THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

Women are the integral part of the society. In our religion Islam not only gives basic equality to woman, but also equal Legal Rights. She may buy, sell, earn a living and manage her own money and property. In Islam the woman has a legally independent personality and her obligations are independent from her father, husband or brother. In addition, Islam gave inheritance right to women from movable as well as immovable property. She also has share of property after death of male relatives (father, husband and brother). Women get maintenance for child bearing also living with husband even in case of divorce. 

 Unfortunately, over a period of time, this aspect of equality has been replaced with gender discrimination and inequality, even degrading to severe form of violence, which is rampant in Pakistan. The prevalence of customary laws became more visible as Islam travelled far and wide. Therefore, the true essence of the religion has been compromised, as is evident in Pakistan. And in the place of equality for women, violence became the 'rule of the land'.

How and why did the status of women declined in the Islamic society? May be the answer lies in the medieval cultural practice. As most of the early jurists came from 7th century urban Arab society and culture. And secondly, the fabrication of ahadith (plural of hadith) also caused discrimination. The Qura'anic injunctions in respect of women were not acceptable in a patriarchal culture, as it challenged the authority of men and made women equal. Therefore, one can say that the problem is more cultural rather religious. But unfortunately religious zealots try to justify prevalent cultural and social misdeeds on the basis of Islam. 

 Regrettably, at the individual level, women themselves are also not aware of the rights enshrined to them in Islam. Islam considers both men and women equally human and grants them equal human rights. Both have similar duties to perform, for instance prayer, rituals, fasting etc. According to Islam, personal superiority is only based on piety and not gender. There is no religious restriction on women attaining education or working outside their home But in reality, women are more conversant with the concocted version, as preached by religious leaders with a certain bent of mind. Severe case of ignorance or may be lihaaz (respect) that is engrained in their psyche by family and surroundings cause such passive identity. This docility is definitely visible in Pakistan, as female try to reconcile with violence and the sense of guilt is very strong within them.

A country that came into existence with the pre-text of Islam, it is very disheartening to see that religious and Qura'anic principles are frequently avoided and twisted, especially regarding status of women. Incidentally the social evils against which Prophet Muhammad fought for the entirety of his life, are deep-rooted in the Pakistani society. And the so-called guardians of the faith take them as customary to ‘punish’ women and ostracize them. The common practice of justifying violence and brutality in the name of Islam needs to be impeded.

“If everyone knew the true status of a Muslim woman in Islam even the men would want to be women.”