by
Alamin Abdu Muzakkar & Aisha Ismail Kure Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto
The whole concept of feminism
revolves around the belief that women should have equal rights as men. It is a
political movement fighting for the equality of men and women in all aspects of
life. Before going further I would like to refer to chapter 4:34 of the Quran
which says:
“Men are the protectors and
maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other,
and because they spend (to support them) form their means. Therefore the
righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and
guard in the husband’s absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their
chastity, their husband’s property, etc.).
As to those women on whose
part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their
beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return
obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allah is Ever Most
High, Most Great.”
This means that the
responsibility of protecting and maintaining women lies on men as their superiors.
Feminists argue that legal
and social restrictions on women must be removed in order to bring such
equality. This brings us to the question ‘what are those restrictions put on
women?’ among these said restrictions is that of inheritance that a male’s
portion is equal to that of two females. There is no doubt that Islam fights
for the freedom of women.
Also Read: Is Camel Hump Hijab Style Haram?
Let’s check with history.
Before the advent of Islam, women were not values in society. They were treated
like slaves and sex slaves. Whoever gave birth to a female child saw it as bad luck and had to bury the child alive. Women were denied their rights and
had no right to inherit. They were also properties to be inherited.
With the advent of Islam,
these practices were wiped away. Women were given the right to inherit; the
practice of burying women alive was stopped. Islam raised the status of women
and women became valuable and precious in society. On the other hand, Islam
did justice by making the share of a male equal the share of two females in
inheritance. This is because men are burdened with greater responsibilities than
women. Women themselves are among the responsibilities of men. So, the
responsibilities of men cannot be compared with that of women. Here Islam did
justice, not equality.
Another said the restriction is
that of dress code and that of limiting women’s movement. Feminists see it as oppression; to make women cover theirbodies with the Hijab and to limit their movements.
But the fact to be
considered is that if something is precious to a person, he protects and safeguards it. The same way Islam protects and safeguards women through the Hijab because women are precious. Regarding the limitation of movement, people don’t
take their values everywhere, the same with women; they aren’t supposed to be
roaming about anyhow.
A study was conducted in a
2013 poll of 585 randomly selected adults from six Nigerian geopolitical zones
by NOI polls, 34% answered ‘Who do you think is the most prevalent cause of
rape in the society?’ with ‘indecent dressing’. 29% said they personally knew a
victim of rape (Wikipedia). Although a woman considered indecently dressed is
not an invitation to rape, women are made to cover and stay safe in Islam.
Furthermore, regarding women
with jobs, the most recommended jobs for women are jobs like nursing, catering,
teaching, business, and several others. Stressful jobs like bricklaying,
construction work are not recommended for women because a woman is not meant to
go through such stress. Time-consuming jobs are also not recommended. This is
because a woman who is very committed to work will have no time for her
responsibilities as a wife and mother.
Islam does not oppress
women, rather; fights, provides for and cares for women’s freedom, comfort and
wellbeing.
Post a Comment