In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
WOMEN IN THE FAITH OF ISLAM
By: Sis. Zainab L. Ali
“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women…” [Qur’an 4:1]
With these few words from the Glorious Qur’an, I would like to welcome you to a frank and open discussion on Muslim women by Muslim women. The Muslim Woman is notable, to many a symbol of the religion of Islam itself. In many spheres, there is as little truth known
about her and what she stands for as is known about the religion of Islam itself. Misinformation passed on due to ignorance or ill-intention has unfortunately pervaded many people's concept of her. During some ages, there was some lack of strict adherence to the teachings of Islam by many who professed to be Muslim. Such deviations from Islam’s true way were unfairly exaggerated by some writers, and often the worst of the deviations were superficially taken to represent the teachings of “Islam” to the non-Muslim reader, without taking the trouble to make any original and unbiased study of the authentic sources of Islam’s teachings.
It is impossible for anyone to justify any mistreatment of woman using any decree of rule embodied in the Islamic Law, nor could anyone dare to cancel, reduce, or distort the clear-cut legal rights of women given in Islamic Law. This tape will reflect to you the concept of women in Islam from the point of view of the Muslim women themselves, substantiated by authentic teachings of the Qur’an. The Islamic role given to women is not based on the environment of its age, nor does it exist because of threat or pressure from women, but rather because of its intrinsic truthfulness and rightness in the order of creation. It is a status conferred by God on His creation and doesn’t contain the bias of any human viewpoint.
We intend in this tape to promote a better understanding of the Muslim women. We hope to increase awareness of her life and the way in which her religious beliefs relate and form a basis for who she is. The spirit of our discussion is to promote both an intercultural and interfaith understanding.
As has been presented before, Being Muslim implies much more than mere acceptance of a particular set of beliefs. The question of identity is for most Muslims infinitely more than a matter of private reflection. Faith, for a Muslim refers to a lived reality. In Islam we are taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), that Faith is Action. Muslim’s insistence on the character of Islam as an all-encompassing way of life should not be taken lightly. It is in this sense that we must understand how the Muslim woman views her life.
The true religion can never separate the living person from their intentions and beliefs. Islam merges together the moral and social fabric into a whole. The true religion will be reflected in the daily actions and transactions among people. It will be lived visibly and have its impact on the society in which it is practiced.
We logically then may ask in what ways do the basic beliefs of a Muslim woman come through in her daily life practices? Secondly we would like to reflect on the consequences of this way of life for the woman herself and for the society in which she practices her faith?
Let’s first review some of the basic beliefs of Islam which impact and reflect in our discussion of the Muslim woman.
1-The first of these is the belief in the oneness of God’s being and what this implies as to His being the sole Ultimate source of knowledge, wisdom and authority over His creation. God is the sole Creator of all human beings and the only source who has determined their nature. A Muslim woman reads in the Qur’an, God’s revealed words, that God has created her from the same soul and nature as man and that all people created are created from the same substance and soul, coming physically from Prophet Adam and his wife. In essence, all mankinds are one equal family. She never doubts from then on her natural equality of being with man. This is in great contrast to the early Christian church who debated in early Papal conferences weather women had souls or not. We see similar contrast in the Mormon Church which until the late 20th Century did not deem people of Color qualified to be members in their Christian church merely because of their color.
In the empirical concept of God, He must be as Muslims believe, beyond time and space, possessor of complete knowledge not restricted by any bounds of present, past or future. When God has revealed guidance and wisdom to His creation, it is impossible for us to think this wisdom will not encompass all time and future conditions. It is a wisdom from a superior source than mankind himself who is bound by so many limitations in his thinking and reasoning. The Muslim woman trusts this guidance and would view trading this council for that of mere human logic an inferior trade.
2-Islam teaches that men and women as human creations are equally responsible and accountable for the lives they live. This concept denotes that God holds them equally able intellectually, morally and spiritually to live their lives according to His righteous regulations.
“So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), “Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another;…” [Qur’an 3:195]
“Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, o0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0oment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. paradise in the hereafter). [Qur’an 16:97]
We must remember that Muslims believe that the purpose of life is for man to serve God (worship thru living rightly). They believe there will be accounting and judgement by God according to the criteria of God, not the desires and wishes of mankind during his life. As the Qur’an says,
“He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And Allah is All-Seer of what you do. [Qur’an 64:2]
It is clear that in the Qur’an that ones responsibility for what they do in their life is totally individual. The believing Muslim woman chooses to live her life with careful consideration to what she believes is right because she will one day bear all responsibility for that. As the Qur’an teaches,
“And if anyone earns a sin, he earns it against his own soul… Qur’an 4:111
“Every soul will be held in pledge for its deeds.”
The Qur’an states clearly that no one can bear the burden for the sins of another. Woman is not thus solely blamed for Adams first sin. Both Prophet Adam and his wife were equally wrong in their disobedience, both repented to God and both were forgiven. There is no concept of original sin, in which the sin of one is passed on to future generations. This would not be justice and God is certainly Perfect in Justice. Most of the early Christian writing depicts the woman as the door to Hell, the enticer and temptress who was responsible for Adams sin. In some societies today this idea is still subliminally present in the concept of women. Women being used as a symbol for sex and her body being the tempting object which advertises products is based on this ancient thinking. Islam has from the beginning presented the woman as an equal, responsible person who is honored by God and should be thus honored by man. She is taught by God to first honor herself.
3-The third area of belief, covers the civil rights of the Muslim woman. From all we have mentioned so far, we see clearly that the Muslim woman has inherently been given and declared an individual person with rights and responsibilities from God Himself. The concept that a male child is preferable or has more right to life is strictly abrogated in Islam. Islam requires kind and just treatment for both female and male children equally. Prophet Muhammad has said clearly,
“Whoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive (a pre Islamic primitive custom), does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise.”
This is followed with clear declarations of independent personal rights such independent ownership. According to Islamic Law, women’s right to her money, real estate or other properties is fully acknowledged. This right undergoes no change whether she is single or marries. It is nowhere suggested in the Islamic Law that a woman, being female, is considered like a minor in her civil rights. She is guaranteed full rights to make contracts, to work, to control her own finances, she has the ability to inherit, she has the ability to freely express herself and for her expression to be an integral part of social affairs. Upon making her contract for marriage the Muslim woman has always kept her own last name, never was it a practice for them to become the property of their husband being called by his name. With marriage she keeps all her own personal and legal rights as before marriage. The marriage contract itself is solely between her and her husband. They equally must make and agree to the contract before the marriage can be legal. The idea that the sold off by her father and is married without her knowledge to any man her father chooses could never be farther from the truth. This is one of the degrading lies about Islam. There is no valid marriage without the woman’s consent on the contract.
Although we do find some of these rights in some advanced societies today, they were never there from the establishment of those societies. Women had to struggle and fight over many centuries to gain them. There is no other revealed religion, which can support these inherent rights for women by their authentic sources.
All these personal and civil rights are supported with not only Qur’anic basis, but clear examples from the life and times of Prophet Muhammad [peace be on him] himself. It is not left up to human society to be the arbitrator of the status and rights of the individuals. These right are always clearly documented in the Qur’an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad [peace be on him].
4- The fourth area we would like to discuss is the societal life and role of the Muslim woman. Of course she is part of a whole. We cannot look at her without comprehending the whole societal concept Islam is planning for. The Qur’an guides mankind to know the purpose and organization of society which will best benefit man and help fulfill the purpose of his life, (to acknowledge and worship God, causing not His displeasure). When Muslims know a ruling concerning social order, they have a trust in God that this ruling serves a purpose to benefit man. In today’s world we see many examples of societies who follow their own desires for social order, not knowing what will be the result of that decision for 1 or 2 generations. When the result is not beneficial it is usually too late to do anything to stop the harmful progress of events. Stop-gap measures and partial solutions seem only to waste time and money for the societies.
In Islam, we are assured of the equality of men and women as creations and persons. Equality does not have to mean sameness, and difference does not imply one is inferior. Never is it assumed that women and men are the “same”. First this would be a falsehood and denial of all scientific and medical facts. Each has hormones and physical makeup, which lend an excellence to different facets of life. Each supports a concept of division of labor within a society for the excellence of that society and the goals it wants to achieve. There may be individual exceptions to the rule but we cannot generalize every exception and base the whole society on that. If one sex excels in some attribute in most cases, it does not preclude the natural ability of the other sex to accomplish the same task but it may be accompanied with greater hardship than if the two were selectively sharing. For an example, Islam teaches that it is the primary responsibility for the man to support the family. Yet, we see many women today providing sole or main support for their families. However, this places double duty and increased hardship on the woman, who will also feel the need to nurture her children and see to their daily upbringing. It was portrayed as glamorous for a while to be the woman who could do it all, and have it all but today more and more women after trying to do just that are admitting that you can’t. You must in the end give up something. When the woman is the sole and main support of the family the psychological and emotional pressure of knowing she can never be tired or stop work if she needed, often brings unbearable pressures for her. Islam acknowledges the basic norm to be a natural division of societal roles. It doesn’t prohibit the woman to work or develop her talents. In many cases, there are many jobs in the Islamic society which demand females and the women of the society are expected to work together to fulfill them. Jobs such as teachers, doctors, nurses, councilors, etc..
Marriage itself is seen as a sharing between two halves of the society, with objectives of perpetuating human life, as well as emotional and spiritual wellbeing in a relationship of love and mercy. God says in the Qur’an:
“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them,and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.” [Qur’an 30:21]
Can we look to any other religious source and find a better basis for marriage? Islam teaches that all marriages must be based in this intention. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), himself has advised men. “The best amongst you is the best to his family, and I am the best to my family.” Islam takes many steps to safeguard the woman’s status as a wife. It puts forward clear statements leaving no doubt as to the honored position and good treatment meant for the woman as a wife.
Most of the social organization in Islam goes directly back to the family, its importance and sanctity as a secure place for the provision of the individuals needs. The family is seen as the nurturing atmosphere of both the adults and the children. Members of society reflect that atmosphere they find in their homes. Children are the reflection of all the socio/emotional experiences and training they receive in the home. Parents are held accountable to God for the quality in which they raise their children. The best way to secure a wholesome and God loving future generation of people is to value the time and experience of raising those children. To solidify this relationship between the mother and children, Islam has incorporated respect and honor for the mother by the children as a religious duty of the highest level. In three different verses of the Qur’an the child is ordered to observe kindness and goodness to his parents, especially citing the mothers care for him from his earliest conception. To cite one example, let’s mention chapter 31:14 in which God says:
“And we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents.” His mother bore him in weakness…” [Qur’an 31:14]
The Prophet was once asked by a man who was the most deserving person for him to give his company and attention to. The Prophet emphasized three times to him that it was his Mother.
The woman’s primary role as wife and mother need not be exclusive but it must be valued and important as the family itself is so. Her family relationship as a wife and mother must be secured before the woman goes on to develop other aspects of her life. As for the man, who is seen as the 1st provider and protector, he should provide and secure his family both physically and emotionally before he develops other aspects of his life.
We must remember that the Muslim woman is a woman who takes life and her spiritual responsibilities very seriously. She is sincerely devoted to the worship of God. She trusts God. How she lives her life depends on the primary goals of her life. In many societies today we see the primary goal of women and men being their self-fulfillment and pleasure. These goals may or may not include their family’s rights. Often their worldly development supercedes their child’s right to a secure spiritual and psychological home and the child’s right to nurturing and social training from his parents. Today we find many children raising themselves or being raised by strangers in a daycare. These societies are beginning to see the effects of this in the rise of juvenile crime, substance abuse and addiction, psychological problems among their youth with a growing tied of teenage suicide. They are also seeing generations who, not being given a good social nurturing and understanding, now have grown into young adults who have no concept of social responsibility, no awareness of importance of marriage and family and no ability to know how to be a mother or father to the next generation in return. Any society, which follows these ways, will get some similar results.
The precepts guiding the dress of Muslim women, the social interaction of men and women in a Muslim society relate directly to the social concept of Islam. These two areas are greatly misunderstood and thus most maligned.
One misnomer I have encountered many times is the impression that Muslim women would not wear their covering if they were not forced to or asked to by their husbands. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most Muslim women choose to wear their modest dress after being spiritually and morally convinced. This dress is not something only worn outside the house; it is a dress worn in front of certain males. This could be inside her own house while receiving guests, inside her place of work, or while visiting friend’s homes. Nobody is forcing her. The society (comprised of both men and women) which chooses to follow the Islamic Law in all aspects will want all its members to participate in creating a modest public atmosphere and thus ask all members to observe Islamic moral and ethical codes in all public domains.
As we have established the rights of family, and for all members of society to live in a secure caring family situation has been stated. Family’s stability comes from a strong marriage bond and relation between the two parents first and foremost. Islam affirms a strong spiritual belief in the Marriage State. Prophet Muhammad has said, “Marriage is half of your religion” God has also revealed that of all the things He has allowed for people, that which He hates the most is divorce. These principles denote the necessity of marriage and the commitment that should be exerted to uphold that bond. For this to be the case, the men and women in society must be committed to co-operate in establishing an environment with the best personal morals and protective societal standards. Each individual plays their role in creating this atmosphere whether married or unmarried. The Qur’an provides God’s clear guidance on the standards to take:
1- The attitudes of men and women toward each other as they mix in society is stated in these few verses of Qur’an:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their r\private parts (from Illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their father’s son, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands posses, or old male servants, who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” [24:30-31]
As these verses end with the phrase “Turn you all together towards God…” This is an emphasis on the co-operative societal nature of morals, modesty and purity. All the society has to play a part, creating a protective atmosphere where the marriage and family are best able to thrive.
These are general codes for all men and women to follow. In addition to this, God determined it a beneficial factor if the women would cover themselves with an outer loose covering when outside. In the Qur’an God says exactly;
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Qur’an 33:59]
The dress and the general behavior are very important in the social interaction between men and women. But Allah even provided guidance for the way in which we communicate. He tells the wives of the Prophet to take care of the way in which they communicate as one may mistake their meaning. The Qur’an says:
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” [Qur’an 33:32]
We can see that the believing Muslim woman confines all her personal interaction with men to a business like one in which she does not advertantly or inadvertently use her ‘feminine ways’ as a public part of her personality. It also leads to society not using her as a symbol represented only for her body, face, sex or voice. The end result is that the woman is taken more seriously as she presents herself in a less confused, more serious message.
So often in today’s world, we see the innocent children, and the pure adults surrounded by fornication, nudity, atmospheres which promote and protect sex among youth, and teens regardless of the consequences. The people in these societies say everyone can dress and act, as they like. This is personal moral freedom. But these same societies are burdened by parentless children born without a right to their family, epidemics of venereal disease and now the AIDS whose main way of transmission is through sex and drugs. These diseases are killing or maiming countless of innocent babies and adults daily. We also find they are the societies with the highest rates of rape, divorce and sexual abuse of children. Regardless, you can never get the people in these societies to admit there should be any limits and they ridicule those who choose to safeguards their societies by following God’s wisdom in their lifestyle.
The Muslim woman believes in and desires a morally healthy society for herself, her children and the generations to come. She willingly chooses to follow God’s guidance in her dress, and manner. She covers her body and inner personality so that it is no longer a major aspect of her public personality. Some will say, “Why should it be called a distraction. If we speak honestly, if it were not a distraction then why is it used to sell everything from soft drinks to automobiles?” The woman in this light is not a person; she is just a sexual body without respect.
The Islamic dress covers those feature of the woman’s beauty which are most abused and society is forced to concentrate on her as a person. The Muslim man and woman will also keep from becoming too personal by limiting the social contact to that which benefits. Men and women will meet in society dressed in a modest way, speak in a modest way and never put themselves alone in an isolated place together. Each individual has concern for their spouse, their marriage and their family. At the same time they show their mutual concern for other families. Each one also at the same time can attain a trust and confidence in their spouse and marriage.
Just a word on Polygamy before we finish. It is well known that many people look at polygamy as sexual aberrations. They have been raised and taught that marriage is only for one. But even the Bible does not teach this, having been created as a doctrine by the body of the church. In Islam, Polygamy is the exception for Muslims not the rule. Contrary to popular opinion, most of the Muslim world from East to West is comprised of monogamous families. But there is provision for exceptions. Polygamy is one release for some difficult marriage situations. It is for some, a better alternative than divorce. At the same time we find the West has been able to accept secret, adulterous liaisons which bear no responsibility for the outcome to the parties, while still abhorring one who for some reason in their life chooses to take another woman as his wife, bearing all responsibility for her. He will be a father to any children who come and they will have a noble and legitimate lineage, with all rights to a loving family. We must try to think of Polygamy not just as a lust for sex with a number of women. Marriage is more than sex, it is responsibility, it is financial support, and it is shoes for the kids, dentist bills and doctor bills. Can we really thing someone would choose this option without need?
The woman is free if her husband would choose to take another wife, to seek divorce and not live in that situation. But if Polygamy is chosen in the right spirit as God intended, there will be more help to the couple than harm.
To come to the end of our discussion, I would just like to mention that what some people understand about a Muslim being able to choose how strict they want to follow the religion. I would just like to quote again from the Qur’an:
“It is not for the believer, man or woman, when All and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he ahs indeed strayed into a plain error.” [Qur’an 33:36]
We don’t admit to answering all the questions but we do hope that from this frank talk you have gained some insight into the manners and minds of Muslim women. If it gives you more questions then that also is good. You may contact the nearest Dawah Center under the sponsorship of the Islamic Call and Guidance where you can always find helpful intelligent, friendly people who would love to talk at greater length and provide you with helpful reading information on the subject of your choice.
Thanks for being with us today. Until we again explore another topic of interest we will close with this verse from Qur’an:
“He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels,that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into light: and he is full of Mercy to the Believers.”
Cant See Links
As we have established the rights of family, and for all members of society to live in a secure caring family situation has been stated. Family’s stability comes from a strong marriage bond and relation between the two parents first and foremost. Islam affirms a strong spiritual belief in the Marriage State. Prophet Muhammad has said, “Marriage is half of your religion” God has also revealed that of all the things He has allowed for people, that which He hates the most is divorce. These principles denote the necessity of marriage and the commitment that should be exerted to
uphold that bond. For this to be the case, the men and women in society must be committed to co-operate in establishing an environment with the best personal morals and protective societal standards. Each individual plays their role in creating this atmosphere whether married or unmarried. The Qur’an provides God’s clear guidance on the standards to take:
the attitudes of men and women toward each other as they mix in society is stated in these few verses of Qur’an, n:
““Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their rprivate parts (from Illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), andprotect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their father’s son, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands posses, or old male servants, who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” 24:30-31
As these verses end with the phrase “Turn you all together towards God…” This is an emphasis on the co-operative societal nature of morals, modesty and purity. All the society has to play a part, creating a protective atmosphere where the marriage and family are best able to thrive, e.
These are general codes for all men and women to follow. In addition to this, God determined it a beneficial factor if the women would cover themselves with an outer loose covering when outside. In the Qur’an God says exactly
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Qur’an 33:59
The dress and the general behavior are very important in the social interaction between men and women. But Allah even provided guidance for the way in which we communicate. He tells the wives of the Prophet to take care of the way in which they communicate as one may mistake their meaning. The Qur’an says
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” Qur’an 33:32
We can see that the believing Muslim woman confines all her personal interaction with men to a business like one in which she does not advertantly or inadvertently use her ‘feminine ways’ as a public part of her personality. It also leads to society not using her as a symbol represented only for her body, face, sex or voice. The end result is that the woman is taken more seriously as she presents herself in a less confused, more serious message, So often in today’s world, we see the innocent children, and the pure adults surrounded by fornication, nudity, atmospheres which promote and protect sex among youth, and teens regardless of the consequences. The people in these societies say everyone can dress and act, as they like. This is personal moral freedom. But these same societies are burdened by parentless children born without a right to their family, epidemics of venereal disease and now the AIDS whose main way of transmission is through sex and drugs. These diseases are killing or maiming countless of innocent babies and adults daily. We also find they are the societies with the highest rates of rape, divorce and sexual abuse of children. Regardless, you can never get the people in these societies to admit there should be any limits and they ridicule those who choose to safeguards their societies by following God’s wisdom in their lifestyle, e
The Muslim woman believes in and desires a morally healthy society for herself, her children and the generations to come. She willingly chooses to follow God’s guidance in her dress, and manner. She covers her body and inner personality so that it is no longer a major aspect of her public personality. Some will say, “Why should it be called a distraction. If we speak honestly, if it were not a distraction then why is it used to sell everything from soft drinks to automobiles?” The woman in this light is not a person; she is just a sexual body without respect, t.
The Islamic dress covers those feature of the woman’s beauty which are most abused and society is forced to concentrate on her as a person. The Muslim man and woman will also keep from becoming too personal by limiting the social contact to that which benefits. Men and women will meet in society dressed in a modest way, speak in a modest way and never put themselves alone in an isolated place together. Each individual has concern for their spouse, their marriage and their family. At the same time they show their mutual concern for other families. Each one also at the same time can attain a trust and confidence in their spouse and marriage, e
Just a word on Polygamy before we finish. It is well known that many people look at polygamy as sexual aberrations. They have been raised and taught that marriage is only for one. But even the Bible does not teach this, having been created as a doctrine by the body of the church. In Islam, Polygamy is the exception for Muslims not the rule. Contrary to popular opinion, most of the Muslim world from East to West is comprised of monogamous families. But there is provision for exceptions. Polygamy is one release for some difficult marriage situations. It is for some, a better alternative than divorce. At the same time we find the West has been able to accept secret, adulterous liaisons which bear no responsibility for the outcome to the parties, while still abhorring one who for some reason in their life chooses to take another woman as his wife, bearing all responsibility for her. He will be a father to any children who come and they will have a noble and legitimate lineage, with all rights to a loving family. We must try to think of Polygamy not just as a lust for sex with a number of women. Marriage is more than sex, it is responsibility, it is financial support, and it is shoes for the kids, dentist bills and doctor bills. Can we really thing someone would choose this option without need, d
The woman is free if her husband would choose to take another wife, to seek divorce and not live in that situation. But if Polygamy is chosen in the right spirit as God intended, there will be more help to the couple than harm, m.
To come to the end of our discussion, I would just like to mention that what some people understand about a Muslim being able to choose how strict they want to follow the religion. I would just like to quote again from the Qur’an
“It is not for the believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he ahs indeed strayed into a plain error.” Qur’an 33:36
We don’t admit to answering all the questions but we do hope that from this frank talk you have gained some insight into the manners and minds of Muslim women. If it gives you more questions then that also is good. You may contact the nearest Dawah Center under the sponsorship of the Islamic Call and Guidance where you can always find helpful intelligent, friendly people who would love to talk at greater length and provide you with helpful reading information on the subject of your choice, e
Thanks for being with us today. Until we again explore another topic of interest we will close with this verse from Qur’an
“He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into light: and he is full of Mercy to the Believers.”
العرض العادي
