Status of Women in Islam and Women's History Month

As reforms are sweeping through Muslim countries, women have been key contributors and leaders yet their involvement has been under reported and under analyzed. Citizens in the Middle East and elsewhere have been calling for social reform to end discrimination in both laws and social customs. It is an ultimate paradox, a great divide between the customs of Muslim countries and the beautiful teachings of Islam.  Islam in one word describes the essence of peace, submission and obedience; hence why it gives such utmost respect and significance to the stance of women. On the contrary, it is not surprising why women all over the world, especially the Middle East, are thriving to attain a position of influence in society

It wasn’t until my junior year of college several years ago did my identity as a muslim woman come into light.  It was late afternoon at the University in my Introduction to Women’s Studies class.  What started out as just an elective course, turned out to be a day where I sat and watched flashing images of women living in miserable social conditions, honor killings, abuse, In other words, depicting the incorrect belief that the Quran promotes ill treatment of women.  It was alleged that in order for men to maintain dominace, women are denied an education and deprived of having a say in their own lives.

After the cross-cultural presentation on the rights of women, all eyes were on me.  We were all in a new era- the post 9-11 world and I was the only one in the classroom in a hijab. Classroom you say? What better place for young minds to exchange ideas.  In short of travelling the world, a university is the best place you can learn about other cultures. 

I explained  that in the Quran, there are many passages that address issues relating to women as individuals, in the family and as members of the community. As a second-generation Pakistani-American it seemed as if it was my duty to clear the misconception that patriarchal cultures must not be confused with Islamic culture of the Middle East.  Coincidently, being newly married, it was important for me to point out that Islam had no inequities towards women. 

Drawing upon the practices of the  Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) I will tell you a short story that shines upon his sentiments toward women.  On one occasion when he was leading the Prayers he heard the cry of a child and concluded the service quickly, explaining thereafter that as he had heard the cry of the child he imagined that the child’s mother would be distressed at its cry and he had therefore concluded the service quickly so that the mother could go to the child and look after it. This portrays the endearing humane aspect of his persona, which encompasses his attributes of humbleness and consideration in just one anecdote.

Who I am and what popular cultures perception of me, has become a tug-of-war-competition of how status of Muslim women is interpreted.  With the recent horrific attack by the Taliban on Malala Yousafzai, it is important to stress that Islam mandates education for men and women.  The  Prophet (PBUH) laid down that education is compulsory for both. He said:

“It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge.”

He also exhorted both to "seek knowledge even if you have to go to China," and to "seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."  Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet (PBUH was a successful and leading businesswoman and she is looked upon as a role model for Muslim women. Ignorance sows the seed that reaps the harvest of darkness and terrorism.

For this reason, the transmission of knowledge across cultures is a key for us to learn from one another.  The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA is hosting conferences at its 73 chapters nationawide to present the true character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).   Please visit www.muslimsforpeace/events to find out more about this effort and to find an event close by.