Woman in Islam

1. Woman in Islam

2. Woman As Manifestation of God • The divine reveals itself most beautifully in women • The name “Er-Rahim” manifested in mothers • Heaven at mothers’ feet

3. Status of Woman in Islam • Independent, thus fully responsible “Whether male or female, who is a believer and perform good deeds, We shall give him a goodly life” (Al-Nahl 16:97)

4. Status of Woman in Islam “God has got ready forgiveness and tremendous rewards for the Muslim men and women, the believing men and women, the devout men and women, the truthful men and women, the patiently suffering men and women, the humble men and women, the almsgiving men and women, the fasting men and women, the men and women who guard their chastity, and the men and women who are exceedingly mindful of God.”

5. Status of Woman in Islam • Same reward or punishment “Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof; and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer (in the Oneness of God), such will enter Paradise where they will be provided therein without limit.” (Ghafir 40:40)

6. Women’s Rights in Islam • Her status changed drastically • Right to own and dispose property • Right to inheritance • Right to choose husband and divorce • Right to acquire education and work • Full freedom of expression of views

7. Women in Other Cultures • In ancient Rome, women as slaves • In ancient Greece, as a commodity • Do they possess souls? • In India, burning the widows • 587 C.E.: Are they human beings? • No right of citizenship until 1850

8. Marriage in Islam • Men and women are created for each other “They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.” (Al-Baqara 2:187) • Love, mercy and tranquility in marriage “And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them and he has put love and mercy between you.” (Ar-Rum 30:21)

9. Role of Husband and Wife • Different but complementary natures • Husband is financially responsible • Duty, not superiority: “We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you might get to know one another. The noblest of you in God’s sight is who is most righteous” (Al-Hujurat 49:13)

10. Role of Husband and Wife • Wife does not have to spend for expenses • Not obligated to do housework • Keeps her basic rights after marriage • Responsible for • Safeguarding her own and husband’s chastity, as well as his property • Raising the children

11. Polygamy • Islam did not invent polygamy • It restricted the number • Being just to all of them • Ideal is to have one wife • Wife’s permission is a must

12. The Hijab • Modesty advised to both men and women “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them… And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof…” (Al-Nur 24:30-31)

13. The Hijab “…That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed.” (Ahzab 33:59) • Statement of her identity • Concealing her sexuality • Revealing her individuality

14. Conclusion • Islam is in line with human nature • Men and women complement each other “The believing men and believing women are associates and helpers of each other. They collaborate to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil.”

15. Be so tolerant that your bosom becomes wide like the ocean. Let there be no troubled souls to whom you do not offer a hand, and about whom you remain unconcerned.