Question:-
I would like to find out what is the role of a Muslimah in Islam as a mother, wife, daughter and as an Ummati of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasalam? I would also like to find out about the infiltration of feminism in our Muslim society, that is, feminism in education and employment, gender equality and the collapse of patriarchy. What effect will it have on a Muslimah and what is the way forward?
Answer:-
As a Muslim mother, one is required to connect her children with Allah Ta’ala from the time of conception. The behaviour and conduct of the mother has a profound impact on the child while still in its mother’s womb. It is the mother that will teach her child the name of Allah, the Kalimah of Tauheed, to do things according to the Sunnah such as, eating with the right hand, to enter the bathroom with the left foot and leave with the right, to wear garments starting with the right, reading the relevant Duas at every occasion etc. The mother should instil good qualities into her child such as respecting one’s elders, to be honest and trustworthy at all times, to speak the truth at all times even if it goes against oneself, to obey every command of Allah Ta’ala such as performing the 5 daily Salaah, fasting in the month of Ramadaan etc. She should dress her children (both sons and daughters) in accordance to Shariah. At the same time, if she finds any faults and deficiencies in her children, she should rectify them immediately in a kind and affectionate manner, so that the child is brought up correctly. These roles of a mother in Islam are just the tip of the iceberg.
As a Muslim wife, one should always obey Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam at all times, obey her husband as long as he doesn’t command her to disobey the commands of Allah Ta’ala, be a means of comfort to one’s husband in every way possible, love her husband, advise one’s husband correctly in all matters, never look down upon him, be honest to him and safeguard his possessions and assets in his absence, never ask for anything beyond his means, take care of the household chores as Hadrat Fatima Radiallahu Anha had done, satisfy his desires in a lawful manner, keep Nafl fasts with his consent etc.
As a Muslim daughter, one should obey and serve her Creator at all times, follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, refrain from the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala, serve one’s parents to the best of one’s ability and after marriage, serve her husband, dress in accordance to Shariah, to try being a role model to the younger generation, learn from the seniors how to be a good mother and wife and how to serve the Ummah at all times, acquire the necessary knowledge of Deen and impart it to others etc.
As an Ummati, be concerned of the physical and spiritual well-being of the Ummah. Assist the needy, widows, divorcees, orphans, the elderly, the weak and feeble, make Dua for the Ummah wherever they may be, pass over Isaal-e-Thawaab to the deceased, command good, prohibit evil, try to assist others in becoming better Muslims etc.
A Muslim is one that submits to the will of Allah Ta’ala and should, therefore, be pleased with the decree of Allah Ta’ala at all times. Allah Ta’ala has granted superiority to men over women, as they are responsible for providing for women. Similarly, leadership will always remain with the men as they will always attend the Masaajid, lead the congregational prayers, participate in Jihad etc. This position has been afforded to men by Allah Ta’ala. However, if a female excels in acts of virtue and piety, then her position in the sight of Allah Ta’ala could be far superior than that of men. Those in favour of feminism are in contradiction with the laws of the Quraan and Sunnah. Women who are of the view that both men and women are equal will inevitably end up violating the laws of the Shariah, as they will go out to work like men, they will drive around freely, they will travel more than the Musaafir distance without being accompanied by a Mahram, and in fact, travel abroad at times in the same manner. They will be independent of their spouses as a result of their earnings and financial position hence, their marriages will suffer, they will not have time to attend to their children, and these children will brought up by the helpers at home etc.
The way forward is to accept the position afforded to her by Allah Ta’ala, ie. she is the queen of her home. By remaining at home, all her needs are fully taken care of, whilst she enjoys the luxury and comfort of her home.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 08 Shawwal 1443 / 10 May 2022
