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Woman’s Social Status in Islam

To start off I would like to say that despite misconceptions people may have Islam considers women to be equal with men in all aspects. In Islam, God did not make the man solely responsible for social issues, political engagement, environmental protection, justice and community development. There is nothing to support this claim nor is it implied otherwise. It is an Islamic responsibility of both men and women to ensure that the mission of building humanity to its fullest is accomplished and we both must work actively towards that goal.

Some points I would like to touch on are as follows:

• Education
• Work
• Community
• Home

EDUCATION:
Education is extremely emphasised in Islam. The importance of knowledge in Islam can be determined by this fact that the very first verses of Quran revealed to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) are about knowledge.

Verse 96:1/5
“Proclaim! (or read) in the name of they lord and cherisher who created ……...created man out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood……. Proclaim and thy lord is most bountiful he who taught (the use of) the pen taught man that which he knew not.” (translation by Yusuf Ali)

These verses are a clear command to educate ourselves about matters, we must read, write, research, and share!

The first person who heard these verses from the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) was Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her), his wife. Allah (swt) made her hear this so that women would realize that it was time to change their situation of ignorance, which they suffered from in those days, among other things.

Through out the Prophet’s (pbuh) lifetime, he shared his knowledge with his family. He even assigned his wife Aisha to teach other women things ……that he felt shy from talking about…………. regarding women

There is a perception in the minds of many……. that Muslim woman are prevented from obtaining an education. This is completely false!

The practices of the Prophet (pbuh) speak to the contrary. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) was the most prominent of those who graduated from the school of the Prophet (pbuh). She is the main source of Islamic jurisprudence and the life history of the Prophet. After the death of the Prophet (pbuh), she remained a teacher to his companions, who would knock on her door with questions for her to answer about their religion

Education is much more than simply a right of women. It is also the religious obligation of all Muslims! The Prophet (pbuh) is quoted as saying that “those who seek knowledge will be rewarded with Paradise”.

WORK:
Is it a Muslim woman’s responsibility to work? ….No. ….. However it is her right. There is no law in Islam, which forbids a woman from seeking employment.

In the Prophet’s (pbuh) time Muslim women were given the responsibility of running the affairs of the State.

Two examples are Shifa bint 'Abu Bakr and Asma Bint Abu Bakr. The Prophet appointed Shifa controller of the market of Medina and she was again reappointed by 'Umar when he became caliph

Asma was very active in the workforce. She shared the responsibility of supporting her family with her husband by working away from her home

Also the Prophet’s (pbuh) wife Aisha was a reporter of many of the Prophet's traditions………. She also addressed the congregation at the mosque and led an army in battle

Although traditions and cultural practices have overshadowed the teachings of Islam in many countries and so-called Islamic communities, the fact remains that Islam preserves a woman's right to do decent work. It is important to mention she has similar rights in political participation, which has also been overshadowed by norms and cultures ……………….that has little or nothing to do with Islam!

COMMUNITY:
Women are not left behind in developing their community, contributing to the welfare of the poor and needy, protecting general interest and standing for justice. Islam regards working for the community and social welfare as virtue itself.

Verse (2:177) of the Quran says:
“Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west……………... Righteous are those who believe in God, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salaat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakah); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.” (translation by Yusuf Ali)

In another verse Allah (swt) addresses his requirement to both men and women, mentioning them both as clearly as it could be.

Verse (33:35)
”For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward”
(translation by Yusuf Ali)

When the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) strived for the betterment of his community, he did it with the co-operation of all those around him. He did not stop any one from participating based on their gender.

Allah (swt) sent us to earth as representatives. We are entrusted with ensuring that justice prevails, environment is protected, the poor fed, and the needy embraced.

HOME:
The responsibilities of the Muslim woman in the home are highly misconstrued. To the majority of people it is understood that it is solely the woman’s duty to care for the home.
Although the roles of men and woman might be different, the responsibility of the family does not revolve solely on the wife or the husband or on children. It is a collective responsibility for all to follow.
Our responsibility to our families is our duty in society. It is a duty in which we should take special pride in doing as it produces successful people and sound generations.

Islam regards a woman’s role as a mother and as a wife as the most sacred and essential one!

In narration about the Prophet (pbuh), a man came to him asking:

“O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet (pbuh) said, Your mother. ……..The man said then who else?………. The Prophet said, Your mother. …………The man asked, Then who else? …………The Prophet said, Your mother………the man asked, Then who else?.............Only then did the Prophet say, Your father“ (Narrated by Abu Hurayrah. Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4/13, and Muslim, 2548)

In conclusion of this presentation I would like to say to everyone is to always seek knowledge in what you do and what you believe in.

Sr. Denise Amyotte, revert since April 12, 2004.
This Presentation was given at Dalhousie University during the "Women in Islam" conference.