This article is an attempt to review the blog post authored by sister M.S.Reeha on 5th March, 2021, titled 'Women Empowerment in Islam' published in GIO Chennai’s blog. There were numerous articles penned by different writers on important topics, but while skimming through, this title attracted my attention, mainly due to its relevance to the current scenario.
The so-called ‘progressive, modern world’ often looks at Islam as a religion that controls their women and that 'their' ideals of freedom are necessary to rescue the women of Islam. Whereas, Islam is the most advanced of religions with regards to every aspect of life, acting as a forerunner in respecting and addressing women and their thoughts.
This fact has been stated extraordinarily well by the author, who has also used proofs from the Qur’an, the Sunnah and historical events to establish that, in Islam, women have always had their rights.
Yet, we see the present Muslims involved in acts that demean and snatch away a woman's equal status within various social circles. Why is it so when we claim that Islam does not oppress women? The author rightly says that these acts weren't derived from Islamic shari'aa but rather from an influence of traditions and cultures that have no root in Islam to begin with.
The rights established for women, in Islam include the right to education, to own and inherit properties, choose her life partner, assign terms of the marriage contract, opt for divorce or remarriage if widowed, and many more which were clearly stated in the Qur'an 1400 years ago, but had to be fought for by Western women even three centuries ago.
The Quran indicates that men and women are spiritual equals. (Surah An-Nisa, Ch.4: Verse 124) states:
"If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them."
But the actual problem lies in implementing the rules of the Qur'an as this equality between men and women is not recognized by many Muslim institutions that have the responsibility of upholding it and be an example to other people. Thus, it draws accusations to the Islamic principles itself.
In reality, Islam honors and celebrates a girl child in all walks of life. It was the first religion to forbid female infanticide; made her the doorway to Jannah for her parents; be someone who completes half the faith of her husband and placed Jannah under her feet for her children (when she is a mother).
The following Hadith and many others stated indicate the importance of respecting and empowering women, which is precisely what Islam teaches.
It has been narrated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet (SAW) has stated that, “If parents are kind and generous towards their daughters, then they will be so close to Him in Jannah, like one finger is to the next.”
The article mentions examples of women in Islam during and after the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) including Khadija (RA), the first wife of the Prophet (SAW), who was about 40 years old, a divorcee as well as a leading businesswoman before her marriage to him and Aisha (RA), the third wife of the Prophet (SAW), who was one of the major sources of Hadith with an impeccable memory and was a politically strong woman.
By giving out strong proofs, the author makes a clear point that women's right in Islam has always been there since the beginning of Islam.
One thing I really admire about this article is that she also states how the rights are exercised in real life, even within Islamic circles, as opposed to what was established via Islam, and indicates the main reason being cultural and social norms, and not the religion of Allah as such.
In conclusion she gives a solution, saying that the only sources we should read and look up to for rules are the Qur'an and the teachings of the Sunnah, implicating the need for women and men to be knowledgeable in Islam with true facts and not with what he or she said regarding something.
Author of this review: Naseema Banu - Associate, GIO Chennai
Author of the original article: M.S.Reeha - Associate, GIO Chennai
Date: 7th July, 2021.
Mashaallah.❤️