AH! THE MODERN WOMEN

The feminist movement is being flaunted with such fanfare by the West that one expects Europe and America to be a paradise for women – women who lead contented lives with absolute independence, equality and self-respect. However, the movement is proving to be so tragic, that the West is now facing a new threat - a wave of hatred that is termed ‘Domestic Violence.” The United Nations Centre for social development and human affairs survey reveals an alarming rate of divorce, domestic violence, wife bashing, rape and a complete disregard for the rights of women and children.

The entire family structure in these countries has collapsed, streets have become the centre of activities, restaurants and parks have become the places of romantic ventures. Although the results of this movement are appalling, Muslims are now embracing the very movement many people in Europe are discrediting.

Muslim women need to be convinced of their “role” in society. They ought to guard against reducing themselves to sensual pawns, who satisfy the beastly lust of perverted men. They need to appreciate the status conferred upon them by Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa). Islam has given woman rights and privileges which no other religious or constitutional systems have ever bestowed on them.

Do you know the status of a woman as:
1. A mother
The last and most beloved Prophet of Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa), Hadhrat Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) has said: ‘Paradise lies under the feet of your mother’. (Bukhari)

Hadhrat Aayishah narrates that Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) said, “I (slept and) saw myself in Jannah (Paradise), I heard therein (someone) reciting (the Quraan)”.

I asked: “Who is this?”

They (Angels) replied: “Haaritha bin Nu’maan”.

They exclaimed: “Such status could only be achieved through kindness! Such status could only be achieved through kindness!’ He (Nu’maan) achieved this distinction because he was most kind and dutiful to his mother”.

2. A wife
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Amr narrates that Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) said:

“The world - all of it is but a (perishable) commodity (inclusive of men). The best commodity of the world is a pious wife”. (Muslim)

Hadhrat Aayishah narrates that Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) said, “The best amongst you is the one who is best towards his wife.” (Tirmizi)

3. As a daughter or sister
Hadhrat Ibne Abbas narrates that Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) has said:

“He who supports three daughters or the like number of sisters — he educates them, and displays mercy to them — until Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) makes themselves sufficient (i.e. through marriage), Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) makes paradise compulsory for him”.

A man asked: “What about two (daughters or sisters)? (Will the same be applicable for two?)”.

The answer described the same reward for it also.

It was said that if he would have been asked about one, he would have replied with the same rewards.

4. A widow or divorcee
Hadhrat Suraaqah bin Maalik narrates that Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) said:

“Should I not direct you to the most virtuous charity? Money spent on your daughter – who has returned to you (because of divorce or death of her spouse). She has no other breadwinner besides you. (lbne Maajah)

Do you know the rights of women as:
1. A mother
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah narrates that a man asked:

“O Prophet of Allah! Who is most entitled to my kindness and companionship?”

He replied: “Your mother.”

He asked: “Then who?”

Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) replied: “Your mother.”

He (the man) again asked: “Then who?”

Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) replied: “Your mother — thereafter your father.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

2. A wife
Hadhrat Hakeem bin Mu’aawiyah reports from his father, who said: I asked, “O Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa)’s Apostle (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam)! What rights a wife have over the husband?

He replied:
“To feed her when you eat, to clothe her when you clothe yourself. Do not beat her on the face, nor insult her — nor shun her except in the confines of the house”. (Ahmed)

In the farewell pilgrimage the Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) informed the Sahaabah (Companion of the Prophet), “……………..It is incumbent upon you to provide their food and dress in accordance with good custom. I command you to treat women well, because they are like captives in your houses, possessing nothing for themselves. You take them as a trust from Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) and permit yourselves the enjoyment of their persons by means of a word of Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa). Therefore fear Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) with regard to women. I command you to treat them well……………...”

3. A daughter
Hadhrat Ibne Abbas narrates that Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) has said: “He who has a daughter and does not bury her alive, nor disgrace her, nor does he prefers his sons over her, Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) will admit him to Jannah.” (Abu Dawood)

Women’s Rights in General
Equal Partner in the Process of Procreation
Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) says in the Holy Quraan:
“O Humankind! Verily We have created you of a male and female, and We have made you nations and tribes that ye might know one another. Verily the noblest of you with Allah is the most God-fearing of you; verily Allah is Knowing, Aware.” (49:13)

Equal to Man in Bearing Responsibility and Earning Reward
The Holy Quraan states:
“And their Lord has accepted (their prayers) and answered them (saying) “never will I cause to be lost the work of any one of you, be he male or female. You are members, one of another.” (3:195)

Right to Contract, and Earn Independently
The Holy Quraan states:
“From what is left by the (deceased) parents and nearest relatives — there is a share for men and a share for women....” (Nisaa, 4:7)

The Holy Quraan, further, states:
“For men is a share of what they earn and for women is a share of what they earn.” (4:32)

Pleas of Both Men and Women are Heard
“Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the women who pleads with Thee concerning her husband — she carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah, and Allah always hears the arguments between both of you (58:1)

Gender Equality
The Holy Quraan states:
“For them (women) are rights similar to those (expected) of them.”

The rights and responsibili- ties of women are equal to those of man, but are not necessarily identical. People are tinted equal but not identical. The fact that Islam gives her equal but not identical rights shows that Islam recognizes her independent personality — she is not simply a duplicate of man.

Reward for Women
Hadhrat Asmaa binte Yazeed Ansari came to the Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) and said, “O, Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa)’s Apostle (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam)! You are dearer to me than my parents. The Muslim women have deputed me as their representative to talk to you on their behalf. Verily you are the prophet of Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) for both men and women. We stay for most part of our time within the four walls of our houses. We fulfill our duties as wives, bearing children for them and looking after their homes. And not withstanding all this, men excel us in rewards for things, which we are unable to do. They perform their daily Salaah and weekly Salaatul Jumu’ah in the Masjid, visit the sick, attend the Janaazah, perform Hajj after Hajj and participate in Jihad. We look after their property, bring up their children and weave cloth for them. Do we not share their rewards with them?”

The Holy Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) addressing the Sahabah sitting around him, said: “Did you ever hear a lady asking a better question?” The Sahaabah replied:

“O Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa)’s Apostle (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam)! We never thought that a woman could ever ask such a question.”

Nabi (SAW) addressing Asina said: “Listen attentively, mid then go and tell the ladies who have sent you that then a woman seeks the pleasure other husband and carries out her domestic fimetions to his satisfaction, she receives the same reward as the men get for all their services to Allah”

Do Women Seek to Exchange the Better for the Worse?
The Banu lsra’eel were given “Mann and Salwa” which ware, actually, foods from Jannah.

They instead said:
“O, Moosa! We cannot endure one kind of food — we want herbs, cucumbers, garlic, lentils and onions. He (Prophet Moosa) said: “Do you seek to exchange the better for the worse?” (2:6l)

Do Muslim Women Demand to be Slaves Instead of Queens?
Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) has not burdened you with the responsibility of earning your own livelihood and working laboriously in shops and offices.

The Consequences of the Bani Isra’eel’s Demand
“Humiliation and misery were over them.” (2:61)

The Consequences of Shunning the Confines of the Home
Women become vulnerable and they expose themselves to harassment, abuse and molestation.
The family unit disintegrates, especially the parent child relationship.
It gives rise to undue tension and suspicion between husband and wife.
The Kinsely Report (USA) Discloses about such a Society:
50 percent of American women (of all ages) lose their virginity before marriage.
25 percent violate the marriage-bed and feel no regret for betraying their husbands.
62 percent masturbate.
95 percent succumb to petting.
The above statistics prove beyond any shadow of doubt that under the spell of materialistic creeds, morals dwindle, manners deteriorate, corruption increases and vulgarity becomes the value of the day. Is this the civilization the modern women want to emulate?