WOMENS' RIGHTS IN ISLAM – MODERNISING OR OUTDATED? – PART 1

tains the words of Dr. Zakir Naik, please go through the entire document if to know the true position and rights of woman in Islam and also the current degradation and stripping of dignity of woman by the western media.

 

WOMENS' RIGHTS IN ISLAM
– MODERNISING OR OUTDATED?  – PART 1

(Back Ground Azaan, By Brother Yusuf Islam)

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 (Azan Continued)…

(Dr. Mohammed)   Assalaamu Alaikum… May peace be on you all. 

Honorable Justice Kazi, respected elders, distinguished guests, members of the press, friends, brothers and sisters. 

There are many social traumas, problems and conflicts… women in society face today, and we sincerely need to find viable holistic and humanistic solutions to them. 

In this context, the subject of 'Women's Rights' is of much contemporary analytical relevance, and human interest. 

A reason enough, for all of us to have gathered here today, inspite of options of other pre occupations. 

On behalf of the Islamic Research Foundation… I, Dr. Mohammed Naik, the co-ordinator for the programs, today welcome you all with earnest pleasure, and sincere appreciation from the heart. 

We begin today's program formally with the Qiraat by Brother Ashraf Mohammey, which will be followed by the reading of its English translation. 

(Ashraf Mohammedy) Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahai Wabarakatuhu. 

(Arabic)… 

The translation … 'I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful'.  

'O Humankind reverence your Guardian Lord who created you from a single person, created of like nature his mate and from them twain scattered like seeds countless men and women, Reverence God through whom you demand your mutual rights and reverence the wombs that bore you. 

For God ever watches over you

To orphans restore their property when they reach their age nor substitute your worthless things for their good ones and devour not their substance by mixing it up with your own, for this is indeed a great sin. 

Verily Allah speaks the Truth'. 

(Dr. Mohammed)  Assalaamu Alaikum… Thank, you brother Ashraf. 

For those who may be introduced new to the IRF and its activities, I would like to briefly outline the IRF, and its work. 

The IRF was initially started in February 1991, to cater to the need for proper Islamic knowledge amongst the educated Muslim youth - Youth who may be ignorant about Islamic teachings, youth who may tend to be wrongly apologetic about Islam, and youth who may not know how to properly present and practice Islam, for the whole world at large, to appreciate and look up to. 

Now the IRF has been growing in many other deserving areas of its other objectives, specially in humanitarian relief activities and educational upliftment. 

Amongst its popular services, IRF has a collection of more than 1,300 Video cassettes and more than 4,000 Audio cassettes, on Islam and Comparative Religion, available for free hire in Bombay. 

It also has to its credit, more then 50 publications on Islam and Comparative Religion, which are available free on request, all over India. 

To promote education, the need of the day, amongst our people, the IRF Educational Trust was established 1½ year back of which Dr. Zakir happens to be the chairman.     

Today Dr. Zakir will be speaking on the topic… 'Women's Rights in Islam – Modernizing or Outdated?' 

This would be followed by a Question and Answer session, in which you all have a right to question and cross examine him, on the topic and the matter presented in a very open format. 

When we consider the rights and justice for women in this open court of ours today, in context of Islamic laws and views, it is very befitting, and our esteemed pleasure to have amongst us the eminent Judge, Honorable Justice Muhammad Mujeebuddin Qazi, to preside over this programme. 

Justice Qazi has been for 13 years from 1968 to 1981, the government pleader at the Nagpur Branch of the Bombay High Court, being the highest law officer of the Government of Maharashtra, there of.  

Then, Justice Qazi became the first Muslim, after Justice M. C. Chagra to be elevated from the Bar to the Bench, as a Judge of the Bombay High Court, where he has been delivering judgment, from 1981 till 1992. 

On the eve of his retirement in 1992, a very leading Newspaper of Central India 'The Hitwada', had this to say about him… 'Justice Qazi belongs to the fast vanishing breed of gentlemen Judges'. 

Justice Qazi, is at present a member of the Minorities Commission, and earlier has been a member of the advisory board Islamic and Comparative Law Journal, in New Delhi.
 

After his retirement as a high court Judge, Justice Qazi has been fortunate, and been honoured with the elevation, to the position of Chairman, Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal, opposed equal to that of the rank of the Chief Justice of the  Bombay High Court.  

This high powered Tribunal, is the substitute and bifurcation of the Bombay High Court for all government service matters. 

To top it all, his hand bill… 'Demeanor' and manners as well as a deep anguish and care for real human progress, make him an make him an apt personality, to precede… to preside over today's proceedings. 

He would be introducing the importance and significance of the topic for the day, as well as introduce Dr. Zakir Naik, who he is well acquainted with. 

Brothers and sisters… Justice M. M. Qazi

(Justice M.M. Qazi)  The distinguished speaker Dr. Zakir Naik, Dr. Mohammed Naik, former Governor and Ambassador Mr. Talyar Khan, the foreign dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen.  

At the outset, I would like to thank the organizers of Islamic Research Foundation, for having invited me to preside over this function. 

I would also like to thank Dr. Mohammed Naik, for having said few good words about me.  

As you are already aware, the subject of the talk this morning is… 'Women's Rights in Islam - Modernizing or Outdated?' 

Modernizing means… 'Something which is not antiquated, but in the context of the subject it would mean - the rights given to women in Islam, fourteen centuries back, are relevant even today'. 

The debate, on the position of women in social spectrum, has been going on since centuries - but of late, it has assumed somewhat alarming proportions in certain matters. 

Issues such as Talaq, Polygamy, participation of Muslim women in
Socio-political activities, are subject of regular comment and discussion in the media.  

There may have been problems, but at the same, time it is a fact that some of the issues were over played  by the Media. 

No doubt, the Western woman has today obtained, Socio-economic and
Lego-political rights, through hectic struggle, which was carried on for over 200 years. 

But friends, I would like to tell you, that in the struggle, in the process, she has lost everything. 

She has lost, if you have closely observed the Western society… you will agree with me that she has lost her family life, she has lost peace of mind, she has lost even her honour and womanhood. 

On the contrary… Islam has given, has bestowed on women innumerable rights, fourteen centuries back, when contemporary civilizations were still considering whether women could be regarded as a human being. 

We are therefore to examine objectively, dispassionately and coolly, whether the rights, so given in Islam are really adequate, and therefore relevant even today. 

You are fortunate to have an eminent speaker Dr. Zakir Naik, who is going to deal with the subject exhaustively, and therefore it is not necessary for me to refer to all those verses in the Holy Qur'an, and the number of traditions of the holy… of the  Prophet of Islam, pertaining to the rights of women. 

However I will refer to the two verses, in order to demonstrate that woman has been given a dignified position in Islam - Verse No. 228, Chapter 2, Surah Baqarah, as translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, whose work is supposed to be the most standard work, reads as under….

'And Women shall have rights, similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable, but men have a degree of advantage over them'. 

I would like you to bear in mind, every word of this Verse - It has unequivocally being declared, that men and women have similar rights against each other. 

These words… this part of the verse has no where been diluted anywhere in the Qur'an, however the verse further says that men have a degree of advantage over women.

It is really these words which we have to be… we have to be sure about, because it is here that most of the people have faltered, and even some of the commentators have misconceived these words. 

But at the outset I would like to tell you, that these words have nothing to do with the rights between the parties… rights as I have already… we have already seen just now, have been unequivocally declared in the earlier portion of this Verse that… 'Men and women have similar rights against each other'. 

In order to fully appreciate this Verse, these words namely that… 'Men have a degree of advantage over women', we will have to refer also to another Verse - Verse No. 34, Chapter 4, Surah Nisa. 

It reads… its translation reads as under… 'Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one (more) into bracket (strength) bracket close than the other, and because they support them for their means'. 

This Verse… Verse again lays down that… 'Men are the protectors and maintainers of women'. 

It further says that… 'God has given one more than the other'. 

Admittedly, a woman is a weaker sex and she has got to be given special protection in certain matters. 

Anthropologically, man is stronger and also different, which is also a biological truth. 

No doubt nature has given him this advantage, for which no credit goes to man, and no discredit to women on that account - But I would like to tell you that this advantage, is also being given to men in order, so that he is.. he is able to effectively discharge his functions.  

Honorees task has been cast on him, that of a protector and maintainer and therefore this advantage which has been given to him, has nothing to do with the rights, as I have already said earlier. 

In fact this advantage, in no way reduces the rights of women … nor it, her importance.
 

Therefore the real question that would arise, would be… I would request you to ponder over, and think about the state of affair, in the social set up today. 

According to me, this is one of the most important and delicate function of the men… to give protection to women. 

It is in a very… you see, in a very deep sense, which has to be understood - It is not wholly an ordinary protection, in the sense of saving one's life - Please try to understand and appreciate. 

I would request you to… to think over, whether men are discharging their functions… and if you closely examine, I have no doubt, you will come to this conclusion, that… that… that men have abdicated their most important function… that of giving protection to women, and therefore have neglected their… their elementary duty. 

I do not want to enter into a dialogue or a debate at this time, because there is no time at my at my disposal, as to who is responsible for bringing about this tragic situation.          

May be that women may… may have also been responsible for this… bringing about this situation. 

But the fact remains, that this has exposed women to forces of crime and oppression, leading to widespread cases of violation of her honour and dignity. *** 16 Sec

In the back drop of Indian ethos, we shall sanctify womanhood. 

No woman would like to bargain for such liberty, and no man would like to give up his… agree to give up his role as a 'protector'. 

This extremely delicate aspect of relationship between man and woman, has been explained by one of the great thinkers and the… and Poet… Doctor Iqbal, in a poem titled - 'Women's Protection'. 

Of course the poem is in Urdu – It … it consists of three couplets… but I will translate them… these three couplets… there after I have recited these three couplets. 

Iqbal says… 'Ek Zinda Haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hai Mastoor, Ek Zinda Haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hai Mastoor, Kya Jaanega Woh Jiske Ragon Main Hai Lahoo Sard, Kya Janega Woh Jiske Ragon Main Hai Lahoo Sard, Na parda Na Taleem, Nai Ho Ke Purani, Nisfaniyat E Zan Ka NigeBaan Hai Faqat Mard, Jis Kaum Ne Zinda Haqi Jis Qaum Ne Is Zinda Haqiqat Ko Na Paya, Us Qaum Ka Kursheed Bahut Jald Huwa Zard'. 

The translation would be that… 'Jis Kaum Ne Ye Zinda haqiqat Kon Na Paya' - The nation which has not realised this truth …sorry. 

'Ek Zinda haqiqat  Mere Seene Mein Hain Mastoor' - a living  truth lies deep into my heart.  

 'Kya Samjhegan Woh Jiske Ragon Mein Hai Lahoo Sard'- It is not for those whose senses are frozen. 

'Na Parda Na Taleem, Nai Ho Ke Puranee' - It is neither veil nor education… new or old. 

'Niswaniyat e Zan Ka Nigeban Hai Faqat Mard' - The protector of the dignity of women, is man alone. 

'Jis Qaum Ne Ye Zinda Haqiqat Ko Na Paya' - A nation which has not discovered this… this truth. 

'Us us Kaum ka Kurshid Bahot Jald Huwa Zard' - It's sun is bound to fade away.
 

Friends, as I have already said… that I have extremely limited time at my disposal, and Dr. Zakir is already there, who is going to deal with the subject exhaustively…  exhaustively, sufficiently suffice. 

I have… non the less; I would like to tell you, that woman has been given a very dignified position, in Qur'an. 

And the real problem is only, one of our own ignorance, of Quran's real spirit

Therefore the real solution would be, to educate and enlighten the people.
 

May I remind you at this moment, the great words of Thomas Jefferson that… 'A nation which expects… which expects to be ignorant and also free, it expects what never was, and never will be'. 

'Wo Mauzis The Zamane Mein Musalman Hokar, Aur Tum Khwar Piye Tarike Qur'an Hokar'.  

Ladies and  gentlemen, we have amids't us, Bombay's young but brilliant and  irradiate speaker, Dr. Zakir Naik. 

Though he is a doctor by profession, but he has dedicated himself to the cause of propagation… propagation of Islam, in it's right perspective. 

He is founder General Secretary of Islamic Research Foundation, which was established in 1991. 

He is… he has widely traveled within and outside country, and has delivered number of lectures. 

At such a young age, he has developed deep insight into  Qur'an - which reminds us what Tagore has said that… 'A lamp cannot light another lamp, unless it continues to burn it's own flame'. 

It would be most unfair, if on this occasion, I ignore, I do not mention the distinguished parents of Dr. Zakir Naik, but for whose guidance and blessings, he would not have been what he is today. 

I once again thank you very much - Thank you very much. 

(Clapping)... 

(Dr. Mohammad) The talk by Dr. Zakir Naik, on today's topic - Dr. Zakir Naik.            

(Dr. Zakir) (Arabic

Honorable Justice M. M. Qazi, respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters, I welcome all of you with the Islamic greetings… 'As-salaamu Alaikum Warahamatullahi Wabarakatuhu'… meaning… 'May peace blessing and mercy of Almighty Allah, be on all of you'. 

The topic of today's day is - 'The Women's Rights in Islam - Modernising or Outdated?'

According to the Oxford dictionary, 'Women's Rights are the rights, that promote a position of social and legal equality, of women to men'

According to the Oxford dictionary, 'they are the rights, claimed for the women, equal to those of men, as regards to suffrage that right to vote, as regards to property, etc'.

'Modernising', according to the Oxford dictionary means, 'to make modern, to adapt to modern needs or habits'. 

And according to the Webster's dictionary it means… 'To make modern, or to give a new character or appearance - e.g., to modernise ones ideas'.   

In short, modernising is a process of updating or opting for the betterment of the present status itself - It is not the present modern status itself. 

Can we modernise ourselves, to master our problems, and to realize a new way of life, for the whole human race?   

I am not concerned about the modern ideas, the conclusions and the categorical statements made by scientists and inexperienced armchair experts, as how a life should be lived by a woman. 

I am going to base my conclusions and considerations on truth, which can be proved by experience

Experience and unbiased factual holistic analysis, are the sure test, between the gold of truth, and the glitter of theory. 

We have to check our thinking against reality, otherwise many a times, our mental process will go astray - Indeed the great brains of one time, believed that the world was flat.  

If we agree with the 'Women's rights in Islam', as portrayed by the Western media, you have no option, but to agree that the 'Women's rights in Islam' are outdated. 

The Western talk of women's liberation, is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honour and degradation of her soul.*** 10 Sec

The Western society which speaks of upgrading the status of women in Islam, have actually reduced her status to concubines, to mistresses, to society butterflies, which are mere tools in the hands of sex marketers and pleasure seekers, which are disguised behind the colorful screen of art and culture. 

Islam's radical revolutionary support, gave women their due right and status in the days of ignorance… 1,400 years ago. 

Islam's objective was and continues to be, to modernise our thinking, our living, our seeing, our hearing, our feeling and striving for the women's upliftment and emancipation in the society. 

Before I dwell further with the topic, I would like you to make note of a few points.

The first point is that, 'approximately one fifth of the world's population, consists of Muslims' 

There are different Muslim societies - Some may be close to Islam, some may be far away from Islam

The 'Women's rights in Islam' should judged according to the authentic sources, and not what individual Muslims do, or what the Muslim society does.
 

The authentic sources of Islam, are the Qur'an, which is the word of God, and the authentic Sunnah, and the traditions of our beloved Prophet (may peace be upon him).  

Point number four - the Qur'an will never contradict itself, nor will the Shahih Hadith contradict itself… neither will these two authentic sources, contradict each other.
 

Point number five – 'Sometimes the scholars differ, and many a times, these differences can be removed by analyzing the Qur'an as a whole, and not just by quoting one particular Verse'. 

Because if one particular verse of the Qur'an if its ambiguous many a times the answer is given somewhere else in the Qur'an - Some people quote one source and neglect all the other sources. 

And the last point is – 'It is the duty of every Muslim, male or female, to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT), and to act as His trustee on this world, and not to try and gain fame or satisfy one's own ego. 

Islam believes in equality of men and women – 'Equality' does not mean 'Identicality'. 

In Islam, the role of a man and woman… it is complimentary, it is not conflicting - It is that of a partnership - it is not contradictory, so as to strive for supremacy. 

Where 'Women's rights in Islam' is concerned, I have divided into 6 broad categories.

The first are 'the Spiritual rights', second are 'the Economical rights', third are 'the Social rights', fourth are 'the Educational rights', fifth are 'the Legal rights', and last are 'the Political rights'. 

Let us analyze 'the Spiritual rights' of women in Islam

The greatest misconception that the West has about Islam, is that they think… 'Paradise in Islam, is only meant for the male - it is not meant for the female'. 

This misconception can be removed by quoting from Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No 124, which says. 

(Arabic)... 

Which means – 'If any of you do deeds of righteousness, whether it be male or a female and has faith, they shall surely enter Paradise and not the least injustice shall be done to them'  

A similar thing is… a similar thing is repeated in Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.97 which says… 'If any of you perform good deeds, be it a man or a women and is a believer, We shall give you good life and We should reward you for all your good works' .            

Just because in Islam, sex is not the criteria to enter Paradise… will you call such rights in Islam as modernising or outdated? 

Another misconception is that, which the Western media has, that… 'The woman has no soul'. 

In fact, it was in the seventeenth century, when the Council of wise men… when they gathered at Rome, and they unanimously agreed that the woman had no soul. 

In Islam, man and woman have the same spiritual nature, and that was clarified by our young Qari, Brother Ashraf Mohammedy, who recited the Verse from Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.1. 

(Arabic)… 

Which that… 'O humankind reverence your guardian lord, who has created you from a single person and created like nature his mate' .*** 15 Sec

A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.72, which says that… 'We have made for you companions and mates of your own nature'

Again in Surah Al-Shura, Ch.42, Verse No.11, it says… (Arabic)…  

'He is the one who has created the heavens and the earth and has made for you pairs from among yourselves'   

Just because the spiritual nature of a man and woman is the same in Islam, will you call such rights in Islam, as modernizing or outdated? 

The Qur'an clearly mentions that… 'Allah (SWT) has breathed somewhat of His spirit into the human beings'.  

If you read Surah Hijr, Ch.15, Verse No.29, it says… 'When I have fashioned you in due proportion and have breathed into you something of my spirit, fall ye down in  obeisance'  

A similar thing is repeated in the Qur'an, in Surah Sajdah, Ch. 32, Verse No.9, which says... 

( Arabic)… 

Means… 'We have fashioned you in due proportion and have breathed into you something of My spirit' . 

Here, when Allah (SWT) refers to… 'As something of My Spirit, is breathed into the human beings' - it does not mean, a sort of incarnation or a pantheistic form.  

It means that Allah has given to every human being something of His spiritual Nature, and the Knowledge of God Almighty, and coming closer towards Him

Here it refers to both Adam and Eve (may peace be upon them) - Both were breathed something of Allah (SWT)'S Spirit. 

Again we read in the Qur'an, that Allah has appointed the human being as His vicegerent, as His trustee, as is mentioned in Surah Isra, Ch.17, Verse No.70, which says….              

(Arabic)… 

That… 'We have honoured the children of Adam and bestowed on them special favours'.   

Sorry… Here all the children of Adam have been honoured, male as well as female.

There are some Religious scriptures, for example the Bible, which puts the blame on Eve for the downfall of humanity. 

In fact if you read the Qur'an in Surah Araf, Ch.7, Verse No.19 to 27, Adam and Eve (may peace be upon them both) are addressed, more than a dozen of times. 

Both disobeyed God, both asked for forgiveness, both repented, and both were forgiven. 

In the Bible, if you read Genesis, Ch. 3, only Eve is held responsible (May peace be upon her) for the downfall of humanity. 

And according to the doctrine of 'Original Sin', because of Eve (may peace be upon her) the whole of humanity is born in sin. 

If you read the Bible in Genesis, Ch. 3, Verse No.16, it states that the God of… 'the Bible' it is saying 'Unto the woman you shall bear in conception and in sorrow shall you give birth and your desire shall be of your husband and he shall rule over you'            

That means, pregnancy and child birth has been said in the Bible to degrade the women and the labour pain is a sort of punishment. 

In fact if you read the Qur'an, pregnancy and child birth have uplifted the women.

If you read Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.1, it says… 'Respect the womb that bore you'.

Its mentioned in Surah Luqman, Ch.31, Verse No.14, it says … (Arabic…).

That... 'We have enjoined on the human being to be kind to the parents, in travail upon travail did their mother bore them and in years twain was their weaning' 

A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Ahqaf, Ch.46, Verse No.15…
(Arabic)… 

It again repeats, which says… 'We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents'. 

To be kind to the parents - in pain did their mother bore them, and in pain did she give them birth - Pregnancy in the Qur'an has uplifted the women not degraded her

Just because pregnancy has uplifted the women in Islam will you call such rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated?  

The only criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah is 'Taqwa', 'God consciousness' or 'righteousness' 

It is  mentioned in Surah Hujurat, Ch.49, Verse No.13 'O humankind, We have created you from a single pair of male and female and have divided you into nations and tribes, so that you shall recognize each other not that you despise each other and the most honored in the sight of Allah, is the one who is the most righteous'. 

Sex, colour, caste, wealth has got no criteria in Islam - The only criteria in the sight of Allah it is 'Taqwa', neither is sex the criteria for Allah (SWT) to reward or to punish a person.

If you read Surah Imran Ch.3 Verse No.195 it says 'I will never suffer the loss of any of you, be it male or female, you are companions unto each other'. 

I had started my talk by quoting  a verse from the Qur'an From  Surah Al Ahzab, Ch.33,  Verse No.35, which says 

'Innal Muslimeena Was Muslimati'  - 'For Muslim men and Muslim women'

'Wal maomineena Wamomiminati' – 'For believing men and women' 

'Wa Kaniteena Wakantaati' – 'For devout men and women' 

'Wa Saadikeena Wasaadkaati' – 'For true men and women'. 

'Wa Sabireena Wa Saabiraati' – 'For men and women who are patient and constant'. 

'Wa Musaddikeena Wamusadikaati' – 'Or men and women who give in charity'.

'Wa Saaeemeena Wasaaimaati' – 'For men and women who fast and deny themselves'.

'Wal hafizeena Furoojaheen Wa hafizati' – 'For men and women who guard their chastity' 

'Wa Zaakireenallahu Kasuraon Wazaakiraati' – 'For men and women who engage much in Allah's (SWTala's) praise' 

And the verse ends by 'Aradallahu Wa magfirataon Wa Airframe Azeena' – 'That for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and ample of reward' 

This verse indicates that the spiritual duties, the moral duties, for the men and women in Islam are the same - Both have to believe, both have to pray, both have to fast, both have to give Zakat, etc, etc. 

But the women has been given certain concession in Islam.  

If she is undergoing her menstrual period or pregnancy, she does not have to fast - She can keep those fasts later on, when she is more healthy 

In fact, during the menstrual period and during the postnatal period, she need not pray also - She has been given the concession, and neither does she have to compensate it later on. 

Just because the moral duties of the men and women are equal in Islam will you call such rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated? 

Let us analyze the Economical rights - Islam gave economical rights to the women 1,300 years before the West.

An adult Muslim woman can own, she can dispose or disown any of her property without consulting any one, irrespective whether she is married or she is single. 

In 1870, it was the first time in England, that the West recognized the rights of the married woman, where she was allowed to own or dispose any of her property without consultation.  

I do agree that the women were given their economical rights 1300 years ago - these are ancient rights - but the question is – 'are they modernizing or outdated?' 

 A women in Islam, if she wishes to work she can work - There is no text in the Qur'an or the authentic Hadith which prevents or makes it prohibited for a woman to do any work, as long as it is not unlawful, as long as it is within the preview of the Islamic Shariah, as long as she maintains her Islamic dress code

But natural, she cannot take up jobs, which exhibit her beauty and body - Like for example, modeling and film acting, and such kind of jobs. 

Many of the professions and  jobs which are prohibited for the woman are also prohibited for the man, for example serving liquor.  

For example working in gambling dens - For example doing any unethical or dishonest business - All these jobs are prohibited for both men and women.  

A true Islamic society requires women to take up profession such as doctors. 

We do require female Gynecologists - We do require female nurses - We do require female teachers 

But, a woman in Islam has got no financial obligations - The financial obligation is laid on the shoulders of the man in the family - Therefore she need not work for her livelihood.    

But in genuine cases, where there are financial crisis in which both the ends do not meet, she has the option of working

Here too, no one can force her to work - She works out of her own, absolute free will.
 

Besides the professions I mentioned, she can work in the house and take up tailoring, she can take up embroidery, she can do pottery, she can make baskets etc 

She is  also allowed to work in factories and small scale industries in which, which has been designed exclusively for the ladies. 

She can work in places which have got separate sections- gents and ladies, because Islam does not agree with intermingling of the sex

She can also do business, and where it comes to doing transactions, where it involves interaction with a foreign male, with a Na-Mehram, she should do it through a father or a brother or husband or a son

And the best example I can give you is of Bibi Khatija (may Allah be pleased with her) who was the wife of our beloved Prophet (may peace be upon him)

She was one of the most successful business women of her times and she did the transaction through her husband, Prophet Muhammed may (May peace be upon him)    

A woman in Islam has been given more financial security, as compared to the man.
 

As I told you earlier, she… the financial obligation is not put on her shoulder - It is put on the shoulder of the man in the family 

It is  the duty of the father or the brother, before she is  married and the duty of the husband or the son, after she is married to look after her lodging, boarding, clothing and  financial aspects of her. 

When she gets married, she is on the receiving end. 

She receives a gift - she receives a dower or a marital gift, which is called as 'Meher'.
 

And it is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surah Nisa, Ch.4  Verse No.4 which says…. (Arabic)… 

'Give to the woman in dower, a marital gift' . 

For a marriage to solemnize in Islam, 'Meher' is compulsory.   

But unfortunately in our Muslim society here, we just keep a nominal 'Meher' to satisfy the Qur'an, say 151 Rupees, or some people give 786 Rupees and they spend lakhs and lakhs of Rupees on the reception, on the decoration, on the flowers, on the lunch parties, on the dinner parties. 

In Islam, there is no - there is no lower-limit, nor is there  an upper limit for 'Meher ' - But when a  person can spend lakhs of Rupees on the reception, surely the 'Meher ' should be much more. 

There are various cultures which have crept into the Muslim societies, specially in the Indo-Pak area 

They give a small amount of 'Meher ' and they expect the wife to get a fridge, to get a T.V set, they expect the wife to give a flat, to get a car, etc., and a large sum of dowry, depending upon the status of the husband

If he is a graduate, they may accept - they may expect 1 lakh - If he is an engineer they may expect 3 lakhs- If he is a doctor they may expect 5 lakhs. 

Demanding dowry… a husband demanding dowry from the wife, directly or indirectly is prohibited in Islam. 

If the parents of the girl give the girl something out of their own free will, it is  accepted - But demanding or forcing directly or indirectly, it is  prohibited in Islam

If a Woman works, which she does not have to - whatever earning she gets, it is absolutely her property.  

She need not spend a single penny on the household - if she wants to spend it is her free will.  

Irrespective how rich the wife is, it is the duty of the husband to give lodging, boarding, clothing and look after the financial aspects of the wife. 

In case of divorce or if a wife gets widowed, she is given financial support for the period of 'Iddah' - and if she has children, she is also given child support

Islam gave the right to the  women to inherit, centuries ago. 

If you read the Qur'an - in several verses, in Surah Nisa, in Surah Baqarah and in Surah Maidah, it is mentioned that a woman irrespective, she is  a wife or she is  a mother, or a sister, or a daughter, she has a right to inherit - And it has been fixed by Allah (SWT) in the Qur'an. 

And I do know, there are bound to be questions - that the inheritance law of in of Islam is unjust. 

But time does not permit me to clarify this - Insha Allah I will expect a question on this and then I can deal with this topic more in detail. 

Let us go further and analyze the social rights of a women in Islam. 

Broadly it can be categorized into four sub-headings… Social rights given to a daughter, to a wife, to a  mother and to a sister. 

Coming to the social rights given in Islam, to a daughter - Islam prohibits, female infanticide - The killing of female children is forbidden in Islam

It is  mentioned  in Surah Taqveem, Ch. 81, Verse No. 8 and 9, 'when the female child is buried alive and when she questions you, for what crime was she killed'.  

Not only female infanticide has been prohibited, all sorts of infanticides has been prohibited in Islam, whether it be a male child or a female child. 

It is  mention in the Qur'an in Surah A'nam Ch.6,  Verse No.151 that, 'Kill not your children for want of sustenance for it is Allah that will provide sustenance for you and for children' 

A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Isra, Ch.17 Verse No.31 which says… 'Kill not your children for want of sustenance, for it is Allah that will provide sustenance to you and your children, for killing of children is a major sin'.  

In the pre-Islamic Arabia, whenever a female child was born mostly she was buried alive.  

Alhamdullillah, after the spread of Islam this evil practice has been discontinued.
 

But unfortunately it still continues in our country India - According to a BBC report, in the programe assignment the title of which was 'Let Her Die', there was a British reporter by the name of Emily Beckenen, who came all the way from Britain to India to give us the  statistics of the female infanticide. 

This programe was shown more than a year back on the star T.V. and Alhamdullillah, it is  being shown every month, and just a few days ago it was  again retelecast. 

In that programe, it gives the statistics, that every day more than 3,000 fetuses are being  aborted on being identified that they are females

If you multiply this figure by the number of days, that is multiplied by 365, you get a figure of more than one million female fetuses are being aborted every year in our country. 

And there are big hoarding and posters in states like TamilNadu and Rajasthan, which says spend 500 Rupees and save 5 lakh Rupees 

What does it mean? - That spend Rupees 500 on medical examination like Aminocententus or Ultra Sonography, and identify that the child the mother is carrying

If it is  a female you can abort it and you'll save 5 lakh Rupees - How? 

The couple of lakhs you spend on upbringing her and the remaining lakhs of Rupees you spend on giving dowry

According to the report of the government hospital of Tamil Nadu – 'out of every 10 female children that are born, four are put to death' - No wonder the female population in India is less than the male population

Female infanticide was continuing in our country since centuries - If you analyze the statistics of the 1901  census, for every 1000 males there were 972 females

According to the 1981 statistics and census, it tells you for every 1000 males you have 934 females

And the latest statistics of 1991 tells you that for every 1000 males you have 927 females

You can analyze that the female ratio is dropping every year - And since science and medicine has advanced, it has helped in this evil practice

Just because Islam tells you that you should not kill any children whether it be male or female will you call these rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated? 

Islam not only prohibits killing of infant children, it also prohibits, and it rebukes you on rejoicing on the birth of a male child and you getting saddened on the news of a female child. 

If you read Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.58 & 59, it tells you that… 'when news is brought to one of them of a birth of a female child his face darkens and is filled with inward grief'.  

He hides himself in shame from his people because of the news he has received.

Should he let her live in suffering or should he bury her in dust - Ah! what a evil choice they have

Qur'an not only prohibits female infanticide, it rebukes at the thought of you rejoicing at the birth of a male child and getting saddened at the birth of a female child 

In Islam, a daughter should be brought up correctly 

And according to a Hadith in 'Ahmed', the Prophet (may peace be upon him) he said 'Anyone who brings up two daughters properly, they will be like this to me on the day of judgment' – Means, 'will be very close to me on the day of judgment'  

And there's another Hadith which says, that 'Anyone who up brings 2 daughters properly and takes good care and brings them up with love and affection,  they will enter Paradise' 

In Islam, there should be no partiality in upbringing of the daughters or the son.  

According to a Hadith, of our beloved Prophet it said that, 'In the presence of the Prophet, once a man kissed his son and placed him on his lap but did not do the same to his daughter.

The Prophet immediately objected and said that you are unjust - You should have even kissed your daughter and placed her on the other lap'.

Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) he did not only speak about justice, he also practiced it.

Let us analyze, the rights of a wife in Islam.

All the previous civilizations, they have considered the women to be an 'instrument of the devil'.

The Qur'an refers to the women as 'Mohsana', that is a 'fortress against the devil'.

And if a woman, who's good, marries a man, she prevents him from going on the wrong path and keeps him on the 'Siratulmustakeem' – that is the correct path.

There's a Hadith in which Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) he said that, 'there is no monasticism in Islam' .

And again according to Sahih Bukhari, Volume No. 7, Ch. No. 3 Hadith No 4 it says that 'the Prophet ordained the young men, all those who have the means to marry, they should marry - For it will help them to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.

There is another Hadith related by  Anas, in which the Prophet said… 'Any one who marries completes half his deen'.

Once somebody asked me, that… 'does it imply that if I marry twice I will be completing my full deen?'

The person misunderstood the message of the Prophet.

When the Prophet said that… 'When you marry you complete half your deen' - It means that when you marry it shields you from promiscuity, it shields  you from fornication, it shields you from homosexuality, which lead to half the sin in this world

Only when  you marry, do you have  opportunity to become husband or a wife - Only when you marry do you have opportunity to become a father or a mother

And the duties of the mother and the father and that of a husband and wife are very important in Islam

So it makes no difference whether a man marries once twice or thrice or four times - He yet completes only half his deen.

The Qur'an say's that… 'We have put love into the hearts of the husband and wife' .
 

If you read Surah Rum, Ch. 30, Verse No. 21 it says that… 'And amongst our signs We have created for  you mates or companions, so that you may dwell in them in tranquillity and we have put love and mercy between your hearts'.

According to Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.21, marriage is considered as a misaq, a sacred  agreement, a sacred contract.

According to Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.19, it says… 'You are prohibited to inherit women against their will' - Means, to marry the permission of both the parties are required.

It is  compulsory that the man and women both should agree to marry No one - not even the father can force their daughter to marry against her wishes.

There's a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari, Volume No. 7, Ch. No. 43, Hadith No. 69, which says 'that a lady she was forced by her father to marry against her wishes' - And she went to the Prophet and the Prophet invalidated the marriage'

Another Hadith in Ibn-e-Humbal, Hadith No. 2469, it says 'that a daughter was forced by her father  to get married - And when the daughter approached the Prophet, the Prophet said you can either continue, or if you wish you can invalidate the marriage.  

That means, the consent of both the male and the female is required

In Islam, a women is considered as a homemaker - She is not considered as a housewife, because she is not married to the house 

Many people use terminology,  without understanding what it means – 'Housewife' means 'your the wife of the house'

So I believe, from now onwards the sisters would prefer calling themselves 'homemakers', than 'house wives', if they are occupied more in the home 

In Islam, a woman, she is not married to a master that she should be treated like a slave - She is married to it is  equal

And there is a Hadith which says in Ibn-Hambal - Hadith No 736, 7396.
- It says that… 'the most perfect of the believers are those that  are best in character and behavior, and those that are best to their family and their wives'. 

Islam gives equal rights to the man and woman and as mentioned by the honorable justice M. M. Kazi, that Qur'an clearly mentions that men and women, husband and wife have equal rights in all aspects, except leadership in the family.  

It is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surah Baqarah Ch.2, Verse No.228.
- It says that… 'the women  have been given rights similar against them on equitable terms but the men have a degree higher' 

And I perfectly agree with Justice  M.M. Kazi when he said that most of the Muslims have misunderstood this verse, when it says 'a men have a degree higher' - As I said we should analyze the Qur'an as a whole. 

And its  mentioned in Surah Nisa, Ch. 4, Verse No.34 which says - (Arabic…).           

'The men are the protectors and maintainers of the women, for Allah (SWT) has given one of them more strength than the other and they give them their means'

People say the word 'Kawwam' means, 'one degree higher in superiority' - But actually the word 'Kawwam' comes from the root word 'Ikamah' 

'Ikamah' means for example  'when you give the Ikamah before prayers - You stand up'.  

So 'Ikamah' means to standup - so the word 'Kawwam' means one degree higher in responsibility, not one degree higher in superiority. 

Even if you read the commentary of 'Ibne-Kathir' - He says that the word 'Kawwam' means one degree higher in responsibility, not one degree higher in superiority.             

And this responsibility, should be carried out by mutual consent of both husband and wife.  

It is  mentioned in Surah Baqarah, Ch.2, Verse No.187, which says - (Arabic )

Which means… 'Your wives are your garments, and you are their garments' 

What's the objective of garments - It is  used to conceal and to beautify 

The husband and wife, should conceal each others faults, and  they should beautify each other - Its a relationship of hands and gloves 

The Qur'an mentions that… 'even if you  do not like your wife, you should treat her kindly'.  

It is  mentioned in Surah  Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.19, that… 'Treat your wives on a footing of equity and kindness even if you dislike her - For you may be disliking a thing for which Allah has made good for you'. 

Even if you dislike your wife you have to treat her kindly and with equity

Just because the rights of a wife are equal to those of the husband in Islam, will you call such rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated? 

Let us analyze the rights of a Mother 

The only thing above respect to Mother, is the worship of Allah (SWT) - It is  mentioned in Ch.17, Verse No.28-29 

It says that… 'Allah has ordained for you - that Allah has ordained for you, that you worship none but Him, and to be kind to our parents

And if any one or both of them reach old age do not say a word of contempt or repel them but address them with honour, and speak to them with kindness, and lower your wing of humility and pray to Allah (SWT) -'My Lord, bless them as they have cherished me in childhood'

Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No. 1 says… 'Respect the womb that bore you'.           

Surah A'nam, Ch.6, Verse No.151, says… (Arabic)…

That… 'You have to be kind to your parents'. 

Again in Surah Luqman Ch.31, Verse No.14

It again says the same thing that… (Arabic)… 

'We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents

In travail upon travail, did their mother bore them and in years twain was their weaning'  

A similar thing is repeated again in Surah Ahqaf, Ch.46, Verse No.15      

(Arabic…).  

That… 'We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents

In pain did their mother bore them and in pain did she give them birth'.  

According to a Hadith related in 'Ahmed', as well as in 'Ibn-e-Majah' - It says 'Paradise lies at the feet of the mother'.  

That  does not mean that if my mother is walking on the road and if she steps on muck and filth - that thing becomes  Paradise 

It means that after you fulfill your basic duties, if you respect your mother, if you are kind to your mother, If you are honorable to your mother, you will Inshaallah enter Paradise.
 

Another Hadith related in Sahih Bukhari in Volume 8, Ch. No. 2 Hadith No. 2, as well as in Sahih-Muslim - It says that a man asked the Prophet… 'Who requires the maximum love and respect and my companionship in this world?

The Prophet replied – 'your mother' 

'Who is next'? – 'your mother' 

'Who is next?' – 'your mother' 

The man asked for the fourth time, - 'Who is next' 

The Prophet replied 'your father' 

75% of the love and respect goes to the father, sorry goes to the mother and 25% of the love and respect goes to the father

Three fourth of the better part of the love and respect goes to the mother – One fourth of the remaining part of the love and respect goes to the father 

In short, the gold medal goes to the mother, the silver medal goes to the mother, the bronze medal goes to the mother and the father may be he gets the consolation prize.     

I am very happy that my brothers have appreciated it - Otherwise normally I always apolo­gize, that if I have hurt the feelings of my brothers, I  am sorry – That is  what Islam tells me

But, I'm glad, that my brothers here, they have appreciated Islam,
Al-hamdullillah

Let us analyze the rights of the sisters in Islam

According to Surah Tawbah, Ch. 9, Verse No.71, it says... (Arabic)… 

That… 'The men and the women they are maintainers and supporters of each other'

The word 'Auliya' here means 'supporters' and 'maintainers' - they are sup­porters and maintainers of each other

In short they are brothers and sisters unto each other, unless otherwise 

Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) he said, 'The women are the 'Shakat' -'Shakat' means sister'

It also means 'half', as humankind has been divided into two halves - men and women - It refers to as 'half', also as 'sisters'

There are so many social rights that we can, that we can speak for weeks together.
*** 07 Sec

But due to short of time, I will not be able to touch on the important topics such as Polygamy, such as divorce, such as Talaq, divorce, because I have opted to spend more time on the other topics

Because experience tells me that these topics, Inshallah, will be covered in the question and answer time

And I hope you will ask questions and whatever - whatever clarification you require on this topic, I will try my level best to give you

Now let us analyze - now let us analyze the Educational rights given to the women in Islam

The first 5 verses which were revealed of the Qur'an Shareef were from Surah Alaq, or Surah Iqra, Ch. 96, Verse No. 1 to 5 which says - (Arabic…) 

'Read, recite or proclaim in the name of thy lord, (Arabic…) Who has created the human beings from a congealed  clot of blood, a leech like substance

(Arabic…) - Read, thy Lord is most bountiful

(Arabic…) - Who has taught the use of the pen

(Arabic…) - Who has taught the human beings that which he knew-not'. 

The first guidance given in the Qur'an Shareef to the humankind was not to pray, was not to fast, was not to give charity - It was read - Islam pays utmost importance to education.
 

The Prophet ordained the parents, the father and the mother, to see to it that they gave Religious education to their daughter

And after a lady married, it was the duty of the husband to pro­vide her with the Religious education

If he couldn't do it him­self, and if she wanted, he should allow her to go somewhere else to acquire the education

According to Sahih Bukhari, the women were very enthusiastic to acquire knowledge, and they once told the Prophet… 'You are usually surrounded by men - why do not you give us  one particular day so that we too can ask you questions' - And the Prophet agreed. 

Beside he himself going, he sent many other of his Sahabas to the women, to give them education 

Imagine, 1400 years ago, when the women were ill treated and were only used as chattels - leave aside being educated, Islam asked the women to be educated

We have examples of several Muslim women who are scholars 

And the best example I can give you is of Bibi Ayaisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who was the daughter of Hazrat Abubaker, the first Khalifa of Islam, (may Allah be pleased with him), and the wife of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) 

She gave guidance even to the Sahabas and to the Khalifas - One of her famous student Urwah-Ibn-Zubair 

She said that… 'I have not seen a greater scholar than Ayaisha in the field of learning of the Qur'an, in obligatory duties, in lawful and unlawful matters, in literature and poetry, in Arab history'  

She was not only expert in the Religious field, she had profound knowledge of medicine - Whenever the foreign delegates came to the Prophet and discussed, she used to memorize the remedies 

She was well versed in the field of math, and many times the companions came to her to ask problems of 'Mirath' that is, 'Inheritance' - And how much share could be divide how much share should be given to the each individual 

She has - she is said to have guided all the four Khalifas, including the companions.
 

And she also gave guidance, many a times to Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) and she herself has narrated 2210 Hadiths.  

According to AbuUmm... according to Abu Moosa, who was a famous Jurist, he said that… 'Whenever we companions had lack of knowledge on a matter, we went to - we went to - Hazrat Ayaisha (May Allah be pleased with her), and definitely she had knowledge  about it'.  

She is  said to have taught more than 88 scholars - In short, she was a scholar of the scholars. 

There are several examples, even of Safiya (may Allah be pleased with her) who was the wife of the Prophet, who was an expert on Fiqah  Islamic Jurisprudence.  

And according to Imam an Nouvi 'She was the most intellectual women of that time'.
 

Another  example is Umme - Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) who was the wife of the beloved Prophet...(to be continued)