Women In Islam

The liberation of women, contrary to popular belief, started 1400 years ago with Islam. In every culture they were deemed the possessions of men, Islam changed all of this. Also Contrary to the propaganda that Muslim men oppress, dehumanise and are harsh in treatment towards women we find the opposite to be true in Islamic teachings.The following evidences from the Quran and authentic hadiths will clear this matter up.

The obligations of men towards women in Islam are many. When we look to the Quran and authentic hadiths we will see some of the rights women have over their husbands. When a woman marries, she receives a dowry from her husband, which is an amount of money of her choosing. No one has any right to a penny of this, and she may spend it as she wishes.

Any money a woman comes to a marriage with, is hers to spend, any money she earns is hers to spend, and any money her husband gives her, is hers to spend. However the money her husband earns he must spend on supporting his wife and family, paying the rent, the bills, groceries, and so on. None of this burden fall`s upon a woman, if a woman chooses to contribute anything to the household then it is counted for her as giving charity to her husband, but her husband cannot compel her to do this.

However if a man refuses his wife these rights given to her by Allah, then indeed he is sinful, and he should fear the punishment of Allah the almighty. In the following case we also see that if a man is miserly then a woman can take from his wealth without his knowledge.

Hind bint 'Utba said, "O Allah's Apostle! Abu Sufyan is a miser and he does not give me what is sufficient for me and my children. Can I take of his property without his knowledge?" The Prophet said, "Take what is sufficient for you and your children, and the amount should be just and reasonable.

The respect of women in Islam extends even further, to the degree that when a woman marries, she does not take the surname of her husband, but retains her own family name. She also does not wear a wedding ring, as she is not the " property " of her husband, he simply has an obligation towards keeping his wife in the best way.

As we can see in the following hadith if a woman can also take from her husbands wealth and give it in charity and they both share the blessings for that.

The Prophet said, "If the wife gives of her husband's property (something in charity) without his permission, he will get half the reward."

Muslim women are appreciated for their personality and intelligence. A woman is not an object, to be stared at and lusted after by men. A Muslim woman covers everything except her hands and face, not because a man tells her to, but because Allah orders it, a woman is not valued on the way she looks. In many societies today, women are used to advertise anything from cars to shower gel, they are used even to decorate newspapers and many women live in absolute misery, subjugated into trying to keep up with the latest fashion, worrying whether they are too fat, too thin or if they need silicone implants to keep their husbands attention. When a man marries a Muslim woman he accepts her as she is.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A woman can be married married for four things,her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. But marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser."

As we can see from this hadith the religious commitment of a woman is of paramount importance over her looks, familly status, or wealth when a man is seeking to marryIt is a womans character that stays througout a marriage,beauty fades, wealth diminishes ( and a man has no right to his wifes wealth) and family lineage is of no importance.

Allah says in the Quran "Men are the maintainers and protectors of women, for Allah has made one to have greater responsibilities over the other, and because they spend of their wealth, their property (for the support of women)" Surah 4 ayah 34

The Arabic word used in this verse is " "qawwâmûn" the plural of "qawwâm". This word - qawwâm -a form of the word "qayyim", which means a person who manages the affairs of others. The qayyim of a people is the one who governs their affairs. When Allah says: "Men are the qawwâmûn of women" it means that men are held liable for handling the affairs of women and are responsible before Allah for the women under their care, whether this is their mothers who are widowed, wives or daughters.

Anyone who would take the man's status in Islam, as the protector and maintainer of women and use it to oppress women and lord it over them is committing a crime against Islam.The qayyim of a woman is either her husband or her guardian who has to look after her, and ensure that her financial, emotional and all other needs are met, this is a huge responsibility upon a man. This in no way implies superiority of a man over a woman for both are equal in the sight of Allah.

Allah says "so their lord accepted their prayers (saying) I will not suffer to be lost the work of any of you whether male or female you proceed one from the other" surah 3 ayah 195

Allah said in the Quran "And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women."

Narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari, The Prophet said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as Sadaqa (charity) for him."

Narrated Abu Huraira, The Prophet said, "Allah said, 'O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you."

The Prophet said, "Allah has made it haram (forbidden) for you to be undutiful to your mothers to withhold what you should give or demand what you do not deserve, and to bury your daughters alive. And Allah has disliked that you talk too much about others, ask too many questions (in religion), or waste your property."

As we can see a husband cannot ask a woman to provide for him or contribute to the household needs as we sometimes see in today's societies. A man has the sole responsibility over his wife to take care of her, protecting her, defending her honour, and fulfilling her needs including those religious, emotional, physical needs and her daily needs such as food clothing and so on. It does not mean that a man has the right to behave in an obstinate manner, to force her to do his will simply because he feels like it, or to oppress her individuality. Indeed a woman's individuality is something to be treasured. Allah made each person with an individual personality and abilities and we must show respect for all of Allah's creation.

Allah said "And among His signs, is that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them; and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect."

Narrated Jarir bin 'Abdullah The Prophet said, "He who is not merciful to others, will not be treated mercifully.

Within the home a man should fear Allah in the way he behaves towards his wife and familly behind closed doors for Allah is all aware of what he does

Narrated Hudhaifa From among the people, Ibn Um'Abd greatly resembled Allah's Apostles in solemn gate and good appearance of piety and in calmness and sobriety from the time he goes out of his house till he returns to it. But we do not know how he behaves with his family when he is alone with them.

Narrated Abu Huraira, The Prophet said, "The worst people in the Sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be the double faced people who appear to some people with one face and to other people with another face."

Narrated Abu Huraira, Allah's Apostle said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."

It is also not permissable to harm ones wife in any way as Islam forbids harming others, which includes a husband harming his wife by preventing her from having children or breastfeeding her child, or denying her, her right to intercourse and pleasure, this is the wife’s right over her husband

This is one of the basic principles of Islam. Because harming others is haraam in the case of strangers, it is even more so in the case of harming one’s wife.

It was narrated from ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ruled, “There should be no harming nor reciprocating harm.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah,, 2340)

This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by Imaam Ahmad, al-Haakim, Ibn al-Salaah and others. See Khalaasat al-Badr al-Muneer, 2/438.

The prophet muhammad salallahu alleyhi wa salam is the greatest example of a good husband his wife Aa`isha said that he would:

"sew his own garments, mend his own shoes and do whatever other work men do in their homes." (Reported by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/121; Saheeh al-Jaami', 4927).

she also stated that:

"He was like any other human being: he would clean his garments, milk his ewe and serve himself." (Reported by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/256; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 671)

Narrated Al-Aswad, I asked 'Aisha what did the Prophet use to do at home. She replied. "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer."

Because Kind treatment is something fundamental in a marriage, Allah 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."

It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, " you are obliged to provide them with food and clothing honourably " (sahih Abu Dawud)

Allah says in surah 65 ayat 7 " This is the commandment of Allah which he reveals to you and whoever fears Allah he will blot out his sins, and will magnify his reward. "

We should keep the status of men as protectors and maintainers of women in the correct perspective, It is not a "title" that men can use to oppress, degrade or humiliate a woman or her opinion, for all women in Islam are valued no matter what their background, race or nationality. Unfortunately sometimes men are not properly educated in Islamic behaviour towards their wives. We may see some behaviour that is embedded with traditions and cultural ways towards women, which is clearly outside of the way of the prophet, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the teachings of the Quran. These things are not from Islam.

One should be very careful to state this fact when dealing with such issues and one should not mistake the poor behaviour of any Muslim for the teachings and ways of Islam. Some of these practices have seeped through from the western colonisation of the Muslim lands over the years, and have begun to be passed off in the media as so-called "Islamic practices". When we look to the authentic Sunnah and see how the best of mankind the prophet Muhammad, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, behaved towards all women, including his beloved wives then we see how far astray such practices are from Islamic teachings.

Allah says in the Quran "But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein Allah has placed much good." This clearly shows that if a man finds a quality that he finds disagreeable in his wife, he should realise that perhaps it is a quality which is beneficial and to be appreciated.

The mercy of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him towards women extends further and reminds us of the best of conduct in his dealings with the slave women of the time.

Narrated Al-Khuzai: The Prophet said, "Shall I inform you about the people of Paradise? They comprise every obscure unimportant humble person, and if he takes Allah's Oath that he will do that thing, Allah will fulfill his oath (by doing that). Shall I inform you about the people of the Fire? They comprise every cruel, violent, proud and conceited person."

In regards to a muslim mans behaviour in general and specifically towards his wife the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:

Narrated Abu Huraira, 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 curved 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 curved, so I urge you to take care of the women."

This explains that a man must be patient with his wife.

Islam has also guaranteed women their rights as individuals, including their right to have, and express they're own opinions. The Sunnah is full of examples of this.

It is narrated that the women of the Sahaabah used to argue and debate with their husbands , and indeed this is the way in which the Mothers of the Believers the Prophet’s wives used to act with our Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said to the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him

“We Quraysh used to control our women, but when we came to the Ansaar we found that they were a people who were controlled by their women. So our women started to adopt the ways of the Ansaari women.

I got angry with my wife and she argued with me and I did not like her arguing with me. She said, ‘Why do you object to me arguing with you? By Allah, the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) argue with him…’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4895; Muslim, 1479.

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said in discussing the lessons to be learned from this hadeeth

" This shows that being harsh with women is something unaceptable, because the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him adopted the way of the Ansaar with women forsaking the way of his people."

We have also ,an instance, where Khawlah bint Tha`labah complained to the Prophet May the Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about her husband, who swore to never have intercourse with her, by the old pagan custom of claiming her to be "like the back of his mother". The following verse of the Quran was revealed: "Allah has indeed heard the words of the woman who pleads with you concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah " followed by verses abolishing this behaviour.

Also in regards to falsely accusings ones wife we see a severe punishment for such behaviour.

Narrated Abu Huraira the Prophet said, "Beware of suspicion (about others), as suspicion is the falsest talk, and do not spy upon each other,and do not listen to the evil talk of the people about others' affairs, and do not have enmity with one another, but be brothers. And none should ask for the hand of a girl who has already agreed to marry his (Muslim) brother, but one should wait till the first suitor marries her or leaves her." (decides not to marry her)

Narrated Ibn Abbas, Hilal bin Umaiya accused his wife before the Prophet of committing illegal sexual intercourse with Sharik bin Sahma.' The Prophet said, "Produce a proof, or else you would get the legal punishment (by being lashed) on your back." Hilal said, "O Allah's Apostle! If anyone of us saw another man over his wife, would he go to search for a proof." The Prophet went on saying, "Produce a proof or else you would get the legal punishment (by being lashed) on your back."

Before Islam was an appalling practice amongst some populations where women were not valued, If a female child was born, then the family be less than happy seeing it as a burden. Indeed sometimes the baby girl would be buried alive or abandoned, this practice was clearly abolished and mankind taught to value their daughters as equally as their sons. Sadly this practice continues today in some areas of china, but his issue was addressed in the Quran 1400 years ago, in surah 16 ayah 59,

"When news is bought to them of the birth of a female child, his face darkens and is filled with inward grief. With shame he does hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil they decide on!"

treating ones daughters with kindness and is something mentioned often in Islamic teachings.

Narrated 'Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, "A lady along with her two daughters came to me asking me (for some alms), but she found nothing with me except one date which I gave to her and she divided it between her two daughters, and then she got up and went away. Then the Prophet came in and I informed him about this story." He said, "Whoever is in charge of two daughters and treats them generously, then they will act as a shield for him from the (Hell) Fire."

It was also narrated that the prophet Muhammad, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said "whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, or insult her and does not favour his son over her Allah will enter him into paradise" (ibn Hanbal)

In regard to women as mothers they are held in the highest esteem, Narrated 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. "

Another saying of the Prophet Muhammad May peace be upon him is, "paradise is at the feet of your mother"

In regards to education, the right of women to seek knowledge is the same as that of men. The Prophet Muhammad, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim (male and female)"

The prophet, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to his companion Abû Al Darda: "O Abu al-Dardâ, you have a duty to your body, and to your Lord, and to your guest, and to your wife. Fast and break your fasts, pray, and be intimate with your wife. Give everyone their due right."( Sahîh al-Bukhârî.)

Islam also gives a woman the right to satisfaction regarding intimacies with her husband, and indeed she is permitted to seek a divorce on the grounds that he cannot satisfy her. To deny a wife her rights is to oppress her and oppression of a Muslim is a major sin.

Narrated Jaabir: The prophet May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said: "Beware of oppression, for oppression will turn into excessive darkness on the Day of Resurrection; and beware of pettiness, for pettiness destroyed your predecessors." Sahih Muslim

In hadith qudsi Allah says, "Oh my servants, I prohibited oppression on myself, therefore don't commit oppression."

"Thulm" means oppression in Arabic, the definition is as follows, transgressing the boundaries on yourself, of others, claiming something that doesn't belong to you and, Denying others their rights.

The rights that Allah has given to women are so many, and a man's wife and children are a huge responsibility, and he must have full knowledge of his obligations, and take them into careful consideration before he marries. If his marriage is to be successful then he must fear the punishments of Allah, in regards to his wife and children for it is haram (forbidden) for him to withhold them, and do harm to his family.

Maysaa bint mikail