by Mary C. Ali

Today people think that women are liberated and they, in the West, believe that this women’s liberation movement began in the nineteenth century. Actually, the women’s liberation movement was not begun by women but was revealed by God to a man in the seventh century by the name of Muhammad (S), <(S) denotes Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam, meaning, blessing and peace of Allah be upon him> who is known as the last Prophet of Islam. A look at the history of the time before and after the advent of Prophet Muhammad (S), reveals the status of women.

Women were in miserable condition throughout the world before Islam. No religion gave them equality or even a share in the property of their father or husband. Women, in all societies, were looked upon as an unwanted burden, evil and a source of disgrace and humiliation to the family. Everywhere, they were treated as chattels, used to satisfy the passions of men, used as laborers in the house, field and anywhere work needed to be done no matter what it was. Women's consent was never sought in anything. They were not viewed as a party to marriage. They could be had at pleasure and discarded at will. Having no independent status, they could not own property, were not given any rights or inheritance.

The early Christians were no exception to this view of women. In the Roman Empire in the early centuries, women were tortured mercilessly. A council of wise men unanimously declared that women had no soul. ¹

In Green civilization, Socrates said that woman was the greatest source of chaos and disruption in the world, and she was like an ancient tree, which outwardly looks very beautiful, but if the birds eat it, they would die. ²

In Chinese writings, women have been called the "waters of woe" that wash away all good fortune. She had no rights whatsoever. The husband could sell his wife as a concubine. After the death of her husband, she remained the property of her husband's family and she could not remarry. Millions of women lived in slavery. ³

Women faced a similar fate in Hinduism, where they were considered the most sinful of all creatures. Women were a "burning fire", the "sharp edge of a razor". Men should not love them - they brought destruction. ⁴ In childhood a female must be subject to her father, in youth to her husband, when he dies, she is subject to her sons. A woman must never be independent. ⁵

According to Westermark, a historian of Buddhism, women were, "of all the snares which the temper has spread for men, the most dangerous; in women were embodied all the powers of infatuation which blind the mind of the world." ⁶

Women were considered a major source of sin and evil in Greek mythology. It was Pandora who opened the forbidden box and brought plagues and unhappiness to mankind. ⁷

In Judaism, women were held responsible for all the wickedness of mankind, due to a "Divine Curse" leading back to the sin of Eve. ⁸

In Christianity, the idea of women being impure, wicked and sinful comes from the concept of the "original sin" of Eve. ⁹ In Christian theology, Eve was the only one tempted by Satan, and she in turn tempted Adam. So all the blame for the "fall" comes upon her, and mankind is still sinful because of her disobedience.

The Qur'an tells us that both Adam and Eve were tempted equally, and both succumbed to the temptation equally. Both were equally responsible. In addition, the Qur'an tells us that both asked for forgiveness and were forgiven. ¹⁰

Even the present versions of the Bible encourage men not to marry. Here are a few quotes from the New Testament:

1. It is good for man not to touch a woman. (Cor. Vii:1)
2. It is good for men not to marry. (Cor. Vii:7)
3. Seek not a wife. (Cor. Vii:27)

The Catholic Church requires celibacy for nuns and priests, using the "uncleanness" of women to denounce marriage. Many of these religious people, with their human desires and urges, turned to homosexuality, incest, fornication with subsequent abortion and infanticide. These were the people of the church. Early priests of the church competed in the denunciation of women. They have been described by St. Jerome in the 4^th century and other Latin fathers of Christianity, as "the gate of the Devil", "the sting of the scorpion", "a daughter of falsehood", "the enemy of peace." ¹¹

In some tribes in Arabia, immediately before Islam, women were not even considered human beings. Women were somewhere between the animal world and man. Many times baby girls were so unwanted and such a disgrace tot eh family that they were buried alive. ¹² It was in this kind of environment that God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S) what the true status of women should be. Before going to what this status is and what as revealed by God, it will be interesting to look at the status of women today following the recent women's liberation movement.

The status of women in contemporary American society is that of a second-class person. She is exploited on the job, with less pay for the same work as a man. Any money she earns is considered as common property with her husband. She is degraded as a sex symbol and coerced into removing most of her clothing in public so men can desire her with their eyes. Whenever a product is to be advertised, a scantily clad woman is put next to the product to attract the attention of the buyer. Those so-called "liberated" professional women end up with two jobs -- her profession and home care. This is not liberation, but rather a form of slavery. Only recently can a woman own property in her own right and then only after extreme investigation of her credit and job stability. There are many more examples of women not being given equality. It is true that women have been afforded many rights that she did not have in the past, but she still remains suppressed by the society and the system.

Islam in one grand stroke removed the stigma of impurity, wickedness and sinfulness which had been placed on woman. The Qur'an tells us in Surah An-Nisa (4), ayah 1:

"O Mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it its mate and from them both a multitude of men and women..."

Since both men and women came from the same essence, if one is wicket naturally then the other shall also be considered wicked. Also, if man has even a single spark of nobility in him, woman would have the same nobility.

In contemporary Muslim societies around the world, the status of women has been greatly influenced by the conquering and conquered societies. For example, in the Indian subcontinent, the Hindu, Buddhist, and Eastern religions have influenced the people so much that Muslim women are treated lower than men and have virtually no rights of their own. In turn, the Arab Muslim societies have been influenced by the Christian and Jewish populace around them. In both Indian and Arab societies, the status of women was effected by their relationship with men, their freedom of movement, their clothing, education and more. Individuals from these societies have migrated to Europe and America bringing with them their "cultural Islam" and corrupted ideas of the status of women.

Islam, fourteen centuries ago, gave women the very first equal rights. It was the first organized feminist movement ever. Islam gave the woman an independent personality, and the right to her own name, not the name of her husband upon marriage. Islam gave her the right to enter into business and to keep the earnings of that business to use as she wished. Her husband, father, son have no claim whatsoever on her earnings. Islam gave the woman the right to make contracts and to own property in her own name. She was entitled to inherit not only from her father, but also from her brother, husband, mother, sister and children. Islam has given her the right to choose her own husband. No one can force her to marry someone against her will or without her consent. She has the right to education, in fact, she is under obligation by Allah to obtain all the education she can. Islam has given the woman the right of support by her father, first and then her husband.

Islam regards men and women as completely equal in terms of accountability to God. Both have the same religious obligations to make a conscious commitment to Islam, to do good, to put all efforts into God's work, to develop spiritually and to seek knowledge.

Qur'an tells us in Surah Al-Ahzab (33), ayah 35:

"Surely, the men who surrender and the women who surrender, the men who believe and the women who believe, the men who obey and the women who obey, the men who speak the truth and the women who speak the truth, the men who persevere and are patient and the women who persevere and are patient, the men who are humble and the women who are humble, the men who gives alms, the men who fast and the women who fast, the men who guard their modesty and the women who guard their modesty, the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember Allah much, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and ample reward."

Women are considered equal to men in responsibility and duties and they get the same reward as men for the same deeds. They also get the same punishment for the same sins.

"And believers, men and women are protecting friends to one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. They observe regular salat (prayer) and pay zakat (tax) and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Surely, Allah is Mighty, Wise. Allah promises the believer, men and women, gardens underneath which rivers flow, to abide therein, blessed dwellings in Gardens of Eden. And greater (that that), Allah's good pleasure; in that is the supreme success." Surah At-Taubah (9), ayah 71-72.

Even with all this equality, there are differences between men and women. In general, men are physically stronger and less emotional than women are. Women have a greater share of emotions, are more tender hearted and adaptable. With these differences in mind, we can see why Allah has given us different roles. Men as providers for the family. Women as bearers of children.

The family is recognized as an extremely important unit in the lives of Muslims. Because of this importance the management of the family has been given to two people, the husband and the wife who must work together, cooperating and consulting with each other for the betterment of all family members. However, in any group of people whether a government, city, school, committee, class or a group like a family, there must be a leader or someone in charge, otherwise there I chaos and disorder. In the family, the man has been given this responsibility because he is the provider. He is the chairman. The women is the co-chairman. This in no way makes her inferior, second-class or lower than man. Both work together for the betterment of the family, the community and the society. Men and women are not alike but they have complementary natures; they fit each other like a lock and key. A lock is no good without the key and the key is no good without the lock.

It is well known that single parent families, in many cases, result in maladjusted children. Children need input from both parents to grow properly and need role models, both male and female, to emulate and identify with. Islam recognizes this and required that both parents be active in their children’s lives.

Men and women are equal in their responsibilities to Allah and both are enjoined to pray, fast, pay zakat, perform Hajj and do good deeds. However, Allah has given different roles to the man and woman because of their physical and emotional makeup. It would be very difficult for one person to do alone all the duties that have been given to both man and woman. Therefore, the duties have been divided between them. Each complements the other.

“Men are responsible for women because Allah has given one more than the other, and because they spend of their property (in support of women).” Surah An-Nisa (4), ayah 34.

The wife is her husband’s companion and helpmate, who is, together with him, responsible for the affairs of the household, the physical and emotional well-being of its members, and the training of the children. Both husband and wife have been given their individual responsibilities and duties to each other in order to maintain a relationship that is harmonious and to the benefit of both and the rest of the family.

The first duty of a wife as pointed out in the Qur’an is to guard the rights of her husband during his absence.

“The good women in the absence of their husbands guard their rights as Allah has enjoined upon them to be guarded.” Surah An-Nisa (4), ayah 34.

The second duty of a wife is to manage her household affairs wisely to prevent loss and waste, and she should not do anything which would disturb the peace of the family. She should not allow anyone to enter the house whom her husband does not like or incur any expenses of which her husband disapproves.

Islam does not require that women do the domestic work of the house, although for the sake of convenience and tradition, they usually do it. The respective duties of the husband and wife are such that each must always be ready to help the other. The wife should help the husband even in the field of labor if she can do it and the husband should help the wife in the household duties following the example of the Prophet (S) who used to help his wives, mend his clothes and participate in the manual work.

The mother is the primary teacher and trainer of the children but Islam neither expects her nor wants her to do this important task alone. It is the joint responsibility of both parents to raise the children properly. Together the parents must provide an Islamic environment in the home and present a consistent approach where they reinforce and support each other.

The third duty of a wife is to cooperate and consult with her husband. Islam is based on the idea of consultation (shura) in all aspects of life, including the family. One should not be considered the oppressor and the other the oppressed.

Abu Omamah reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said, "Next to fear of Allah, the believer finds nothing better for him than a virtuous wife; if he bids her, she obeys him; if he looks at her, she gives him pleasure; if he gives her a promise she fulfills it; and if he is absent from her, she guards herself and his property." (Ibn Majah)

Also, it is reported by Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (S) was asked about the best women. He replied, "The one who gives pleasure to her husband when he looks at her, obeys him when he bids her, and does not act against his desires regarding his person or property by doing anything of which he disapproves." (Nasai)

In these sayings of the Prophet (S), women are not to be considered as docile obedient servants of the society, but a self-disciplined individual, part of a family where the man is a responsible provider (chairman) and the woman is a supporting member of the team (co-chairman).

A woman has the responsibility to keep herself modest both in action and dress. For example, the Qur'an gives guidance about the proper action of a believer when meeting a person of the opposite sex.

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them. God is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty…" Surah An-Nur (24), ayah 30-31

All of the responsibilities and duties do not fall upon the wife. She also has rights which are due to her from the husband The wife's rights are the husband's duties and the husband's rights are the wife's duties.

The first right of the wife is to receive mahr (dower) for her husband. Islam has made it legally obligatory on the husband to pay her a reasonable amount of mahr, the amount of which is determined by an agreement between the two of them. No marriage can be regarded as legally valid unless the mahr has been agreed upon.

Receiving maintenance is the second right of the wife. The Qur'an says:

"Let the man of means spend according to his means, and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief." Surah At-Talaq (65), ayah 7

The wife should never demand more than what the husband can afford and must lie cheerfully within his means without complaint. He must provide shelter, clothing and food for her, even if she is wealthy, and he is poor. He must provide for her reasonably, within his means.

The third right of the wife is to have a residence according to her husband's means where both can live freely.

The wife's fourth right is to receive kind treatment from her husband and in a good manner. If there is more than one wife, he must treat them equally. Allah tells us in Surah An-Nisa (4), ayah 19.

Live with them (wives) on a footing of kindness (and equity). If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing while Allah has placed abundant good in it."

It is narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that she heard the Messenger of Allah (S) say: "The man among you is good who is good to his wife." (Tirmidhi)

Also, in the khutbah (sermon) of the farewell pilgrimage, the Prophet (S) said: "O, People! You have certain rights over your wives and so have your wives over you…they are the trust of Allah in your hands. So you must treat them with all kindness."

The marriage relationship also involved another fundamental responsibility. Both the husband and the wife must meet each other's sexual needs. It is required that husband and wife reserve their sexuality exclusively for each other, not to look elsewhere for the satisfaction of these needs. Certain limits for both men and women are laid down so that sexual attraction and expression will be confined exclusively to the private relationship of husband and wife.

The tone of the relationship between husband wife is one of mutual respect, love, kindness, companionship and harmonious interaction. The Qur'an says so beautifully:

"They are your garments and you are their garments." Surah Baqarah (2), ayah 187.

What are your garments? Your clothes! Your clothes cover your body, protecting you, hiding your imperfections, making your appearance dignified. The same should be the case between husband and wife, protecting each other, covering each other's imperfections, complementing each other's shortcomings, and making each other dignified. They are protecting friends of one another.

"And believers, men and women, are protecting friends to one another." Surah At-Taqubah (9), ayah 71

Both men and women have been entrusted with a particular role and function in society. These roles are complementary and each is equally basic and essential to the functioning of the society. Within this framework there is freedom for both men and women to pursue what is important to them and to contribute to society in keeping with their own individual skills and interests, providing their responsibilities for the home are not neglected and their work does not jeopardize their dignity and modesty.

Women must fill many essential positions in society which they can handle better than men, for example, some branches of medicine, nursing, education, social work, and other areas. This does not mean these are the only areas where women can contribute to society.

A woman has the responsibility to seek education, as much as she can or wish to. All educational fields are open to women so she should pursue her inclinations and interests. Most women will pursue those areas mentioned earlier but if a woman is interested in business, journalism, engineering or anything else she should not be intimidated and hold herself back. She should, however, work with the consent of her husband (the chairman of the family).

For example, most architects are men. They design houses which women spend more time in than men do. It would be interesting to see a house designed by a woman for a woman.

Islam does not forbid a woman from holding important positions in business, government or law. In fact, there are some positions where women would be better suited than men, such as judges in juvenile cases, lawyers in cases where women are defendants and so on.

In Islam, a woman has the right to make contracts in her own name. She has the right to buy and own property. Not so long ago in this country a woman could not buy a house or own property in her own right even if she was single. Even now, she is put through rigorous investigation. If married, her husband is the joint owner. Not so in Islam. 1400 years ago and today, she could act on her own without even the knowledge of her husband or father.

When a woman earns money, that money is hers alone. No one, including her husband or father has any claim on it. It is hers to do with as she wishes. She has a claim on her husband's money because he has to support her, but he has no claim on hers. It doesn't mean she cannot use her money for home expenses if she wants to but she is not obligated to do so.

The same thing is true for money she inherits. It is hers only. This is the reason why men have been give twice as much in inheritance as a woman. He must use his money to support the women in the family. Not just wife and daughters, but also mother, sister, and other women if they need support.

A woman has the right to choose her own husband. Marriages are usually arranged by the parents, but if a woman does not want to marry the person chosen for her, she has the right to refuse. No one can force her into marriage.

Once married, she has the right to support by her husband. He must provide shelter, clothing and food for her, even if she is wealthy and he is poor. He must provide for her reasonable, within in his means. She must lie within his means and not demand more than he can afford.

Every Muslim whether male or female has the responsibility of inviting others to Islam (dawah). The Muslim woman can play a very great role in this area. Firstly, it is primarily the women who train the children, so she must train her children in such a way that they will be Islamic workers and dai'es. She can, many times, do this best by being an involved Islamic worker herself, providing an example for her children and involving her children, both boys and girls, in Islamic work. Secondly, who can better tell other women about Islam, and be an example of a Muslim woman. If Muslim women do not take up the responsibility of telling non-Muslim women about Islam, the job will be done by the Muslim men. It is more fitting for Muslim women to work among other women.

Summary:

Before the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 1400 years ago, women had no rights or independence. Islam gave her:

1. An independent personality with the responsibility to behave and present herself in a modest dignified manner. She was no longer the property of her father, husband or son. She had the right to her own name, not to adopt the name of her husband.

2. The right and obligation to seek education with the responsibility to choose wisely what to learn and how to benefit by what she learns.

3. The right to choose her own husband with the responsibility to consult with elders in the family to guide her in the right choice.

4. The right to mehr or bride gift with the responsibility to use it in the right and proper manner. 5. The right to maintenance as daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother and not complain about not having enough.

6. The opportunity to enter into business, make contracts, buy and own property with the responsibility to be honest and fair in the business, to honor the contracts, and manage the property properly according to the guidelines set in Islam.

7. The right to her own money and wealth whether inherited or earned with the responsibility to use it wisely and pay the zakat when due.

Islam was really the first women's liberation movement. Rights were given to her that were unheard of 1400 years ago. For that matter, some of those rights have only recently been given in the West. Along with these rights, duties and responsibilities were prescribed for women. Thus, all men and women were given guidance for their interactions with each other.

Unfortunately, in our contemporary Muslim societies, the status of women has regressed to that of pre-Islamic and non-Islamic societies under the various influences alien to Islam. This is a reality which is in contradiction with the teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah. This degradation of Muslim society is culturally acquired under the influence of alien religions and culture. Only by removing these cultural influences and returning the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (S), will we be able to see the pristine purity of Islam and restore the status of women in Muslim societies and be an example for the rest of the world.

Footnotes:

1. Siddiqui, Muhammad Iqbal. The Family Laws of Islam. Kazi Publications, Lahore, Pakistan. 1984, p. 12.
2. ibid., p. 6.
3. ibid.
4. Shaikh, N.M., Women in Muslim Society. International Islamic Publishers, Karachi, Pakistan. 1987, p. 9
5. Siddiqui, p. 7.
6. ibid., p. 9.
7. Comptoms Encyclopedia, V. 26, 1974, p. 213.
8. Siddiqui, p. 9.
9. Holy Bible, New International Version, 1984, Timothy 2:14.
10. Al-Qur'an 7:23.
11. Comptons Encyclopedia, p. 213.
12. Nadwi, S. Abul Hasan Ali, Muhammad Rasulallah. Academy of Islamic Research and Publications, India, p. 28.