International Women’s Day: Are Muslim women still being oppressed?

By Nanauzir

Before I write further, I would like to wish all women out there Happy International Women’s Day!

On 8 March 2015, one whole world is being delighted upon wishes, celebrations, contributions and so much more to all of women, to make this special creation of God feel appreciated of their existence.

Some people have no idea what and why we have to make one special day dedicated to women.  This is because women have been exploited for longest times, so the United Nations take this opportunity to create a day to reflect on the progress made by women as well as to appreciate the examples of courage and strength set by ordinary women in their countries.

Unfortunately in this 21st century, we still watch, read and listen to the media reporting on Muslim women, for example in Iran a woman who was convicted of killing a man she accused of raping her, and not only that, they notoriously forbid in Saudi of women to venture outside their homes without a religiously approved male escort.

This is being highlighted by the media that Muslim women are being oppressed not protected. The phenomenon of ‘shameful’ daughters is widespread and the lives of millions of female children continue to be lost in countries such as India and China through abortion and infanticide by parents who yearn for a male child.

Therefore, these three examples are just the tip of the iceberg as abject illiteracy for various reasons among Muslim women lies at the root of the exploitation of the media of portraying Muslim women did not get as much freedom as non Muslim women get. It seems like they care about Muslim women which is actually they want to attack on how Islam seems like did not care of women rights.

The problem is that many people have forgotten history. British laws were far more oppressive to women than Islamic laws. Islam granted women rights that European women at the time only dreamed of; including financial, social, familial, and political rights. The most clear example is when they get married, the women have to change their name after her husband’s name, where as Islam never said so.

Whatever seems like bad in the eyes of non-Muslim, little did they know, Islam really takes care of women’s pride, real Muslim women always feel protected with Islamic guidelines. Many of their accusations towards Islam are non-reliable and nothing but to throw prejudice. So here I want to highlight few accusations and prove that women are actually not being treated like what they said.

Media say : A Muslim Woman Can’t Even Say Who She Marries

Explanation would be there is one story, “A non-virgin woman may not be married without her command, and a virgin may not be married without her permission; and enough permission for her is to remain silent (because of her natural shyness).” [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, and others]

Thus, the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, prohibits forcing a virgin in marriage without her permission, whether it be her father or someone else. Furthermore, `Aa’ishah, radhiallahu `anhaa, said that she asked the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, “In the case of a young girl whose parents marry her, should her permission be sought or not?” He replied, “Yes, she must give her permission.” She then said, “But a virgin will be shy, O Allaah’s Messenger.”

He answered:

“Her silence is [considered as] her permission.” [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, and others]

This applies to the father as well as others. Furthermore, Islam does not give the father the right to use any of her wealth without her permission, how then could he be allowed to decide, without her permission, how her body (which is more important than her wealth) is to be used, especially when she disagrees to that and is mature to decide for herself?

Also, there is evidence and concensus in Islam to restrict an underage person’s free control of his wealth or person. However, to make a virginity a reason for the restriction contradicts the Islamic basis.

Media sayMuslim Women Aren’t Allowed to Get an Education

The Prophet Muhammad said:

“Seeking knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim man and women.” (Ibn Majah)

There are so many examples these days, and if we are in doubt to answer what the media say about Muslim women, do not afraid to go to Ustadh or Ustadhah who are the experts in Hadith and Quran. Ask for their guidance.

All in all, on International Women’s Day, as I look back on what I thought about Muslim women, what I came to learn, and what I came to believe, it saddens me to think that much of the Western world still holds all these same old misconceptions that I did.

It horrifies me to see what some of the Muslim world do to women in direct contradiction to Islam. It’s time we remove the narrative that Islam oppresses women. It’s long past time to reclaim women’s rights. ***

Photo of International Women's Day Facebook

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