By Hajar Ajam

"Many of the practices and laws in "Muslim" countries
have deviated from or are totally unrelated to the origins of Islam. Instead,
many of these ways, are based on cultural customs, which date from pre-Islamic tribal traditions."

Traditions and religious beliefs both contributed to the ill treatment of women in previous civilizations and societies. Arabian tribes were no different from other people when it came to mistreating women, although some were well treated in renowned tribes such as Quraish.

The burial of newborn female infants and girls was a common practice. They were seen as a burden to the family, for when poverty stroke, they would have to sustain an additional person. Moreover, when a tribe was attacked, the girls were taken as captives and raped, which brought much shame to the family and tribe.

Women were not allowed to inherit; not the daughter from her father nor the wife from her husband or the mother from her son. The Arabs left inheritance only to those who carried the sword and defended the tribe. Furthermore, the maternal relatives were of no importance; only the paternal family was recognized.

When the husband died, the wife was not allowed to leave his family, for as soon as he died, she was inherited by one of his relatives. She could not leave unless she paid to free herself. Moreover, when a woman was divorced, she was kept out of spite. She was thus not allowed to divorce, and when she was divorced, she could not leave.

Islam has changed the status of women, and changed the outlook that men have towards women. Islam revolutionized the world 1400 years ago when it gave women full access to their rights. To illustrate that point, one needs to only remember the West acknowledged women as beings who possessed a soul just less then 100 years ago. Islam recognized this fact 1400 years ago.

Let's consider the original creation of the woman as portrayed by the Qur'an.

"O humankind, be conscious of your Sustainer who has created you out of one living entity, and out of it created its mate, and out of the two spread abroad a multitude of men and women." (4:1)

The Qur'an does not subscribe to the view that Eve was created from the crooked rib of Adam and thus is of inferior status. Instead, it shows that both sexes are of equal standing. Moreover, The Qur’an assigns commands and prohibitions to both genders, which sets the tone for the status of women.

The concept of gender equality is very much stressed in Islam. It came at a time when it was necessary to elevate the status of women. As one of many examples, consider the rights of women in marriage and divorce. The precondition of marriage is the mutual agreement by both parties. Both men and women have equal rights to contract a marriage as well as dissolve it.

Furthermore, unlike other religions, Islam allows women to divorce their husbands if they feel that they have been dealt with unjustly or if she is miserable with her spouse, since marriage is based upon mutual responsibilities towards each other. Islam has also ensured the woman's right to remarry after a three-month refraining period, while in the not too distant past the world considered the right of a woman to marry as taboo.

As for social rights, Islam has always recognized the substantial role women play in society. The right of inheritance and the right of individual independent ownership unhampered by father, husband, brother, son or anyone else for that matter, has also been granted. They are given the freedom to pursue any profession including political stations. In both the past and present day, women in Islamic societies have reached political heights unparalleled within the most "advanced" western nations. Even in the earliest days of Islam, Aisha, Peace be upon her, lead an army of 30,000 soldiers.

Then why is Islam often portrayed as being oppressive towards women? A part is certainly due to the stereotyped image of Muslim women in the media. However, most of it is due to Muslims themselves. In which so-called "Islamic" country, do we see an exemplary treatment of Muslim women? This surely is not caused by our religious ideology but rather by our own negligence in understanding out religion.

Many of the practices and laws in "Muslim" countries have deviated from or are totally unrelated to the origins of Islam. Instead, many of these ways, are based on cultural customs, which date from pre-Islamic tribal traditions.

The status of women in Islam is one of equality and honor. Unfortunately, the present Islamic societies have chosen to disregard Allah’s limits to suit their own needs.

“These are the limits ordained by Allah so do not transgress them. If any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (themselves as well as others)”. (2:229)

Pre-Islamic traditions still remain imprinted in the hearts of many. Today more then ever, our Ummah is in great need of reform. May Allah strengthen our hearts with Iman and may He guide us to the right path. Ameen.

 

This article was originally published in the October edition of the Montreal Muslim youth publication called "Towards Mecca."