Refuting misconceptions about ‘Women in Islam’
A Woman is a Blessing, not a Burden!
By: Er Aausyf Ibn Farooq
Islam is often wrongly criticised for its views on women and their role in society and many misconceptions and paradigms have been built regarding this matter. In reality, Islam views women with equal rights just as men and draws a logical, scientific as well as humanitarian difference between the two when it comes to the responsibilities and duties.
There is a narration which states- “One who loves his daughters and withstands the hardship of grooming and getting them married, Almighty Allah makes Jannah (paradise) compulsory on him and keeps him protected from the Fire of Hell”.
This narration explains how much the Almighty has made daughters valuable in Islam. The Almighty made it compulsory to be merciful towards the daughters.
Females may not have the must-earn rule to run the family but are the pathway to paradise. Almighty Allah makes Jannah (paradise) compulsory for every father who raises his daughters following the protocols of Islam, provides and fulfils their needs and marries them lawfully.
Moreover, when a woman’s wali becomes her husband with her permission, she becomes a wife. A wife in Islam is never to be taken forgranted or ignored. Her wishes and goals can be granted and reached with her husband’s permission. She does not have to give up all because she is a ‘wife’and rather she is allowed to balance her goals and duties without disappointing her spouse. She has to obey her husband but is allowed to voice her opinions regarding any matter. A wife has to guard her and her husband’s honour. She is entrusted with the money and properties of her husband. When it comes to the household, the responsibilities in the chores have to be fairly shared, and she is to serve and run the house as a favour, not as an obligation. In Arabic, she is known as “Rabbaitul Bait” or “The Queen of the House”.
A wife is to be protected by her husband. Men are the protectors of women, and a wife in Islam helps her husband to obey the commands of Allah, be the colour of his world, share his burdens and help him face his ups and downs also respect his family and do things that make him happy. And most of all respect him and be loyal and shower each other with abundant love.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrated, “When they (a husband and wife) hold hands, their sins will fall away from between their fingers.”
Allah said in the Quran “And we created you in pairs” [78:8]. This ayah explains that males and females complete each other and be one with no boundaries or differences.
The woman who dies in the state of her husband being pleased with her will enter Jannah (paradise).”
Furthermore, Family is the foundation and pillar of strength. As we are aware the father is the head of the family, and the role of the mother is equally important. Islam has a higher level of respect towards a “mother.” The mother has the greater responsibility and the greater reward in bringing up her children accordingly. Mothers are precious gifts to the world, and they should be treated with love and kindness and obeyed in all circumstances.
Hence, when a woman becomes a ‘Mother’ she is an even more cogent figure in Islam. She is valued so much that Jannah lies under her feet. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother” [Tirmidhi].
Therefore, Women are so privileged and honoured in Islam that a whole chapter in the Holy Quran is dedicated to them [Surah AnNisa, Chapter 4]. It is a blessing and pride to be born as a woman in Islam. In conclusion, the role of women in Islam, whether as a daughter, wife, or mother, is an essential and valuable one. Each role comes with its responsibilities and duties, and the rewards for fulfilling them according to Islamic teachings are immense. It is time to debunk the myths and misconceptions about the role of women and recognize & appreciate their vital contributions to society. Let us treat all women with respect, honour, and kindness, as Allah commands us to do so.
The writer is Ele. Engineer at CC Sgrand can be reached at [email protected]
