What Represents Women in Islam?
These are a handful of the assertions and questions that individuals still have in their thoughts. Islam sees women as having the same rights as males, but with different responsibilities and obligations. When a woman is born into an Islamic household, she assumes the position of the family’s daughter. One Noor (light) is supposed to be brought by a boy when he is born, while two Noor are thought to be brought by a girl. The family is blessed by them. Women in Islam are the key to paradise even if they do not have the must-earn need to lead the household. In a narrative, the following is said:
“One who loves his daughters and withstands the hardship of grooming and getting them married, Almighty Allah makes Jannah (paradise) compulsory on him and keeps him protects from the Fire of Jahannam (hell)”.
Wow, this story demonstrates just how highly the Almighty has regarded daughters in Islam. It is a requirement imposed by the Almighty to show mercy to a daughter. Every father who raises his daughters following Islamic principles meets all of their requirements, and legitimately marries them off receives the gift of paradise. According to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “Whoever brings up two girls till they reach the age of puberty, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this (and he joined his index and middle finger)”.
Who among fathers would object to that? About his four daughters, the Prophet (peace be upon him) made no conditions. He never saw them as a burden but as a bundle of benefits instead. He said something like, “(My daughter) Fatima is a part of me, so whoever angers her anger me.” [Al Bukhari and Muslim].
It is distressing to realize how few people still understand that in Islam, women play the role of daughters and that occasionally parents may see them as a burden. Daughters are a blessing rather than a burden for the hereafter.
What Are Women’s Responsibilities in Islam?
Then, since Islam forbids forced marriage, which goes against its tenets, the woman becomes a wife when her wali marries her with her consent.
“When a man gives his daughter in marriage and she dislikes it, the marriage shall be not accepted” [Sahih Bukhari].
Now, the idea that a “wife in Islam” is someone who stays at home and becomes a “slave” is embedded in people’s minds. That is not true. Never should a wife in Islam be taken for granted or devalued. With her husband’s approval, she may fulfill her ambitions and accomplish her objectives. She is not required to abandon it entirely just because she is a “wife”. She can manage her objectives and obligations without disappointing her partner. She must obey her spouse but is free to express her views on any topic. The honor of both a woman and her husband must be preserved. She is given her husband’s money and belongings. She is to serve and manage the home as a favor, not as a duty and domestic work must be properly divided between the two of them. She is referred to as a “housewife” in English, but she is known as “Rabbaitul Bait” or “The Queen of the House” in Arabic. Wow, it makes a very good impression. A husband must safeguard his wife. Quran declares “Men are the protectors of women, because Allah made some of them excel others and because they spend their wealth on them….” [4:34].
A wife in Islam assists her husband in following Allah’s instructions, adding color to his life, bearing his burdens, supporting him through his highs and lows, respecting his family, and engaging in activities that bring him joy. Most importantly, offer each other a great deal of respect, loyalty, and love. The Prophet (may Allah bless him) related “When they (a husband and wife) hold hands, their sins will fall away from between their fingers.”
In the Qur’an, Allah says “And we created you in pairs” [78:8].
This ayah explains how males and females are complementary to one another and may exist as one without distinctions or bounds. In one of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) finest hadiths, it was said “The woman who dies in the state of her husband being pleased with her will enter Jannah (paradise).”
Muslim Women Are Marginalized
And the basis and pillar of strength is family. We all know that the father is the family’s head, but the mother also plays a vital role. Islam accords a “mother” with a greater degree of regard. In raising her children properly, the mother bears both increased duty and reward. There is a proverb.
“No love can be matched to a mother’s love”.
Quran declares their mothers endured hardships while carrying them and giving birth to them. It takes them thirty months to give birth and wean their young. When the kid is forty years old and in their prime, they eventually pray, “My Lord! Inspire me to ˹always˺ be thankful for your favors which you blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please you. And instill righteousness in my offspring. I truly repent to you, and I truly submit ˹to Your Will˺.” [46:15].
This verse from the Quran tells us a lot about the lengths mothers would go to to bring their children into the world and raise a generation that will face challenges but do so out of the deepest love. Mothers are priceless gifts to the world; as such, they should always be respected and shown affection. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him), who related the following incident,
“God has forbidden you to be undutiful to your mothers” [Sahih Bukhari]. Hence, when a woman becomes a mother she is an even more important figure in Islam. She is valued so much that Jannah lies under her feet. Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother” [Tirmidhi].
Thus, women enjoy such distinction and honor in Islam that an entire chapter of the Holy Quran—Surah An Nisa, Chapter 4—is devoted to them. In Islam, being born a woman is a gift and a source of pride. Islam’s first martyr, Summaya (peace be upon her), was a female. Khadeeja (peace be upon her) was the first person to believe in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In Islam, women have separate legal rights to inheritance, education, and independence. A woman is entitled to several privileges throughout her life and is protected since she has the title “Muslimah” attached to her. It has to be reminded and recalled constantly.
“Muslim Women are not oppressed”.
Conclusion
Islam sees women as having the same rights as males, but with different responsibilities and obligations. When a woman is born into an Islamic household, she assumes the position of the family’s daughter. Women in Islam are the key to paradise even if they do not have the must-earn need to lead the household. Quran declares their mothers endured hardships while carrying them and giving birth to them.
