بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

نحمده و نصلى على رسوله الكريم

Preface

The idea to compose ‘The Status of Woman in Islam’; a short introduction of place of woman in Islam, entered in my mind to observe the criticism by infidel Muslims & Non-Muslims embroided in modern culture, against the status of woman in Islam, time and again in news papers and magazines. These critics are ignorant about Islam, though very sensitive against the veil system in Islam and the way of life of a pious Muslim woman, while do not highlight their woman culture, which is cycling them back to the ‘era’ of pre-stone age.

We are proud of the virtues and faithfulness of pious daughters of Hazrat Ayesha r.a. and their faithfulness to the Shariate Mohammadi s.a.w., a vast and complete code of conduct of human life and most suitable to the human instinct.

I pray the Almighty Allah to bestow the Muslim ‘ummah’ adherence to the Shariate Mohammadi s.a.w. and make the non-Muslims understood thoroughly the reality and spirituality of Islam, Ameen.

Dr. A. T. Inam

The Holy Qoran is a flawless guide-line to all man-kind on the earth, already censored & revealed by The Creator of the Universe, The Almighty Allah upon the entirely last Prophet ‘Mohammad’ s.a.w. through the Prophet of Angels; Gibrael The Ruhul Ameen. The Holy Qoran reveals, ‘Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down The Qoran, as a guide to the mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance & judgment (between right & wrong): (Baqra-185)

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

‘Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds: with it came down the Truthful Spirit, to your heart that you must admonish, in the perspicuous Arabic tongue.’ (Shoara-192-195):

وَإِنَّهُ لَتَنزِيلُ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿١٩٢﴾ نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ ﴿١٩٣﴾ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ ﴿١٩٤﴾ بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِيٍّ مُّبِينٍ ﴿١٩٥﴾

‘Mohammad s.a.w. is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) The Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.’ (Ahzaab-40):

مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّـهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ ۗ

‘Mohammad s.a.w. is no more than a Noble Messenger, there have been Noble Messenger before him.’ (Ale-Imraan-144):

> وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ ۚ

The other divine holy books; Zuboor, Tauret & Injeel were revealed upon the Holy Prophets Hazrat Dawood, Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Isaa (Be peace upon them) respectively. These holy books contained the divine guidelines as per the human needs and requirements of their corresponding times.

‘It was We Who revealed The Torah (to Moses) therein was guidance & light.’ (Maida-44)َ

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ ۚ

‘Let the People of Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein.’ (Maida-47):

وَلْيَحْكُمْ أَهْلُ الْإِنجِيلِ بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ فِيهِ ۚ

‘And We made some the Prophets to excel other and We gave to David the Psalms (زبؤرا ): (Isra-55):

وَلَقَدْ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَ النَّبِيِّينَ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۖ وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا

The Holy Qoran contains the latest guidelines, invoking all the previous undesired instructions and adding the new ones, most suitable to the human needs and requirements, right from the time of its revelation till the day of judgment and afterward. The existence of The Holy Qoran’s original text is a living miracle as Allah The Almighty guarantees its preservation forever. The Holy Qoran says, ‘We have , without doubt, sent down the Message (Qoran); And We will assuredly guard it.’ (Al Hijr-9):

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ ﴿٩﴾

Allah The Almighty instructs us to believe in the Holy Qoran, which is revealed upon The Holy Prophet Mohammad s.a.w. ‘And believe in the (revelation) sent down to Mohammad s.a.w.’ (Mohammad-2):

وَآمَنُوا بِمَا نُزِّلَ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَهُوَ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۙ

This is the experiment of centuries and a scientific fact that human instincts remain unchanged. Therefore, Qoranic guidelines are ever green to suit the human needs. And this crystal cut scientific fact can even be realized by a person having got lowest possible I.Q. The Holy Qoran says, ‘We have honoured the sons of Adam, provided them with transport on land & sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of Our creation.’ (Isra-70)

وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا ﴿٧٠﴾

Allah The Almighty created the first ‘Supreme’ creature; ‘Adam’ – a male and then created ‘Mother Eves’ – a female from the body of Hazrat Adam a.s. The Holy Qoran says, ‘He created you (all) from a single Person: then created, of like nature his mate (Mother Eves).’ (Zumur-6):

خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا

Hazrat Adam a.s. was taught by The Almighty Allah. And by power of his knowledge & blessings of The Almighty Allah, Hazrat Adam a.s. defended his superiority against the angels. Knowledge was the first gift from The Almighty Allah to Hazrat Adam a.s. Then Allah The Almighty declared that ‘learned’ are superiors to the ‘ignorant’ and cannot be equalized. The Holy Qoran says, ‘And He taught Adam the names of all things.’ (Baqra-31):

وَعَلَّمَ آدَمَ الْأَسْمَاءَ كُلَّهَا

‘Say: ‘are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?’’ (Zumur-9):

قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ ﴿٩﴾

Here is an episode of Hazrat Adam a.s. & Mother Eves clarifying the male & female human instinct. Hazrat Adam a.s. and Mother Eves were placed in The Paradise with only instruction by The Almighty Allah; ‘live comfortably in the Paradise, but don’t eat from this particular plant’. The Holy Qoran says, ‘But approach not this tree.’ (Baqra-35):

وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٣٥﴾

The Satan tried his best to misguide Hazrat Adam a.s., but could not get success. As Hazrat Adam a.s. strong faith in The Almighty Allah and his divine knowledge prevented him from the influence of Satan. On the other hand Mother Eves fell prey to the Satan’s plea and was convinced to convince Hazrat Adam a.s. to eat from that prohibited plant. The Holy Qoran says, ‘Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden) & get them out of the state in which they had been. (Baqra-36)

فَأَزَلَّهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ ۖ

Thus, faced the wrath of The Almighty. Both of them were descended from the Paradise to the earth; Hazrat Adam a.s. near India in Sri Lanka and Mother Eves in Jeddah, Hejaz. ‘We said: “Get you down all from here.”’ (Baqra-38):

قُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا ۖ

Both of them wept & repented for substantially long period. Seeing their innocence, Allah The Almighty forgave them. ‘Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words and his Lord turned toward him; for He is Oft-Returning Most Merciful.’ (Baqra-37):

فَتَلَقَّىٰ آدَمُ مِن رَّبِّهِ كَلِمَاتٍ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿٣٧﴾

Hazrat Adam a.s. & Mother Eves ultimately met at Arafat near Makkah. Through them human race started to grow and spread throughout the entire earth. The Holy Qoran says, ‘O mankind! Fear your Guardian Lord Who created you from a single Person, created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered countless men women.’(Nisa-1):

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً ۚ

Through this episode, The Almighty wants to show us that:

1) Females are comparatively weaker in their decision,

2) If we commit any sin, repent & vow never to repeat, Allah The Almighty will certainly forgive & bless us,

3) Messengers of Allah commit no sin, instead there is a lesson for us that true repentance is a holy tool for ‘Salvation’,

4) Before taking any decision, think twice & get advice of your companion, then finalize as per the circumstance,

5) Do not proud of bounty bestowed by the Almighty Allah, as Hazrat Adam a.s. was proud free, though superior, while ‘Azazil’ the satan was proud of his origin though inferior. The Holy Qoran says: ‘We have indeed created man in the best of moulds. (Teen-4)

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ ﴿٤﴾

‘And conferred on them special favour.’ (Isra-70):

وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا ﴿٧٠﴾

‘He (Satan) said: “I am better than he (Adam); thou created me from fire & him from clay.”’ (Aeraaf-12):

قَالَ أَنَا خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِي مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُ مِن طِينٍ ﴿١٢﴾

6) Allah The Almighty develops spiritual love and affection between males and females are related piously as per Allah’s wish. The Holy Qoran says, ‘And among His Signs is this, that He created for you Mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love & Mercy between your (hearts).’ (Rome-21):

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ

The Holy Qoran reveals; men & women are made for each other in order to protect, support & comfort mutually. ‘They are your garments and you are their garments.’ (Baqra-187):

هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ

The Hadith of Holy Prophet s.a.w. indicates that females should be dealt delicately, as they are created from the left ‘rib’ of Hazrat Adam a.s. Since ribs are curved and will be broken, if made straight with force. Therefore, deal with woman mildly. (Bukhari & Muslim):

عن ابى هريرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم استوصوا بالنساء خيرا فا نه ن خلقن من ضلع و ا ن اعرج شئ فى ال ض لع اعلًه فان ذهبت ليقيمه كسرته و ان تركته لم يزل اعرج فاستوصوا بالنساء : متفق عليه

Females are special creatures with special features, characteristics and instincts. Therefore, let us review the guide-lines from Holy Qoran to ascertain the status of a woman.

Allah The Almighty awards almost equal status to males and females in all spheres of life, e.g. 1) Social Status, 2) Education, 3) Rewards & Punishments, 4) Witness & inheritance rights, 5) Nikah, 6)) Talaq, 7) Privileges to women 8) Restrictions to men, 9) Veil for women & 10) Protection of sex etc.

1) Social Status: Allah The Almighty on one hand awards domination to woman as a mother over her sons. The Holy Qoran says, ‘And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him.’ (Luqman-14):

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ ﴿١٤﴾

We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents.’ (Ankaboot-8):

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا ۖ

We have enjoined a man kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him and in pain did she give him birth.’ (Ahqaaf-15):

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا ۖ وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا ۚ

On the other hand man as a husband dominates his wife: The Holy Qoran says, ‘But men have a degree over them (women) and Allah is exalted in Power.’ (Baqra-228):

وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

‘Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (Strength) than the other.’ (Nisa-34):

الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّـهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ

Therefore, if a man reins the society, woman too reins the society, though areas of their jurisdictions are different. Thus, both are the two sides of a coin; the heads & tails to make the coin genuine and valid.

The Holy Traditions also signifies the superiority of males over females on one hand. The Holy Prophet s.a.w. said, ‘if sajada to other than Allah The Almighty were allowed, I would have ordered the woman folk to prostrate before their husbands.’ (Mishkaat):

عن ابى هريرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لو كنت آمر احدا ان يسجد لَّحد لْمرت المرآة ان تسجد لزوجها : مشكوة

On the other hand The Holy Traditions maintain the high profile of woman. Hazrat Abu Huraira r.a. reports that a man asked to The Holy Prophet s.a.w., ‘who deserves most our services in the society.’ The Holy Prophet s.a.w. replied, ‘your mother’. The man asked, ‘who is next’. ‘Your mother’, replied the Holy Prophet s.a.w. The man asked again, ‘then who’. ‘Your mother’, replied The Holy Prophet s.a.w. When the man asked fourth time, The Holy Prophet s.a.w. replied, ‘your father’. (Muslim):

عن ابى هريرة قال قال رجل يا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من احق بحسن صحابتى قال ا م ك قال ث م من قال ا م ك قال ث م من قال ا م ك قال ث م من قال ابوك : مسلم

2) EDUCATION: Men & women are equally entitled to acquire knowledge. The Holy Qoran says, ‘We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Sign & purifying you and instructing you in Scripture & Wisdom and in new Knowledge.’ (Baqra-151):

كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولًا مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٥١﴾

The Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qoran. He has created man. He has taught him an intelligent Speech. (Rahman 2-4)

الرَّحْمَـٰنُ ﴿١﴾ عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ ﴿٢﴾ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ ﴿٣﴾ عَلَّمَهُ الْبَيَانَ ﴿٤﴾

‘He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, taught the man that which he knew not. (Alaq 4-5)

الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ﴿٤﴾ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ﴿٥﴾

As per Holy Traditions: To acquire knowledge is compulsory to all men & women (Mishkat):

طلب العلم فريضة على ك ل مسلم و مسلمة : مشكوة

Acquire knowledge from cradle to grave (Muslim):

اطلب العلم من المهد الى اللحد : مسلم

Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China (Muslim):

مسلم : اطلبوا العلم ولو في الصين

Thus, Islam wants everyone should be literate in the society.

3) REWARD & PUNISHMENT: The Holy Qoran equally punishes males & females, involved in the proved cases of theft & adultery and there is no discrimination at all. The Holy Qoran says, ‘As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands.’ (Maida-38):

وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَةُ فَاقْطَعُوا أَيْدِيَهُمَا جَزَاءً بِمَا كَسَبَا نَكَالًا مِّنَ اللَّـهِ ۗ

‘The woman & man guilty of fornication, flog each of them with a hundred stripes.’ (Noor-2):

الزَّانِيَةُ وَالزَّانِي فَاجْلِدُوا كُلَّ وَاحِدٍ مِّنْهُمَا مِائَةَ جَلْدَةٍ ۖ

The Almighty Allah promises that the faithful will be rewarded Paradise. The Holy Qoran says, ‘Allah has promised to Believers, Men & Women, Gardens under which rivers flow.’ (Tauba-72):

وَعَدَ اللَّـهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا

4) WITNESS & INHERITANCE RIGHTS: In the cases of witness & inheritance rights, men & women are authorized appropriately by The Mercy of Almighty Allah. The authenticity of witness of one man is equal to two women. The Holy Qoran says, ‘And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men, then a man and two women.’ (Baqra-282):

وَاسْتَشْهِدُوا شَهِيدَيْنِ مِن رِّجَالِكُمْ ۖ فَإِن لَّمْ يَكُونَا رَجُلَيْنِ فَرَجُلٌ وَامْرَأَتَانِ

Also, the rights in acquiring the properties received as heir, man (son, father, husband, brother etc.) share is double than that of woman (daughter, mother, wife or sister etc.). The Holy Qoran says, ‘Allah directs you as regards your children (inheritance) to male, a portion equal to that of two females.’ (Nisa-11):

يُوصِيكُمُ اللَّـهُ فِي أَوْلَادِكُمْ ۖ لِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ الْأُنثَيَيْنِ ۚ

The above Qoranic Verses indicate that men are held more liable/responsible than that of women in order to undertake the problems of human society.

5) NIKAH: Nikah is an agreement of mutual acceptance of husband & wife, as per their choice, under the umbrella of faithfulness to The Almighty Allah & His Prophet Mohammad s.a.w. The Holy Qoran emphasizes on Nikah, at least one and/or at most two, three or four, provided you are capable to satisfy your wives equally by all means. Otherwise, one Nikah is enough. The Holy Qoran says, ‘Marry Women of your choice, two, or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then only one.’ (Nisa-3):

فَانكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً

The Holy Tradition also emphasizes on Nikah. The Holy Prophet s.a.w. says, ‘Nikah is from my tradition, one who desists, is not from me.’ (Bukhari):

النكاح من سنتي فمن رغب عن سنتي فليس مني

There is a great philosophy behind the theme of one Nikah in general & two, three & four Nikah in particular. No other religion offers such unique opportunity in order to satisfy the human instinct.

6) TALAQ: The Holy Qoran empowers the man to use weapon of Talaq, though most disliked by The Almighty Allah, to get rid of a bad companion (wife), when all the doors of compromise & mutual understandings are closed. At the same time woman is also permitted to get separation from spouse by way of Khola, if her husband is bad natured and continuously ill treats and tortures her. Then, she is free to marry a man of her choice. The Holy Qoran says, ‘But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah hears & knows all things.’(Baqra-227)

وَإِنْ عَزَمُوا الطَّلَاقَ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٢٢٧﴾

‘A divorce is only permissible twice; after that the parties should either hold together on equitable terms or separate with kindness.’ (Baqra-229):

الطَّلَاقُ مَرَّتَانِ ۖ فَإِمْسَاكٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ تَسْرِيحٌ بِإِحْسَانٍ ۗ

‘When you divorce women and they fulfill the terms of their (iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms.’ (Baqra-232):

وَإِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَبَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ أَن يَنكِحْنَ أَزْوَاجَهُنَّ إِذَا تَرَاضَوْا بَيْنَهُم بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ

If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves and such settlement is best.’ (Nisa-128):

وَإِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزًا أَوْ إِعْرَاضًا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحًا ۚ وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ ۗ

The following Holy Traditions also discourage the practice of Talaq & Khola i.e. demand of separation by wife from her husband.

Talaq is halal which is most disliked by Allah the Almighty. (Abu Dawood):

ابغض الحلًل الى الله ال ط لًق – ابوداؤد

If wife seeks Talaq unjustly, she will be deprived of the smell of Paradise. (Tirmizi):

ا يما امرأة سألت زوجها طلًقا فى غير ما بأس فحرام عليها رائحة الج نة – ترمزى

7) PRIVILEGE TO WOMAN: In certain cases women are privileged, while men are totally deprived of. Women are allowed to wear the ornaments made of noble metals like gold & silver. They are also permitted to wear the clothes made of silk fabrics. Men are totally ‘banned’ to use the gold, silver and silk. Only a silver ring of three gram men may wear.

Allah The Almighty shows special consideration to women, particularly during their ‘menstruation’ period. Their five times prayers per day are absolutely condoned by Allah The Almighty. During this period and they are not required to compensate these left prayers in future.

عن عائشة قالت ك نا نحيض عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فلً نقضى الصلوة و لَّ تومر بالقضاء - مشكوة

Hazrat Jabir r.a. & Abu Said r.a. report that The Holy Prophet s.a.w. said, ‘woman should abandon her prayer (salat) during menstruation period.’

و قال جابر و ابو سعيد عن ال نبى صلى الله عليه وسلم تدع الصلوة :

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to me, "Give up the prayer when your menses begin and when it has finished, wash the blood off your body (take a bath) and start praying."(Bukhari)

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ قَالَ النَّبِ ي صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا أَقْبَلَتِ الْحَيْضَ ة فَدَعِي الصَّلًَةَ، وَإِذَا أَدْبَرَتْ فَاغْسِلِي عَنْكِ الدَّمَ وَصَلِّي .

Hazrat Huzaifa r.a. told that Allah’s Messenger s.a.w. forbade them (men) to eat or drink from a vessel of Gold or Silver or to wear or sit upon silk & Brocade. (Muslim, Bukhari).

و عن حذيفة قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول لَّ تلبسوا لحرير و لَّ ال ديباج و لَّ تشربوا فى آنية ال ذهب والف ضة و لَّ تاكلوا فى صحافها : متفق

Hazrat Abu Moosa Al Ash’ari r.a. reported Allah’s Messenger s.a.w. as saying, ‘Gold & Silk are permitted to the females among my people but prohibited to the males.’ (Tirmizi).

و عن ابى موسى الَّشعرى ا ن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال اح ل ال ذهب و الحرير للًناث من ا متى و ح رم على ذكورها: ترمزى

Hazrat Umar r.a. reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, ‘only he who has no portion in the next world wears silk in this world.’ (Bukhari, Muslim).

و عن عمر و انس و ابن ال زبير عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال من لبس الحرير في ال دنيا لم يلبسه في الآخرة: متفق

8) RESTRICTIONS TO MEN: Apart from the restrictions imposed on men not to use gold, silver & silk, they are also warned not to indulge in the homosexuality. The Holy Qoran says, ‘Would you really approach men in your lusts rather than woman? Nay, you are a people (grossly) ignorant.’(Namal-55):

أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الرِّجَالَ شَهْوَةً مِّن دُونِ النِّسَاءِ ۚ بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ تَجْهَلُونَ ﴿٥٥﴾

‘Do you indeed approach men, and cut off the highway? And practice wickedness in your councils?’ (Ankaboot-29):

أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الرِّجَالَ وَتَقْطَعُونَ السَّبِيلَ وَتَأْتُونَ فِي نَادِيكُمُ الْمُنكَرَ ۖ

‘Of all the creatures in the world, will you approach males, and leave those whom Allah created for you to be your mates? Nay, you are people transgressing (all limits)!’ (Shoara-165, 166):

أَتَأْتُونَ الذُّكْرَانَ مِنَ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿١٦٥﴾ وَتَذَرُونَ مَا خَلَقَ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُم مِّنْ أَزْوَاجِكُم ۚ بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ عَادُونَ ﴿١٦٦﴾

‘For you practise your lusts on men in preference to women: you are indeed people transgressing beyond bounds.’(Aeraaf-81)

إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الرِّجَالَ شَهْوَةً مِّن دُونِ النِّسَاءِ ۚ بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ مُّسْرِفُونَ ﴿٨١﴾

9) MAHER & WALIMA: Maher & Walima are two important factors closely related to Nikah.

Maher: Maher is certain amount of money fixed during Nikah. The husband is liable to pay the amount of Maher to his wife before he develops any relation with her. The Holy Qoran says to pay fixed amount of Maher to the woman, whom you have taken in Nikah. ‘Provided you seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property.’ (Nisa-24):

فَمَا اسْتَمْتَعْتُم بِهِ مِنْهُنَّ فَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةً ۚ

‘Wed them with the leave of their owners and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable.’ (Nisa-25):

فَانكِحُوهُنَّ بِإِذْنِ أَهْلِهِنَّ وَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ

‘When you give them their due dowers and desire chastity not lewdness.’ (Maida-5):

حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ ۖ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ

According to The Holy Tradition, Hazrat Meimoon Kirdi r.a. narrates on behalf of his father that The Holy Prophet s.a.w. said, ‘if a person takes a woman in his Nikah on more or less amount of Maher and has intention not to pay the right of Maher to his wife, he would be treated as an adulterer on the day of judgment.’ (Tibrani):

Narrated Anas: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw the trace of yellow on 'Abd al-Rahman b. 'Auf. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: What is this ? He replied: Messenger of Allah, I have married a woman. He asked: How much dower did you give her ? He said: A nawat weight of gold. He said: Hold a wedding feast, even if only with a sheep.(Abu Dawood)

عَنْ أَنَسٍ، أَنَّ رَ سولَ اللهَِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَأَى عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ عَوْفٍ وَعَلَيْهِ رَدْ ع زَعْفَرَانٍ فَقَالَ النَّبِ ي صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَهْيَمْ " . فَقَالَ يَا رَ سولَ اللهَِّ تَزَوَّجْ ت امْرَأَةً . قَالَ " مَا أَصْدَقْتَهَا " . قَالَ وَزْنَ نَوَاةٍ مِنْ ذَهَبٍ . قَالَ " أَوْلِمْ وَلَوْ بِشَاةٍ " .

Walima: Walima is a feast arranged by the bride-groom to announce his Nikah and enjoys with the relatives, friends & other community members. The Holy Prophet s.a.w. emphasizes to arrange Walima after Nikah even if a man is least financial capacity.

Hazrat Anas r.a. reports that The Holy Prophet s.a.w. saw yellow colour on Hazrat Ab. Rahman Bin Auf and asked what is this? Hazrat Ab. Rahman replied, ‘I have married with a woman on Maher equal to a fruit stone of gold.’ The Holy Prophet s.a.w. blessed him and asked to arrange Walima should it be of a goat. (Muttafiq):

عن انس ا ن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم راى على عبدالرحمن ابن عوف اثر صفرة فقال ما هذا قال ا نى تز و جت امرأة على وزن نواة من ذهب قال بارك الله لك اولم ولو بشاة – متفق

Hazrat Anas r.a. reports that The Holy Prophet s.a.w. arranged Walima on the auspicious occasion of his Nikah with Zainab bint Jahash. People ate bread and meat with their full content. (Bukhari):

و عن انس قال اولم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم حين ب نى بزينب بنت جحش فاشبع ال ناس خبزا و لحما – البخارى

10) HEJAAB FOR WOMAN: The Holy Qoran instructs the women folk to cover themselves with ‘Rida’ and cover their heads and faces in such a way that could not be recognized, once they are out of home. The Holy Qoran says, ‘O Prophet! Tell thy wives & daughters and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their person (when out of doors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.’ (Ahzaab-59):

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ۚ

Moreover , they are required to remain covered their body with clothes properly, since their all body parts, i.e. from top to toe is ‘aurat’ or shame. The Holy Prophet s.a.w. says, ‘Woman is entirely shame.’ (Tirmizi): قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم المراءة عورة – ترمزى

The Holy Qoran instructs the woman to stay at home and do not be veil-less. ‘And stay quietly in your houses and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former times Ignorance.’ (Ahzaab-33):

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ ۖ

The Holy Qoran instructs women not to expose their body decorations to ‘Ghair Mahram’ (family members other than father, uncle, maternal uncle, brothers, husband, father’s sister, sister’s husband, sons, grandsons, grandfather etc and all men who are not related or family members). If a woman happens to talk to a Ghair Mahram, there must be no sexual appeal even in her voice. The Holy Qoran says, ‘O consorts of the Prophets! You are not like any of the (other) women: If you do fear (Allah) be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak you a speech that is just.’ (Ahzab-32):

يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ ۚ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا ﴿٣٢﴾

The Holy Prophet s.a.w. says that Satan enters in human through blood circulation. (Bukhari):

ا ن ال ش يطان يجرى من الَّنسان مجرى ال د م - بخارى

It means, sex is Satan that can easily incite human feelings.

11) PROTECTION OF SEX: Sex is a natural human instinct that Allah The Almighty has created to prosper the human society. Allah The Almighty also created great attraction between the opposite sex and at the same time Allah has developed a special code of conduct that how to behave the sex, so that it may remain blessing, otherwise it becomes a curse; mother of all evils, if a man astrays from right guided Path. The Holy Qoran says, ‘Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is an indecent and an evil way.’ (Isra-32):

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَىٰ ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا ﴿٣٢﴾

Both men & women are equally warned to safeguard their sexes. The Holy Qoran says, ‘For men & women who guard their chastity.’(Ahzaab-35):

وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّـهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا ﴿٣٥﴾

‘And those who guard their chastity.’ (Maarij-29):

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ ﴿٢٩﴾

‘Who guard their modesty.’(Momenoon-5)

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ ﴿٥﴾

Men & women are allowed only to share sex with their spouses.(Momenoon-5, 6):

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ ﴿٥﴾ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ

(Maarij-29, 30):

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ ﴿٢٩﴾ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ

Allah The Almighty Bestows His blessings to those faithful men & women who protect their sexes as per Allah’s Wish. (Ahzaab-35):

وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّـهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا ﴿٣٥﴾

In the light of Holy Qoran, I hereby point out my own opinion:

a) A man is created comparatively stronger in built, faith & intelligence, therefore more liable & capable to handle the problems of the society. The women too, are awarded the capabilities to decorate, beautify and satisfy the entity of men. There is a vivid example +ve & -ve electrical charges, when unite, produces a high source of energy, which lightens & mobilizes our daily life. In the same way when men & women by retaining their originality, if unite, may produce such a high voltage of power that caters & enlightens whole the society.

b) Islam, a divine religion, wants 100% literacy in human society.

c) Men & Women will be awarded and punished equally, based on their deeds. For which, Allah The Almighty will hold ‘The Day of Judgment’.

d) To ‘witness’ is a job of great responsibility. Therefore, Allah The Almighty has halved the burden from women folks.

e) In case of ‘right of inheritance’, son/male are more liable to the affairs pertaining to the parents or family, while females are attached to the other family after marriage. Therefore, Allah The Almighty awards the ‘inheritance right’ to men & women according to their liabilities.

f) The advantages of Nikah including the polygamy are:

-The excess of women due to holy wars, the widows of ‘martyrs’ may be taken into nikah by rich & worthy people of the society. Thus, prevent such women from being astrayed or starved and enable them to pass respectful and evil free marital life.

-A sophisticated tool to eliminate the malice act of prostitution and adultery from the society.

-A divine means to prevent the havoc of Aids and other venereal diseases.

Naturally, a man is more fertile, as he is capable to produce about 400-500 million sperms per ejaculation throughout life, though number of sperms declines gradually, after the age of fifty years. While in case of women, only about 400-500 follicles undergo maturation and ovulation during the whole sex life and may become sterile by the age of fifty. This is a natural & scientific reason supporting the Qoranic instruction for polygamy (under certain condition) and discarding the sinful act of ‘polyandry’.

-Easy way to establish the fatherhood of a child, while impossible in case of polyandry.

g) Men & women are allowed to use the weapons of Talaq & Khola in very rare case, in order to get relieved from their unwanted spouses. Thus, more serious crimes may be avoided to take place in the human society.

h) Certain restrictions are imposed on men & women and certain privileges are awarded to men & women in order to benefit whole the human society.

i) Hejab is a prestigious symbol for women, since the precious things always are kept covered & protected.

j) Prostitution, adultery & murder* are such severe social crimes, closely related to the sex. Therefore, it is wise to protect the sex for the welfare of humanity. (*The first murder in human history was due to the sex, when son of Hz Adam a.s. ‘Cain’ murdered his innocent brother Abel). (Maida-30):

فَطَوَّعَتْ لَهُ نَفْسُهُ قَتْلَ أَخِيهِ فَقَتَلَهُ فَأَصْبَحَ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ ﴿٣٠﴾

CONCLUSION: The Non-believers were always against the womanhood, spoiling their existence, even before the revelation of Holy Qoran. Now a day too, the non-believers are satisfying their own corner by utilizing the weakness of a woman under the umbrella of ‘Modernization’. Actually, women became plentiful due to deaths and destructions caused by the first & 2nd world wars. The dominating males master minded to avail the female instincts and ultimately got success in trapping them into the ‘shell’ or ‘mirage’ of life, which looks like a glittering stage show. The charm of their womanhood is squeezed by offering them opportunity in night clubs, beauty competitions, fashion shows, movies and modeling etc. In exchange they get their tiny share in terms of money & fame, while the lion share is retained by the persons behind the curtain.

I ask the modern society, ‘is it justified?’ The Humanity will say ‘no’, since a woman is top to toe is a woman, being compelled to expose her privacy & shatter her chastity & modesty only to benefit the sponsors & care takers of the modern society. She gains money and fame and loses everything.

When the time arrives to their rescue, especially when all the glamour of their life is lost and old age invades the life, the one time admirers abandon the company and desist to cooperate, the way shadow leaves the company when the sun disappears.

Is there any bye-law in modern society of modern culture to take care of old aged when entered in retired life?

It is only Islam that teaches to take much care of the women & men, particularly, when they are in the weakest stages of life i.e. childhood & old age. The Holy Prophet Mohammad s.a.w. says, ‘a person who does not love our younger and does not respect our elder, is not from me.’ (Tirmizi):

و عن ابن عباس قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : ليس م نا من لم يرحم صغيرنا و لم يو ق ر كبيرنا : ترمزى

In the last, I would like to express that if a man is a ‘king’, then the woman is surely a king maker.

*************

HADEES SHARIFF

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو مُوسَى، عَنْ وَهْبِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم - وَقَالَ مَرَّةً سُفْيَانُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُهُ إِلاَّ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم - وَقَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ سَكَنَ الْبَادِيَةَ جَفَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ الصَّيْدَ غَفَلَ وَمَنْ أَتَى السُّلْطَانَ افْتُتِنَ ‏"‏

Nabi Akram (ﷺ) ne farmaya : jo shakhs Sehra aur biyabaan mein rahay ga is ka dil sakht ho jaye ga, aur jo shikaar ke peechay rahay ga woh ( duniya ya deen ke kamon se ) ghaafil ho jaye ga, aur jo shakhs badshah ke paas aaye jaye ga woh fitnah o azmaish mein parre ga ( is se duniya bhi kharab ho sakti hai aur akhirat bhi )

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: (the narrator Sufyan said: I do not know but that it [the tradition] has been transmitted from the Prophet (ﷺ): He who lives in the desert will become rude; he who pursues the game will be negligent, and he who visits a king will be perverted.

نبی اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: جو شخص صحراء اور بیابان میں رہے گا اس کا دل سخت ہو جائے گا، اور جو شکار کے پیچھے رہے گا وہ ( دنیا یا دین کے کاموں سے ) غافل ہو جائے گا، اور جو شخص بادشاہ کے پاس آئے جائے گا وہ فتنہ و آزمائش میں پڑے گا ( اس سے دنیا بھی خراب ہو سکتی ہے اور آخرت بھی ) ‏.‏

Grade : Sahih (Al-Albani) صحيح (الألباني) حكم : Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2859 In-book reference : Book 17, Hadith 16 English translation : Book 16, Hadith 285