QUESTION:
Please elaborate on how wonderfully women are created compared to men?
ANSWER:
It goes without saying that women have a great role to play within the Islamic society. Without the intervention of women, society would have probably (in fact definitely) ceased to exist. Allah Ta’ala has created women with many wonderful qualities that are required especially in her interaction with her husband. We need to understand that Allah has created women with their unique qualities, and Allah has also created men with qualities that are unique to them. To try and compare the two and to decipher which one is more wonderfully created, would be a useless task. A person cannot say that men are better than women, and vice versa. Yes, one may see that men have been given many more responsibilities than women. This too isn’t because they are better than women, rather, this is the divine wisdom of Allah Ta’ala. To understand this concept, a little detail would be needed: [[i]]
The Position of Women before the Advent of Islam:
The advent of Islam occurred at a time when the world was engulfed in sin and was steeped in the lowest ebb of darkness. This era was regarded as the darkest age in the history of mankind. Cheating, robbing, killing, gambling, usurping the rights of orphans and widows, and even burying female infants alive was the order of the day.
Women were degraded to such an extent that the European countries did not even accept women to be human beings! Women had no place in religion and were considered unfit for engaging in worship. In some councils of Rome, it was decided after much discussion, that a woman is a dirty animal. Among the Arabs, it was considered permissible for a father to kill or even bury his daughter alive. In fact, this heinous crime was deemed to be a mark of honour and a standard of nobility. There were some who held the opinion that a woman’s life had no value. Hence, if a person killed a woman, he did not have to pay blood-money or be charged with retaliatory action. As far as the Hindus were concerned, when the husband died, his wife would be burnt alive with his dead body. In the year 586 AC, France showed its ‘compassion’ for women by passing a resolution – after great deliberation and controversy – that a woman is actually a human being, but she has been created for the sole purpose of serving man!
In essence, immorality and indecency had reached its pinnacle where women had no social recognition and were openly ill-treated and physically abused. It was in this age of ignorance and oppression that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam – may our lives be sacrificed for him – was sent to rescue mankind from the darkness of Kufr and usher them into the light of Imaan.
The Position of Women after the Advent of Islam:
Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam strove to rescue the Arabs from the wrong practices they were immersed in and instill within them the true values of Islam. The light of Islam began to spread until the golden era eventually dawned upon the world, where the nation that was once accustomed to physically and emotionally ill-treating their women became the greatest benefactors of mankind and the greatest protectors of women’s rights the world had ever seen! The men of such a nation, who at one time would deprive their women of all rights and degrade them to being inherited among the belongings of the deceased, were now upholding the honour of their women and fulfilling their rights. They now treated their women with the greatest compassion and mercy and safeguarded them against every type of worldly and Deeni harm. All this was purely on account of them upholding the Mubarak Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and the teachings of Islam in their lives.
What are the Teachings of Islam with regard to Upholding the Rights of Women?
Islam has conferred the greatest respect and honour to women. In the Quraan Majeed, Allah Ta’ala has commanded that the rights of women be upheld, and at no point should any form of abuse and ill-treatment be shown to them. Allah Ta’ala declares:
وَعَاشِرُوْهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ
“Deal with them (your wives) in a good manner (with respect and dignity) (Surah Nisaa, verse 19)
Similarly, in the Hadith, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam has mentioned:
خيركم خيركم لأهله وأنا خيركم لأهلي
“The best among you are those who treat their wives kindly, and I am the best of you in treating my wives with kindness.” (Tirmidhi #3895)
While addressing the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum on the occasion of the farewell Hajj, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam emphasized the importance of fulfilling the rights of women in the following words, “Fear Allah Ta’ala regarding women, for you have taken them (into your Nikah) with the trust of Allah Ta’ala (i.e. they are an Amaanah from Allah Ta’ala).” Rasulullah Salallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam also said, “As for the rights that you owe to your wives, then Allah Ta’ala has commanded that you treat them well in providing clothing and sustenance for them.” (Muslim #1218; Tirmidhi #1163)
Islam has advocated kindness and compassion towards women at every juncture. Hence, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam taught the ummah that, to spend on one’s wife and to keep her happy is actually an act of ibaadah (worship). Even at the time of divorce, when the couple find themselves incompatible or cannot reconcile their differences and wish to separate, Islam commands the husband to separate with dignity and respect, and not to oppress her in any way.
On one occasion, a group of women came to the home of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and complained of their husbands ill-treating them. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was greatly disturbed and strongly condemned the ill-conduct of those husbands. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Such people are not the good among you.” (Abu Dawood #2146)
From this Hadith, we understand that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited showing ill-conduct and abuse towards women and explained to the ummah that such people are not good and obedient servants of Allah Ta’ala. In essence, there is no religion that had bestowed such kindness, compassion and honour to women like the kindness, compassion and honour afforded to them by Islam.
The Islamic Position of Men and Women in regard to Worldly Administration:
For any administration to function smoothly and efficiently, there are two requirements: The first is to identify the different positions in the administration, and the second is for each person to fulfil his/her role in the administration. Consider the example of a government, business, company, hospital, or school. In all these organizations, there will be a head, and those who will be under that head. If all work together with respect, co-operation and fulfilling their appointed roles, then each organization will function harmoniously and will be productive and progressive.
Similar is the case of the family unit. Allah Ta’ala has set roles for husbands and wives, and Allah Ta’ala has commanded that the husbands will be the head of the family unit in guiding them, protecting them, providing for them and fulfilling their needs. Hence, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam informed Hadrat Fatimah Radiallahu Anha (at the time of her Nikah with Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu) to fulfil the responsibilities within the home, while instructing Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu to fulfil the responsibilities outside of the home. (Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaibah #29677)
If one understands Deen correctly, without being bias and prejudice, one will realize that Islam has not degraded women, but has given them a role which allows them to live a life of honour within the comfort of their homes, concealed from the gazes of strange men, like a priceless pearl concealed in an oyster.
The honour which Allah Ta’ala has afforded women can be gauged from the fact that Allah Ta’ala has burdened the husband with the additional responsibility of venturing out of the home to earn a Halaal livelihood in order to fulfil the needs of his wife and children. Allah Ta’ala says:
اَلرِّجَالُ قَوّٰمُوْنَ عَلَی النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلٰی بَعْضٍ
“Men have been appointed as protectors over their women on account of the fact that Allah Ta’ala has granted some of them (men) superiority over others (women).” (Surah Nisaa, verse 34)
In another verse of the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta’ala says:
وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَیْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ
“Men have been granted a level of superiority over them (women).” (Surah Baqarah, verse 228)
From these two verses of the Qur’aan Majeed, one clearly understands that the superiority and position which men have been granted over women was in actual fact a grace and blessing for women from the side of Allah Ta’ala, as they are provided for, and protected by their menfolk. These verses in no way indicate towards women being underprivileged or degraded in the world.
Islam has made Provisions for Women under All Circumstances
Islam has made provisions for the needs of women to be fulfilled under all circumstances. Prior to Nikah, it is the responsibility of the father to take care of his daughter. After Nikah, it is the responsibility of the husband to take care of his wife. In the event of the husband’s demise or separation, Shariah commands that the needs of the women be taken care of by their close family members (e.g. the father, brother, uncle, etc. according to the various situations).
In essence, the verses of the Quraan-e-Majeed which explain that men have been granted a level of superiority over women, refer to the responsibility men have been assigned with in regard to protecting women, fending for them and fulfilling the obligation which they owe towards them. However, one should bear in mind that these differences in rank among men and women are only decreed by Allah Ta’ala for the purpose of fulfilling their divinely appointed roles in the world. It does not mean that men are superior to women in the sight of Allah Ta’ala and in the Hereafter.
The Basis of Superiority between Men and Women in the Sight of Allah Ta’ala
As far as the true position of men and women in the sight of Allah Ta’ala is concerned, then the basis of superiority is piety, righteousness and Taqwa. In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta’ala declares:
اِنَّ اَكْرَمَکُمْ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اَتْقٰکُمْ
“Indeed, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah Ta’ala is the one who has the most Taqwa (righteousness in his life).” (Surah Hujuraat, Verse 13)
The purpose of coming into this world is to strive for the Hereafter. Thus, when striving for the Hereafter is the common goal, then women are in no way at a disadvantage, but have been given an equal opportunity to excel and progress, on condition that they fulfil the role which Allah Ta’ala has chosen for them. Furthermore, when the basis of superiority in the sight of Allah Ta’ala is piety and righteousness, women can make great strides and even surpass men in rank and in acquiring the proximity of Allah Ta’ala – provided they adhere to the commands of Allah Ta’ala.
The Great Opportunities Offered to Women in Islam
Allah Ta’ala has blessed the women of this Ummah with great opportunities to reach Allah Ta’ala and acquire the lofty ranks of the Hereafter. However, this is on condition that they fulfil the command of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Allah Ta’ala commands women in the Quraan-e-Majeed,.
وَقَرْنَ فِیْ بُیُوْتِکُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِیَّةِ الْاُوْلٰی
“O women! Remain within your homes and do not come out of your homes making a display of your beauty like the former days of ignorance.” (Surah Ahzaab, verse 33)
The Best for Women
On one occasion, Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu was seated by Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam when Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam asked, “What is best for a woman?” All the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum remained silent, and nobody answered. Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu) said, “When I returned home, I informed Hadrat Fatimah Radiallahu Anha regarding the question which Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam posed before the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum), and asked her the same question, ‘What is best for a woman?’ In answer, she replied, ‘The best thing is that they do not see men and nor do men see them.’” Hadrat Ali Radiallahu Anhu then said, “When I mentioned her answer to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, he became pleased and said, ‘Fatimah is part of me.’ (Kanzul Ummaal #46012)
Being Concealed from the Gazes of Strange Men and Performing Salaah in her Home
Once Hadrat Ummu Humaid Radiallahu Anha, the wife of Hadrat Abu Humaid As-Saa’idi Radiallahu Anhu, came to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and said, “O Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, I long to perform Salaah behind you.” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, “I am aware that you long and desire to perform Salaah behind me. However, your Salaah in your bedroom is more rewarding than your Salaah in any other part of your home. The Salaah in any other part of your home is more rewarding than the Salaah in your enclosed courtyard. The Salaah in your enclosed courtyard is more rewarding than the Salaah in the Masjid of your locality. The Salaah in the Masjid of your locality is more rewarding than your Salaah in my Masjid (Masjid-e-Nabawi).” Hadrat Ummu Humaid Radiallahu Anha) (in obedience and compliance with the Mubaarak desire of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) instructed that a small place be reserved for her Salaah in the innermost portion of her bedroom, and she would devotedly perform all her Salaah at that place until the end of her life. (Saheeh Ibni Hibbaan #2217)
Being Obedient to the Husband and Cooperating in Good
Hadrat Asmaa bint Yazeed Al-Ansaariyyah Radiallahu Anha, a Sahaabiyyah from the Banu Abdil Ash-hal clan, once came to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam while he was seated among the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum and addressed him in the following words:
“May my father and mother be sacrificed for you! I have come to you as a representative of the women. May my life be sacrificed for you! Every single woman, in the east and west, whether she has heard that I have come to you or not, will have exactly the same question as myself. Verily Allah Ta’ala has sent you with the truth to men and women.
We brought Imaan in you and in Allah Ta’ala who deputed you. We, the women, live within the confines of our homes and are restricted from exposing ourselves and doing many things that the men are able to fulfill. We remain confined to our homes. We allow you men to fulfil your needs and desires with us, and we bear your children. You, the men, have been favoured by Allah Ta’ala by being able to attend the Jumuah Salaah and other Salaah in congregation (whereas we women perform our salaah within our homes). You can visit the sick and be present at funerals. You perform Hajj after Hajj and even more virtuous than that is your participation in Jihad in the path of Allah Ta’ala. When any of you men leave your home to perform Hajj or Umrah or to guard the borders of the Islamic territories, it is none other than us women who protect your wealth for you. We sew your clothes for you. We raise and care for your children. Do we not have a share in your reward, O Rasul of Allah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam?”
On hearing the question of this woman, Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam turned his face towards the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum and asked, “Have you ever heard a woman ask a question regarding her Deen more excellent than the question of this woman?”
The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum) replied, “O Rasul of Allah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam! We never imagined that a woman could be inspired to ask a question of this nature!”
Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam turned to her and said, “Return, O woman, and inform all the women you represent that for you to display excellent conduct with your husband, seek to keep him happy and try your utmost to comply and co-operate with him, will enable you to be equal with him in all the good deeds which you have mentioned that men carry out.”
Hadrat Asma Radiallahu Anha was so delighted with the answer of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam that as she walked away, she continued to exclaim “Allahu Akbar!” and “La ilaaha illallah!” out of joy and excitement. (Shu‘abul Imaan #8369)
From the abovementioned incidents we understand that there are many great opportunities which Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam explained for the women of his Ummah. However, they will only acquire progress and acceptance if they fulfil the role which Allah Ta’ala has chosen for them, and they are pleased with the decree of Allah Ta’ala.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdur Rahman Abdur Razak
Date:- 22 Jumadal Ula 1445 / 06 December 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
[i] Adapted from the writings of Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saheb.
