Woman in Islam “Verily, women are the twin halves of men.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). some say that Islam transgresses women and prefers man over her.
But in fact, they are totally wrong as Islam is the only religion that does justice to woman, valued her position in society and improved her status compared to the jahiliyyah(earlier Arab culture). The following verse shows how woman was in the dark era of jahiliyyah .
dark era of jahiliyyah
“When one of them gets a baby girl, his face becomes darkened with overwhelming grief. Ashamed, he hides from the people, because of the bad news given to him. He even ponders: should he keep the baby grudgingly, or bury her in the dust. Miserable indeed is their judgment.” (Qur’an, 16: 58-59).
In Islam one can find the true honoring and confirmation to her full personhood and her rights. Let us be away from the false slogans that talks about woman in the materialistic and feminist worlds and see how Islam honored woman and served her. Yet, in this article we will try to think the other way round, depending on many facts conclusively prove that Islam, religion of equality and justice, never ever wrongs women.
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confirming that the only right path for those in love is marriage:
Without any doubt, Islam protects woman and considers her a pearl, not everyone can touch and find to enjoy its beauty easily ,and a priceless being. So, not every man can be familiarized with her. Additionally, a man and a woman can not have a relationship without a marital bond.
As, at the early Arab age a man can have sexual relationships with women without any limits and if she gets pregnant, her rights get lost. That is why Islam puts woman at the first position and protects women’s right by marriage. At the same time, Islam has fully understood that sexual instincts can not and must not be repressed.
They can only be regulated for the well-being of human beings in this life and for their success in the hereafter. Those who ponder in this following Ayah(verse) will understand the whole point. Allah says:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Qur’an, 24: 30-1).
Islamic sharia
In Islamic law (sharia), marriage (nikāḥ نکاح) is a legal and social contract between two individuals and an act which is strongly recommended.
The Prophet (S) says, “No house has been built in Islam more beloved in the sight of Allah than through marriage.”
The two partners know their rights and duties and Islam gave woman the right to choose a husband. marriage in Islam requires a dowry be paid to the woman and it guarantees woman’s right of inheritance, caring about her and, her living. Islam also regards marriage as a way to acquire spiritual perfection.
How true! Islam considers woman a precious being.
men and women are equal to each other :
There is no difference whatsoever between them. The only one criterion that proves the superiority of a man over a woman or a woman over a man is the matter of Taqawa (fearing of Allah, the Almighty).
“Their Lord responded to them: “I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female – you are equal to one another.” (Qur’an, 3: 195) both of them are promised the same reward for their good deeds and the same punishment for evil and bad deed. So, women are equal in reward and equal in accountability. The Qur’an says:
(And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women) . (2:226)
Islam recommended men to treat woman nicely and gently:
prophet Muhammad (pbuh)considered that the most precious thing in the world and the best treasure a man can hoard is a virtuous woman who pleases her man whenever he looks towards her, and who guards herself when he is absent from her. Prophet cared to enjoin upon Muslims men to be kind and gentle to their women. The best example to show how Islam cared about woman is what prophet Muhammad delivered in his famous speech in the Hajj al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage).
He said; “Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have married them with the trust of Allah, and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. You have got (rights) over them, and they have got (rights) over you in respect of their food and clothing according to your means.” what we witnessed today in our life including the bad and harsh treatment of woman is not from Islam at all. As prophet considered that the best of men are those who are best to their wives, and the best of women are those who are best to their husbands.
Islam gives woman the right to learn, work, earn money, buy and sell
- Both men and women are equally encouraged to seek knowledge. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Education is compulsory for every Muslim.
- “These rights were not given at all before Islam as Before the advent of Islam women were often treated worse than animals and in the middle ages.
- They were not allowed to work and even when they work, they were paid less than men as they were considered inferior creatures ,and an only tool for the pleasure of men.
- women even in other religions have received less education, have had less protection before the law ,and have been denied even the most elementary civic rights.
Islam considered Woman
On the other hand, Islam considered Woman as mother commands great respect in Islam. She is not just a tool whose job is only serving at her home. Women have lofty position as mothers, sisters and wives. A mother has the greatest influence on a child especially in the earlier years through her affection, care and love. Undoubtedly, the success of a society is due to mothers and women.
Therefore, it is only right for Islam to honor and raise their status. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah has given two daughters and is kind towards them, they will be a reason for him entering Paradise.”