Women equal to men

Question

Are women equal to men in all affairs?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

The Conditions of Women in the Arabian peninsula before Islam: In those days, women were treated like slaves or property. Their personal consent concerning anything related to their well-being was considered unimportant, to such a degree that they were never even treated as a party to a marriage contract. Women were used for one purpose, and then discarded. They had no independence, they could own no property and were not allowed to inherit. In times of war, women were treated as part of the prize. In addition, the birth of a daughter in a family was not an occasion for rejoicing, instead she was regarded with humiliation. The practice of killing female children was uncontrolled. With the advent of Islam came the verse from the Quran condemning those who practiced female infanticide: "And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision." (An-Nahl 16:58-59) And as part of a description of various events on the Day of Judgment, the Quran mentions: "And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do)       shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed? (At-Takwir 81:8-9)       Outside the Arabian peninsula the woman's conditions were no better. In India, Egypt, and all European countries in the Dark Ages, women were treated worse than slaves. They were not regarded as human beings but as a sort of sub-species between humans and animals.       ALLAH GAVE THE ARAB WOMEN THEIR RIGHTS! The rights of Muslim women were given to us by Allah, who is All-Compassionate, All-Merciful, All-Just, All-Unbiased, All-Knowing and Most Wise. These rights, which were granted to women more than 1420 years ago, and were taught by the perfect example of the Prophet Muhammad, were given by the one Who created us and Who alone knows what rights are best for our female natures. Allah says in the Quran: "O You who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at time of marriage) you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good." (An-Nisa 4:19) The most basic right of a woman in Islam is the knowledge and recognition. She never has to ask or demand or fight for her rights which are guaranteed to her by Allah (SWT) Himself. In reality, and in Islam, the rights and responsibilities of a woman are equal to those of a man, but they are not necessarily identical to them. Equality and sameness are two very different things. I think you’ll agree on that, for one thing, women and men are physically very different from one another, although they are equal to each other in other important ways. In the West, women may be doing the same job that men do, but their wages are often less. The rights of Western women in modern times were not given voluntarily, or out of kindness to the female. The modern Western woman reached her present position by force, and not through natural processes or mutual consent of Divine teachings. She had to force her way, and various circumstances aided her. Shortage of manpower during wars, pressure of economic needs and requirement of industry forced women to leave their homes to work, struggling for their livelihood, to appear equal to men. Whether all women are sincerely pleased with these circumstances, and whether they are happy and satisfied with the results, is a different matter. But the fact remains that whatever rights modern Western women have, they fall short of those of her Muslim counterpart! Islam has given the woman what is appropriate for her female nature. It gives her full security and protects her against becoming what Western modern women themselves complain about: a "mere sex object."

-islamweb.net

Highlighting the status of woman in Islam

Question

Assalamu Alaikum We are living in a time that the opponents of Islam spreading wrong information about the freedom of women in Islam. But I am amazed to notice that wherever in the world occures any communal problems, the Muslim women are abused and molested by the opposite community but the Muslims are rarely doing the same to the women of other religion. Is it a result of the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s a s) to respect women? Can we use this matter to the Dawa purpose? Jazak allah khairan

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  is His slave and Messenger.

There is no doubt that there is no other civilization that respected the status of the woman as did the Islamic civilization. This is highlighted in the teachings of Islam in its two authentic sources: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet .

Similarly, Islam advises its followers to be kind to the non-Muslims and to deal justly with them as long as they are not in war with the Muslims; Allah Says (what means): {Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.} [Quran 60:83]. There is no difference in this respect between their males and females, young and old.

Even at war, the Prophet  forbade killing a woman unless she is a fighter. Ibn ‘Umar  narrated that a woman was found killed in one of the battles of the Prophet  so he  disapproved of the killing of women and children. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Moreover, Imaam Maalik  reported in “Al-Muwatta’a” that Abu Bakr  used to advise the leaders of his army telling them: "Do not kill a woman or a child or an old aged person, and do not cut down fruitful trees. Do not destroy the inhabited places. Do not slaughter a sheep or a camel except for food. Do not burn palm trees or drown them. Do not steal from the booty, and do not be cowardly."

There is no doubt that this is from the good traits of Islam whose followers abide by in most of their cases, and this is evident from their conduct as well.

Indeed, such good traits should be highlighted by the Muslims and used in calling non-Muslims to Islam and in their dealings with the non-Muslims.

Allah knows best.

-islamweb.net

Status of women in Islam

Question

Is it true that Prophet Muhammad said that women are short of mentality? If yes, explain this point of view, because I have been talking with someone who thinks that Islam does not respect women.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  is His slave and Messenger.
The condition of women in the world before Islam was very bad. Women were treated like slaves or property and their personal consent concerning anything related to their well-being was considered unimportant. Women were used for one purpose and then discarded. They had no independence, they could not own any property and they were not allowed to inherit. In simple words, their condition was unspeakable. On the contrary, Islam gave the right for women and made them equal to men. The Prophet  said: “Women are the sisters of men”. Islam considers a woman to be equal to a man as a human being and as his partner in this life, and it raised her condition very much. The condition of women in western culture is not better in general. They always try to use women for only one purpose, to enjoy her body, so they convince her to show her body and expose it to all people. Consider what Allah Says about the relation between men and women. A Woman is considered a relaxation for man and love and affection are the basis of their relations. Allah Says (what means): {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.} [Quran 30:21]

Moreover, Allah described the intimate relationship between the husband and wife as follows; Allah Says (what means): {They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.} [Quran 2:187]  

However, some people defame Islam and say that Islam does not honor the woman. They misunderstood the saying of the Prophet  said: “O! Women folk! You should give charity and be diligent in seeking Allah’s Forgiveness, in spite of your lacking in wisdom and failing in religion, you are depriving the wisest of men of their intelligence”. Upon this a woman asked: “What is the deficiency in our wisdom and in our religion? He replied, “Your lack of wisdom can be well judged from the fact that the evidence of two women is equal to that of one man. You do not offer Salah (prayer) for some days and you do not fast (during menstruation period), it is a deficiency in religion”. In this narration, certain weaknesses of the female sex have been pointed out, which are natural to the woman’s biology, psychology, and embryology. According to biologists, during and before menstruation, a female’s thinking process is affected; her pulses and blood pressure are also altered. Females are also more prone to hysteria; Dr. Rovareen wrote in the Encyclopedia: “The power of a muscle of a woman is one third weaker than that of a man. The heart of a woman is small and weak compared to the man’s heart. Every woman's heart is 60 grams smaller than an average man’s heart. Besides this, the grasping power of a man is more than that of a woman. You should know that when the Quran distinguishes between the witness of a male and that of a female, it does not mean that there is a general rule in Islam in witnessing; a female is worth half a male. This condition is made only to ensure the accuracy of witnessing as Islam also stipulates men to provide four witnesses in the case of adultery and accusations. Allah Says (what means): {Those who commit immorality [i.e. unlawful sexual intercourse] of your women bring against them four [witnesses] from among you.} [Quran 4:15]”. Allah also Says (what means): {And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses — lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient.} [Quran 24:4]  The purpose is to ensure the accuracy of the incident. 

There is no discrimination between men and women. There is no dishonoring of women in the Hadeeth. However, even though women are weaker than men, there are some fields in which women overcome men. For example, there are many fields in which Allah made the witness of one woman to be enough, such as in matters relating to menses, birth, women defects, suckling and other matters that men can not know. Allah exempted women from the prayer and fasting during their menstrual period. This concession is actually a sign of blessing and mercy of Allah on the woman as she faces many biological changes during this period.

Finally, we seek Allah’s Help, Blessing, Mercy and Protection.

Allah knows best.

-islamweb.net

The story of Prophet Ibraaheem –II

Ibraheem Smashes the Idols

When Ibraheem  recognised that his father and people would not give up worshipping their idols, he left his father’s house and abandoned his people and what they worshiped. He decided to do something about their state of disbelief, but did not reveal it.

He  knew that there was to be a great celebration on the far bank of the river which would be attended by all the people. Ibraheem  waited until the city was empty, and then came out cautiously, directing his steps towards the temple. The streets leading to it were empty and the temple itself was deserted, for the priests had also gone to the festival outside the city.

Ibraheem  went there carrying a sharp axe. He looked at the stone and wooden statues of the gods and at the food laid in front of them as offerings. He  approached one of the statues and asked: "The food in front of you is getting cold; why don’t you eat?" The statue was silent and rigid. Ibraheem, may Allah exalt his mention, asked the other statues around him (what means): "…'Do you not eat?'" [Quran: 37:91]

He was mocking them, for he knew they would not eat. He once again asked (what means): "'What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?'"[Quran: 37:92]

He  then raised his axe and began smashing the false gods worshiped by the people. He  destroyed them all, except one, around whose neck he hung the axe. After this, his irritation subsided and he felt at peace. He, may Allah exalt his mention, then left the temple, having fulfilled his vow to show his people a practical proof of their foolishness in worshiping something other than Allah.

When the people returned, they were shocked to see their gods smashed to pieces, lying scattered all over the temple. They began to guess who had done that to their idols, and Ibraheem’s name came to their minds.

Allah the Almighty Says (what means): "They said: 'Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers.' They said: 'We heard a young man mention them who is called Ibraaheem.' They said: 'Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify.' They said: 'Have you done this to our gods, O Ibraaheem?’ He said: 'Rather, this – the largest of them – did it, so ask them, if they should [be able to] speak.' So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other]: 'Indeed, you are the wrongdoers.' Then they reversed themselves, [saying to Ibraaheem]: 'You have already known that these do not speak!' He said: 'Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? Uff [i.e., an exclamation of disgust] to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?'" [Quran: 21:59-67]

Ibraheem is flung into a Huge Fire

Furious, they demanded that Ibraheem  be arrested and tried. Ibraheem did not resist. This was precisely what he had been aiming for, so that he could show them up in public for their foolish beliefs.

At the trial they asked him if he was responsible for breaking the idols. Smiling, he  told them to ask the biggest idol, which was still whole, saying that he must be the culprit! They replied that he knew well that the idol could not speak or move, which gave Ibraheem  the opportunity to prove the foolishness of worshiping these lifeless objects.

They then realised the senselessness of their beliefs; however, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was use their power of authority, as tyrants usually do, to punish Ibraheem . They kept him in chains and plotted their revenge.

They dug a deep pit, filled it with firewood and ignited it. Then they brought a catapult with which to cast Ibraheem  into the fire. Ibraaheem was put on the catapult, his hands and feet tied. The fire was ready with its flames reaching the sky. The people stood away from the pit because of the great heat. Then the chief priest gave his order to cast Ibraheem  into the fire.

The angel Jibreel  then came close to Ibraheem’s head and asked him: "O Ibraheem, do you wish for anything?" Ibraheem  replied: "Nothing from you." This was not an arrogant reply, rather, he said this due to knowing with full certainty that Allah would help him, and that he was therefore seeking only His help.

The catapult was shot, and Ibraheem  was cast into the fire, but his descent into the blaze was as a descent on steps in a cool garden. The flames were still there, but they did not burn, for Allah the Almighty had issued His command (which means): "…'O fire! Be coolness and safety upon Ibraaheem.'" [Quran: 21:69]

The fire submitted to the will of Allah, becoming cool and safe for Ibraheem . It only burned his bonds, and he sat in the midst of the fire as if he were sitting in a garden. He  glorified and praised Allah the Almighty, with a heart that contained only his love for Allah. There was not any vacant space therein for fear, awe, or worry. It was replete with love.

The crowd, the chiefs, and the priests sat watching the fire from a distance. It was burning their faces and nearly suffocating them. It continued burning for such a long time that the disbelievers thought it would never be extinguished.

When it did burn out, they were greatly amazed to find Ibraheem emerging from the pit untouched by the fire. Their faces were black from the smoke, but his was radiant with light by the Grace of Allah. The raging fire had become cool for Ibraheem  and had only charred the ropes which held him. He  walked out of the fire as if he were walking out of a garden. Cries of astonishment were heard from the heathens. Allah Says (what means): "And they intended for him a plan [i.e., harm], but We made them the greatest losers." [Quran: 21:70]

This miracle shamed the tyrants, but it did not cool the flame of anger in their hearts. However, after this event many of the people followed Ibraheem  although some kept their belief a secret for fear of harm or death at the hands of the rulers. Ibraheem  had established a definite reasoning against the idolaters. Nothing was left for him except to reason against the people who proclaimed themselves gods.

Ibraaheem Debates with the Tyrant King

When the king, Namrooth, heard of Ibraaheem’s safe exit from the fire, he was infuriated. He feared that the status of godhead he had proclaimed for himself was now challenged by an ordinary human being. He summoned Ibraheem  to his palace and held a dialogue with him, which Allah the Almighty recounts with (what means): "Have you not considered the one who argued with Ibraaheem about his Lord [merely] because Allah had given him kingship? When Ibraaheem said: 'My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death,' he said: 'I give life and cause death.' Ibraaheem said: 'Indeed, Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.' So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people."[Quran: 2:258]

Ibraheem’s fame spread throughout the entire kingdom. People talked about how he had been saved from the blazing fire and how he had debated with the king and left him speechless. In the meantime, Ibraaheem continued calling people to believe in Allah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path.

He  tried every means to convince them. However, in spite of his love and care for his people, they felt angry and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allah. The woman’s name was Sarah, may Allah exalt her mention, who was to become his wife, and the man's name was Luut  who was to become a prophet.

Ibraaheem Leaves for Palestine, then Egypt

When Ibraheem  realised that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to emigrate. He  left his people and travelled with his wife and Luut (Lot), may Allah exalt their mention, to a city called Ur, then to another called Haaraan, and then to Palestine. Allah Almighty tells us (what means): "So Luut believed him. [Ibraaheem] said: 'Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.'" [Quran: 29:26]

After Palestine, Ibraheem  travelled to Egypt, calling people to believe in Allah wherever he would be, judging fairly between people, and guiding them to truth and righteousness.

Ibraheem’s wife Sarah, may Allah exalt her mention, was unable to have children. She had been given an Egyptian woman, Hajar, may Allah exalt her mention, as a servant. Ibraheem  had aged, and his hair had become grey after many years spent calling people to Allah. Sarah, may Allah exalt her mention, thought that her husband and her were lonely because she could not have a child. Therefore, she offered him her servant Hajar, may Allah exalt her mention, in marriage. Hajar, may Allah exalt her mention, gave birth to her first son Isma'eel, may Allaadeeeeeh exalt his mention, when Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, was an old man.

Ibraheem  lived on earth worshiping Allah and calling people to monotheism, but he was journeying to Allah, knowing that his days on earth were limited and that they would be followed by death, and finally, Resurrection. The knowledge of life after death filled Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, with peace, love, and certitude. -islamweb.net

READ PART 1 - The story of Prophet Ibraheem -I