Are Muslim women oppressed?

Reema · 09-06-2007, 04:44 PM

This article is taken from a site.

Among the many topics of interest to non-Muslims, the status of Muslim women and the theme of their rights -- or rather, the perceived lack of them – seems to be foremost. The media’s portrayal of Muslim women, usually outlining their “oppression and mystery” seems to contribute to this negative perception.

The main reason for this is that people often fail to distinguish between culture and religion -- two things that are completely different. In fact, Islam condemns oppression of any kind whether it is towards a woman or humankind in general.

The Quran is the sacred book by which Muslims live. This book was revealed 1400 years ago to a man named Muhammad –peace be upon him-, who would later become the Prophet –peace be upon him-. Fourteen centuries have passed and this book has not been changed since, not one letter has been altered.

In chapter 33, entitled Soorah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans), verse 59 Allaah The Exalted Almighty Says (what means): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known (as free respectable women) and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 33:59] This verse shows that Islam makes wearing a Hijaab necessary. Hijaab is the word used for covering, not only the headscarves (as some people may think) but also wearing loose clothes that are not too bright.

Sometimes, people see covered Muslim women and they think of this as oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, in fact, she is liberated. This is because she is no longer valued for something material, such as her good looks or the shape of her body. She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality. Therefore, people judge her for who she actually is.

When Muslim women cover their hair and wear loose clothes, they are obeying the orders of their Lord to be modest, not cultural or social mores. In fact, Christian nuns cover their hair out of modesty, yet no one considers them “oppressed”. By following the command of Allaah, Muslim women are doing the exact same thing.

The lives of the people who responded to the Quran have changed drastically. It had a tremendous impact on so many people, especially women, since this was the first time that the souls of man and women were declared equal -- with the same obligations as well as the same rewards.

For the first time in history, women were granted economic independence in Islam. The money they bring in to marriage is theirs as well as the money they earn. In Islam, women are allowed to choose their own husbands and in extreme cases, ask for divorce. A woman has the right to be educated, contrary to what the contemporary world might think. The responsibility is that of the person who is raising her.

Islam is a religion that holds women in high regard. Long ago, when baby boys were born, they brought great joy to the family. The birth of a girl was greeted with considerably less joy and enthusiasm. Sometimes, girls were hated so much that they were buried alive. Islam has always been against this irrational discrimination against girls and female infanticide.

The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female)." Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.

While maintenance of their homes, providing support to the husband and bearing, raising and teaching children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so. However, this is allowed only as long as her family obligations are met and as long as she complies with the Islamic code of dress and conduct, with no intermingling with men in the workplace.

Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This differentiation in no way diminishes the effort or benefit of one gender over the other. God will reward both genders equally for the value of their work, though it may not necessarily be within the same sphere of activity.

The two great roles a woman plays in life are that of a wife and a mother. The Prophet –peace be upon him-, once said to a group of Companions:

Concerning motherhood, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers." This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers who raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent.

A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and asked: "Who among my kinfolk is worthy of my good companionship?" The Prophet –peace be upon him-, replied: "Your mother" three times before saying: "Your father." This indicates the impact that a mother has in a person's life. So women are highly honored in this great religion.

Islam is a religion that treats women fairly. The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy even today in the West. These rights are from God and are designed to maintain a balance in society; what may seem “unjust” or “missing” in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.

From: Al-Jumu’ah Vol. 14

"The best among you are those who are the best to their wives." This shows that Islam highly encourages treating the wives well. They should be shown love, respect and care. To foster the love and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife's rights is to receive dowry, a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage.

The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands.

Pherdnut · 09-13-2007, 06:19 AM

If they didn't want to wear the coverings would they be allowed to take them off without fear of persecution? No? That's the oppression, not the coverings themselves.

Nuns have a choice in whether they want to become nuns or not. It's not a requirement of the Catholic religion or any country that I'm aware of.

It doesn't bother me in countries like the US where the church is separated from religion because I know if that woman really hates her life because of it, she can leave it behind and start her own version of Islam if she really wants to. I don't think that's the case in a lot of Middle Eastern territories.

faraclit · 09-20-2007, 08:38 AM

I think that there is a difference in the perception of things according to cultures.
As I think of my country (paradoxically a Muslim country, Turkey) women who have covered their body by obeying the rule of the religion, cannot attend to any educational institution of the state. But I as a university student, I observe theat they regard this as an oppression and the ywant to struggle against it.

As Reema stated culture and religion are interrelated but different concepts. I can give a useful reference in order to understand the philosophy behind the covering in Islam,
this part of a theological source have pricese information:
The Twenty-Fourth Flash
If there are someone who are willing to investigate it (trying to put off their prejudices off), this would be of great benefit.

Another point is that the only country that persecutes "inappropriate clothing" is Iran, not the whole Muslim World.

And Islam is not the "property" of any culture or civilization. The fact that Islam is the fastest-spreading religion amongst wholly different cultural environments, may support this sentence.

Hoping not to hurt the feelings of anyone,

best regards from Turkey

I_notGenerous · 09-20-2007, 10:27 PM

By rights Muslim women should not have the feelings of insecurity in them. Its only because some men they played with their integrity and sacrifice their values to relieve the compulsion of their multiple needs...etc. you can always refer to surah Anisah and I think you can gather your thoughts there.

faraclit · 09-24-2007, 10:30 AM

The passage that I referred was the tafseer (systematic commentary of Qur'an) on the verse that you have just told. It is good for it combines knowledge from Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet PBUH), Qur'an and practical and philosophical aspects of the veiling.

I_notGenerous · 09-24-2007, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reema

This article is taken from a site.

Among the many topics of interest to non-Muslims, the status of Muslim women and the theme of their rights -- or rather, the perceived lack of them – seems to be foremost. The media’s portrayal of Muslim women, usually outlining their “oppression and mystery” seems to contribute to this negative perception.

The main reason for this is that people often fail to distinguish between culture and religion -- two things that are completely different. In fact, Islam condemns oppression of any kind whether it is towards a woman or humankind in general.

The Quran is the sacred book by which Muslims live. This book was revealed 1400 years ago to a man named Muhammad –peace be upon him-, who would later become the Prophet –peace be upon him-. Fourteen centuries have passed and this book has not been changed since, not one letter has been altered.

In chapter 33, entitled Soorah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans), verse 59 Allaah The Exalted Almighty Says (what means): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known (as free respectable women) and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 33:59] This verse shows that Islam makes wearing a Hijaab necessary. Hijaab is the word used for covering, not only the headscarves (as some people may think) but also wearing loose clothes that are not too bright.

Sometimes, people see covered Muslim women and they think of this as oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, in fact, she is liberated. This is because she is no longer valued for something material, such as her good looks or the shape of her body. She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality. Therefore, people judge her for who she actually is.

When Muslim women cover their hair and wear loose clothes, they are obeying the orders of their Lord to be modest, not cultural or social mores. In fact, Christian nuns cover their hair out of modesty, yet no one considers them “oppressed”. By following the command of Allaah, Muslim women are doing the exact same thing.

The lives of the people who responded to the Quran have changed drastically. It had a tremendous impact on so many people, especially women, since this was the first time that the souls of man and women were declared equal -- with the same obligations as well as the same rewards.

For the first time in history, women were granted economic independence in Islam. The money they bring in to marriage is theirs as well as the money they earn. In Islam, women are allowed to choose their own husbands and in extreme cases, ask for divorce. A woman has the right to be educated, contrary to what the contemporary world might think. The responsibility is that of the person who is raising her.

Islam is a religion that holds women in high regard. Long ago, when baby boys were born, they brought great joy to the family. The birth of a girl was greeted with considerably less joy and enthusiasm. Sometimes, girls were hated so much that they were buried alive. Islam has always been against this irrational discrimination against girls and female infanticide.

The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female)." Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.

While maintenance of their homes, providing support to the husband and bearing, raising and teaching children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so. However, this is allowed only as long as her family obligations are met and as long as she complies with the Islamic code of dress and conduct, with no intermingling with men in the workplace.

Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This differentiation in no way diminishes the effort or benefit of one gender over the other. God will reward both genders equally for the value of their work, though it may not necessarily be within the same sphere of activity.

The two great roles a woman plays in life are that of a wife and a mother. The Prophet –peace be upon him-, once said to a group of Companions:

Concerning motherhood, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers." This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers who raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent.

A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and asked: "Who among my kinfolk is worthy of my good companionship?" The Prophet –peace be upon him-, replied: "Your mother" three times before saying: "Your father." This indicates the impact that a mother has in a person's life. So women are highly honored in this great religion.

Islam is a religion that treats women fairly. The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy even today in the West. These rights are from God and are designed to maintain a balance in society; what may seem “unjust” or “missing” in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.

From: Al-Jumu’ah Vol. 14

"The best among you are those who are the best to their wives." This shows that Islam highly encourages treating the wives well. They should be shown love, respect and care. To foster the love and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife's rights is to receive dowry, a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage.

The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands.

Dear Reema,

Hii...I have read the above with interest. I have no doubts that to be modest is every woman responsibility. We weigh our own consequences if we do not take care on what is necessary..eg like wearing a hijab is to protect ourselves from any discrimination of the unseen.

I also agreed that Islam treats a woman fairly and its revelation since 1400 years ago. But its a sad thing that for some Muslim countries are still weak in maintaining some Islamic rights on women and till now some Muslims' women do not receive good education and justice from their husbands or ex husbands. Such countries with poor leadership and corrupted politicians are disastrous to children, women and parents. (elderly)

Women need to be educated to contribute fairly to the nation; nurturing our children and the community. It is okay to intergrate with the society for men and women as long as we have integrity, the intelligence and carry ourselves well in the community.

Men or women, you are right both gender have the same equality in the eyes of God. Both have responsibilities to be part of role model in the family and society.

I think the best role model of a man, that is :he is a great leader and has good self restraint.Thank you...I think Reema, you are lucky to be born as a Saudi woman...where men still be can be a good provider and protection for the women and may be I cannot really conclude that women is mostly non vocal in Saudia. There are lot of changes now..than before. But for some Muslim countries eg..Afganistan..and some poor countries...women suffer the most. Due to socio economic problems etc...and I do not think polygamy resolved any of the above solutions...

So, Reema...please think about it. Thank you.

zanjabeel · 09-27-2007, 06:35 PM

transborted

What Is the Status of Women in Islam?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings without any guardianship over her (whether that be her father, husband, or anyone else). She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts and charity, and may spend her money as she pleases. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband’s.

Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife well, as the Prophet Muhammad said: {The best among you are those who are best to their wives.}1

Mothers in Islam are highly honored. Islam recommends treating them in the best way. A man came to the Prophet Muhammad and said, “O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet said: {Then your mother.} The man further asked, “Then who?” The Prophet said: {Then your mother.} The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet said: {Then your father.}2

(For in-depth articles on women in Islam, please refer to the links at In-Depth Articles on Women in Islam.)

Next: The Family in Islam

_____________________________

Footnotes:

(1) Narrated in Ibn Majah, #1978, and Al-Tirmizi, #3895.

(2) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2548, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #5971.

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09-06-2007, 04:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Reema Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Saudi Arabia Posts: 120 Reema is learning to walk	Are Muslim women oppressed? This article is taken from a site. Among the many topics of interest to non-Muslims, the status of Muslim women and the theme of their rights -- or rather, the perceived lack of them – seems to be foremost. The media’s portrayal of Muslim women, usually outlining their “oppression and mystery” seems to contribute to this negative perception. The main reason for this is that people often fail to distinguish between culture and religion -- two things that are completely different. In fact, Islam condemns oppression of any kind whether it is towards a woman or humankind in general. The Quran is the sacred book by which Muslims live. This book was revealed 1400 years ago to a man named Muhammad –peace be upon him-, who would later become the Prophet –peace be upon him-. Fourteen centuries have passed and this book has not been changed since, not one letter has been altered. In chapter 33, entitled Soorah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans), verse 59 Allaah The Exalted Almighty Says (what means): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known (as free respectable women) and not be abused. And ever is Allaah Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 33:59] This verse shows that Islam makes wearing a Hijaab necessary. Hijaab is the word used for covering, not only the headscarves (as some people may think) but also wearing loose clothes that are not too bright. Sometimes, people see covered Muslim women and they think of this as oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, in fact, she is liberated. This is because she is no longer valued for something material, such as her good looks or the shape of her body. She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality. Therefore, people judge her for who she actually is. When Muslim women cover their hair and wear loose clothes, they are obeying the orders of their Lord to be modest, not cultural or social mores. In fact, Christian nuns cover their hair out of modesty, yet no one considers them “oppressed”. By following the command of Allaah, Muslim women are doing the exact same thing. The lives of the people who responded to the Quran have changed drastically. It had a tremendous impact on so many people, especially women, since this was the first time that the souls of man and women were declared equal -- with the same obligations as well as the same rewards. For the first time in history, women were granted economic independence in Islam. The money they bring in to marriage is theirs as well as the money they earn. In Islam, women are allowed to choose their own husbands and in extreme cases, ask for divorce. A woman has the right to be educated, contrary to what the contemporary world might think. The responsibility is that of the person who is raising her. Islam is a religion that holds women in high regard. Long ago, when baby boys were born, they brought great joy to the family. The birth of a girl was greeted with considerably less joy and enthusiasm. Sometimes, girls were hated so much that they were buried alive. Islam has always been against this irrational discrimination against girls and female infanticide. The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female)." Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests. While maintenance of their homes, providing support to the husband and bearing, raising and teaching children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so. However, this is allowed only as long as her family obligations are met and as long as she complies with the Islamic code of dress and conduct, with no intermingling with men in the workplace. Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This differentiation in no way diminishes the effort or benefit of one gender over the other. God will reward both genders equally for the value of their work, though it may not necessarily be within the same sphere of activity. The two great roles a woman plays in life are that of a wife and a mother. The Prophet –peace be upon him-, once said to a group of Companions: Concerning motherhood, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers." This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers who raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent. A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and asked: "Who among my kinfolk is worthy of my good companionship?" The Prophet –peace be upon him-, replied: "Your mother" three times before saying: "Your father." This indicates the impact that a mother has in a person's life. So women are highly honored in this great religion. Islam is a religion that treats women fairly. The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy even today in the West. These rights are from God and are designed to maintain a balance in society; what may seem “unjust” or “missing” in one place is compensated for or explained in another place. From: Al-Jumu’ah Vol. 14 "The best among you are those who are the best to their wives." This shows that Islam highly encourages treating the wives well. They should be shown love, respect and care. To foster the love and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife's rights is to receive dowry, a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage. The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands.
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09-13-2007, 06:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
Pherdnut Brand New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Pherdnut is an unknown character at this point	If they didn't want to wear the coverings would they be allowed to take them off without fear of persecution? No? That's the oppression, not the coverings themselves. Nuns have a choice in whether they want to become nuns or not. It's not a requirement of the Catholic religion or any country that I'm aware of. It doesn't bother me in countries like the US where the church is separated from religion because I know if that woman really hates her life because of it, she can leave it behind and start her own version of Islam if she really wants to. I don't think that's the case in a lot of Middle Eastern territories.
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09-20-2007, 08:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
faraclit SAMURAI OF FARACLIT Join Date: May 2006 Location: ISTANBUL Posts: 66 faraclit is an unknown character at this point	I think that there is a difference in the perception of things according to cultures. As I think of my country (paradoxically a Muslim country, Turkey) women who have covered their body by obeying the rule of the religion, cannot attend to any educational institution of the state. But I as a university student, I observe theat they regard this as an oppression and the ywant to struggle against it. As Reema stated culture and religion are interrelated but different concepts. I can give a useful reference in order to understand the philosophy behind the covering in Islam, this part of a theological source have pricese information: The Twenty-Fourth Flash If there are someone who are willing to investigate it (trying to put off their prejudices off), this would be of great benefit. Another point is that the only country that persecutes "inappropriate clothing" is Iran, not the whole Muslim World. And Islam is not the "property" of any culture or civilization. The fact that Islam is the fastest-spreading religion amongst wholly different cultural environments, may support this sentence. Hoping not to hurt the feelings of anyone, best regards from Turkey __________________ "Every village must have its headman; every needle must have its manufacturer and craftsman. And, as you know, every letter must be written by someone. How, then, can it be that so extremely well-ordered a kingdom should have no ruler?" Bediuzzaman Said Nursi"
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09-20-2007, 10:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
I_notGenerous Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Singapore Posts: 42 I_notGenerous is an unknown character at this point	Are Muslim women oppressed? By rights Muslim women should not have the feelings of insecurity in them. Its only because some men they played with their integrity and sacrifice their values to relieve the compulsion of their multiple needs...etc. you can always refer to surah Anisah and I think you can gather your thoughts there.
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09-24-2007, 10:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
faraclit SAMURAI OF FARACLIT Join Date: May 2006 Location: ISTANBUL Posts: 66 faraclit is an unknown character at this point	The passage that I referred was the tafseer (systematic commentary of Qur'an) on the verse that you have just told. It is good for it combines knowledge from Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet PBUH), Qur'an and practical and philosophical aspects of the veiling. __________________ "Every village must have its headman; every needle must have its manufacturer and craftsman. And, as you know, every letter must be written by someone. How, then, can it be that so extremely well-ordered a kingdom should have no ruler?" Bediuzzaman Said Nursi"
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09-27-2007, 06:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
zanjabeel Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 9 zanjabeel is an unknown character at this point	transborted What Is the Status of Women in Islam? Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings without any guardianship over her (whether that be her father, husband, or anyone else). She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts and charity, and may spend her money as she pleases. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband’s. Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife well, as the Prophet Muhammad said: {The best among you are those who are best to their wives.}1 Mothers in Islam are highly honored. Islam recommends treating them in the best way. A man came to the Prophet Muhammad and said, “O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet said: {Then your mother.} The man further asked, “Then who?” The Prophet said: {Then your mother.} The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet said: {Then your father.}2 (For in-depth articles on women in Islam, please refer to the links at In-Depth Articles on Women in Islam.) Next: The Family in Islam _____________________________ Footnotes: (1) Narrated in Ibn Majah, #1978, and Al-Tirmizi, #3895. (2) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2548, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #5971. Previous Contents Next Home Page: Islam Guide: A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam, Muslims, & the Quran
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