriage is the common bond of sharing between the two halves of the society, and that its objectives, beside perpetuating human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its key foundations are love and friendship. One of the most intriguing verses that I have come across in regards to marriage in the Qur’an is best described in Sûrah 30-ar-Rûm: “And of his signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Qur’an 30:21).
The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature. In consideration of the physiological and psychological make of man and woman, both have equal rights and claims on one another, except for one responsibility, that being leadership. This is a matter which is natural in any collective life and which is consistent with the nature of man. It is stated in Surah 2- al- Baqarah: “But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority.] And Allah is exalted in Might and Wise.” (Qur’an 2:228).
Islam calls attention to the importance of counsel and mutual harmony in family decisions. A verse in Surah al- Baqarah points out to this notion: “And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them...And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.“ (Qur’an 2: 233).
The prophet overly emphasized the importance and respect that is born with the mother’s role, so to speak. “And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” (Qur’an 4: l9).
Islam considers kindness to family and parents next to that of the worship of Allah. Moreover, the Qur'an has a special recommendation for the good treatment of mothers:
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to the [so much as] “, ” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. (Qur’an 17:23)
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Comments
Enlightened Muslims! Ayman El Hakea | Jun 16th, 2004
Dear Omar, Assalamu 'alaykum my brother..
you are, with the help of God, one of those few enlightened Muslims today!
Jazak Allahu khayran, and keep up good work.
Well Said Rana Lotfy | May 10th, 2005
Thanks for clearing some ideas that are usually misunderstood by non Muslims.
Keep up the good work
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