Wife beating

I'm really sorry im struggling with the whole " beating woman " is allowed in islam..
my husband can hurt me if he wishes ..my dad hits my mom but he will still get heaven but what if my husband hurts me... what can i do? in the muslim socitey a divorced woman is like trash.. and Aisha was 9!
and jihad ? killing non believers ?
im so sorry but all these things scare me i lot
i do not want to be disrespectful i am really not
im struggling to understand ..i am trying.. even when i pray i have the thoughts in the back of my mind...
n sister u might tell me its Satan but itd me not getting it .. i am sorry
im very depressed coz of this i get nightmares

Dear Struggling Sis,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having a hard time. InshaAllah, we’ll be able to shed some light on a few things because I do think there are several problems you’re facing. First of all, if your father beats your mom (and I really hope he doesn’t), your father is accountable for that. And no, he is not guaranteed heaven. For any action that we do- we are held accountable and will be judged on it.

The Qur’an says: And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant. (4: 86)

If Allah takes into account whether we return a simple greeting or not, He will certainly take into account whether a husband beats his wife or not, whether the husband is oppressing his wife or not. 

You see, Islam never said that men can go about beating their wives tyrannically. Instead, Islam makes it very clear that wives deserve to be respected, cherished, and treated gently with love. Islam has explained that both husbands and wives have rights on each other:

And they (women) have rights (over their husbands) similar (to those of their husbands) over them as regards to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.) [2:228].

Have I not heard that you fast all day and stay up all night in prayer?” ‘Abdullah said, “That is true, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (Sallah Allahoo alyhee wa saalm) told him: “Do not do that. Fast and break your fast, sleep and get up. For your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, your wife has a right over you, and your visitors have a right over you.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

In another verse, the Qura’n says: And live with them honorably


In fact, the Prophet (sallah Allah alyahee wa salaam) said that the best people are those that are the best to their wives.

“The believer who has the most perfect faith is the one whose behaviour is best, and the best of you are the ones who are best to their women.”

Some women came to the family of the Prophet (Sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam.) complaining about their husbands. So the Prophet (Sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam) announced to the men:

“Many women have visited the family of Muhammad, complaining about their husbands. Verily those are not the best among you.”

He also said that women are ‘fragile’ (delicate). How would you treat something 'fragile'? Would you beat it?

The prophet sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam said: Treat women kindly, for woman was created from a rib. The part of it that is most bent is the top. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain bent. So treat women kindly.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Quran makes it clear that we should treat our spouses with mercy and love.

 "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them , and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect." (Ar-Rum 30:21)

. . . live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good." (Qur’an 4:19)

Khawlah, the daughter of Hakim, who was the wife of ‘Uthman ibn Maz‘un (Radiya Allah Anhuma), came to the wives of the Prophet (Sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam.) wearing a tattered dress and looking unkempt. They asked her, “What is wrong with you?” She told them about her husband: “At night he stays up in prayer, and during the day he fasts.” They told the Prophet (Sallah allahoo alyhee wa salam) what she had said, so when he saw ‘Uthman ibn Maz‘un, he admonished him and said, “Do you not have an example in me?” ‘Uthman said, “Of course, may Allah (S.W.T.) cause me to be sacrificed for you!” Later, she (Khawlah) came back wearing fine clothes and with a pleasant scent. According to another report, the Prophet (S.A.W.) told him: “O ‘Uthman, monasticism has not been prescribed for us. Do you not have an example in me? For by Allah (S.W.T), I am the one out of all of you who fears Allah (S.W.T.) the most and keeps most strictly within His bounds.”

If the prophet sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam reprimanded that Companion and all he was doing was praying a lot and fasting and said that he wasn't giving his wife his rights in that way- what do you think he would have told someone who was oppressing his wife and beating her?

In fact, the Prophet sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam made sure to remind people about the importance of taking care of women in his khutbat al wa'daa- the Farewell Pilgrimage. This is the khutbah in which the Prophet (S.A.W.) reiterated the essential points of Islam, when he realized that this was the last time he would stand and address the Muslims during Hajj.

“Fear God regarding women; for you have taken them [in marriage] with the trust of God.” [Mishkat]

Futhermore, in another event, the prophet sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam was even recorded as saying:

 Could any of you beat your wife as he would a slave, and then lie with her in the evening?" This hadith clearly demonstrates the Prophet's disapproval of beating wives.

Now, there is one ayah that you might be thinking of. However, we have to keep in mind all of
the previous verses and hadiths to understand this one correctly. Islam is a comprehensive whole- taking one verse and dismissing all the previous verses we have already mentioned and the hadiths, means that you distort Islamic teachings. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

"…As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great." (An-Nisa’ 4:34)

First of all, what is meant by the word beating? Ibn `Abbas and several others said that the Ayah refers to a beating that is not violent. Al-Hasan Al-Basri said that it means, a beating that is not severe. It is a beating that does not leave marks or injuries on the body. No marks or injuries.

Second, we have to realize that this verse first puts other measures to be used and in the order they should be used: first, the husband is told to ‘admonish’ or reprimand his wife. IF that doesn’t work, then he can sleep in a separate bed from hers. As a final and last resort, it says that he may lightly hit here. It has also been translated as percuss, which is the way a doctor taps someone.

However, what is even more important about this verse is that this verse explains ‘when’ it is allowed. You see, the ‘default’ is that ‘hitting your wife’ is not allowed. This verse provides the exception-

Let us take a look at the tafsir of a classical scholar named Ibn Kathir for the verse 4:35

When the Wife Obeys Her Husband, Means of Annoyance Against Her are Prohibited
Allaah said,
[فَإِنْ أَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلاَ تَبْغُواْ عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيلاً]
“…but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance),”meaning, when the wife obeys her husband in all that Allaah has allowed, then no means of annoyance from the husband are allowed against his wife. Therefore, in this case, the husband does not have the right to beat her or shun her bed. Allaah’s statement,
[إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيّاً كَبِيراً]
“Surely, Allaah is Ever Most High, Most Great.” reminds men that if they transgress against their wives without justification, then Allaah, the Ever Most High, Most Great, is their Protector, and He will exert revenge on those who transgress against their wives and deal with them.
[وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ شِقَاقَ بَيْنِهِمَا فَابْعَثُواْ حَكَماً مِّنْ أَهْلِهِ وَحَكَماً مِّنْ أَهْلِهَآ إِن يُرِيدَآ إِصْلَـحاً يُوَفِّقِ اللَّهُ بَيْنَهُمَآ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيماً خَبِيراً ]

In fact, once, a man went to complain to Omar Bin Al-Khattab about his wife. To his surprise, he heard Al-Khattab’s wife raising her voice over him. He started to slip away but Omar bin al Khattab came out and asked him what it is that he had wanted. He told him that he had come to complain that his wife would raise his voice over him but found that Omar bin al Khattab’s wife did the same! Omar bin al Khattab then explained that his wife took care of his house for him and his children and how she put up with him- he should also be patient and kind with her.

This is what the companions of the Prophet sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam were taught. This is what Islam showed them. Think about it. Before Omar bin al Khattab was a Muslim, he was one of the men who had buried his daughters alive. But when Islam came, he realized the importance of women and honoring them- and he was teaching others the importance of being patient and kind with wives.

I pray your father learns the true teachings of Islam and he begins to treat your mother correctly. And I ask you for a teensy weensy favor- please don't judge Islam by what your father does because there are big chances your father is not following Islam correctly. May Allah ease your mother's hardship and guide us all.

As for your question regarding jihad, hunny, please check our article called "Kill Those Kaafirs".

And keep on writing to us and staying in touch. As always, we want this conversation to continue....and we'd love/ hope if the other sisters could also contribute with their own insights/ recommended videos and articles. We didn't have much time to answer this question as thoroughly as we wanted- you guys know we're on vacation- but we hope this helps reassure you a bit...

With love,

Read more...

It's Not a Man's World.

Assalamalaikum wa rahmatullahi wa baraqa tu hu!
Hello, little aunties, I just happened to perchance an article about the description of heaven. Like other articles I have read, it pertains to things that would be enticing to men. So what is in heaven for women? And what is a woman's status in heaven? And is it a sin to wonder these things? I feel bad about wondering these things, but I also feel sad that there seems to be nothing for women. I am not trying to start a riot, I was just wondering is all...

Waa’lykum as salam wa rahmatullah wa baratkoo, Dearest Sister!

Aww, sis, I’m sure many Muslimahs (me included) have had that same thought cross our minds. I’m not entitled to say what is a sin and what is not, but your question reminded me of what one of our Mother’s radiya Allah Anha asked the Prophet sallah Allaho layhee wa salam :)  :

Imam Ahmad recorded that Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, the wife of the Prophet said, "I said to the Prophet , `Why is it that we are not mentioned in the Qur'an as men are?."  Then one day without my realizing it, he was calling from the Minbar and I was combing my hair, so I tied my hair back then I went out to my chamber in my house, and I started listening out, and he was saying from the Minbar:

Verily, the Muslims: men and women, the believers: men and women, the Qanit: men and the women, the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the Khashi`: men and the women, the men and the women who give Sadaqat, the men and the women who fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward. (33:35)

The truth is jannah was not created by a man and it was not created only for men. It was created as an eternal abode for the righteous and it was created by He who knows His creation’s deepest desires. It was created by the Most Merciful, ArRahan Ar Raheem.

So...what do we have in store for us?

We cannot even IMAGINE what is in store for us.

Allah said: "And when you look there [in Paradise] you will see a delight [that cannot be imagined]. and a great dominion" [76:20]

Abu Hurayrah Radiya Allah Anhoo narrated hat the Prophet Sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam said that Allah (swt) said, "I have prepared for My slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine". Recite if you wish, "No person know what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do." (32:17).

Imam Ahmad recorded from Suhayb ibn Sinan ar-Rumi: The Messenger of Allah recited, (the words meaning), “For those who have done good is the best and even more.” [Sura Yunus, 26]

Think about the thing you want most from this world. Seriously. And now X that by 10, no 100, no 1,000 times. Jannah is the place where Al Kareem- the most Generous- rewards His servants. :D

“Therein will be a running spring.
Therein will be thrones raised high.
And cups set at hand.
And cushions set in rows.
And rich carpets (all) spread out”
[al-Ghaashiyah 88:12-16]

And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith - We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person, for what he earned, is retained. (52: 21)

And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions. (4: 69)

Not only will we have our family with us (inshaAllah,ya Rubb), and the prophets, martyrs as our companions, we will never hear a single ‘rude word’. Nobody calling you ugly, stupid, or anything hurtful. Just peace and bliss :D

"Where they shall hear neither harmful speech nor falsehood" [88:11]

"And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury: [they will be] brothers [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity]" [15:47]

Let's take a look also at Ibn Al Qayyim's description of Paradise..

“And if you ask about its ground and its soil, then it is of musk and saffron.
And if you ask about its roof, then it is the Throne of the Most Merciful.
And if you ask about its rocks, then they are pearls and jewels.
And if you ask about its buildings, then they are made of bricks of gold and silver.And if you ask about its trees, then it does not contain a single tree except that its trunk is made of gold and silver.
And if you ask about its fruits, then they are softer than butter and sweeter than honey.
And if you ask about its leaves, then they are softer than the softest cloth.
And if you ask about its rivers, then there are rivers of milk who’s taste does not change, and rivers of wine that is delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of honey that is pure, and rivers of water that is fresh.
And if you ask about their food, then it is fruits from whatever they will choose, and the meat of whatever birds they desire.
And if you ask about their drink, then it is Tasneem, ginger, and Kaafoor.
And if you ask about their drinking cups, then they are crystal-clear and made of gold and silver.
And if you ask about its shade, then a fast rider would ride in the shade of one of its trees for a hundred years and not escape it.
.....

He goes on to say:

And if you ask about the Day of Increase (in reward) and the visit of the all-Mighty, all-Wise, and the sight of His Face – free from any resemblance or likeness to anything – as you see the Sun in the middle of the day and the full Moon on a cloudless night, then listen on the day that the caller will call: ‘O People of Paradise! Your Lord – Blessed and Exalted – requests you to visit Him, so come to visit Him!’ So they will say: ‘We hear and obey!’

Until, when they finally reach the wide valley where they will all meet – and none of them will turn down the request of the caller – the Lord – Blessed and Exalted – will order His Chair to be brought there. Then, pulpits of light will emerge, as well as pulpits of pearls, gemstone, gold, and silver. The lowest of them in rank will sit on sheets of musk, and will not see what those who are on the chairs above them are given. When they are comfortable where they are sitting and are secure in their places, and the caller calls: ‘O People of Paradise! You have an appointment with Allaah in which He wishes to reward you!’ So they will say: ‘And what is that reward? Has He not already made our faces bright, made our scales heavy, entered us into Paradise, and pushed us away from the Fire?’


And when they are like that, all of a sudden a light shines that encompasses all of Paradise. So, they raise their heads, and, behold: the Compeller – Exalted is He, and Holy are His Names – has come to them from above them and majestified them and said: ‘O People of Paradise! Peace be upon you!’ So, this greeting will not be responded to with anything better than: ‘O Allaah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!’ So the Lord – Blessed and Exalted – will laugh to them and say: ‘O People of Paradise! Where are those who used to obey Me without having ever seen Me? This is the Day of Increase!’


So, they will all give the same response: ‘We are pleased, so be pleased with us!’ So, He will say: ‘O People of Paradise! If I were not pleased with you, I would not have made you inhabitants of My Paradise! So, ask of Me!’ So, they will all give the same response: ‘Show us your Face so that we may look at it!’ So, the Lord – Mighty and Majestic – will remove his covering and will majestify them and will cover them with His Light, which, if Allaah – the Exalted – had not Willed not to burn them, would have burned them.

And there will not remain a single person in this gathering except that his Lord – the Exalted – will speak to him and say: ‘Do you remember the day that you did this and that?’ and He will remind him of some of his bad deeds in the Worldy life, so he will say: ‘O Lord! Will you not forgive me?’ So, He will say:‘Of course! You have not reached this position of yours (in Paradise) except by my forgiveness.’

So, how sweet is this speech to the ears, and how cooled are the righteous eyes by the glance at His Noble Face in the Afterlife…

{Some faces that Day will be shining and radiant, looking at their Lord…} (al-Qiyaamah:22-3) (Quoted from: here)

Well, what about women specifically? 

This is a nice short clip for us:

But this was a longer note that I thought was relevant;

Now some people, mostly non-muslims still ask a question that: there will be multiple wives or houris (hoor al-Ayn/hur ul-Ayn/hoors/hurs) in Islamic Paradise for Muslim men then what is for Muslim women?

The situation of the believing woman in Paradise will be better than the situation of the houris (hoor al-Ayn); she will be higher in status and more beautiful. If a righteous woman from among the people of this world enters Paradise, then she will do so as a reward for her righteous deeds and as an honour from Allah to her for her religious commitment and righteousness. As for the houri who is one of the delights of Paradise, is an immortal woman, who does not age. She speaks softly and does not raise voice at her man; she is always reconciled with him. Having been brought up in luxury, she is a luxury herself, she has only been created in Paradise for the sake of someone else, and has been made the reward for the believing man for his righteous deeds. There is a great difference between one who enters Paradise as a reward for her righteous deeds and the one who was created as a reward for one who did righteous deeds. The former is a queen and a princess, and the latter, no matter how beautiful she is, is undoubtedly lower in status than a queen, and she (houri) is subject to the command of her believing master (man) for whom Allah created her as a reward.

The main reason why the Qur’an and Hadiths are stressing the fact that men will get Houris (Hoor al-Ayn) is because it is more appealing to men than promising virgin men to women. Men are more sexually active and therefore are facing a lot of difficulty (especially in the teenage years) to remain chaste. There are a lot of temptations in this world. That is why that Allah keeps promising these virgin girls to those that remain patient and steadfast. That way, this motivates the unmarried men to remain chaste and be patient because they know they have something better waiting for them in the next life.

Now with all these proofs you can easily invalidate the argument made by some non-Muslims that women will not get any benefits out of the Islamic Paradise. The men and women are equal in the sight of Allah (SWT) except for those whom are more pious. Just because they're equal doesn’t mean they're exactly the same. They have physical, mental and emotional differences. Men have superiority over women in certain aspects such as physical strength, while women have more superiority over men from a caring and nurturing perspective. In the same manner, like our differences, they may have rewards that are different from one another, but that in no way suggest inequality. For instance, if you want to reward your son for something, perhaps you'll let him play a video game for example, whereas if you want to reward your daughter, perhaps you'll let her invite her friend over, or buy her something nice.

Therefore, men and women have different needs and wants so obviously rewards would differ. But overall, the rewards for both men and women will be equal (but not same) as Allah (SWT) says in the following verses of the Holy Quran:

They and their wives shall be in shades, reclining on raised couches. [Qur'an, Surah 36:56]

They will have with their Lord whatever they desire; that is the reward of those who good. [Qur'an, Surah, 39:34]

Enter the garden, you and your wives; you shall be made happy. [Qur'an, Surah 43:70]

So their Lord accepted their prayer: That I will not waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female... [Qur'an, Surah 3:195]

(If you want to read more, click on the link above to read the rest of the note).


I hope, inshaAllah, this satisfies your dear sister....and remember, Allah subhanoo Wa' Tala is the Most Merciful and Generous. 

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The Fairer Sex

Aselemoo alyekoom sisters,
I have many questions to ask you, but my biggest question is what are women's rights in Islam. I have been reading so much lately that I am starting to get confused. Can you tell me how you reconcile the fact that women must wear hijab, stay at home, etc. with women's rights? Is it alright to be a feminist and be a Muslim or not?

wa'alykum as salam wa rahmatullah wa barkatoo,
Dearest Sis,

This is a fantastic question. Unfortunately, the media often tries to portray Islam as a religion that oppresses women; the truth is the very opposite- Islam elevated the status of women. In fact, if by feminism you mean 'advocating the equality between men and women' (and not the sameness of men and women), then, yes, Islam is a feminist religion. Islam preaches that men and women are EQUAL....

But don't just take my word for it.

Let's take out our Holy Book. It is the Quran which clearly tells us in many ayahs that men and women are equal in the sight of God, created from a single soul (Adam).

O Mankind, keep your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate (of same kind) and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women" (Qur'an 4: 1).

He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and therefrom did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)...(Qur'an 7:189)

And their Lord has accepted (their prayers) and answered them (saying): 'Never will I cause to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female; you are members, one of another... (3:195; cf 9:71;33:35-36;66:19-21

Moreover, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that men and women are like twins or siblings!

What's more, unlike the Biblical tradition which put the blame of sin on Eve, Islamic tradition rejects the idea that Eve is the one who encouraged Adam to sin and instead sees it as a shortcoming on both of their parts’. Both did a mistake. Both repented and both were forgiven.

It should be clear then, that Islam promotes the equality of both genders. It's just that Islam says that they are 'distinct' (biologically, physically, etc.), each with their own roles to fulfill; however, these roles in no way signify that women are 'less'...

Let's take a closer look at the different roles a woman may have in her life (as a daughter, wife, and mother):

As a daughter: Islam completely changed the attitude people had about daughters. Before Islam, the Arabs used to bury their daughters alive! The Quran denounced this barbaric custom just as it criticized the attitudes prevalent at the time:

When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on? (Qur'an 16: 58-59).

However, Islam went even more than just being critical of such attitudes. It linked heaven to having daughters and treating them well. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said whoever has three daughters, takes care of them, and gives them a good upbringing will be rewarded heaven. He, then, agreed that the same reward would be given to anyone who has two daughters. As far as my knowledge, there is no hadith that explicitly grants the same reward for having three sons or two sons- proof that daughters are very elevated.

As a wife: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him said) that a woman who has hit puberty must give her consent for a marriage to be valid. Thus, Islamically speaking, a woman cannot be forced to marry anyone against her will.

Furthermore, a marriage contract is not valid unless a woman is given a gift or mahr to symbolize affection. This belongs to her alone- it’s not given to her father/ husband. (It’s very similar to the Western idea a man has to buy a ‘diamond’ ring if he wants to propose)

Moreover, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes that there should be love and mercy between spouses and that both have rights over each other.

And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect."(Qur'an 30:2 1).

And they (women) have rights (over their husbands) similar (to those of their husbands) over them as regards to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.) [2:228].

But what truly shows the elevated status of a wife are a number of hadiths, including:

This world is nothing but temporary conveniences, and the greatest joy in this world is a righteous woman.”

“The Prophet said, “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family.”

He also said, “The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 7396)

It is important to note that just as Islam gave women the right to reject suitors, it gave them the right to ask for divorce if they find themselves in unhappy or seriously unfulfilling marriages.

Another important side note is the fact that when women marry, they do not take their husband’s name but keep their own last name- this is to emphasize that they are individuals with rights, not some property that changes ownership.

As a mother: The Quran repeatedly reminds us that our parents have rights over us- so much so, we are commanded not even to utter “ouf” (or the least sign of annoyance). But mothers, especially, have an elevated status. It is doubtful that any other religion has elevated their status to the same degree.

In fact, a man once came to the Prophet and said, “O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘Your mother’. The man said,’ Then who else?’ The Prophet said,’ Your mother’. The man said, ‘Then who else?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother’. The man asked, ‘Then who else?’ Only then did the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say, Your father. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Furthermore, recognizing how painful labor is, the Prophet revealed that at the very first contraction a woman experiences, all of her sins are erased. Also, the Prophet said that any woman who dies while in labor is considered a martyr.

Islam thinks so highly of mothers that Muslims are told they can never repay their mothers, no matter what good they may do. What is more, the Prophet told us to remain at our mothers’ feet because that is where heaven lies.

To fully demonstrate how important mothers are, the Prophet revealed that before Islam, there was a man who used to worship Allah and who would pray a lot. Whenever he would start his supplementary prayers (extra ones beyond the obligatory prayers), his mother would call his name to ask him to do something- the man would wonder whether he should continue praying or answer his mother’s call, but he would reason that his prayer was more important and he would ignore her. His mother became very upset one time and she prayed against him. Allah granted her prayer teaching us that obeying our mothers is more important than supplementary acts of worship.

Finally in every Lesser pilgrimage (umrah) and Hajj, Muslim men, especially, are told to commemorate Hajar, Abraham’s wife’s, struggle to find water for her son, Ismael, after Prophet Abraham left her in the desert at the command of Allah. Thus, Muslim men imitate her, running where she ran between the mountains looking for water. Is there any other religion that has so memorialized a mother’s act of love?

(An important note is that Muslim women are given the right to abortion only if their pregnancy endangers their health.)

So far, it should appear obvious, then, that women are highly esteemed as daughters, wives, and mothers. Each role in fact, elevates their status.

But what about women's economic rights in Islam?

Again, Islam has given women rights that no modern society has been able to match. Muslims believe that men are financially responsible for women- thus, they must secure decent clothing, housing, food, etc for their wives and daughters (and their female relatives, such as their sisters, mothers, etc if their “guardians” have passed away) regardless of whether or not the women in the family have money. Let us say, for instance, a woman makes $100,000 a year. This does not mean her husband does not have to pay for her financial needs- Islamically, he is still supposed to pay for her basic finances! Interestingly enough, women are not under any obligations to pay or help out financially in their homes. Their money belongs solely to them- completely at their disposal. How can anyone think that this system oppresses women? As for working, Islam believes that motherhood is such a sacred duty that it should come first before work. However, women may work if they find suitable jobs where they do not have to compromise religious principles.

Related to this, is the fact that Islam gave women the right to own and sell property just as it gave them the right to inherit. These may seem like basic rights, but two or three hundred years ago, many Western women still did not have these rights!

Thus, economically, women are not oppressed at all.

How about women as individuals? Many people often think of Muslim women as oppressed, silent shadows. Although some women may be oppressed, this is due to cultural backwardness rather than Islam. Women in Islam have always played an active role. The first person to believe in Prophet Mohammed was his wife, Khadija (May Allah be pleased with her). The first martyr in Islam was a woman. Besides being pioneers and fighting alongside men in wars, women were scholars. It was under Aisha’s tutelage, one of the Prophet’s wives, (May Allah be pleased with her) that many of the scholars learned about Islam.

Scholars? Really? So Islam isn't against women being educated?

Of course NOT! Did you know that the first degree granting university ever built in the entire world was built by two Muslim sisters in the 9th century (in 859)? Princess Fatima al-Firhi and her sister built the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University in Morocco long before Western women were even given the right to enter a university!

Therefore, as should be obvious, Islam did not oppress women.

It liberated them.

Love,

P.s. As for hijab, when a woman adorns the hijab, she is signaling to the world that she is a Muslim and has submitted herself to her Lord. She rejects the idea that anyone should be able to look at her and instead, declares her body her own private property- firmly, she tells the world that she will not parade her beauty and instead will only reveal it to the people who truly love and value her. Thus, she decides who will be able to see what and how much (of course, it is Allah who decided who can see what but by wearing the hijab a Muslim woman shows that she accepts His Wisdom). Doesn't this sound like the ultimate feminist tool? Besides, it allows women to be flag bearers of their faith. And let's not forget that men also have a dress-code to follow.

P.s.S.  Please read this link, too!! http://www.yasminmogahed.com/2011/12/12/empowerment-of-women-speech/

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