| 24 July 2010
The role of women, undoubtedly the words “role” and “women” are continuously used as if there is a particular role “specified” for women. Not all women are mothers, nor can they all afford going to University, or have a prestigious lifestyle, which enables them to be educated, to work, and to manage sufficient time for their children. If there is anything for women to learn, be they Muslim, Christian, Jewish, atheist or whatever else they choose to be – is that our experiences can only be used as a standard for ourselves, not others.
One of the errors made in the introduction of this article is the assumption that working, being a mother, and “juggling” all these together necessitates an identity for women. A woman does not need to work or be a mother in order to have an identity – the day she is born, she secures one for herself as a human being. When we use a “role” as one’s identity e.g. mother – in effect we are restricting and limiting the influence of women by insinuating that women should think along the lines of a mother, but in reality not all women are mothers, or workers for that matter. Women should not be marginalized to confirm their identity as a mother – worker – or otherwise, but rather as human beings with the capability to choose their own way of life.
Muslim women have always been vocal about their life choices, and they might not be choices that are praised by other women, or even considered as “choices”. However, the choices which are made by Muslim women in respect to their theological stance on life, for example to veil or not – has attracted much controversy and criticism. The reason why Muslim women are criticised and subsequently controversy has been created is because their life choices are being measured against someone else’s life experiences and secular/or otherwise beliefs. Take for example, a Muslim woman coming from a prestigious and privileged background who subsequently chooses to cover up in France, but she suddenly realises that she is denied the choice to cover up – self-determination and her right of “choice” is denied on the basis of what other people perceive as the right set of choices for her/women to make.
Secular Christian women in the western world would condemn women for covering from head-to-toe without respecting and appreciating the fact that a woman voluntarily made a choice – not so long ago women were denied the right of self-determination in the western world – the same thing is happening in the 21st century.
A woman should have the right to determine for herself her life choices. For women who have been in any way sensitised to issues pertaining to the rights of women in Islam, which have been central to many debates in theological conferences, to see Muslim women deprived of the right to express their beliefs is ironic since the common misconception that is often purported depicts Islam as a religion that deprives women of their rights. The argument against women covering from head-to-toe can be summarised as follows;
- Threat to National Security
Women covering from head-to-toe are not a national security threat. This argument is fallacious as it is not based on any evidence. There are no instances where women covered from head-to-toe have robbed a bank, killed a child, slaughtered a disabled person or even refused to identify themselves while at airports, banks and wherever deemed necessary. However, let us assume that some women covering from head-to-toe pose a security risk – is this sufficient justification to restrict all women, and deprive them of the right to cover up? If a risk does exist, then it is upon the governing body to enhance security and not restrict the freedom of it’s citizens. Perhaps an example will drive this point home. Should men and women be restricted from having intimate relations because there is a riske that they might be infected with some form of STD? The answer is obvious.
- Symbol of Oppression
This is subject to interpretation and has no relevance in respect to whether women should veil or not. What matters in the context of women covering up is whether they are happy – satisfied – and content with their choice. Muslim women in the west voluntarily choose to cover from head-to-toe, and their interpretation of their choice is different from those who oppose it. They perceive it as a form of emancipation – their experiences and thoughts on this matter – not Sarkozy’s or anyone that adheres to the same views as he does matters.
In order to understand Muslim women, we have to look at what they say and believe in. Angela Arafat is mistaken in her perception of Muslim women as weak, naïve and intellectually bankrupt. Muslim women work both in the East and West – educated both in the East and West. In fact, if we were to look at rural areas in predominately Muslim countries, we would realise that even in an environment where we expect men and women to be least educated, and therefore more prone to a patriarchal or sexist attitude, they have still worked together side by side. The survival of a farm is contingent upon team work between men and women – and Muslim women work by necessity alongside men to work for the survival of their family, as well as community in the majority of poor countries around the world. Therefore despite it being unreasonable to assume that Muslim women are uneducated, or that they are all stay-at-home mothers, even when they have been uneducated equality has not diminished.
Many women in pre-dominantly Muslim countries also choose to be stay-at-home mothers. Angela Arafat’s comments about non-working mothers looking down on mothers who choose to work illustrates how ill-informed she is about stay-at-home mothers. Her comments disregard being a mother as actual work but rather an “obligation”. It’s not just an obligation, raising, disciplining and teaching children is hard work which is often downplayed, and under appreciated.
It is sad that Angela Arafat has ignored that there are Muslim women living in the west, and are from the west, restricting the presence of Muslim women to one continent illustrates a sinister aim to defy what they have achieved. Muslim women are diverse, in their views of Islam and it’s application. Some of them wear a veil – Hijab – or none. There are Muslim women that choose to pursue a career, while others choose to be stay-at-home mothers because that is the best choice for them. Women make choices based on what they perceive to be best for themselves, and their families. It is necessary for any commentator, and observer to acknowledge the importance of ‘choice’ and ‘self-determination’ based on personal development and knowledge.
Muslim women have always been the backbone of the Muslim ummah, in their battles against oppressive states alongside with men. They have fought, educated and laboured. It is not necessary to go into the details of history in order to illustrate the strength of Muslim women. However keep in mind that in countries where there was an apartheid Muslim women worked alongside men. In South Africa Muslim women joined organisations that sought to bring racial equality within their society, for example the ANC. They campaigned, and risked their lives for racial equality – in South Africa Indian Muslim women alongside their husbands took part in public strikes and stay-at-home strikes which consequently put their lives at great risk. These women did not have masters or PhD’s but they acted on Islamic principles which enabled them to stand alongside men to fight for justice through non-violence.
- She argues; “Women in Islam grow with the knowledge that they have a heavy burden of family honor”
A man’s honour in Islam does not lie between the legs of a woman. Undoubtedly there are women brought up in a cultural context which perceives their chastity as a reflection of the honour of their blood-related-males. However this perception is neither scriptural nor one entrenched in Islam. Allah chooses to honour people, and not women. The reality is; many people act against their religious doctrine, they could be Muslim or non-Muslim, but the fact remains that there is no scriptural evidence which sanctions, calls, or approves of honour killings. On the contrary there is explicit verses within the Qur`an, which condemns the killing of females – at a time where the birth of a female was perceived as dishonourable.
And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. [58] He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide. [59] (Holy Qur`an 16:58-59)
In pre-Islamic Arabia when a man was told his wife had given birth to a female, they would often perceive it as dishonourable, and consequently killed the baby. Honour Killings exist not because Islam introduced this heinous practice, but because neither Islam nor the western world can destroy this patriarchal mind-set so long as people have free-will. Therefore honour killings should not be attributed to Islam because there is no evidence which approves of this heinous crime.
- Angela says: “They also know that they are expected to fail in the eyes of Allah.”
Allah created the male and female in His image. Muslim women have an opportunity to excel in righteousness like men. Allah does not differentiate between the righteous acts of his creation on the basis of gender – the most pious in his sight is the one with the most virtues and God-consciousness. Therefore neither men nor women are expected to fail, but both are granted the opportunity to excel, and are equally rewarded for their actions.
Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do. (Holy Qur`an 16:97).
There are no verses or Hadith literature which purports this view. Allah loves Muslim men and women equally, he has not created neither the male nor female with the expectation of them failing. The Holy Qur`an emphasizes the freedom given to both men and women;
Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided – it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment. And you are not a manager over them. (Holy Qur`an 39:41)
Say, “O mankind, the truth has come to you from your Lord, so whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever goes astray only goes astray [in violation] against it. And I am not over you a manager.” (Holy Qur`an 10:108)
- Angela says; “There are many descriptions of what the after life will be like for the believing Muslim man in the Quran and other teachings, but what is said for the place of the believing woman is only that of a life of subjugation to her husband’s sexual pleasure.”
Islam is derived from two primary sources, the Qur`an and Sunnah, both of which contain material that specifically mention the reward that some men should expect, as well as the general reward for those who attain paradise. However, neither the man nor woman is subject to anything or anyone that they are not content with, after all there would be no point if either the male or female was subjected to something they did not like in paradise. In addition, we Muslims often remind Christians that despite their obsession with sex, they have continuously failed and overlooked explicit verses which indicate that both men and women should expect an reward for their good actions in paradise. This includes women, they will have their needs or wishes as promised by Allah. Paradise is the abode of happiness and tranquillity as mentioned in the Holy Qur`an;
“Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying]…” (Holy Qur`an 13:23).
“Circulated among them will be plates and vessels of gold. And therein is whatever the souls desire and [what] delights the eyes, and you will abide therein eternally.” (Holy Qur`an 43:71).
“They and their spouses – in shade, reclining on adorned couches.” (Holy Qur`an 36:56).
In addition to the above verses, we know that both men and women in Islam will be rewarded for their actions;
“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.” (Holy Qur`an 4:124)
And their Lord responded to them, “Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another. So those who emigrated or were evicted from their homes or were harmed in My cause or fought or were killed – I will surely remove from them their misdeeds, and I will surely admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow as reward from Allah , and Allah has with Him the best reward.” (Holy Qur`an 3:195).
Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do. (Holy Qur`an 16:97).
There are many more verses, but the above should suffice as explicit evidence which indicates that both men and women will enter paradise, and be rewarded for their righteous acts on earth.
- Angela says; “Allah has little interest in women and prefers men.”
Allah has no gender – neither man nor woman. He has created both men and women on a equal footing for one purpose – to glorify and recognize Him (I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. Holy Qur`an 51:56). The purpose of life is to glorify Allah, and in doing so Muslim women, along with men will preach the word of God, educate others, give in charity, and receive their reward as mentioned above. (“And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.” Holy Qur`an 41:33), and elsewhere it is said (The prophet (Peace be upon him) has said; “Convey from me even if it is (only) one aayah.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3461). Muslims are given instructions and guidelines which explains how they should preach the word of God. These instructions and guidelines are not gender-specific, but for men and women.
In light of the above, it is evident that the purpose which Allah/God created men and women for is the same, and therefore it is imbecilic to make such a prejudiced, and ignorant statement about Allah/God having little interest in women. As a point of interest, salvation in Christianity is attained through a male-godhead figure whereas in Islam salvation is attained through Allah who has no gender, or likeness for that matter. Therefore it is ironic that Christians would argue that Allah, the Lord with no male connotations has little interest in women.
- Angela says; “Within the Muslim world a woman is not expected to come to daily prayer worship, but expected to pray at home.”
Muslim men are obligated to pray at a Mosque 5 times a day while women are not obligated to pray at a Mosque, but are permitted to pray at home, however they are free to pray at the Mosque 5 times a day if they wish – there is a direct command from the messenger of God which prohibits men from stopping women to pray at a Mosque – if so they wish. However, it is reasonable to keep in mind that the majority of women do get married and have children, it would put a greater burden on women to pray at the Mosque when they have young children to breastfeed or look after. Although the responsibility of bringing up children is dispersed to both the man and woman, nonetheless it is inevitable that a mother would not want to leave her house at 3 am in the morning to pray at the Mosque. The relevant part is that women and men are obligated to pray in order to fulfil their spiritual needs, and women have the choice of praying where they wish. (The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Do not prevent your women from going to the mosque. (Abridged (Abu Dawud) al-Sunan, Baab maa jaa’a fee khurooj al-nisaa’ ilaa’l-masjid: Baab al-tashdeed fee dhaalik. Saheeh al-Jaami‘, no. 7458).
- Angels says: “Her relationship with Allah is not really a strong issue within her community, only that she is being the example of a “good wife”.
This claim is patently false and bears no weight as it is not substantiated with evidence. Allah gives both men and women instructions to come closer to him – to give in charity – to help the poor – to educate others – and to preach the word of God. The relationship of a woman with Allah is just as important as a man’s relationship with Allah. This is why when Muslim men get married one of the most important characteristics in women is whether they are religious, and thereby God-conscious. This illustrates that a woman’s relationship with Allah is important as it is the bedrock of a successful Muslim marriage. Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “ you should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a losers.” (Muslim Book #62, Hadith #27).
- Angela says; “Aisha…was not known to be particularly religious.”
This sinister attempt to character-assassinate one of the leading female characters in Islamic history is an illustration of how intellectually-dishonest Angela is. If Aisha was not “particularly religious” as she claims, then why would we trust her enough to derive a large canon of hadith literature from her – the fact is, Aisha is one of the most honourable, and highly esteemed female personalities in Islam. Comments as such which is frequented in Angela Arafat’s article leaves one dumbfounded as to what intellectual response one can give!
- Angela says: “While many Muslim countries have women in high positions within the society, all Muslim countries are convinced that the woman’s real realm is that of the home.”
The real domain of any human being is the home they were raised in. Both men and women spend more time in their homes than anywhere else. A woman like a man is needed to excel in her society in her chosen field whether it is medicine, nursing, law, teaching or whatever else she chooses to pursue, however Islam stresses the importance of a strong family, and in order to build a strong family the presence of a woman, in particular a mother is needed because she is strong in her personality, character and exercises great influence. This does not mean that she stays at home, and does not help her community, but rather that women are a important part of family, and one’s household.
In order to have a productive, healthy and cohesive community, it is necessary to have a productive, healthy and functioning family. Marriage plays a pivotal role in strengthening one’s partner intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. While many Muslim commentators would readily agree, and accept that the best and most beautiful realm for women is the home, but this should be perceived as a reflection of how loved women are in Islam, and respected. A beautiful, righteous and intellectual woman at one’s home, whether she is a mother, sister, or wife is a reassuring presence in one’s life. This does not mean she is ‘restricted’ to staying at home, on the contrary even the wives of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) were active in seeking knowledge, teaching , providing emergency aid to wounded soldiers, as well as being involved in business. The prophet (Peace be upon him) did not rebuke women for being active, in fact he endorsed their passion for seeking knowledge, and that is why he dedicated one day to teaching his female disciples only.
- Angela says: “The woman who is the first wife has the place of honor, however, she also faces the shame of having a husband who continued to look for new wives, hinting that she wasn’t sufficient.”
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) married more than one wife, not merely because he sought sexual pleasures in them which he did not find, but because of their situation. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) married many women from different backgrounds. He married Sawda who was much older than himself, and a widow. In pre-Islamic Arabia marrying someone that was neither beautiful nor young was unusual. Women were married for their beauty or youth, little were they considered for their personality, or intellect. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) also married Hafsa who was a divorcee. Um Salam who was a widow, among others. The point that is evident from these marriages is that it was not done because these women were insufficient, but because each of them had a particular situation. What is relevant is, if a Muslim man was to have more than one wife, and ensured that his wives would be happy and content. Then he would have to deal with them justly, in the absence of which he would be violating Qur`anic principles;
And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]. (Holy Qur`an 4:3)
- Angela says: “A woman, according to the Quran is to be obedient to her husband in all things, as men are superior to women.”
Unfortunately Angela has confused the bible with the Holy Qur`an. There is no scriptural evidence which indicates that women must be obedient to their husband in all things – because men are superior. These are the Biblical teachings which have been penetrated in her mind for long enough – to confuse her in such an embarrassing way.
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:24)
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3)
- Angela says: “Allah would allow, nay encourage, the humiliation and beating of the wife is simply inexcusable.”
I have already addressed this here.
- Angela says: “Many of the ancient cultures practiced certain laws of cleanliness in order to prevent contagion and promote hygiene in their groups. These laws were put up in order to protect the populace from illnesses, but were often brought into practice by religious command of God or gods depending on the group.”
I purposely chose to quote this because I wanted to illustrate a point about Angela’s article. She produced a world-renown-inconsistent article about the “Position of women in Islam” and conjured up petty arguments with no evidence to demean the role and status of women in Islam. The cleansing “rituals” which Angela speaks of have no relevance in respect to the role or status of women in Islam. There are many cleaning rituals in the bible, mentioned in Leviticus which clearly illustrate different types of cleaning rituals for men and women due to their gender.
- Angela says: “Muhammad also brought the ancient idea that a woman was unclean before Allah while she was experiencing her menstruation.”
This is patently false. Muhammad (Peace be upon him) did not say women on their menstruation are unclean, and anyone that claim that women are unclean are ignorant of the teachings of Islam. In Islam women that are on their menses are not unclean, or filthy for that matter, however men are told to not have sexual intercourse with them for the benefit of the women until women are cleansed of menstruation (‘cleansed’ of is to mean, until they have finished). However, we learn from the life of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) that he was intimate with his wives. There are many incidents which we have come to learn from hadith literature; take for example Maimuna (the wife of the Prophet) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) contacted and embraced his wives over the waist-wrapper when they were menstruating. (Sahih Muslim – Kitab Al-Haid)”.
Perhaps Angela Arafat is talking about biblical teachings on menstruation found in the Bible which regard women as unclean;
Leviticus 15:19-30 (New International Version)
19 ” ‘When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. 20 ” ‘Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. 21 Whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. 22 Whoever touches anything she sits on must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. 23 Whether it is the bed or anything she was sitting on, when anyone touches it, he will be unclean till evening. (Continue reading here).
- Angela says: “A Muslim woman is not to touch her husband after he has done his cleansing rituals for prayer, while he is to greet and shake hands with the men.”
This is not true. The Prophet was intimate with his wives after performing ablution. In fact he was even intimate with them when they were on their menstruation as mentioned above. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) kissed his wives and went to the Mosque to pray without performing ablution as mentioned in Musnad Ahmed by Aisha.
- Angela says: “Muslim men are often excused their sexual lusts and behaviors while the women of Islam are to be held as examples of modesty and propriety.”
This is not true. Islamic laws apply to both men and women equally, while it is true in many cultures women always bear the responsibility of being chaste, however this is not the case in Islam. In Arab societies for example, men tend to be excused from being indecent, or committing sins whereas women bear the social burdens of being unchaste unlike men. The penal system which is entrenched in the Islamic constitution is applicable to all human beings, therefore the ‘rule of law’ is for men and women.
- Angela says: “Her sexuality is something for her to be ashamed of at all times, and to be hidden.”
The Qur`an does not use ‘sexuality’ to construe ontological hierarchies which depicts and forces women to be ashamed of their sexuality. A woman’s attire has nothing to do with her sexuality. Women don’t need to walk around naked – showing their private parts in order to make their sexuality known – perhaps this is Angela’s concept of making one’s sexuality known, but it’s not one purported by other moderate Christian women. A woman’s or man’s sexuality is part of their personality that relates to whom they feel attracted to — it has nothing to do with covering up. The Qur`anic attitude towards sexuality relates to both men and women having the same sexual tendencies. This is not a basis on which the Qur`an distinguishes men and women, and this is evident from;
Women impure are for men impure,
And men impure are for women impure
And women of purity
Are for men of purity,
And men of purity
Are for women of purity.
Holy Qur`an (24:26)
The above rebukes the view of women being sexually impure, and thereby ‘ashamed’.