Social Status of Woman

The feminist movement is being flaunted with such fanfare by the West, that one expects Europe and America to be a paradise for women - women who lead contented lives with absolute independence, equality and self-respect. However the movement is proving to be so tragic, that the West is now facing a new threat - a wave of hatred that is termed "Domestic Violence". The United Nations Centre for Social Development and Human Affairs survey reveals an alarming rate of divorce, domestic violence, wife bashing, rape and a complete disregard for the rights of women and children.

The entire family structure in these countries has collapsed, streets have become the centre of activities, restaurants and parks have become the places of romantic ventures. Although the results of this movement are appalling, Muslims are now embracing the very movement many people in Europe are discrediting.

Muslim women need to be convinced of their "role" in society. They ought to guard against reducing themselves to sensual pawns, who satisfy the beastly lust of perverted men. They need to appreciate the status conferred upon them by Allâh. Islâm has given woman rights and privileges which no other religious or constitutional systems have ever bestowed on them.

Abdullah bin Amr (RA) narrates that Nabî said: "The world - all of it is but a (perishable) commodity (inclusive of men). The best commodity of the world is a pious wife." (Muslim)

Ibn Abbâs (RA) narrates that Nabî has said: "He who supports three daughters or the like number of sisters - he educates them, and displays mercy to them, until Allâh makes them self-sufficient (i.e. through marriage), Allâh makes paradise compulsory for him". A man asked: "What about (two daughters or sisters), (will the same be applicable for two)?" They eventually asked: "What about only one (sister or daughter)?" He replied: "The same is applicable for one also."

Suraqa bin Mâlik (RA) narrates that Nabî said: "Should I not direct you to the most virtuous charity? Money spent on your daughter - returned to you (because of divorce or death of her spouse). She has no other breadwinner besides you." (Ibn Mâjah)

• A MOTHER

Abû Hurairah (RA) narrates that a man asked: "O Nabî of Allâh - who is most entitled to my kindness and companionship?" He replied "your mother." He asked: "Then who?" Nabî replied "Your mother." He (the man) again asked: "Then who?" Nabî replied "Your mother - thereafter your father. (Muslim, Bukhari)

• A WIFE

Hakîm bin Mu’awiyah (RA) reports from his father, who said: "I asked, O Nabî of Allâh, what right does a wife have over the husband?" He replied, "To feed her when you eat, to clothe her when you clothe yourself. Do not beat her on the face, nor insult her - nor shun her except in the confines of the house." (Ahmed)

In the farewell pilgrimage Nabî informed the Sahâbâh (RA): "... it is incumbent upon you to provide their food and dress in accordance with good custom. I command you to treat women well, because they are like captives in your houses, possessing nothing for themselves. You take them as a trust from Allâh and permit yourselves the enjoyment of their persons by means of a word of Allâh. Therefore fear Allâh with regard to women. I command you to treat them well..."

• A DAUGHTER

Ibn Abbâs (RA) narrates that Nabî has said: "He who has a daughter and does not bury her alive, nor disgrace her, nor does he prefer his son’s over her, Allâh will admit him to paradise." (Abû Dawûd).

WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN GENERAL

• SHE IS REGARDED AS AN EQUAL PARTNER IN THE PROCESS OF PROCREATION

O Mankind! We have created you from a single (pair) of a male and female and made you into Nations and Tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise (each other). Verily The most honoured of you in the sight of Allâh is (he who is) the most Righteous of you. (Sûrah Al-Hujurât, âyah 3)

• SHE IS EQUAL TO MAN IN BEARING RESPONSIBILITY AND EARNING REWARD

• SHE HAS THE RIGHT TO CONTRACT, ENTERPRISE AND EARN INDEPENDENTLY

• ALLÂH HEARS THE PLEA OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

"Allâh has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with Thee concerning her husband - she carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allâh, and Allâh always hears the arguments between both of you ..." (Sûrah Al-Mujâdilah, âyah 1)

The rights and responsibilities of a woman are equal to those of man, but are not necessarily identical. People are created equal but not identical. The fact that Islâm gives her equal rights but not identical shows that Islâm recognises her independent personality - she is not simply a duplicate of man.

• THE REWARD FOR WOMAN

Asma (RA) bint Yazid Ansarî came to Nabî and said: "O, Nabî of Allâh! You are dearer to me than my parents. The Muslim women have deputed me as their representative to talk to you on their behalf. Verily you are the Nabî of Allâh for both men and women. We stay for most part of our time within the four walls of our houses. We fulfill our duties as wives, bearing children for them and looking after their homes. And not withstanding all this, men excel us in rewards for things which we are unable to do. They perform their daily salât and weekly Jumu’ah in the masjid, visit the sick, attend the Janâza, perform Hajj after Hajj and participate in Jihad. We look after their property, bring up their children and weave cloth for them. Do we not share their rewards with them?"

Do you Seek to Exchange the better for the  Worse?

"O Mûsa we cannot endure one kind of food - we want herbs, cucumbers, garlic, lentils and onions." He (Mûsa) said: "Do you seek to exchange the better for the worse?" (Sûrah Al-Baqarah, âyah 61)

Women become vulnerable and expose themselves to harassment, abuse and molestation. The family unit disintegrates especially the parent child relationship. It gives rise to undue tension and suspicion between husband and wife.

• 50 percent of American women (of all ages) lose their virginity before marriage
• 25 percent violate the marriage-bed and feel no regret for betraying their husbands
• 62 percent masturbate
• 95 percent succumb to petting

The above statistics prove beyond any shadow of doubt that under the spell of materialistic creeds, morals dwindle, manners deteriorate, corruption increases and vulgarity becomes the order of the day.

MAY ALLÂH TA’ÂLA GIVE US THE TAUFÎQ TO UNDERSTAND OUR STATUS, APPRECIATE IT, AND FOLLOW HIS COMMANDMENTS, ÂMÎN.

PUBLICATION: 95:07

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