Islamic View of Women (1/3)

The Muslim view of women has been so misrepresented in the West that it is still a prevalent idea in Europe and America that Muslims think that women have no souls! In the Holy Qur’an, no difference whatsoever is made between the sexes in relation to Allah; both are promised the same reward for good, the same punishment of evil conduct[1].

"Verily the men who surrender (to Allah) and women who surrender, and men who believe, and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who are sincere and women who are sincere, and men who endure and women who endure, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who are modest and women who are modest, and women who remember (Him), Allah hath prepared for them pardon and a great reward." [Qur'an, Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:35]

It is only in relation to each other that a difference is made - the difference, which actually exists - difference of function. In a verse, which must have stupefied the pagan Arabs, who regarded women as devoid of human rights, it is stated:

 "They (women) have right like those (of men) against them; though men are a degree above them. Allah is Almighty, All-Knowing." [Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:228]

Aburdene and Naisbitt (1993), two prominent feminist researchers, were astonished to discover that the Qur'an does not consider women of a lower status than men; as is the case in all other religious writings. They have come to realize that male-practices against women in the Muslim World are basically based on non-Islamic social customs or misinterpretation of Islamic teachings.[2] Carroll (1983) admitted that she was surprised to find out that the Muslim woman is the first woman in the universe to be recognized for her economical and legal rights. She also added that the family system in Islam was legislated 1400 years ago in order to protect the corner stone of the society, the family. [3]Reference to the role of men and women along with their rights are detailed in The Qur'an and in the teachings of Prophet Mohammad.

1. Women in the Qur'an

 The Qur'an spoke of the different roles women play in life. It, for the first time in history, established women's rights to inheritance, respect, and dignity. The Qur'an spoke of women's role in supporting the truth, in giving birth to prophets and in suffering. The Qur'an has also spoken about the agony of women at the different walks of life and through history. Below are only very few excerpts that show to what extent such rights have been recognized in Islam.

The Qur'an introduces the Pharaoh's wife as an example for the faithful person who accepted all types of suffering for the sake of Allah.

Surah AI-Tahrim: 11

“And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Firaun (Pharaoh), when she said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Firaun (Pharaoh) and his work, and save me from the people who are oppressors.”

The Qur'an narrated in detail the story of Mary and her miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and how she responded to her people's (the Jews) accusation of being unchaste. Indeed, a whole chapter of the Qur'an is named after her. Another long chapter of the Qur'an is titled 'The Women', An-Nisaa. The Qur'an has talked about the role of women in repentance and accepting the truth. For example the repentance of al-Aziz's wife regarding her accusation of Prophet Joseph. (Yusuf: 51-53).The Queen of Sheba's acceptance of Prophet Solomon's (Peace be upon him) invitation to Islam was also mentioned in details in the chapter of An-Naml: 44.

Mary was accorded great respect in the Qur'an. In fact, a whole chapter was devoted to her fascinating story in contrast to the blasphemous accusations mentioned in the Talmud about her and her son. [4]Prophet Jesus peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Surah AI-Imraan: 35-37

“(Remember) when the wife of Imran said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your service (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing."

Then when she gave birth to her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: "O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child, "-- and Allah knew better what she brought forth, - "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast."

So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya (Zachariya). Each time he entered AI-Mihrab to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?" She said, "This is from Allah." Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit.”

The Qur'an recognizes both men and women as spiritually equal in terms of their responsibilities towards their actions and their reward in the hereafter.

Surah An-Nisaa: 124

“And whoever does righteous good deeds male or female, and is a (true) believer {in the oneness of Allah (Muslim)}, such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date-stone, will be done to them.”

Surah AI-Hadeed: 12

“On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women: their light running forward before them and by their right hands. Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever! Truly, this is the great success!”

Surah Ar-Rum: 21

“And among His signs is this that He created for you wives from among yourselves , that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you 'affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.”

 (Continued)