The treatment of women

Israfil,

I would like to ask you about your statement of:-However I believe it is important both Islamically as well as non-religiously to recognize that men and women are not equal just as the sun and the moon are not equal.

What do you mean by this? My first reaction is(purely because I'm woman) is that you could be  saying  man is like the sun, and woman like the moon. As this is how you have chosen to liken it  by the above. You obviously feel that man and woman are not equal. Why do you feel that? 

Why do you feel that Allah created man and woman anything other than equal? 

 Physically man is stronger and in his paternal role would, if the world allowed, be the sole provider for the family. And if the world followed its natural course, the womans place would be meant for caring for the home and raising the children. This could be an example for men to feel superior over women.

But we know that this is Allahs way, not mans invention.

I understand that the title of your topic is 'Treatment of Women', but I feel that until both sexes are in agreement with their main purpose I dont really see that you will get a reply to satisfy you sufficiently.

Throughout the course of history, man has predominantly ruled, and has dictated womans role, thus making him feel more superior, and so not equal to her. In modern times it has become necessary for woman to also work. And there is no problem with that as such, providing she feels she can accomplish all her other tasks. Unfortunately it is often the case that women face discrimination in the work place from man, who feels under threat from the woman who appears to tread in mans shoes. This is not how women see the role on the whole. Women like to be able to work. It gives them a feeling of self worth, that enhances their life as natural wife and mother. She does not become better or superior to man. Nor is she inferior in any way.There are also many women who must work to help provide where man alone is unable to, as I have already said above.

Now I know that many women will be shouting out at me, saying that I am maybe being manipulated by mans thinking, and that I am forced to stay at home. This is not the case. I am also not being forced to work. I have worked extremely hard all my adult life. sometimes a few hours, sometimes many, depending on the circumstances. I have been to adult college, primarily to give me that feeling of self worth, not necessarily to further a career, but to keep the grey matter working well. Many women will say years of child raising drives one slightly insane. So an extra curriculam for her is helpful.

So we need to assess all things, but not detract from the original plan. That is not easy. Because men and women will always be different in their thinking. However it is possible for a married couple to be in agreement with their current situation. When this happens they are equal in their purpose and so fullfilling Allahs plan. At the end of the day, there is no superior sex, each compliment eachother, making adjustments along the way as their life dictates.

I have only mentioned married couples so far with children. The single woman might still face opposition in the work place from man, but less because she is single and needs to maintain her personal situation. (I generalise, and only do so on my personal experience when I was single.)

Many couples that have no children will both work, and will aim for success in their individual fields of their chosen profession.

I feel the work place is an area where women often can face ill-treatment from men, which is why I've mentioned work so frequently throughout this post. And I have explained why this is the case.

But I would still like to know Israfil, why you feel, being a man, why women are not equal to men.

I will post again on Treatment of Women. But I think I've said plenty today to keep you going. I will share my thoughts on women and society, and women in the home, using personal examples as that is what you have asked.

ASA,

you posted: Although it is nice in words to say each sex has a part in the creation of life we must recognize that God is the Creator of life not humans. God has given the human body the ability to create humans to sustain our species.

I would have to say this is one of the best passages in your post.

I do think men and women are not equal in some very obvious and basic aspects of life. But I also think Islam elevates muslimahs to the same equalities as our brothers in other areas of life that's one of the key things that makes Islam stand out from all other beliefs because it cherishes women.

I happen to think a woman can go out and earn a living and all that good stuff if it's what she wants to do. But I am also thankful to have a loving husband that provides for our family.

Also, I don't know about these postings you are talking about since I'm not always here at the site my family life is very busy these days. But I would think that any sister that pins on her hijab every day would be the last one to point a finger or be the first to stereotype another group or gender since we are so used to being looked at and having fingers pointed at us.

Good luck to you br. and it's been a while since I've been here but I did like your old avatar very much in fact my son cut and pasted it he is really into S/Ws' and it was a great pic'

 Aminah pointed out some good things. I remembered that ladies can work and earn and hold property in Islam. This may not be so in other faiths, as per their written sacred books. Ladies, young or old, married or unmarried, inherit property in Islam.

 I remembered that Muhammad (whom no uncle supported, nor gave any daughter) was called up for a trade mission by a lady (Khadijah r.a.).  It means she was trading, doing business in those old days. Later, she had the idea of selecting Muhammad as her husband. The two were living very well happily and later revelation (Wahi) started after 15 years of successful marriage.

 When Wahi started and it was the first encounter of the prophet s.a.w.s. with the angel gabriel a.s., the prophet s.a.w.s. was very much worried as to what would happen. He rightly feared for his life. But the wife (Khadijah r.a.) gave solace (strength and comfort) to the prophet s.a.w.s. counting his good deeds and good behaviour with the public.

 I am sure that there are some very useful practices in Islam about the ladies. There is officially no burden on the ladies when getting married. All the burden is on the gentleman. But now, the bad practices have crept into the muslim families too.