Merits of Islam in women's affairs

1-Islam rescued women from the oppression and injustice which was inflicted on them, such as burying female babies alive,

16: 58. And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! 59. He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth ? Certainly, evil is their decision.

2- No other religion contains the injunctions about the prevention and restraint of the carnal desires, evil instincts and worldly pleasures and about the protection of the chastity and character of women as are found in Islam. That's why Islam ordained the veil on women to protect them from foreigners which might lead to harming them and why it forbids them of making a wanton display of themselves (tabarruj).

 33: 59. 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 Allâh is Ever Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Islam

3- Islam allows polygamy to solve the problem of increased number of women over men, to prevent adultery, and to keep the previous marriage for the sake of the other wife and for maintaining the interest of the children. It requires equal treatment of the wives.

4:3. And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan­girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.

4- Islam puts rules and limitations on how women and men should talk to each other. The goal is to protect women from foreign men who might abuse them.

33: 32. O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner."

Although the verse is directed to the Prophet's wives, all Muslim women are included because the Prophet's wives are the mothers of the believers, and the role models for Muslim women.

5- Islam imposed a dowry for the wife to be paid by her husband as a symbol of his responsibility towards her.

4: 24. All others are lawful, provided you seek (them in marriage) with Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) from your property, desiring chastity, not committing illegal sexual intercourse, so with those of whom you have enjoyed sexual relations, give them their Mahr as prescribed; but if after a Mahr is prescribed, you agree mutually (to give more), there is no sin on you. Surely, Allâh is Ever All­Knowing, All­Wise.

6- Islam imposes custodianship of men over women to relieve the burdens on women, so they have enough time and energy to take care of their family's domestic needs. This is natural, since every establishment has a main person responsible for it.

2: 228. but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

7 -Islam assigned shares from inheritance for women, after they themselves were considered a part of their husband's inheritance. This is to guarantee an independent income, so women have their own money or property.

4: 11. Allâh commands you as regards your children's (inheritance); to the male, a portion equal to that of two females; if (there are) only daughters, two or more, their share is two thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is half. For parents, a sixth share of inheritance to each if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers or (sisters), the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies he may have bequeathed or debts. You know not which of them, whether your parents or your children, are nearest to you in benefit, (these fixed shares) are ordained by Allâh. And Allâh is Ever All­Knower, All­Wise.

4: 19. O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honourably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allâh brings through it a great deal of good.

8- Islam considers women the other half of the human soul and requires equal treatment between spouses.

2: 228. And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses, etc.) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect, etc.) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

4:19. O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honourably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allâh brings through it a great deal of good.

46:15. And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."

A man came to Allah's Apostle Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Your father."

Aswad said, I asked 'Ā'ishah, What did the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), do when in his house? She said, he served his wife, meaning that he did work for his wife.

9- Islam equalizes duties and rewards between genders.

33: 35 Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islâmic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allâh), 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 Allâh has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allâh has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allâh), the men and the women who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadân, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allâh during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawâfil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).

3:195. So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another, so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allâh, and with Allâh is the best of rewards.

Posted in: Merits of Islam