The Rights and Duties of
Women in Islam.
By
Sheikh Abdul Ghaffar Hasan
In the
name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the
praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-`ālameen. I testify that
there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger
1. The Purpose of Creation of
Men and Women.
The
Muslim accepts that the main purpose behind the creation of jinn and mankind
was that they should worship Allah, struggle against the forces of Satan and
live their life according to Allah’s Commandments in order to achieve eternal
bliss in Paradise.
"And I (Allah) created
not the jinn and men except they should worship Me (Alone)." (Surah
Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56)
Also
Allah said: "Nay!
But worship Allah, and be among the grateful." (Surah Az-Zumur, 39:66)
At
another place He said: "Say (O
Muhammad): 'Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah by obeying Him and doing
religious deeds sincerely for His sake only." (Surah Az-Zumur,
39: 11)
1.1. Equality of Men and
Women as regards Religious Obligations and Retribution.
In this
spiritual regard, Islam makes no distinction between men and women. Both have a
soul, both were created for the same purpose in life, both have a duty to
fulfill their religious obligations, both will be judged by the All- Mighty,
and both will be rewarded or punished according to their individual actions.
Whenever the Qur’ân mentions those fortunate beings who will enter the Gardens
of Bliss because of their piety and good deeds, it mentions men and women
together.
"And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and
is a (true) believer (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the least
injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date stone),
will be done to them." (Surah An- Nisa’, 4:124)
"Whoever works righteousness whether male female while he
(or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give
a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and
We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they
used to do (i.e., Paradise in the Hereafter)." (Surah
An-Nahl, 16: 97)
"The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ ' (helpers,
supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people)
Al-Ma'rûf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and
forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism and disbelief of all kinds,
and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer their prayers perfectly
(Iqįmat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah
will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (Surah
At-Tawbah, 9: 71)
"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam)
men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism),
the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are
truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in
performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all
that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their
Lord Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqât (i.e., Zakat and alms), the
men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the
month of Ramadân, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and the women who
guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who
remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying,
etc.); Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e.,
Paradise)." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:35)
There
can thus be no doubt that in the Hereafter, men and women will both be judged,
each individual bearing the burden of its own acts, each soul will be punished
for its transgressions and each will be rewarded for its obedience to Allah.
1.2. Biologically Men and
Women are two different sexes but complementary to each other.
One may
well ask that if there is such a complete and comprehensive spiritual equality
between the two sexes, why this identical treatment is not found in other
rights, duties and privileges.
Muslims
and especially non-Muslims question why men go out to work while women are
encouraged to stay at home, why women have to wear the why a brother receives a
larger share of inheritance than his sister, why a man can be a ruler but a
woman Hijâb (veil), cannot, etc., and they then conclude that Islam treats
women as inferior beings. Laws can never be discussed without being explained
first, so we must first consider the fundamental Islamic ethos that men and
women are two different yet complementary sexes.
It is an
established medical fact that men and women have different biological
compositions and temperaments. Allah the All-Mighty created and knows this
biological difference better than we do, and has thus assigned to men and women
the roles that each excels in due to its nature. Neither gender is inferior or
superior to the other; instead they complement each other like the two halves
of a whole.
In
everyday life we see that society consists of many different kinds of people,
all of whom play their particular roles to keep society intact. The farmer and
the doctor make different contributions to the society, but both are equally
important. Each excels in his own field, and each provides a service for the
other. Similarly, men and women are different sexes and play vital roles in
their own areas of excellence.
1.3. Worth of Women in Islam.
The
narrations of the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) speak of women with
praise and respect. He (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) once said: "The world and all things in it are precious, and
the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman." (Ahmad
and Muslim)
The Prophet
(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) also said:
"Shall I not inform you about the best
treasure a man can have? It is a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks
at her, who obeys him when he commands her, and who guards herself when he is
absent from her."
The
Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "Made beloved to me from your world are
women and perfume, and the coolness of my eyes is in prayer." (Ahmad
and An-Nasa 'ie)
1.4. The Honour of Mother in
Islam.
In a
famous incident, a man came to the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) and
asked: "O Messenger of Allah, who is the
person who has the greatest right on me with regards to kindness and
attention?" He replied: "Your mother." "Then Who?" He
replied: "Your mother." "Then who?" He replied: Your
mother." "Then who?" He replied: "Your father."
(Ahmad and Abu Dawud)
The
Qur'an also discusses the immense honor and respect due to both parents, and
especially to mother:
"And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to
his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and
hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your
parents, unto Me is the final destination."
(Surah
Luqman, 31:14)
1.5. The Reward of upbringing
Girls.
In the
days when it was a custom to cherish the birth of male children and to bury the
female children alive because of shame and poverty, the Prophet (Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam) has said:"Whoever looks after two girls till they reach
maturity, he and I will enter Paradise together like these two (fingers).”
(Muslim and Tirmidzi)
2. The Home.
While
men are the physically stronger sex, the woman's biological make-up has made
her excel as the homemaker. She alone can be impregnated, carry and deliver the
child, and then suckle the baby. Her gentle, caring and self-sacrificing
temperament is best suited to bringing up children and looking after the home.
To say that she should also earn a living is an unacceptable injustice and
implies that everything she does for her home and children is worthless and
needs to be supplemented by an outside cover. A woman already has to play in
society a great and noble role as mother of a new generation, a role for which
no man can claim the honors. It is because of her supreme role as mother that
she is entitled to three times the devotion given to the father from the
children.
2.1. The roles of men and
women in the Qur’an.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because
Allah has made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend from
their means. Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in
the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard." (Surah
An- Nisa, 4:34)
This
Divine injunction describes the man as Qawwam
(maintainer) and the woman as Qanitah
(obedient) and Hafizatun lil-Ghaib
(preserver of the secret). The Verse gives two reasons as to why men are
described as maintainers.
Firstly,
because "Allah has made the one of them to
excel the other," which means that He has excelled men to be
physically stronger and more inclined to have a career outside the home. The
history of mankind has always shown that men, from the most primitive to the
most technologically minded, have assumed the role of providing food, maintaining
law and order in the community, waging war against enemies, and going on
expeditions in search of new lands, adventure, food and even hidden treasure.
The women have primarily stayed at home to provide a stable environment for the
children. .
The second
reason is that "they spend from their
means." It is the man's duty to provide financially for his family,
and it is also the man who is required to give a dower to his wife at the time
of their marriage. In the castle of his home, the husband is the ruler and the
wife is his pillar of support. As in any establishment, there can only be one
ruler; a car with two drivers, a country with two kings or an army with two
generals would all be in utter chaos and disarray. The husband has thus been
put in charge of his home, but this is a responsibility and not a privilege.
2.2. Both Sexes have Rights
over each other.
The
different roles of the sex’s means that never is one sex burdened with all the
duties while the other enjoys all the privileges. Instead they both have
individual duties and privileges. The Qur’an says in this regard:
"And they (women) have rights similar over them to what is
reasonable, but men have a degree over them. And Allah is All-Mighty,
All-Wise." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:228)
3. This part discusses
issues, which carry little or no controversy.
3.1. Education.
The
Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) once said: "Acquiring
knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim.” (At-Tabarani) This
narration applies equally to men and women. "Knowledge" in this
context refers primarily to knowledge of the Qur’ân and the Sunnah as no Muslim
should be ignorant of his or her Faith, but it also covers other areas of
general education, which can contribute to the welfare of civilization. It is
precisely the ignorance about their religion among Muslims that has led to men oppressing
women because they believe it is permitted, women not demanding their Godgiven
rights because they are ignorant of them, and children growing up to perpetuate
their parents' follies. Throughout Islamic history, men and women both earned
respect as scholars and teachers of the Faith. The books of Rijal (Reporters of
Hadith) contain the names of many prominent women, beginning with 'Aishah and
Hafsah.
3.2. Worship.
It has
already been discussed in detail that both men and women are the slaves of Allah
and have a duty to worship and obey Him. Men and women have to pray, fast, give
charity, go on pilgrimage, refrain from adultery, avoid the prohibited, enjoin
the good and forbid the evil, and so on. Because of women's roles as mothers, a
role which does not end at a specific time but is around the- clock career,
they have been exempted from attending the Mosque for the five daily solat or
for Jumu 'ah (Friday) prayer.
Nevertheless,
if they wish to attend the Mosque, no one has the right to stop them.
3.2. Charitable Acts.
Men and
women are both encouraged giving charity, and there is nothing to stop a woman
giving charity from her husband's income. 'Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) reported
that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "A woman
will receive reward (from Allah) even when she gives charity from her husband's
earnings. The husband and the treasurer (who keeps the money on the husband's
behalf) will also be rewarded, without the reward of any of them
decreasing." Asmâ' (radiyallāhu`anha) once said to the Prophet
(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam): "O Messenger of Allah, I have nothing except what
Zubair (her husband) brings home." The Prophet (Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam) told her: "O Asmâ, give in charity. Don't lock it lest your
subsistence is locked."
3.3. The Right to own Wealth
and Property.
A woman
has the right to keep her property or wealth, whether earned or inherited, and
spend it as she may please.
This
right was granted to Western women only very recently, and the women of India
had to wait until 1956 for a right which Muslim women have always taken for
granted. Concerning the right to one's earnings, the Qur’an says:
"And wish not for the
things in which Allah has made some of you excel the others. For men there is reward
for what they have earned, (and likewise) for women there is reward for what
they have earned, and ask Allah of His Bounty. Surely, Allah is Ever All-Knower
of everything." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:32)
3.4. Freedom to express one’s
Opinion.
Few
societies exist in which the ordinary citizen can confront the ruler face to
face and challenge his policies. Even fewer societies allow women to be so
bold, yet the Islamic ideal has always been open and accessible. This freedom
of expression is aptly demonstrated by a famous incident involving 'Umar Ibn
Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu`anhu) the second Rightly- Guided Caliph.
'Umar
was once standing on the pulpit, severely reprimanding the people and ordering
them not to set excessive amounts of dower at the time of marriage. A woman got
up and shouted, "Umar, You have no right to intervene in a matter which
Allah the All-Mighty has already decreed in the Qur’ân: "But if you intend to replace a wife
by another and you have given one of them a Qintar (of gold, i.e., a great
amount as Mahr bridal money), take not the least bit of it back; would you take
it wrongfully without a right and (with) a manifest sin?"(Surah
An- Nisa’, 4:20)
After
being reminded of this Verse, 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu`anhu) withdrew
his order, saying, "I am in the wrong and she is correct."
3.5. Participation in Jihad
The
battlefield is a place, which frightens many men let alone women. Due to the
aggressive and violent nature of war, only men have a duty to participate in
Jihad (holy fighting in Allah's Cause) while women are exempted. A woman once
asked the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) to allow women to go on Jihâd
with men because of its excellence and the unlimited reward promised to
Mujâhidin (Muslim fighters) in the Hereafter. The Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi
wasallam) replied:
"For them is a Jihâd without fighting," which
referred to the Hajj and ' Umrah. Nevertheless the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi
wasallam) did permit women to nurse the injured and supply provisions to the Mujâhidin
at some battles. A woman from the tribe of Ghifâr came with a large group of
women to the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) when he was preparing to
leave for the conquest of Khaibar. She said: "O
Allah's Messenger, we wish to accompany you on this journey so that we may
nurse the injured and help the Muslims." The Prophet (Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam) responded, "Come! May Allah shower His blessings upon
you." Umm 'Atiyyah (radiyallāhu`anha) an Ansâri woman, once said:
"I have participated in seven battles with the Prophet
(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam). I used to guard the camels of the Mujahidin in
their absence, cook the food, treat the injured and care for the sick."
Mu'âdh
bin Jabal (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that his cousin Asmâ' bint Yazid
(radiyallāhu`anha) killed nine Roman soldiers with a tent-pole during the
battle of Yarmuk.
3.6. Freedom to choose Her
Husband.
The
guardian of the girl, whether her father, brother or uncle, plays an important
role in her marriage, such as finding a suitable match for her. But under no
circumstance does this allow him to force his choice on her against her wishes.
She is free to accept or reject his choice, or make her own choice. A woman
named Khansâ bint Khidâm once came to the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)
and complained:
"My father has forced me to marry my cousin in order to
raise his own status (in the eyes of the people)."The Prophet (Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam) told her that she was free to dissolve this marriage and
choose whomever she wished to marry. She replied, "I accept my father's
choice, but my aim was to let the women know that fathers have no right to
interfere in the marriage." (Ahmad, An-Nasa 'ie and Ibn Mâjah)
3.7. A Woman's Guarantee in
War is acceptable.
If a
woman gives surety to a war-captive or gives him shelter, her guarantee will be
accepted. Umm Hâni (radiyallāhu`anha) a cousin of the Prophet, (Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam) said to him after the conquest of Makkah: “I have given shelter to two of my in-laws." The
Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "O
Umm Hâni, we have given shelter to which you have given shelter." According
to another narrative, Umm Hâni (radiyallāhu`anha) gave shelter to a man but her
cousin ‘Ali (radiyallāhu`anhu) tried to kill the man. She complained to the
Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) who endorsed her act of giving shelter to
the man.
3.8. The Right to custody of
Children.
Divorce
is especially painful and difficult when the couple has had children, and
awarding custody to either party involves difficulties. According to Western
law, both father and mother have to prove to the Court that they are more
capable of looking after the children, and this often involves maligning the
other party in order to strengthen their own claims to custody. Islamic law has
its own clear decision on this issue. Custody of young boys and girls goes to
the mother. The son stays with his mother until he is about seven or nine years
of age, after which he is looked after by the father. The daughter remains with
her mother until she gets married. The exception is when the mother herself
re-marries, in which case custody may be awarded to someone else such as the
girl's grandmother or aunt. This is based on the words of the Prophet (Sallallāhu
`alayhi wasallam) to the divorcee:
"Your right to custody
of the child is greater as long as you do not remarry."
2.9. Participation in
extending cooperation for the promotion of good and elimination of evil.
The
Qur’an deals with this subject in clear terms:
"The believers, men and women, are Awliyâ ' (helpers,
supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people)
Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and
forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e... Polytheism and disbelief of all kinds,
and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Solât (Iqįmat-as-Solat), and
give the Zakât, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on
them. Surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise."
(Surah
At- Tawbah, 9:71)
4. This chapter deals and as
well as tempers with the issues, which raise most of the questions and
criticisms.
4.1. Hijab
Muslim
men and women have to fulfill very different requirements concerning Satr
(parts of the body which have to be covered). The following Verse deals with
the observation of Satr for women inside the home where only close male and
female family members can mix together freely:
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and
protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except only
that which is apparent, and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e.,
their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except
to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons,
or their husband's Sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their
sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e., their sisters in Islam), or the
(female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack
vigor, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not
stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide ~of their adornment. And all of
you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be
successful." (Surah An-Nur, 24:3 1)
Women
can thus expose their objects of beautification such as make-up and jewellery
to other chaste women and the men listed in the above Verse only. In front of
other people, the Prophet's wives and all Muslim women have been ordered to
fulfill the requirements of Hijab by wearing a Jilbâb, which is a long outer
garment that covers the entire body:
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the
women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies
(i.e., screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way).
That will be better that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as
not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surah
Al-Ahzab, 33:59)
Islam
does not permit the free mixing of men and women outside the close family
group, and Western-style mixing even with wearing the Hijab is not permissible
as is seen in places of education and work. The Qur’ān tells the believing men
in the time of the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam):
"And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, asks
them from behind a screen that is purer for your hearts and for their
hearts." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:53)
The
wives of the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) were models for all women
and were regarded as the Mothers of all believers. If they could only be
addressed from behind a curtain in order to avoid any temptation or
impropriety, how much more then is such a curtain necessary for ordinary women
who can be a much greater source of temptation? It is also clear from the time
of the Prophet(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) that the Companions did not treat this Verse
as referring only to the Prophet' s wives but applied it to their women as
well, with the complete approval of the Prophet(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam).
The reason given in the above Verse for such a curtain is "that is purer for your hearts and for their
hearts" and in another Verse we read:
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking
at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual
acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they
do."
(Surah An-Nur, 24:30)
Islam
wishes to establish a pure society in which there is no room even for adultery
of the eye. Free-mixing between the sexes is forbidden, men and women are
advised to marry at a young age so that they can fulfill their desires
lawfully, and all are told to "lower their
gazes" in public so that the eye may not be used as an instrument
of Satan. By observing Hijab, the woman's dignity and decency is safeguarded.
Her attire makes clear that she is not an object for sale, advertising her
beauty and availability for men's lusting eyes and wolf whistles. We need
little reminder of the immoral society around us today in which the sexes
mingle wearing indecent clothes, and adultery is only frowned upon if committed
after being married. Before marriage individuals are encouraged to try
different partners, and the unfaithfulness, the misery, the jealousy and the
insecurities, which then take place, are a necessary result of such a life
style. The Muslims may well feel safe and secure within the Islamic moral and
dress code, but they are often imitating too much of the non- Muslims' behavior
for complacency.
4.2. Polygamy.
A man is
allowed a maximum of four wives provided he treats them with equality and
justice. If he cannot support more than one wife or fears that he will not be
just between them, he should remain monogynous. The primary purpose behind
polygyny is to provide for war widows and orphans. The number of men in any
society inevitably decreases after a major war, and polygyny provides the only
decent solution for the widows and orphans left alone. In such situations women
may resort to a monastic life, which is unnatural, or to an immoral and sinful
life. Islam also strictly forbids sexual relations outside marriage, and
polygyny is again the only decent and honest solution in cases where a man
wants more than one partner.
The
widespread practice today of men having wives as well as mistresses is
demeaning for all the women involved; it is dishonesty and causes untold
misery. By marrying more than once, not only are all the woman and the children
involved legitimate, but the man also has to face up to full responsibility for
all the relationships he enters into.
4.3. Evidence of Women.
The
Qur’ân clearly states that the evidence of two women is equivalent to that of
one man, giving the reason that if one forgets, the other may remind her:
"And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there
are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for
witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind
her." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:282)
Giving
evidence in court can be a daunting experience, especially as the judicial
system will consist mainly of men, so the women can give each other moral
support as well as reminders. It is a serious and burdensome responsibility,
which has been lightened for women. There are four situations in which evidence
is required:
a.
Crimes related to penal ordinances and retaliation. If men and women are both
available, the men will be called to give witness and the women will not be
summoned.
b. In
economic affairs related to wealth and property, which are usually the domains
of men, the evidence of two men is accepted. If two men are not available, then
one man and two women will be accepted.
c. In
affairs concerning women only such as pregnancy, birth, sexual defects, the
evidence of one woman alone is accepted.
d. In
criminal cases where only women are the witnesses, the four Imams (religious
leaders) are unanimous in not accepting the evidence of women.
They
reason that in cases such as murder and rape, the women will be emotional and
may get confused. Such evidence becomes suspicious, and a principle of Shar'iah
(Islamic law) is that any suspicion about the evidence makes the evidence null
and void.
In this
context the Zahiri school of thought is more credible. It states that if women
alone are the witness in a criminal case, their evidence will be accepted
according to the principle of two women's evidence being equivalent to that of
one man. So in cases of adultery, the evidence of four men or eight women will
be accepted. They argue that to reject women's evidence entirely in such cases
will allow much crime to go unpunished. It is an established scientific fact
that women cannot explain the intimate details of events with the accuracy
which men are capable of.
This
fact has been confirmed by much research, such as Dr. Harding's. In his book 'The Way of All Women.' According to one Hadith,
the Prophet described women as being incomplete in reason and religious
practice because they are exempted from the five daily prayers and fasting
during their monthly menstruation. Their incompleteness in reason is taken into
account in the field of legal evidence. Giving evidence in court is a serious
responsibility from which a woman is relieved, just as she is relieved from
attending the Mosque for the five daily prayers and the Friday prayer.
4.4. Inheritance.
A
daughter receives half the share of inheritance compared with the son in
accordance with the following Qur'anic injunction:
"Allah commands you as regards your children's
(inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females;" (Surah
An-Nisa’, 4:11)
If the
daughter has no brothers and only women are the heirs, then this principle does
not apply. The ruling of giving a woman half the share of a man seems unjust at
first glance, but in fact it is more generous to women. It is based on the
Shari 'ah principle of "Benefits in accordance with the scale of
responsibility."
To
illustrate, a brother will inherit twice the sum his sister inherits. What she
inherits is hers to keep and she need not spend it on anyone, even her husband
though he may be poor. The brother is, however, responsible for maintaining his
family, which includes his unmarried sister, surviving parent, wife and
children. At the time of his marriage, he will have to pay bridal money to his
wife as well as provide for her throughout their married life. The sister will in
contrast receive bridal money and will be maintained by her husband. Any income
she has and her share of inheritance is hers exclusively, with which her family
cannot interfere.
It seems
that this same wisdom is behind the 'Aqiqah ceremony when the two sheep are
sacrificed at the birth of a male child and one sheep at the birth of a female
child. This principle of benefits according to responsibility has wide
applications in Islam.
For
example, after a battle the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) would
distribute the captured booty on the same principle by giving two shares to the
cavalry and one share to the infantry. (Musnad Ibn Abu Shaibah)
4.5. Blood Money.
According
to the principle of 'Benefits according to responsibility', the blood money of
a woman is half that of a man. It is important to remember that blood money is
not the price for the soul of a murdered person, as there can be no such price.
It is instead a small compensation for the financial sufferings of the
deceased's family. Men are usually the breadwinners and maintainers of their
families, so the financial sufferings are greater if the man is killed, but if
the murder victim was a woman who was the sole breadwinner for her family, then
the Qadi (judge) has the authority to increase her blood money.
A
precedent for such an increase is found in the Qur'ân where it allows the Qadi
to double the blood money of a person murdered within the precincts of the
Sacred Cities, Makkah and Al-Madinah. The wisdom behind is that just as virtuous
actions are rewarded more if practiced within Al-Haram (the sanctuary), so the
punishment for crimes or sins within Al-Haram is also increased.
4.6. Divorce.
The man
has the primary right to divorce. Allah says:
"And if you divorce them before you have touched (had a
sexual relation with) them, and you have appointed unto them the Mahr (bridal
money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), then pay half
of that (Mahr), unless they (the women) agree to forego it, or he (the husband)
in whose hands is the marriage tie, agrees to forego and give her full
appointed Mahr. And to forego and give (her full Mahr) is nearer to At-Taqwa
(piety, righteousness). And do not forget liberality between yourselves. Truly,
Allah is All-Seer of what you do." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:237)
This may
seem unjust at first glance, but Allah the All-Mighty has given injunctions
based on men and women's different temperaments. The woman is controlled more
by her emotions than by reason, and this is obviously an asset in the home. Her
tender nature and ability to sacrifice her own comfort for the sake of her
child makes her a better parent than the man. In a situation of marital
conflict, her emotional nature will be more inclined to exaggerate the
seriousness of the conflict and to thus instigate divorce. The man will be more
inclined to think calmly about the situation before pronouncing judgment.
Neither of these characteristics is inferior or superior to the other; both are
complementary and best suited to the roles the sexes have to play. In order to
mitigate rash conduct by the husband, the Qur’ân and the Sunnah have made
provisions for cases when the man does pronounce divorce but then regrets it.
The divorce never becomes binding immediately but gives him a period of three
lunar months (the woman's 'Iddah or waiting period)
in which he can either endorse the divorce or revoke it and seek
reconciliation.
It
should be remembered that a woman is not helpless in the matter of divorce as
is widely believed. Although she cannot pronounce divorce like a man, for the
reasons of her temperament already given, she can obtain one through a Qadi or
arbitrator. This process is called Khul’ and
the woman asks for divorce in lieu of returning her bridal money or any other
gift to the husband. In the Western world today, the high rates of divorce are
widely attributed, among other things, to the financial independence of women
and the ease with which they can obtain divorce for flimsy reasons. The Islamic
ethos encourages men and women to save their marriage for the sake of their
children and to uphold the family institution.
4.7. Right to trade or seek other employment.
A woman
is allowed to trade and work in institutions for women only, and at all times
she must observe the relevant rules on Hijab and Satr. A woman's primary place
is in the home but she may work if she has no one to support her or because her
husband's income is not sufficient for the family's needs. As has already been
mentioned under the discussion of Hijab, Islam does not permit the free mixing
of men and women outside the close family circle. Women are allowed to go to
Mosques for worship, educational institutions, and the battlefield. In the
Mosques and educational establishments, the Muslims should provide separate
places where women may pray and study in privacy. On the battlefield, women may
nurse the injured if there is a shortage of male nurses. Whenever men and women
work or study in the same place, there is an increase in temptation from Satan.
Sexual harassment in Western places of employment is a common problem for which
the women often have no remedy. Islam tackles the root of the problem by
separating the sexes and so avoiding situations of temptation, which can lead
to sin.
4.8. Women in positions of
authority, such as Leaders, Ministers, Ambassadors and Members of the
Legislature.
The
ruler of the Islamic state does not only administer the affairs of government
but has to fulfill a much wider and strenuous role. He has to be able to face
the public day and night, meet ministers and foreign dignitaries, lead the
country in political crises and war, and be able to lead the people in
congregational prayers. A woman cannot fulfill all these roles while having
children and establishing her home.
In fact,
she cannot fulfill most of these roles anyway, such as leading a battle or
prayer. Allah the All-Mighty has enjoined upon men, the duty of maintaining the
family. If a woman is not the maintainer of her own home, how can she be
expected to maintain the government of a country. The Prophet's statement on
this issue was very clear:
"The people, who
hand their rule over to a woman, will not be successful (or prosperous)."
(Al-Bukhari)
During
the early years of Islam, women were never appointed as Khalifah (caliph),
governor or Qadi (judge). The Prophet was survived by many of his wives and
daughters, but they were never the rulers of any part of the vast Islamic
state. The Muslims today who attempt to justify electing women as leaders of
Muslim countries are in open flagrancy of Islamic teachings. Some Muslim
countries, allow women to be ambassadors, and members of the parliament or the
consultative assemblies, but this too is inadvisable for various reasons, for
example:
(i) The woman’s
natural and primary career is her home, family and children. This is in itself
an extremely demanding role; and in order for her to do justice to her role in
parliament, she would have to deny her own maternal instincts and sacrifice the
needs of her family. This is an unacceptable injustice to her.
(ii)
Full participation in parliamentary proceedings involves long hours in an
atmosphere of free mixing and social interaction. This is completely forbidden
in Islam.
(iii) A
woman is obliged to observe Islamic injunctions on Satr and Hyįb. Spending
entire days and nights in parliament wearing Hijâb is difficult and
uncomfortable, and the practical example of women parliamentarians in Muslim
countries today is that they cannot obey the rules. The nature of the job is
that it suits men only, and women who try to take on a man's work will
inevitably find themselves out of their depth.
(iv) A
woman cannot travel on a journey which lasts more than a day and night unless
she is accompanied by a Mahram (a close male relative). Islam recognizes that
society can be very dangerous, and so does its utmost to protect women. Members
of parliament do not only attend daily sessions but are required to travel
inland and abroad in order to better discharge their duties. It will be
impractical for the Muslim woman to look constantly for a Mahram. All this does
not mean to say that women have no say in the government of their country. If a
woman has the capability and knowledge, which could benefit the state, she can
advise the government without having to participate in its daily workings.
4.9. Men and Women as
mutually Complements.
The
Noble prizewinner Dr. Alexis Carrel has described the biological differences
between men and women in her book "Man, the Unknown." She concludes
with the following analysis.
4.10. Woman Differs
Profoundly from Man.
The
difference existing between man and woman do not come from the particular form
of the sexual organs, the presence of the uterus, from gestation, or from the
mode of education. They are of a more fundamental impregnation of the entire
organism with specific chemical substances secreted by the ovary. Ignorance of
these fundamental facts has led promoters of feminism to believe that both
sexes should have the same education, the same powers and the same
responsibilities. In reality woman differs profoundly from man. Every one of
the cells of her body bears the mark of her sex. The same is true of her organs
and, above all, of her nervous system. Physiological laws are as inexorable as
those of the sidereal world. They cannot be replaced by human wishes. We are
obliged to accept them just as they are. Women should develop their aptitudes
in accordance with their own nature, without trying to imitate the males. Their
part in the progress of civilization is higher than that of men. They should
not abandon their specific functions. [Dr Alexis, Carrel; Man, the Unknown; New
York, 1449, p.91]
The
major biological differences between men and women mean that the two sexes do
not duplicate each other, each fighting to fulfill the same roles and behaving
in the same manner. Instead they complement each other, exercising their own
particular strengths and mitigating their partner’s weaknesses. Feminists in
various Muslim countries have demanded that women be full represented according
to their population percentage in all fields such as the political and the
judicial. Other groups too have demanded not only equality but often
superiority based on race, language or regional prejudice. Such calls for
'positive discrimination' have been breeding grounds for hatred and disunity
within the Muslim Ummah (nation) and can serve no real purpose. The Qur’ân
speaks of men and women coming from each other, being garments for each other
and being bounded together by love and mercy.
The
hatred for men that many feminists preach is totally alien to Islamic
teachings. Instead of the sexes competing against each other, Islam teaches
mutual co-operation to form a harmonious and just society, the bedrock of which
is a stable family life.
The
ultimate goal of both men and women is to win Allah's Pleasure arid His
countless favors in the Hereafter. If a man can achieve them through Jihad,
observing the Divine commandments and constantly struggling against the forces
of Satan, so a woman too has a way open to her as described by the Prophet
(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam).
"If a woman prays regularly five times a day, fasts the
month (of Ramadhan), guards her chastity and obeys her husband, it will be said
to her: Enter Paradise from whichever gate you wish." (Ibn
Hibban)
And
Allāh Almighty Knows best.
20.The Seven under the Shade of
Allāh
