different aspects of women rights (social) in Islam (part 6)
Islam gives women their due social rights. Social rights are usually basic socio-cultural rights. For example, rights for education, security, medical facilities, political rights, voting rights, fooding, lodging etc. The Quran secures women for their social rights. There are so many misconceptions about Islam that it does not give women their due rights rather it suppresses women making them slave of their men; women are forced by their husband to cover themselves; in this way, women are oppressed in Islam and so on. These are complete misconceptions or these have been portrayed in such a way that seems to be true. The truth is- Islam is the only religion that has certain laws to give women their all kinds of rights including social rights.
The social rights of women in Islam can be categorized mainly into three categories.
THE RIGHTS OF MOTHER: Allah says in the Quran:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor”. Quran 17:23-24
“O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord Who created you from a single person created of like nature his mate and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; reverence Allah through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights) and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you”. Quran 4:1
The verse of the Quran states that we should respect our parents, should not say even ‘Ugh’ to them. We should especially respect our mother as they tolerate intolerable pain while giving birth to us.
Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:
1. Narrated by Abu Huraira,
A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father.” Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 2
2. It was narrated from Mu'awiyah bin Jahimah As-Sulami, that Jahimah came to the Prophet (PUBH) and said:
"O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad) and I have come to ask your advice." He said: "Do you have a mother?" He said: "Yes." He said: "Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet." Sunan al nasai, Book of Jihad, Ch.: 6, Hadith 3106
This statement actually means if we love, respect, our mother and if we remain obedient and kind to her, In sha Allah, we may enter paradise.
I wish to cry thinking that how much respect Islam gives a mother that Jannah is under her feet!
So, we never should misbehave with our parents especially our mother if we wish to enter into paradise.
THE RIGHTS OF WIFE: The Quran refers the woman as ‘Muhsina’ means a fortress against the devils. Because o a pious woman, she prevents her husband going into an evil track and keeps him on the right track. In Islam, for marriage, taking the permission of both would be husband and wife is equally important. A marriage to be solemnized in Islam taking permission of both man and woman is essential.
Allah says in the Quran: “O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good”. Quran 4:19
Allah says in this verse even if you dislike your wife treat her with compassion and kindness.
Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:
Narrated Khansa bint Khidam Al-Ansariya:
that her father gave her in marriage when she was a matron and she disliked that marriage. So she went to Allah's Messenger (PBUH) and he declared that marriage invalid.
Sahih Bukhari, book of nikah, ch: 43, hadith no: 5138
In Islam, marriage is a very important aspect to complete half deen because it prevents people from promiscuity, fornication, and homosexuality.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments”. Quran 2:187
In this verse of the Quran Allah says that husband and wife are garments for each other. The role of a garment is to beautify, conceal and protect a person. Husband and wife beautify each other, they conceal each other faults and prevent to go on a wrong track.
THE RIGHTS OF DAUGHTER: Killing a female child is prohibited (haram) in Islam. Islam prohibits all kinds of killing.
Allah says:” And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked”
“For what sin she was killed” Quran 81:8-9
Allah SW asks not to kill any child, any infant whether it is a male or a female child.
Allah says again: “And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin”. Quran 17:31
By advancement of science and technology, the killing of a fetus of a female child has increasing day by day. If you do research on it, you will get the picture of it.
Source: http://moef.nic.in/
In India, in 1901, for 1000 males, there are 972 females. As we see, in 1991 it is the lowest term. Because of aborting the female Childs, this has been happening.
Allah SW does not only prohibits the killing female child, it asks not to be even sad getting news of the birth of a female child.
Allah says in noble Quran: “When any of them is told about the birth of a female his face turns dark, and he is filled with suppressed anger”,
“And he hides himself from people because of the bad news, thinking: should he keep the child despite disgrace, or should he bury it in the dust? How evil is their estimate of Allah”! Quran: 16:58-59
The Quran rebukes the thought of becoming sad at the birth of a female child.
Prophet Muhammad PUBH Said about daughters:
Chapter: The merit of according benevolent treatment to daughters.
Malik reported Allah's Messenger (May peace be upon him) as saying: He, who brought up two girls properly till they grew up, he and I would come (together) (very closely) on the Day of Resurrection, and he interlaced his fingers (for explaining the point of nearness between him and that person). Sahih Muslim Book 032, Hadith Number 6364.
May Allah SW bless us with knowledge and wisdom so that we become able to do more research on Islam and feel great. Ameen.
Different aspects of women rights (financial) in Islam (part 5)
Different aspects of women rights (financial) in Islam
In Islam, men and women are equal to the creator and almighty Allah SW. Islam gives women social, financial, and marriage rights. There are so many verses in Quran that describes the rights of women in every sphere of their life. In Islam, a lady is the person of utmost respect. Islam never allows the exhibition of woman body in the name of women rights and independence. How do you manage your most valuable things? For example, wallet, valuable jewelry. You take the best care and try to give the best security of these. In Islam, men are asked to take care of their women in that way. For instance, women are not for exhibiting as a model while vehicle’s advertisement goes on. People usually think if you advertise your product by a woman, it would pull the crowd. They are basically using the beauty of a woman for business. An ethically minded person can understand; this type of marketing techniques are completely disrespecting the womanhood.
Let’s come to the financial aspects of women in Islam. In Islam, a woman inherits. In many religion, a woman is not allowed to inherit. She does not have any share in the property left behind by her family members. Some may ask why do women inherit half according to Islamic law. They try to say Islam subjugates a woman. If you analyze the Quran and authentic hadith of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, you would be wondered to see the wisdom of Allah SW. The reason is, in Islam, the financial burden is completely on the shoulder of men. Before marriage, the financial burden should bear by her father or brother. After marriage, it is her husband who should meet her all financial aspects.
Allah says in Quran: “Allah thus commands you concerning your children: the share of the male is like that of two females. If (the heirs of the deceased are) more than two daughters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance; and if there is only one daughter, then she shall have half the inheritance. If the deceased has any offspring, each of his parents shall have a sixth of the inheritance; and if the deceased has no child and his parents alone inherit him, then one-third shall go to his mother; and if the deceased has brothers and sisters, then one-sixth shall go to his mother. All these shares are to be given after payment of the bequest he might have made or any debts outstanding against him.
You do not know which of them, your parents or your children, are more beneficial to you. But these portions have been determined by Allah, for He indeed knows all, is cognizant of all beneficent considerations”. Quran 4:11
“And to you belongs half of whatever has been left behind by your wives if they die childless; but if they have any children then to you belongs a fourth of what they have left behind, after payment of the bequest they might have made or any debts outstanding against them. And to them belongs a fourth of what you leave behind if you die childless; and if you have any child then to them belongs one-eighth of what you have left behind,22 after the payment of the bequest you might have made or any debts outstanding against you.18 And if the man or woman has no heir in the direct line, but has a brother or sister, then each of these shall inherit one-sixth; but if they are more than two, then they shall inherit one-third of the inheritance,23 after the payment of the bequest that might have been made or any debts outstanding against the deceased, providing that the bequest causes no injury.24 This is a commandment from Allah; Allah is All-Knowing, All-Forbearing”. Quran 4:12
This is true that most of the times women get half what men inherit. The logical reason behind it is –since a man should bear all financial burden, not a woman. A woman can keep all her property or wealth which she inherits or earns for herself only. No one can force her according to Islam. She does not need to meet the financial aspects of her family. It is the duty of man only. A man cannot avoid his financial duty towards his family. A woman is absolutely free to keep all her wealth for herself. I think, Allah SW gave the best freedom to a woman in Islam. A woman in Islam is financially more secured than a man. A woman in Islam financially more protected than a man.
(To be continued)
Different aspects of women rights (financial) in Islam (part 4)
When we talk about women rights in Islam, the first thing knocks at our mind is economic rights. Economic rights are such rights which make women strong on their own position. Many people have this belief that women in Islam are deprived of economic rights. Which is absolutely untrue. Islam is only the religion that gave women their due economic rights fourteen hundred years ago. Islam gave women their due economic rights thirteen hundred years before the western world. When the Quran was revealed, at the advent of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, any adult woman in Islam can own and disown any property without the permission of her husband. The westerners gave this right only to the married women in 1860’s under special “married women property act”. So, Islam is far advance at this matter.
In Islam, a woman is financially more secured. Before she is married, it is the duty of her father and her brother, and after she is married, it’s the duty of her husband and son to look after her financial aspects, for instance, living, fooding, clothing and all other financial aspects. She need not work for these as financially she is secured. In Islam, the financial burden is always upon men. The financial burden is put on the shoulders of men in Islam. But, if any condition arises that a woman needs to work, it should be within the purview of Islamic law. She should maintain the hijab and follows the Quran and authentic hadith. There is no verse in the Quran that prohibits a woman to work as long as it is not against the Quran and authentic hadiths. There are many professions which exhibit the body. For example, modeling, dancing, acting, etc. these are prohibited and haram in Islam. Moreover, if all the Islamic requirements she meets for working, whatever she earns, she need not spend it for her family. She can keep it for herself. This is her right according to Islam. If she herself wants to spend for her family, there she can. This is all her own decision and wish. Her husband cannot force her regarding this matter. Actually, no one can force her.
In Islam, at the time of marriage, a woman receives the gift from her husband which is called Mahr or Marital gift and is compulsory according to Islamic law. Without Mahr or marital gift, a marriage cannot solemnize in Islam. Allah says in the Quran:
“Give women their bridal-due in good cheer (considering it a duty); but if they willingly remit any part of it, consume it with good pleasure.”” Quran: 4:4
To demand any kind of dowry directly or indirectly from would be wife is absolutely haram and prohibited in Islam. If the woman is very rich, it is still her husband duty to look after her and meet all her financial aspects. If any divorce takes place or she becomes a widow, she gets her maintenance till her “IDDAT” or waiting period. If she is pregnant by that time, she gets maintenance till she gives delivery of the child. She even gets the financial support till the child grows up.
A woman is not a commodity to exhibit and not a toy of amusement but a rahmat to a family.She is a real partner to her husband who deserves utmost respect according to Islam. Though western society barks rigorously for women rights, they are exhibiting women in all aspects of their business which is prohibited according to Islam.
To be continued
Different aspects of women rights in Islam (part 3)
In Islam, there is completely no difference between male and female as both are promised the same reward for good deeds and same punishment for unlawful and evil deeds.
Allah says in the Quran:
“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women” Quran 2:228
Allah SW says that the women have exactly the same souls which men have.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Enter into paradise, you and your wives, with delight” Quran 43:70
The Quran uplifts the women because of pregnancy which is opposite to the Bible (Book of Genesis chapter 3, verse 16) which says pregnancy is a curse.
But Allah says in the Quran:
“And we have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command) “Show gratitude to me and to thy parents: to me is (thy final) goal.” Quran 31:14
Allah SW says to respect our parents especially our mother because she bore us in pain in trouble upon trouble. The pain she bears to give birth, so we have to especially respect and adore her.
Allah says in Surah al-Ahqaf:
“And We have enjoined on you to be dutiful and kind to your parents.
In pain did your mother bear you, and in pain did she give birth to you.
And when you reach the age of strength and maturity, say:
‘My Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and my parents.
And that I may do righteous deeds, such as ones that please You.
Indeed, I have turned to You in repentance, And Indeed, I am one of those who believe in You.'” Quran 46:15
So, pregnancy uplifts the women. If you analyze the Quran, the Quran gives the criteria of almighty Allah SW to judge human being in Surah Hujurat.
Allah Says in the Quran:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” Quran 49:13
It is clear from the above verse, the only criteria for almighty Allah SW to differentiate one human being above other is Allah consciousness, righteous deeds, and Taqwa, but it is never sex.
Allah says again:
"I do not neglect anyone's labor whether the laborer is male or female. You are all related to one another”. Quran: 3:195
Allah says again:
“For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” Quran 33:35
So Allah SW never discriminates between men and women. It is only their righteous and evil deeds which make them high or low in the eyes of Allah SW.
(To be continued)
Different aspects of woman rights in Islam (part 2)
Different aspects of woman rights in Islam (part 2)
Women rights in Islam should be based on Quran and authentic hadith of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Before the revelation of Quran, Arab people were the most ignorant people on earth. That period is called “Ayame jahiliyyah” means the period of ignorance. After the Revelation of Quran, women got their due rights. Almighty Allah does not discriminate between man and woman. There is a misconception among western people that paradise is only for the males.
Allah says in the Glorious Quran:
“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.” Quran: 4:124
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and we will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” Quran: 16:97
These verses are clear that going to paradise depends upon a person’s faith and righteous deeds. The person is male or female does not matter at all.
Allah again says:
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer”. Quran 4:1
“[He is] Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you from yourselves, mates, and among the cattle, mates; He multiplies you thereby. There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing”. Quran 42:11
“Then He proportioned him and breathed into him from His [created] soul and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.” Quran 32:9
Allah SW has given his knowledge into every human beings, the males as well as the females. He has honored all the children of Adam.
Allah says in the Quran: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” Quran 17:70
This verse clears that Allah SW has honored all the children of Adam irrespective of their color, gender, citizenship.
But if we read the Bible – (Book of Genesis Chapter number 3) we come to know EVE (May Allah be pleased with her) was responsible for tempting Adam (May Allah be pleased with him) to eat the forbidden fruit because of which human kind is born in sin.
There is not a single verse in the Quran which puts the blame only on EVE (May Allah be pleased with her). The blame is put equally in both of them, ADAM and as well as EVE (May peace be upon them).
Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (trouble) his neighbor. And I advise you to take care of the women, for they are created from a rib and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked, so I urge you to take care of the women." Bukhari: Book 7: Volume 62: Hadith 114
If you read the Quran you will come to know,
Allah says in the Quran: 7:19-27--- Adam and Eve (May peace be upon them) are addressed a dozen of times. It is mentioned there both of them made a mistake. If both of them repented, they would be forgiven. Blame is put equally on both of them.
But there is a verse in the Quran: 20:121---That Adam (May peace be upon him) disobeyed Allah SW. But there is no single verse of the Quran which puts blame on Eve (May peace be upon her) alone exclusively. For understanding the Quran, you have to read it as a whole, not by a single verse of it.
(To be continued)
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Different aspects of women's right in Islam (part 1)
Different aspects of women's right in Islam (part 1)
In the name of Allah the most glorious, most merciful
The topic of Woman's right in Islam is often misunderstood for no reason. In Islam, woman's right has been socially and legally protected. Woman's rights according to Oxford dictionary means 'Rights that promote social and legal equality of women with men''. Islam has uplifted the status of woman in the family and society in the same way. Islam gave woman their actual rights fourteen hundred years ago.
Allah says in the Noble Quran: “And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women. “Quran 2:228
If we read Babylonian civilization, at that time if a man committed murder, instantly his wife was put to death. If we read the history of Greek civilization, they had the mythological person, named Pandora, who was a lady and was the cause of evil and misfortune in society. In this society, women are used for sex and pleasure only. If we read the history of Roman civilization, we get to know a man had the right even to kill his wife. Nudity and prostitution were common. In the Egyptian civilization, women were considered as a sign of the devil. If we come to know about Arab civilization, before the Quran was revealed, when a girl child was born, she was buried alive.
In Europe until the 19th century, the woman did not has the right to own their own property and wealth. When they were married, the property either had been transferred to her husband or she cannot use it without the permission of their husband. In the UK, women were given some property rights after passing the law in 1860. The act is known as ‘’married women property Act”. More than the 1400 year ago, that right was properly established in Islamic law.
After the revelation of Quran on the last and final messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the horrifying situation of woman got to have an end. If a person wants to judge women's right in Islam, he should not judge what Muslims do, he should judge according to the authentic source of Islam, for example, the last and final revelation that is Quran and authentic hadith of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. People judge the aspect of woman rights in Islam only judging by a single verse of Quran while ignoring the other verses. The Quran should be read as a whole. If we read the Quran as a whole, most of the differences would be solved. Islam says men and women are equal but not identical. Depending upon the biological, psychological, physical and physiological makeup of men and women, there prevail differences. (To be continued)
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