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what does Islam really say about women?
We have probably heard stories about Islam and it’s treatment of women. I can agree some information that comes out seems horrendous. But we must be careful in painting a picture of Islam based off media stories.
So, what does Islam really say about women?
In Islam, men and women are regarded as moral equals. This sentiment is repeated in the Quran and Hadith repeatedly and will reference this throughout the article.
Here are some of the facts when it comes to men and women.
Women in Islam are entitled to freedom of expression as much as a man is.
She is equal to a man in pursuit of education and knowledge. If there are barricades that impede learning this is not the Islamic way.
Her rights and duties are complimentary to man but not necessarily identical. We are biological different, we have different roles. That does not mean a man’s role is more important than a women’s.
She has equal rights to contracts, enterprise, and to earn and possess independently.
In the Quran, it specifically states that women were not created for men. Likewise, men were not created for women. They are complimentary.
1. Wicked women (are) for wicked men, and wicked men (are) for wicked women; and good women (are) for good men, and good men (are) for good women.
(24:26)
QUOTES ABOUT WOMEN FROM QURAN
There are many quotes about women in the Quran, the fourth chapter is called Surah An Nisa (women) which makes numerous references to women throughout the chapter. For example, Allah says:
2. “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.”
Quran 4:32
Islam teaches men to be respectful towards women to “lower their gaze” which means to not look at women in a sexual predatory manner.
3. And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women.
(Qur’an, 2: 228)
Allah also has shown in chapter 33 that he treats both men and women equally with regards to forgiveness and rewards.
4. “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
– Quran 33:35
Related Post: 25 Quotes on Islamic Family Values
5. “O, you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” – Quran 4:19
6. “O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and reverence the wombs (that bore you); for Allah ever watches over you.”
Quran 4:1
To have reverence, (to deeply respect or admiration) to the “wombs that bore you”. Allah is mentioning you should show tremendous love and compassion for your mothers. In one Hadith, prophet Muhammad was asked, “who is most deserving of my fine treatment?”
He responded, “Your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father” (Narrated by Abu Hurairah – Bukhari and Muslim)
7. Do you know what men are guilty of? They don’t realize that the stretch marks on the belly of the woman, those are actually signs of contributing to the Ummah of Muhammad SAW. Wallahi, they are signs of jihad. They are signs of a huge sacrifice. May Allah SAW grant us the ability to understand that those marks are actually the marks that might take the woman to Jannah. May Allah SAW take them to Jannah Insya’Allah. – Mufti Menk
8. “Their Lord responded to them: “I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female – you are equal to one another.”
Qur’an, 3: 195
9. “They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them.” (Qur’an, 2: 187)
10. “The most complete believer in faith is the best in morals, and the best among you is the best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi)
11. “Verily, women are the counterparts of men.”
Source: Musnad Ahmad 25663
CONCLUSION
Islam teaches us to be respectful towards women and for women to be respectful towards men.
That’s not to say men and women are the same, we are different and we have different roles to play. But with regards to human rights we are seen in Islam as equal.
Let’s keep the discussion going, let me know what are your thoughts on the subject?
Also, if you’re feeling lazy read this article on how you can begin to transform your life around. It’s a short read but can have a huge impact.
