Equality
To
Muslims woman is equal to man. Women constitute practically
one half the society and she plays a crucial role within
the society.
In
ancient societies in much of Europe, Asia and the Middle
East, woman were considered inferior to man. Superstition,
speculation and other forms of perverted thinking fostered
this unreasonable approach.
Women
were not able to remarry.
The
status of woman before Islam: 1) burial of female children,
2) women were a second class citizen, and 3)
widowed and divorced women were not permitted to remarry.
Women
in Arabia, like their sisters elsewhere in much of the
old world were not allowed to inherit property, and in
certain tribes female infanticide was practiced.
The
Holy Qur'an made a reference to this criminal habit: "And
when the female infant wass asked for what reason was
she killed."
It
was not until the advent of Islam, in the early 600 CE,
when woman was recognized as an equal partner to man.
Her status and role in the family and society became dignified
and her rights in inheritance, marriage and divorce were
established.
Islam
teaches that: Women shall with justice have rights
similar to those exercised against them, although men
have a degree (in responsibility) above women. (2:228)
Islam
allowed the woman the right to inherit, to
keep their own earnings, and
the right to accept marriage and to request a divorce.
Women
have the right to inherit wealth and property to establish
and engage in business.
If
men and women are given the rights to education, then
no women can be held back.
Islam
give the women equality to man: what the Qur'an tells
you and what the society impose on you are two different
things.
What
applies to men applies to women in religion in duty and
in relationships
equality with respect to you cannot treat them equally,
therefore, marry only one.
Men
are responsible for women because of what they earn. Whatever
a man possesses is hers and whatever she possesses is
hers as well.
A
woman can be a doctor, a lawyer...Islam does not limit
the woman's role in society.
Prophet
Muhammad said: "Women are the partners of men."
Abu Dawud, Sunan, 1/61. In honoring woman the Qur'an named
several chapters after them.
For
example, one of the longest chapters in the Qur'an is
called al-Nisa' (The Women) or "in defense of women,"
as Shaykh Ahmad Kuftaro pointed out.
This
chapter relates many subjects regarding women's affairs
and rights.
Another
chapter in the Qur'an is named al Mujadilah, or "the
woman with plea." or in defense of women.
In
this chapter, Allah narrates the story of a woman who
came to Prophet Muhammad complaining about her husband
and argued her case to the Prophet until a revelation
in her behalf was revealed changing the ruling of the
Prophet in her favor.
There
is yet another chapter in the Qur'an named "Mary,"
after the virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
The
implications of the titles of these chapters combined
with their teachings constitute a giant step in the revolution
of liberation of women.
"Men
shall have a share of what their parents and kinsmen leave;
women shall have a share of what their parents and kinsmen
leave; whether it be little or much, it is legally theirs."
Qur'an, 4:7.
"Only
a man of noble character will honor women, and only a
low, vile man will dishonor them." Kanz al-Ummal,
16/371.
"The
best among you is he who is best to his family. For my
family, I am the best of all of you." Ibn Majah,
Sunan 1/636.
Islam
recognizes mothers to be a vital element in bringing about
a healthy society.
"Because
of their role in home education and up bringing of children,
mothers hold greater respect and honor than fathers. A man
came to Prophet Muhammad and asked him:
""Oh
Messenger of God, who rightfully deserves the best treatment
from me? ""Your mother,"" replied the
Prophet. ""Who is next?"" asked the
man. ""Your mother,"" said the Prophet.
""Who comes next?"" the man asked again.
""Your mother,"" replied the Prophet.
""Who is after that? insisted the man. ""Your
father,"" said the Prophet."" Al Bukhari,
10/329."
"Prophet
Muhammad also said:
""Heaven
lies beneath the feet of a mother."" Al Suyuti
1/536.
Those
who are serving mothers well truly deserve Paradise. Muslims
believe obedience of mothers or parents is a duty. This
philosophy is rule number one in raising children with character.
God in the holy Qur'an commands the obedience of parents.
"We
have enjoined on man respect and kindness to his parents:
In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give
him birth." Qur'an, 46:15."
The
constant of the family is the Mother. She
is the conveyer of the tradition, the one who
educates. Her
role is even more important of that of the Father
She
is the nurturer, the educator, the bulwark, the framework
of the family
"Islam
teaches that a woman has the right to divorce her husband
just as a man has the right to divorce his wife.
And
women shall have rights similar to the rights against them,
according to what is equitable.. the Qur'an states
(2:228)
However,
Islam teaches that divorce is not liked by God. Prophet
Muhammad said:
The
most hated of the lawful deads is divorce.
"In Islamic communities women have risen to the highest
government ranks. Ummu Salamah, Prophet Muhammad's wife,
advised the Prophet in important political and legislative
matters.
In
the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, for example, the Prophet acted
upon her advice in making the treaty a reality.
Mrs.
Benazir Bhutto was the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Mrs.
Megawati Sukarnoputri is the 5th President of Indonesia.
Bangla
Desh had as its Prime Minister, Mrs. Hasina Wajid.
The
Second Vice-President of Iran is Ibtikhar Masoumi."
Islam
teaches that the family is a social unit, and like all things
in life, it requires management and supervision.
And
in a similar manner to manager taking the responsibility
for the well being of a company, the man in a family is
assigned the responsibility of the family.
There
are exceptions of course.
The
choice of making the man responsible for the well being
of the family is based on his physical ability of management
and livelihood support, not on "superiority" because
he is a man.
{"Women
shall with justice have rights similar to those exercised
against them, although men have a degree (in responsibility)
above women. Allah is mighty and wise." Qur'an, 2:228.}
Just
like a pilot is responsible before the law for the safety
of the airplane, the man is given the responsibility of
his family before God.
Otherwise,
both parents mutually share the management of the family,
just like the pilot and co-pilot managing the aircraft in
the air.
Also,
it takes Oxygen and Hydrogen to make a particle of water,
but neither of the elements is superior to the other.
The
two elements only complement one another.
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